by Krista | Sep 25, 2013 | Spring
It was the first day of school holidays when Bear and I packed up the car and set out on an adventure. We decided not to make any plans and just see where the road took us.
It was marvelous! Glorious sunshine, great audio book to listen to as we drove, holding hands, stopping wherever our fancies dictated.
Mostly it consisted of looking for green spots or water on the map and going “there” – wherever there was.
Our first stop took us to the gorgeous red beaches of Oyster Point Park.
At lunch time, it took us here: Logan River Parklands.
The fun part about not having any expectations is that you’re always surprised, usually pleasantly. Such was the case at Logan River.
There were a few people about, mostly families flying kites and riding bikes, but it wasn’t remotely crowded and we had oodles of empty picnic tables to choose from.
We chose this one, right by the river, under the partial shade of a gigantic gum tree.
How we loved it, munching happily as we watched the river roll by, listening to various birds chattering in the trees, grinning at an adorable little boy beaming proudly as he showed us how well he could ride his bike.
We tucked into gluten-free meat pies I’d made the day before, full of savory veggies and tender chunks of beef.
There is something absolutely heavenly about not having a deadline or a commitment spurring you on. To just be able to sit quietly, soaking up sunshine and fresh air, feeling and loving every moment. How we needed and treasured it.
It didn’t take long for the birds to discover there was food to be found at our table, and we happily shared a few bits of pie crust with them.
While Bear stretched out on the grass, I moseyed along the waters edge, loving the profusion of purple blossoms festooning the river bank.
Everything was so quiet and peaceful, the only sounds soothing and happy ones: wind in the trees, water gurgling through twisted tree roots, the occasional shush of bicycle tires as someone rode past.
I joined Bear on the grass and we leaned back, utterly content, delighted with this little escape. There’s no need for much talking at such moments, just the occasional sigh and “I love this” more than sufficed.
After a while we broke out dessert and dined on smooth, dark chocolate, lingering over each piece.
I love how places like this settle the mind, relax the body, and nourish the spirit. You can arrive worn out and frazzled from that stressful last week before holidays begin, but just a short time in a gorgeous place has you so relaxed you could fall asleep right there under the trees.
As we started to nod off next to each other we laughed and shook ourselves and went for a walk instead. We had a good visit with some fishermen waiting patiently next to lines trailing in the river and learned how to catch mud crabs from a couple of Maori ladies stuffing crab traps with whole chickens.
It was a beautiful discovery and as we drove home we continued to sigh happily. It was a great start to our holidays.
Where is your favorite place to go for a picnic?
by Krista | Mar 9, 2011 | Spring
I arrived at Culinary Experimentation Club Monday night to the unmistakable smell of slow-cooked beef. On any other night such deliciousness would delight me beyond measure but this night was supposed to be the first of an entire month of vegetarian cooking.
Hmmm.
The guilty smiles and furtive looks from the menfolk assured me that indeed a mutiny was afoot. My ears were soon assaulted with all manner of excuses for their rebellion, including their assertion that “cows are vegetarian!”
In the end, it was the beef itself that won me over. Slow-cooked in sherry, hard cider, shallots and potatoes, it was fork tender and perfect with the rich gravy.
The rebellious meat-cookers were soundly forgiven.
It was definitely an evening of good-natured kerfuffles. Even simple biscuits caused a ruckus! Robin brought out a platter of her tender Lemon Thyme Biscuits and scolded us when we mistook them for scones. This started a discussion on what exactly the difference is between biscuits and scones. We have no idea. Whatever their “real” name, they are now officially known as Robin’s Lemon Thyme Scone-Shaped Biscuits.
To accompany the Vegetarian Pot Roast I made my favorite Aussie roast potatoes with Kalamata olives. It’s a wonderfully simple dish yet absolutely packed with flavor, and I’ve been craving it ever since I got back from Australia. I will share the recipe with you in an Australia post coming soon.
Robin contributed fantastic Curried Carrots, plump and soft, cooked in a savory sauce that was so good I wanted to scrape out the pan for every last drop.
We ended our night with a soak in the hot tub and rousing games of Uno with steaming cups of Darren’s Red Tiramisu tea and Michael’s splendid gluten-free chocolate chip cookie bars.
What is your favorite vegetarian dish?
by Krista | Aug 17, 2010 | Spring
For ages the citizens of Dubrovnik believed their fair city was founded in the 7th century by Dalmatian refugees escaping from a Serb attack. But recent archaeological findings suggest that perhaps it was started by Greek sailors, who used the ideally placed spot as a watering hole on their travels between Budva and Korčula.
Whoever those early settlers were, they did a humdinger of a job. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.
Originally known as Ragusa, Dubrovnik is perched on the brilliantly blue Adriatic. Thick stone walls encircle it, once providing protection from marauding Arabs, Venetians, Macedonians, and Serbs. Inside the walls are a dizzying array of opulent churches, stately homes, and narrow stone streets that branch off into dark passageways like a waterless Venice.
The settlement of Dubrovnik developed into a thriving Republic that rivaled mighty Venice for control of the Adriatic waterways and trade with the Near East. Through canny diplomacy and the vast wealth at its disposal, it became a powerful and influential society.
It established many institutions and laws that are remarkably modern in scope. Medical service was introduced in 1301 and the first pharmacy (still operating) was opened in 1317. It also provided a refuge for the elderly (1347), a quarantine hospital (1377) and an orphanage in (1432). Slave trading was abolished in 1418 and in 1436 a 20 kilometer water supply system was constructed.
Alas, in 1667 Dubrovnik was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake that killed over 5000 people and leveled every major building. Only the Sponza Palace and Rector’s Palace survived. It was the beginning of Dubrovnik’s decline.
In homage to this fascinating city, I made Croatian Chicken Moskva, a delectably creamy dish that reminds me of a chicken version of Beef Stroganoff. I browned the chicken then set it aside, added sliced green onions to the pan juices, then tomatoes, fresh thyme, parsley, salt and pepper. When everything is soft I stirred in sour cream mixed with flour and paprika. A few minutes of cooking turned it into a thick savory sauce to pour over the chicken. Mmm. Delectably comforting.
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday. Click here to view more recipes from around the world.
Croatian Chicken Moskva
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, thawed
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tomato, diced (or half a can fire-roasted diced tomatoes)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp paprika
Directions:
- Divide each breast in two. Fry in melted butter until nicely browned.
- Add chicken broth, cover and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- Add green onion to pan juices and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add tomato and cook until mushy.
- Add parsley and thyme, salt and pepper, simmer 1-2 minutes.
- In small bowl mix sour cream, flour and paprika. Add to pan and stir to mix well. Cook 2-4 minutes or until thick.
- Place chicken on platter, spoon sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme and serve.
by Krista | Aug 10, 2010 | Spring
I love exploring a city when it’s first waking up, as the early rays of sun skim the roof tops, long before the crowds of people arrive.
I like being among the first ones through the gates, standing alone in a cavernous courtyard, gazing up at the thick stone walls and shuttered windows, wondering about the history and lives of the people who call this place home.
I especially love it in a city like Dubrovnik, Croatia.
I will tell you more about Dubrovnik in the weeks to come, about her grand history, tragic stories, and the undeniable beauty that has earned her the name: The Pearl of the Adriatic.
But today I’m delighting in her simple moments, the ones that disappear with the first rush of tourists spilling out of buses and cars.
The worker washing his hands at an opulent stone fountain.
A vendor hastening to set up his booth in the cool of the morning.
And a simple stew of vegetables in a rich, paprika broth.
What is your favorite time of day to visit a new city?
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.
Croatian Zafrig
(Adapted from St. Anothony Croatian Catholic Church)
Ingredients:
1/4 cup bacon grease
1/4 olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1/3 cup flour
1 Tbsp Hungarian paprika
Directions:
- In saucepan heat bacon grease and oil, add onion and cook until transparent.
- Add flour and stir until flour is dark brown.
- Add paprika and stir into paste.
- Remove from heat and set aside until ready to use.
Croatian Cuspajs
(From St. Anthony Croatian Catholic Church)
Ingredients:
1 head green cabbage, cubed
1 Green pepper, diced
Salt
2 cups cubed potatoes
1 recipe Zafrig
Directions:
- Add cabbage and green pepper to soup pot and cover with water. Salt to taste and bring to boil. Cook until tender.
- Add potatoes and cook until tender, 10-15 minutes.
- Do not drain.
- Add Zafrig and simmer for 10 minutes until mixture resembles stew.
- NOTE: I did not have cabbage or green pepper, so I made mine with potatoes and green beans. It was fabulous!
by Krista | Aug 3, 2010 | Spring
The sunshine was blindingly brilliant by the time we awoke our first morning in Croatia. I had slept like the dead after two weeks on the road, the sound of the waves on the nearby beach lulling me to a much-needed rest. After tending to my brother’s wounded hands and feet – souvenirs from his nighttime encounter with a sea urchin – we set off in the cool morning air, basking in the sea breezes billowing in off the Adriatic.
We rolled the windows down and let in the cold, salty air, delighting in the sunlight dancing across the waves, the cries of gulls near the fishing nets, and the promise of pastries and coffee awaiting us in town.
It was one of those amazing spring mornings where everything seems fresh, clean and so alive. I breathed deeply and felt peaceful and happy. While I had loved Bosnia more than I ever thought possible, I confess it did my heart good to leave the cross-covered hillsides and bullet-riddled buildings and spend some time near Dubrovnik, soaking up the serene views of red-tiled roofs, bright blue sea and citrus trees laden with fruit.
Although our breakfast that morning was eaten while we strolled cobbled streets, a perfect sit-down breakfast would’ve been Hrvatske Palacinke, Croatian Crepes. I love these little beauties! The crepe itself is traditionally made with all white flour, but I like more substance to mine so I made them with half white/half whole wheat and they turned out marvelously! Each crepe is filled with a sweetened cottage cheese, rolled up, brushed with sour cream and baked for 20 minutes. They are usually served with Lekvar, a thick jam or fruit butter, but I had the most lovely Lapin Cherries on hand, so I piled those on instead. Wonderful. The crepes are sweet but hearty and the cottage cheese filling is delectably creamy against the tart, juicy cherries.
Next time I will take you to Old Town Dubrovnik.
If you could spend a fine spring morning anywhere in the world, where would you go?
(Before I go, I just found out that my new guest post is up at TheTravelBelles!! If you’re interested in photos and descriptions from a morning in Greece, pop on over for a visit and let me know what you think of the Convent of Vlachernas)
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday at Wanderlust and Lipstick.
Hrvatske Palacinke
Ingredients:
1 1/4 c. milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup sugar
Cheese Filling:
1 tub cottage cheese
1 egg
1-2 Tbsp Agave or 1/4 cup sugar
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Warm butter and milk in pan, set aside to cool.
- In separate bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
- Add milk mixture and eggs and beat until smooth.
- Chill batter overnight.
- In separate bowl mix cottage cheese, egg and sweetener. Chill until ready to cook.
- When ready to cook, grease frying pan with a bit of bacon grease.
- Pour 1-2 tablespoons batter and smooth with bottom of 1/4 cup measuring cup to make a thin pancake.
- Turn when golden brown.
- Place 1 tablespoon cottage cheese mixture in center of each crepe and roll.
- Lightly grease baking dish, place palacinke side by side and brush tops with sour cream.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Serve warm.
by Krista | Jul 20, 2010 | Spring
It was our last night in Bosnia as we ascended the hills above Mostar and drove along the coast toward Croatia.
The sea was smooth and gray like polished steel, and the sky glowed softly in gentle, velvety colors. The dramatic scene seemed the perfect way to leave this country that had so surprised, gutted and thrilled me. I didn’t want to leave but other countries, stories and adventures beckoned me on, so I left, carrying a heart full of memories and a camera full of pictures.
After the devastating conflict that left communities shattered, families torn apart, and thousands of people struggling to rebuild their lives, a new national anthem for Bosnia Hercegovina was adopted on June 25, 1999.
It had a melody but no words, for no words could be agreed upon.
For ten years there was only a tune but finally, in February 2009, the national parliament settled on lyrics. I found several translations that differ slightly in everything but the last few lines. To me they are the most important:
“We go into the future together!”
How I wish that for Bosnia. May it continue to grow into a place of peace, healing, and much hope.
