Sleevendog, I too am sorry for your troubles and send prayers for your family.

Wowzer photos, everyone! So many brilliant ideas to try, which I so appreciate. I rarely have time to comment and post photos, but will try when I can.

Cathy, I make a soup like that adapted from Bon Appetit. We used to call it Carrot Stew in honor of a favorite children's book.

2 T olive oil

1 lg onion chopped

3-4 carrots chopped

4-5 potatoes peeled & chopped

1 T curry powder (hot is good)

1 T cumin

4 c chicken broth

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cubed

3 T chopped fresh cilantro


Heat oil in large heavy pot, medium heat. Add veges, cook til onion
is tender but not brown. Add spices, stir 2 minutes. Add broth and
meat, bring to a boil, simmer until all is tender, about 25 minutes.


At this point I use a stick blender to partially blend it, not too
much. You want lots of chunky veg and chicken. This thickens it a
little. You could use a regular blender instead.
Add cilantro and season to taste.

ahahahahahaha!!!!!! I literally just laughed out loud 2Many .... snacking on stick pretzels, just laughing away at the computer and DS looks almost frightened:) Avert! Avert! HA (to the billions) Oh, can you imagine the crew on this thread all in one same room together?????? BTW, focus on the kitchen -- the blueberry coffee cake can wait (cough, cough):) Just kidding.

mercurygirl -- participate when you can!!!!! And my goodness, does that sound good. Major book lover here, and I can't think which book you're referring to -- I feel like I'm on jeopardy, rang in early and Alex is looking at me sympathetically cause I just.can't.remember LOL! And you've got my wheels spinning on how to adapt this to pressure cooker -- cause it would do very, very nicely. Will give this a try, although we're babies and only have sweet curry powder. Would that taste good too? Or do you need the heat? And this is dairy-free, and if label checks on broth, this would be gluten free too right?

CathyinSWPA

Mercurygirl, is that the chicken noodle soup from Bon Appetit without the noodles? So good : )

Cathy, your blueberry coffee cake is not going to wait! DH is off this week, grumbling like a bear (he's calculating wattage, volts, breaker box thingies... something along those lines. The man needs that coffee cake! Mamapinky's lemon ice cream, your blueberry coffee cake... sounds like a marriage made in heaven to me! : ) : ) : )

Oh gosh, now he's muttering curse words. I'd better go...

LOL, Cathy, it was "Tawny Scrawny Lion". Any curry powder will do, and should be gluten free. I usually skip the cilantro, sometimes add parsley. It's one of those adaptable things. Nope 2Many, no noodles! I found the printed version I have, was called Curried Chicken Soup with Carrots, from 2000.

Speaking of blueberries, I had some yesterday and was determined to bake before it got hot. I wanted something very easy, so I turned to Serious Eats and they had a great muffin recipe, they were like little clouds holding blueberries together. Oh that lemon ice cream sounds a treat for sure!

Gonna double post here, but I just put together the Lemon Ice Cream from mamapinky, and dipped my finger in before popping it into the freezer. So refreshing (and rich!)!!!

2Many -- so now I have grilled pineapple on the menu; are you telling me lemon ice cream too?????:)))) Between you and mamapinky0, I'm doomed:)

mercurygirl -- Whew, I'm glad you shared Tawny Scrawny:) Asked DS do you remember a book about carrot stew? We started coming up with something about stone soup, but that didn't ring a bell exactly -- Thought I might have to think about this all night:)

Going to try this carrot stew after I get to the store to get the chix. And I'm not a cilantro fan, and I would've used parsley. BTW, I just posted Stella Parks Blueberry Muffin link on Blueberry Muffin thread. They ARE very very very good:)

I may try a broccoli "alfredo" recipe from Half-Baked Harvest tomorrow. The "alfredo" sauce is made with hummus. I have a bunch of chickpeas, so may give it a whirl.

CathyinSWPA

Thank you for the support and prayers. No up-dates, just using my 'busy' and phone call support for now. We almost drove down but 10 hour round trip in 24 hours and so much going on there. I tend to turn frozen when I need to act appropriately. But it is hard to know what is the best way to be. Puts mom in a whirl-wind of sheets and towels. : )

I'm great at keeping busy and a now have a new phone today....I was holding on too long to the old one.

Lots of salads. Seared 4 steaks last night. Made sandwiches on baguette for lunches. Grains, beans, and baby greens.

re: stone soup.

when you have to cook for an extended period because you don't know the cooking time: throw a stone in the pot, and when the stone is tender, the soup is done.

buddy from down under used to joke about cooking 'roo tail that way.

Sleevendog, I've still got you and your family in my thoughts, and hope there's some good news soon.

Annie

Hi all, doing a quick rush in.

Sleevendog, my thoughts are with your tiny tyke. How tragic when kids get seriously ill.

I may not be posting all that often. Hubby was taken by ambulance late Sun night. He stood up off the couch very slowly and carefully as always and crashed to the floor. Spend 2 days in emerg waiting on a room on the cancer floor, the MRI showed that his cancer has spread from a couple of spots on his shoulder and one on his spine, to along his whole spine. He had a fractured L2 vertabrae a couple of years ago which is how the cancer was detected. Now the top one M1? is swollen which impedes the spine sending signals to his legs to function.

5 days of strong radiation, and perhaps spinal surgery if a neurosurgeon thinks it's feasible. He still can't stand or walk, but he's able to move and bend his legs, which is a good sign. I'm at my wits end.......we live on the top floor of a walk up triplex. So 3 flights of stairs, which he certainly can't do.

Sooooo this was Sunday's dinner. Another keeper. Lemon rice and chicken. I still can't get the hang of browning chicken in enameled cast iron. This one got a little ahead of me, I wasn't paying attention. When I brown skin on chicken, I always leave the skin behind on the enamel, no matter how long I cook it, or at what temperature. I do like this brasier (sp) though.

Jasdip, I'm so sorry to hear that your husband's cancer has progressed. And that 3rd floor living space is definitely going to be an issue. You and your DH will continue to be in my prayers, along with Lars, Kevin and Sleevendog's family.

Annie

Jas, so sorry to hear about your husbands cancer. You know your friends are there if you need to talk. Your husband and you are both in my Prayers.

I bet you're "at your wits end", Jasdip. I can't begin to imagine how overwhelmed you must feel. I am so, so sorry. I will keep you and your husband in prayer, all the caretakers, all the medical personnel, for all the big and little things and pray that you have a caring support system. IDK about you, but sometimes when I'm so stressed cooking/baking helps in some way -- can't put my finger on what it is -- something I can control a bit when the world is spinning? Your lemon chicken and rice look out of this world, and I hope you had some appetite -- if not, I get it. If we were together, I'd bring over a big pot of this stuff below. I'd also help eat your chicken, friend and clean up.

mercurygirl -- stars were aligned, walked into Whole Foods and saw the makings of Tawny Scrawny Lion Carrot Stew. And yep, Bragu, as good as Stone Soup. And I did adapt just a bit by adding peas and making it in the Instant Pot. Can't thank you enough (and Tawny Scrawny:). This definitely is a hit, is definitely easy, is definitely adaptable and makes a boatload without a lot of hands on or a wrecked kitchen. Will be sending it to my daughter and SIL to try (she has onion and garlic intolerance and this will still work) because he loves curry (and I can see him adding turmeric:) BTW, feel free to say that this doesn't look anything like it should LOL -- I may have done some things really wrong!

I defatted the broth before adding back half the veg. Also added 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, which works for us. I'm so "toe in the water" 1/2 T curry/cumin to start, added the 1/2s at end:) Can definitely see some heat (like you referenced, mercurygirl)

If anyone wants how I did it in Instant Pot let me know.

just for reference -- how much potato and carrots I used. I immersion blended 1/2 and might do a bit less next time to leave more chunks like mercurygirl mentioned.

The broth was incredible, all of it -- so good.

Also made some roasted red pepper Hummus (cooked chickpeas in IP) please note the decorative swirl LOL!

And some bread

The broccoli "alfredo" made with hummus that I said I was going to try may have been the worst thing I've made in a really long time LOL! Kept adding pasta water, hummus, waiting for it to get creamy, more salt, looking at a tomato -- you know the drill "how can I fix this". It's one of those times I should have listened to that little voice going "you know, something just sounds a wee (said long tone) bit too good to be true." I'll save you from seeing the pics HA!

Once again, hope all that are in need of support,feel comfort from all the folks thinking about you today!

CathyinSWPA

Jasdip so sorry to hear about your husband’s further battles with cancer, and your own troubles as well.

We’ve had some good dinners while away but I’ve forgotten to take a photo.

The following were breakfasts and a lunch. Typical Modern Australian Food they call it.

I thought you might like to see the nice area we are visiting.

Jasdip, I am so sorry very to hear your husband’s cancer has spread, and to such an extreme extent. You’ve been through an ordeal already. Honestly, I don’t know how you are coping – you amaze me that you were able to cook a lovely meal. How you and your husband will manage those 3 flights of stairs is beyond me. I hope you have someone who can assist your husband with those steps when he is able to come home. You and your husband are and will remain in my thoughts.

As Cathy said, I wish I could bring meals to you, Sleevendog, and Lars and Kevin, as well as run errands, etc. Distance has not affected the feeling of kinship and friendship I feel for all here on GW cooking, but it sure hinders offers to help.

Jasdip, I hear what you're saying about leaving skin behind, but your chicken looks perfect to me : )

Cathy, you kill me... the soup, your swirl, and then the modest comment "and some bread". I'm re-labeling it as "and some incredibly perfect sour dough bread" : )

Neely, if that's typical fair, I need to vacation in Australia! I've thoroughly enjoyed the beach/ocean pic - so beautiful and calming. What a wonderful time you must be having!

Quickly as so much here going on with work: Dinner Tuesday was poofed corned beef casserole (Cathy’s); dinner last night was cheap cuts of New York Strips (on sale) which I didn’t have time to sous vide long enough, finished on a grill moved too far away for my liking – still, it was tender enough, flavorful, and aside from the broccoli I let sit in the Instant Pot far too long after steaming, we enjoyed. No pics as I’d been running all day, plus other things.

Tonight is sous vide chicken which I’ll make into a salad for easy meals as the coming days here will be busy.

Just popping in the say thanks for the well wishes. This is a wonderful group to be part of. I want to give all of you a huge virtual hug.

Hubby's doing MUCH better. He was up in a wheelchair yesterday and they're talking of sending him to a neighbouring city for re-hab on Tuesday. He'll stay there for 5 days, and longer if he needs to. I'm hoping that when I go today, he'll be trying out a walker. His legs are already stronger, he can hold them in the air, one better than the other. I'm assuming the radiation is already shrinking the cancer mass, relieving the pressure on his spine, and it's allowing his body to send and receive the proper signals to walk.

NEELY where are you vacationing?? It's gorgeous!!!! If this is still part of Australia, which is what I'm assuming, that's your winter?? You're eating very well, as well, which I would hope would be the case since you're paying for it on vacation. I hate to be disappointed.

CATHY that soup looks fantastic, I'll have to find Mercurygirl's post about it.

Jasdip, what happy, fantastic, incredible news! How wonderfully encouraging! The body is amazing... I was an 'incomplete quadriplegic' (no movement at all in legs or lower torso, very limited in arms and upper torso). I thought that was my life for a long time, but PT and hard work got me walking. I also used something called Neurological PT which did wonders. It helps correlate the signals sent with the movement. Thank you for updating!

And I felt your hug... ((((Jasdip)))) : )

@cathyinpa: I would definitely like to know how you made the Tawny Scrawny Lion Carrot Stew in your Instant Pot. I have a 3 qt and am expecting the delivery of a 6 qt soon. Am always looking or T&T recipes. I have used the 3 qt only once, so am really looking forward to the larger one. Your stew sounds wonderful. Thanks in advance.

walnutcreek -- will definitely write that up and post later today! You will love having the larger one:)

neely -- thunk -- that's me falling off my chair at that last pic (and the breakfast/lunch aren't too shabby either:) I love your "the nice area we are visiting" -- may be the understatement of the year HA! I wanna go! Love it and so happy that you and your hubby are enjoying!!!!!

cannot tell you, jasdip, how incredibly relieved, happy, and grateful I feel for you and your husband. One day at a time, but boy did you make wonderful progress in so many different parts of the puzzle. And it looks like the rehab will be close too -- which is such a bonus! Will keep praying for continued improvement for your husband and that we continue the encouraging progress!

doesn't get much more empathetic than that, 2Many. I'm sure that was an unbelievable valley -- so grateful you are where you are now:)!!!!!

Continuing to think about all who need comfort and support!

CathyinSWPA

walnutcreek -- I'm going to post that over on the pressure cooker thread, and I'll post my rib recipe too -- cause you can never have too many recipes:)

2Many -- you're killing me with sous vide stuff! Talk about hitting home runs on first tries????? Are you a Master SousVide(r) already??? :)!

CathyinSWPA

Cathy, seems to me that 2Many is a master at all things involving food.

Jasdip, I'm so happy to hear that your husband is doing so much better so quickly, what a happy thing to read.

Everyone's food looks delicious, of course, but it's Jasdip's good news that I really wanted to see here, so now I'm happy!

Annie

Cathy and Mamapinky, you both are far too generous with your compliments, but I do thank you for making my head swell! The sous vide has been a trial by fire with very little to cook with, plus I’ve never been one to fear the unknown much! I love diving in!

Our chicken salad sandwiches were amazing last night! Popped 3 breasts in for 2 hours while I worked, and after an ice bath to cool down, they were so perfect to shred, incredibly tender and juicy. We had some extra hands working here yesterday, so chicken salad all around! Plus enough chicken to freeze and use later. I forgot to take photos because, again, was just so tired… also, hungry men don’t like waiting : )

Sous vide salmon again tonight as I have some in the freezer, and will try carrots also. So nice when you’re too busy to watch over : ) I’ll try to remember to take photos!

Jasdip so glad to hear your husband is doing much better. It really is a wonder what modern medicine can achieve these days.

You asked if I am vacationing in Australia and if it’s winter... we’ll Yes and Yes but we have flown right up to our north, Cairns where this time of the year it is a lovely temperature daytime 85f and nights about 65f. In our summer this area gets too hot and steamy with rain storms everyday. I guess it is the same but opposite to people in New York going to Florida for the winter.

We went to a really nice restaurant where for starters we shared sealed scallops in a truffle cauliflower sauce and prosciutto.

I had what we call king prawns and a stack of smashed potatoes, wilted spinach all with a hint of garlic and cooked really well. The sauce was some sort of butter white wine... forget what that’s called.

I was in heaven with this meal and I’m looking forward to trying to replicate when we’re home.

We also shared a Caprese salad

AnnT if your reading.... this one had tarragon instead of basil and was delicious served with a good EVOO.

We do have some lovely beaches where we hardly saw another person. But then cute little towns and coffee places appear. We initially flew the approx 1850 miles but we are driving now further north. The first photo I put on in the other post was a place called Trinity beach. This next below was in the Daintree Rainforest

and the cafe at Cape Tribulation. XX

I hope some enjoy these photos even if not strictly ‘what’s for dinner’. I know in the past I have enjoyed seeing for example Lars’ eating adventures.

I like seeing travel food pics. We have been using prosciutto as a sear and as a crisp under the broiler. Really transforms the flavor. And one of our favorite shrimp dishes so similar.

Just lots of simple salads here. Wild rice, corn, peppers, red onion. Sauteed veg.

And a chick pea salad with chopped raw veg. The rice was a tad sweet so I combined them for an avocado light meal. Must have been one of my vinegars that made the rice salad sweet.

Started prepping last night for the weekend. Bean salad, YellowIndianWoman and AlubiaBlanca dressed with mortar and pestle sea salt garlic and rosemary. Making packets to grill/smoke using leeks, lots of veg and a dozen heads of garlic.

The 'foil police' will be after me, : ), but have not figured out a better system for the grill as it ruins cookware. I do re-use the foil pans. I set my packets in the pans. They slide around the grill heat easily. I do have one designated cast iron but way too heavy to move quickly.

Garlic, leek, celery, onion, will be a puree for sauces and soup. The sweet potato, potato, rosemary, I added another layer. To go with steaks. The veg/tomatillo will be future salsas. added to fresh tomatoes.

Jasdip, cooking and keeping busy is our therapy to keep our thoughts in order. Food is fuel to keep us focused and strong.

....and I washed my wallet last night. Contents spread out on the breakfast table. All survived, even the two BenFranklins and the blank bank check. NewYorkers need 'emergency' back-ups. A small leather pocket wallet. Credit cards and such. Not that unusual to retrieve my car from a lot and their credit card reader is not working. (thieves actually...they can call it in but it is a scam so they can rip-off the car lot employer, keep the cash. No record of the cars they park....)

NYC is very civilized for the most part. Always the 5% to watch out for.

Brain fog.

Important to slow down and focus when so much is going on.

We just canceled our weekend trip to the mountain farm. We will just grill here at home. I had not packed the cooler yet so all good. Decided getting in a car when so exhausted is not such a good thing. Busy work week ahead for both of us. Need rest.

Sleevendog, I was hoping for an update on the baby, but I guess no change is better than worse. (sigh) You and your family are still in my prayers.

Your avocado salad looks really good. I didn't like avocado for a long time, and now I love the stuff, it's odd how tastes change. Add the fact that I've never met a bean I didn't like, and that looks like the perfect summer meal.

Neely, I love the travel photos and food pictures. The coffee picture reminded me of SharonCB, who posted her Cafe Cortado from the Canary Islands. She has passed away, but I still remember those beautiful pictures. That rainforest picture is just beautiful and such a nice empty beach, I'd like that.

2many, you're sure doing a lot of cooking for someone without a kitchen!

I've not had anything worth posting or talking about, other than that bluegill dinner provided by the boys' fishing expedition in the farm pond:

The garden is starting to produce, we've had zucchini, the first tomatoes, I canned 7 quarts of green beans, the garlic is all cleaned and dried and I have a half gallon of refrigerator dills just chilling. So, we've had lots of vegetables, and they were fresh and good, but not particularly photogenic when prepared.

Excuse the Coke carton, it's Ashley's addiction, so I always have some. The water bottles are refilled continuously with water from the farm, as the water here at the house isn't very good but the farm water is excellent, and my coffee notices the difference. I've even got a Brita filter pitcher, a whole house filter AND a filter in the refrigerator, but the farm water is still better. So, infinitely refillable gallon jugs, LOL. We tried glass but they tend to be broken on the ceramic floor of the entryway.

Elery has some kimchi "working", we had a huge head of Napa at the garden that insisted on being used, and although the daikon are apparently a favorite snack of the root maggots he managed to save enough for the kimchi.

Oh, and I've been picking lots and lots of raspberries, about 2 quarts every other day, and freezing them because I don't care for them fresh. One of these days I'll just go crazy and make AnnT's scones...

I've got Sol's zucchini pancakes on my mind, I'm going to have to try to "healthy" them up. I don't care for zoodles, so that's out. Well, I guess I shouldn't say "I don't care for" them, I just don't see the difference between spiralized, sliced, cubed, julienned, whatever. It's all zucchini, and it's never going to be noodles, no matter how they are "disguised".

Last night we had the broccoli/cauliflower salad that gets made here by so many, minus the bacon and with fat free mayo. The aspabroc from the garden is really mild and good, I'm sold on growing that, and I had enough for the salad.

So, off to find recipes for zucchini that are "healthy" and conform to Elery's very strict version of what is "acceptable"....

Annie

You are welcome, Cathy, glad you liked it, looks perfect! Can't really take credit, it's a very simple stew. The original had 1/4 tsp. ground coriander and cardamom instead of cumin, which I have never tried.

I envy the traveling and all the yummy photos of stuff not here...as well as the produce. Summer is the best.

Annie, please share refrigerator dills? They look great.

At the beginning of the year, I decided to try something like this: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319593.php, and did reduce some, but can't do without nightshades and squashes, so I guess I'll just disregard all that for the summer. It is too short, after all. Any zucchini ideas are welcome here, LOL!

smoked chicken with simple side salad (not pictured)

Great looking chicken, bragu.

Annie

Mmmm smoked chicken.

Just popping in to say I had a restaurant meal of supposedly very good quality pork loin that had been cooked Sous Vide. I’ve had belly pork cooked this way in the past which was delicious. However this, while firm, but tender tasted of nothing. I mean it could have been any sort of protein but had no taste. What a shame. I guess the chef should have flash fried it or something after the Sous Vide cooking.

Oh Well... You win some you lose some! But I must admit I hurried out in case someone asked if I had enjoyed my meal.

First and foremost -- continuing to pray for sleevendog family, jasdip family, lars/kevin family. And I think Annie that Ashley has some surgery coming up? Been thinking about her also.

Second, Bragu -- I want that chicken. Wow, wow, wow! I tell 2Many that I can't look at these smoked (fill in the blanks) -- it's like opening my mailbox and finding 20 billion sales circulars for smokers -- c'mon -- you know you want one:)

mercurygirl -- that stew went fast! And I have a confession -- can't tolerate cilantro or .... coriander. It tastes like soap and actually, it makes me think of what a stink bug would taste like LOL! Those pickles do look good.

Annie -- all of it. I want:) And thank goodness, your kitchen looks like mine -- although my kitchen table is stacked with so much stuff waiting to be organized. Thought you'd like a pic of what I've got from my garden so far. It'll be quick I promise

Quick pics -- Dad's 87 and son's party tonight, and I should be cooking, cutting etc for it. Made this huge pot for the masses. Not birthday -- just regular:)

Also, made this in IP -- keeper. Before adding sauce. Will post other pics on IP thread when I have some time.

My dad requested pizza and DS making ribs for him. I am going to make a salad and fruit too -- you know, just to stay healthy:)

CathyinSWPA

One down, ribs to go:)

CathyinSWPA

Neely, isn't it disappointing when something LOOKS so good, it SHOULD be good, and then it's just.....not. (sigh)

Cathy, my kitchen is crazy right now, there is produce everywhere. I canned green beans and pickled beets last night, put some aspabroc in the freezer along with more raspberries and made another half gallon of dill pickles, slices this time. I didn't even want supper, I snacked on so many fresh beets while preparing them, I just love them. The pork chops that were in the crockpot just went into the refrigerator, although Elery did eat one.

Ashley will be having surgery on July 30. Pray for her but especiall pray for me because I have Madi and Maci until she's back! That won't be until August 8, hopefully Makayla will have some free time to help. Ashley will spend a minimum of 5 days in the hospital, it's a significant surgery, a renal bypass. I only hope it helps with her constant pain and lets her get back to some kind of normal life again. I'll stay at her house to help with the girls for a few days when she comes home, so I don't think I'll be here much. Thanks for thinking of us.

Annie

Neely, I’m thoroughly enjoying your dining out meals, and yes, taking some notes! Oh my those scallops look amazing! Love the presentation, and the cauliflower and prosciutto. Shrimp look equally good – wouldn’t have thought of smashed potatoes (which is a staple around here, with some garlic cloves cooked in with the potatoes and smashed together). Gorgeous beach… breathtaking! Envious of your cap… mine is packed and I’m making do with iced coffee instead. Sincerely, thank you for posting them, and keep it up! Sorry about that pork dish… flavor shouldn’t be that difficult to impart given the ingredients!

Sleevendog, I’m taking no news as good news. I’m sorry you washed your wallet (I would not have been so calm me thinks!). Good thinking not to travel when you’re both so tired and so much going on. Stress and worry is exhausting, physically and mentally. Keep up your gardening (as if I needed to say that :) ) My mom used to say her gardening was her Church, her psychologist, and her gym. Mine too.

That half avocado salad looks like heaven : ) And for the millionth time, I love, love, love looking at your prep photos! Confession: Back when I had a kitchen, I’d sometimes take a moment and look at everything around my prep area, and think, that’s rather colorful and attractive! Ok, is that parchment paper? I left that out the other day when making a potato mix on the grill… sticking issues! Your last three pics remind me I need to get more creative with my veg bin and toppings! Yummy looking.

Annie, scrolling down before I read you post… those beans are fantastic! Love fresh beans! Lots of good canning there! Than came the zucchini, cukes, and all that garlic! DH keeps saying, when are we eating your garlic? (what, I’m saving all 7 for ‘special!). But that long stretch of raspberries AND YOU DON’T CARE FOR THEM FRESH? Sorry to shout, but I’d have laid prone on that table and dug my face in! Ok, maybe I’m a bit more civilized… maybe. Annie, I also do love your kitchen photos… that’s the way real kitchens look, you know, the ones that are actually used for cooking?! LOL!

I had marked Ashley’s surgery on my calendar back when you mentioned it, and I suspect others here have as well (at least those with memory deficits like me!). There seem to be so many here who are going through such difficult times, or will be. OTOH, I would love to help with those little pixie’s of yours - that’d be a joy! For 10 minutes ; )

Bragu, saw your smoker post, then the chicken on it… now this.. I want to just keep ripping off pieces! How amazing was it? Beautiful smoked bird there. Sure would love a bite or three right about now!

Cathy… (whispers) get a smoker tube. If you keep averting your eyes, they’ll get stuck that way. Or so I’ve heard. ; ) Your garden haul… is…overwhelmingly minimalistic ; ) Love the plating though! You’ll be pulling from your garden before long, and I’ll be moving in! Glad DH doesn’t read this.. he’d ask for your homemade hamburger helper tonight, and I’ve no time (among other issues). Ah, you killed me with pizza though. No room for dough here, and I’m craving pizza like nobody’s business – yours looks soooo good! Tell me, though. How difficult was it to have to eat those char-edged pepperoni’s? C’mon, that’s the best part and you ate them?! Next time, call me. I’ll help.

Friday I sous vide carrots (first time), 3 batches, 2 with mint and butter, 1 with lemon pepper and orange peel (thank you Bragu, it smells heavenly!). Saving a couple for later. Best mint glazed carrots ever had – the texture was perfect, spot on. DH wanted more. Re-warmed the carrots when sous vide the salmon, both were finished in the skillet in a flash… and basmati rice.

Photos for uploading · More Info

Photos for uploading · More Info

Annie, your daughters surgery involves vascular anomalies? ? Am I correct??

I will be Praying she has great success. My daughter Amiee (22) has Parkes Weber Syndrome which involves vascular malformations in her veins, arteries and capillaries and lymphatic system. She will meet a new doctor in Pittsburgh on the 31'st. But frankly considering she has/ or has seen a total of well above 150 doctors since birth I am not holding much hope that the new doc has a miricle up his sleeve. But Annie my Amiee literally has hundreds of vascilar anomalies so she's not a candidate for surgery. Your daughter will do fine. I have spoke with sooo many doctors and the general consensus is they wont do invasive procedures on these kids without feeling extremely confident it will work. I sure do understand being a parent and watching our child suffer...Annie for me the worst part is knowing I can walk away a few minutes and put my mind on something else even briefly yet knowing my daughter can't.

Vascular malformations are the #1 birth defect in the US yet the least understood.

If I'm wrong about your daughter having vascular malformations please disregard my ramblings...but know Ashley and you will be in my Prayers.

mamapinky, thank you for those thoughts. Ashley has something called Nutcracker Syndrome, which caused the blood source to the kidney to enlarge. They will detach that blood source, embolize it, and attach the kidney to a different artery/blood source. They believe this will help with some of the constant pain, and I hope they are right. That's a very simple explanation of a very complex procedure, of course, but that's the basics as much as I understand them.

The worst part is that the surgeon (and thus the surgery) is in Seattle while I'm in Michigan. I'm still not convinced she couldn't find a doctor closer to home, but she likes and trusts this guy, and so that is that, apparently. (sigh)

2many, that beef looks delicious, and your attitude seems better than mine, I'd be ready to just chew on nails by now with all that kitchen mess going on. Elery and I did our over the course of several weeks, but we hired someone to do cabinets and drywall, so it went faster. Thankfully. I am absolutely not a patient person! As for the raspberries, well, I just don't like fresh fruit, although I like most of them cooked in things. I'll occasionally eat a berry or a pear if I can get Seckel. I'm not wild about raw vegetables either, although I like nearly all of them cooked. I know, I'm weird.

sleevendog, I know what you mean about the 5%. My boss, Chrystal, went to NYC several years ago. She was the Prosecuting Attorney here and promptly got her purse snatched while she was there. NYPD was very kind and helpful and she came back minus her cash and credit cards but her driver's license and other papers were retrieved and the police gave her a lovely NYPD coffee mug, LOL. Sorry about the wallet, though. I did that to Elery's wallet once, and to the remote control car keys once. Those never worked again.

Supper here tonight was egg sandwiches. Tomorrow? Who knows, but it'll probably have something to do with zucchini...

Annie

Just popped in to catch up and was saddened to read of the grief and challenges so many are experiencing. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I'll catch up on food later.

Same for me. Haven’t checked into WFD in a while and was so sorry to read these stories.

Jasdip - Wishing your husband continued strength and progress.

Sleevendog - When it rains it pours, huh? Most upsetting to hear about your grandnephew, words fail me when little ones are involved. Hope we hear something positive soon.

Lars - I missed what’s going on with you, but thoughts are with you as well.

I hope I didn’t miss anyone. Best to all.

Exciting to play with such gorgeous fruits this weekend. I may just grill some and have already enjoyed fresh....The donut peaches are just what I like....white firm flesh. And perfection...so hard to find good fruits. I don't even care for peaches usually but wow....and the plums!. ...

Also have my first ripening tomato slicers on the counter....harvested after color break being so wet and stormy this past week.

My first BLTAvocado this weekend, yay!

Oh Yum Sleevendog those fruits look delish but it’s the tomatoes that are making me so envious.

Home and first home cooked meal hubby requested was roast beef ( well he is English). I prepared and cooked, thinking ‘that was easy’ ... totally forgot about Yorkshire puddings ! (pop overs). ... Holiday brain.

Oh Sleevendog, what glorious peaches, plums, and tomatoes! So, you enjoyed your very first BLT Avocado? I’m so envious of and happy for you! I’ve yet to try one – must’ve been so incredibly good! Your mini tomatoes have been a pleasure to see, but that Metallica? Gorgeous color, beautiful tomato : ) Sure hoping some day I can grow a few varieties.

You’ve not mentioned your Sister’s Granddaughter… I’m hoping that means no news or good news. Your family has been in my thoughts... I'm hoping for a miracle.

Annie, since Ashley’s surgery is Monday I’m betting no one has been getting a good night’s sleep of late. Ashley and your family have been in my thoughts and will be most particularly Monday. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you not to be with her, but you will have your hands (and arms!) full with two delightful pixies : )

Neely, your roast beef looks perfect : ) And your mushrooms and sauce is making me salivate! Probably good that you forgot the Yorkshire pudding… I’d have smelled it and been at your doorstep : )

Nothing special, we had loaded potato soup last night (extra bacon for DH) made in the Instant Pot – it wasn’t my Gram's recipe but it’s a keeper and easy to do! DH kept saying how good it was (his two favorite ‘food groups’ are potatoes and bacon – ha ha!).

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Neely, your roast beef looks incredible. Oh, I'm sure the first thing hubby asked, was where's the yorkshire pudding!!! Vacations are nice to go away, but it's always nice to come home, too.

2Many, you're already a master at sous-vide. Wow, just wow. We have fuses in our apartment, and I have to remember to turn off the portable a/c when I want to run the microwave. We've blown a few and I hate trying to figure out which fuse is which. It doesn't always look blackened. The labelling isn't very clear inside the fuse box. I'm astounded at the meals you're producing in amongst madness.

Annie, I wouldn't want to be travelling and staying in Seattle! Is it a specialized hospital with a lodge/hotel type thing where parents can stay? Similar to Sick Kids in Toronto, and Ronald McDonald house?? I hope so, for your sake. Poor Ashley

Our landlords are away for a couple of weeks, and they've given us free rein on their garden. I've been loving the yellow beans. Lots of tomatoes, but they're not ripe yet.

No pics, sorry, but I have been eating. Just simple fare, not in the mood or even scrummage thru the freezer much.

Hubby has the therapists come once a day and twice, if they can manage it. They have him walk down the hall with a walker and balance himself on the hand-railings along the wall. I take him outside in a wheelchair to get some fresh air, and he propels himself with his feet.

They talk about sending him out for re-hab as soon as there's an opening. Then they tell us that he has to be fully self-sufficient.......shower himself and dress himself, they wear clothes. Well, if he can do that, he really doesn't need rehab! There's a sign above his bed saying that he's prone to falls (which is what sent him to ER to begin with). Looks to me, like they want it to happen again! Grrrrr.

Jasdip, I'm so happy to hear your husband is doing as well as he is - and I'm surprised! He's really working, isn't he? That's just such wonderful news!!! I love that he's propelling himself with his feet even as you push - he's clearly driven to walk, to come home : ) I agree, if he can shower and dress himself, walk with the aide of a walker, why more in-facility therapy - he can go to therapy from home. I do understand the facilities often have a lot more equipment, but any good PT Clinic should be able to help, I'd think. Perhaps I'm wrong... I don't care for the sign. I'd find it moderately insulting. The nurses and aides should already be fully aware and informed he needs assistance. Perhaps it's just an added safety net for them in case they forget. Still... I've a feeling that would also drive me to work at leaving!

I agree, vacations are nice (no work, no cell phones, no computers, no people for us!) but we are always happy to be home. If Neely made me that roast beef (and Yorkshire pudding) I'd come home sooner! Heck, it'd just take a bit of Yorkshire pudding for me! Wish my DH liked it. I hate making so much for myself. Will have to pick up some popover pans so I can cut the recipe in half.

I haven't posted food photos in well over a year, but it hasn't stopped me from checking others' contributions.

What I didn't expect to find this time, were the unfortunate challenges some of you are facing at the moment.

I'd like to send best wishes (and a bit of sunshine) to all, on your journey towards good health and better days ahead.

Sol ♥

Just a quick note, 2Many, I've successfully made popovers/yorkshire pudding in my muffin tin :-)

Jasdip, thank you! I do have a muffin tin!

Also, I started a new WFD, and hope I've not overstepped boundaries. I didn't know the rules, and looking back at the others noticed a variety of people starting them. Someone please let me know if I goofed up royally please : )

NO goofs! A perfect header pic.

It is a gorgeous meal to be proud of and share. : )

A feast for the eyes. Just don't get too dcarchian on us, (wink, teasing)

Hahahahahaha! Oh, I won't! DH and I thought it too luke-warm!!! Thank you Sleeve, very kind words, and I admit, I was kinda proud : )