Monday, October 5
Tuesday, September 1
Saturday, August 15
French Rivera Tuna Salad
This is a recipe I made based on the tuna salad recipe in The Joy of Cooking.
It makes a colorful summer meal reminiscent of Salad Niçoise ("NEE-suaz").
Serves: 2 moderately hungry adults with a little leftover
Ingredients:
15 oz canned tuna, packed in water
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
1 small beefsteak tomato fresh from the garden, small dice
1/4 cup canned black olives, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
olive bread from the farmers market, 3-4 slices
pepper to taste, freshly ground
lettuce
butter (optional)
summer beer like Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy (optional)
Create the Salad:
Refrigerate tuna until chilled.
Add tuna to medium mixing bowl. Flake with fork.
Add the celery, parsley and olives.
Add the tomatoes, leaving the tomato liquid out.
Add the olive oil, lemon juice and pepper. Stir, coating everything.
Refrigerate again.
To Serve:
While the tuna salad is chilling:
Toast the bread, let cool and cut into easily managed toast points.
Lightly butter the toast.
Put the lettuce on the plates.
Remove salad from fridge and stir again.
Serve salad on the lettuce. Add toast points.
Enjoy with the beer.
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It makes a colorful summer meal reminiscent of Salad Niçoise ("NEE-suaz").
Serves: 2 moderately hungry adults with a little leftover
Ingredients:
15 oz canned tuna, packed in water
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
1 small beefsteak tomato fresh from the garden, small dice
1/4 cup canned black olives, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
olive bread from the farmers market, 3-4 slices
pepper to taste, freshly ground
lettuce
butter (optional)
summer beer like Leinenkugel's Summer Shandy (optional)
Create the Salad:
Refrigerate tuna until chilled.
Add tuna to medium mixing bowl. Flake with fork.
Add the celery, parsley and olives.
Add the tomatoes, leaving the tomato liquid out.
Add the olive oil, lemon juice and pepper. Stir, coating everything.
Refrigerate again.
To Serve:
While the tuna salad is chilling:
Toast the bread, let cool and cut into easily managed toast points.
Lightly butter the toast.
Put the lettuce on the plates.
Remove salad from fridge and stir again.
Serve salad on the lettuce. Add toast points.
Enjoy with the beer.
-
Tuesday, August 11
My Sister, the Celebrity
"The Central Scholarship Bureau held a luncheon Thursday to honor the recipients, who can use the money for any postsecondary school plans, from construction apprenticeships to graduate school.
...
Megan Calvert, a graduate student studying to teach English as a foreign language, spoke of her work with students from around the world. She won a Kassap Family Scholarship in order to support her passion for teaching."
From the Baltimore Sun article - August 10, 2009
...
Megan Calvert, a graduate student studying to teach English as a foreign language, spoke of her work with students from around the world. She won a Kassap Family Scholarship in order to support her passion for teaching."
From the Baltimore Sun article - August 10, 2009
Monday, August 10
"Red Turnip" Pickles (Picked Beets)
I made these a few weeks ago and took some to my in-laws' for my brother-in-law's birthday. He liked them so much, that his wife asked me for the recipe.
The recipe is from American Home Cooking by Jamison & Jamison.
Page 304 of my hardback edition.
"Red Turnip" Pickles.
2 lbs whole beets, trimmed of greens
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
pinch of salt
2/3 C fruit vinegar
1/2-1 tsp grated fresh horseradish or 1-2 tsp prepared horseradish, optional
Steam the beets until tender but not mushy, 30-40 minutes, depending on size. Plunge the beets into cold water, and when cool enough to handle, peel them.
Slice the beets into wedges, no thicker than 1/2" at their widest edge.
Place the beets in a glass bowl.
Sprinkle the sugar and salt over the beets, then add the vinegar, horseradish, and 1/3 C of water.
Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight or up to several days, stirring occasionally.
Drain the beets with a slotted spoon.
Serve chilled or at room temp.
The beets will keep week for a week or longer.
The recipe is from American Home Cooking by Jamison & Jamison.
Page 304 of my hardback edition.
"Red Turnip" Pickles.
2 lbs whole beets, trimmed of greens
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
pinch of salt
2/3 C fruit vinegar
1/2-1 tsp grated fresh horseradish or 1-2 tsp prepared horseradish, optional
Steam the beets until tender but not mushy, 30-40 minutes, depending on size. Plunge the beets into cold water, and when cool enough to handle, peel them.
Slice the beets into wedges, no thicker than 1/2" at their widest edge.
Place the beets in a glass bowl.
Sprinkle the sugar and salt over the beets, then add the vinegar, horseradish, and 1/3 C of water.
Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight or up to several days, stirring occasionally.
Drain the beets with a slotted spoon.
Serve chilled or at room temp.
The beets will keep week for a week or longer.
Friday, August 7
Ode To The Arster
Ode To The Arster by Ogden Nash
The arster is an amazing suitor,
It's masculine, minine, or even neuter.
But whether husband, pal, or wife,
It leads a soothing sort of life.
I'd like to be an arster,
say, In August, June, July, or May
found at www.thebaylab.org while researching St. Mary's County for fun things to do.
The arster is an amazing suitor,
It's masculine, minine, or even neuter.
But whether husband, pal, or wife,
It leads a soothing sort of life.
I'd like to be an arster,
say, In August, June, July, or May
found at www.thebaylab.org while researching St. Mary's County for fun things to do.
Monday, August 3
Exotic Warm Weather Dinner - Date Night Meal
Exotic Warm Weather Dinner
from the July 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, page 196
I made this dinner on 8/3/09, amounts adjusted based on what we ate.
I didn't make the Rum Punch listed in the original article because Rob doesn't like rum. We had a nice Viognier white wine instead.
Serves 2 adults with minimal leftovers.
Cilantro-Lime Rice - Start First
- lime juice, 1 tbsp
- rice, 1/2C, (use package directions)
- cilantro, 2 tbsp
- salt & pepper to taste
Start rice first - it will take about 45 minutes.
Add lime juice and salt to water.
Add cilantro at end. Add pepper if desired.
Macademia Nut-Crusted Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
For Salsa:
- crushed pineapple, 1C
- red onion, minced, 1 tbsp
- jalapeno, minced or grated, 1/2 pepper, no seeds
- cilantro, minced, 1/4C
- salt & pepper
Mix all ingredients together.
For Fish:
- flour, 1/2 C
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- macadamia nuts, crushed, (2) 2.25 oz bags or about 4.5 oz
- tilapia fillets, 3/4 lb
- salt & pepper
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Pound nuts with crab mallet while still in their original baggies.
Add salt & pepper to flour.
Place flour, egg and nuts in separate pans.
Dredge fish in flour. You can help things along by spooning the flour onto the fish and spreading with your fingers. Then gently shake off the excess.
Next, dredge the fish in the egg.
Dredge (or spread/sprinkle) nuts onto both sides of fish.
Place fish in oiled baking pan.
Bake for 14 minutes. Nuts should be slightly golden brown. Fish should be soft, opaque white and flake easily when poked with a fork.
Sesame Snow Peas
- snow peas, 1 1/2 C
- butter, unsalted 1 tsp
- sesame seeds, 3/4 tsp
- salt & pepper
Trim tips of snow peas and remove strings if necessary. (If using baby snow peas, they will be tender and not stringy.)
Start steaming the peas when the fish has only about 2-3 minutes to bake.
Steam peas for 2-3 minutes.
Add salt, butter & sesame seeds. Stir and serve.
from the July 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, page 196
I made this dinner on 8/3/09, amounts adjusted based on what we ate.
I didn't make the Rum Punch listed in the original article because Rob doesn't like rum. We had a nice Viognier white wine instead.
Serves 2 adults with minimal leftovers.
Cilantro-Lime Rice - Start First
- lime juice, 1 tbsp
- rice, 1/2C, (use package directions)
- cilantro, 2 tbsp
- salt & pepper to taste
Start rice first - it will take about 45 minutes.
Add lime juice and salt to water.
Add cilantro at end. Add pepper if desired.
Macademia Nut-Crusted Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
For Salsa:
- crushed pineapple, 1C
- red onion, minced, 1 tbsp
- jalapeno, minced or grated, 1/2 pepper, no seeds
- cilantro, minced, 1/4C
- salt & pepper
Mix all ingredients together.
For Fish:
- flour, 1/2 C
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- macadamia nuts, crushed, (2) 2.25 oz bags or about 4.5 oz
- tilapia fillets, 3/4 lb
- salt & pepper
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
Pound nuts with crab mallet while still in their original baggies.
Add salt & pepper to flour.
Place flour, egg and nuts in separate pans.
Dredge fish in flour. You can help things along by spooning the flour onto the fish and spreading with your fingers. Then gently shake off the excess.
Next, dredge the fish in the egg.
Dredge (or spread/sprinkle) nuts onto both sides of fish.
Place fish in oiled baking pan.
Bake for 14 minutes. Nuts should be slightly golden brown. Fish should be soft, opaque white and flake easily when poked with a fork.
Sesame Snow Peas
- snow peas, 1 1/2 C
- butter, unsalted 1 tsp
- sesame seeds, 3/4 tsp
- salt & pepper
Trim tips of snow peas and remove strings if necessary. (If using baby snow peas, they will be tender and not stringy.)
Start steaming the peas when the fish has only about 2-3 minutes to bake.
Steam peas for 2-3 minutes.
Add salt, butter & sesame seeds. Stir and serve.
Monday, July 13
What have you eaten lately?
Sunny Anderson says she asks her foodie friends:
What have you eaten lately? Or What have you cooked lately?
So -
Please answer this questions in the comments section.
What have you eaten lately? Or What have you cooked lately?
So -
Please answer this questions in the comments section.
Wednesday, July 8
Adorable Fruit Snacks
16 Ideas for the most adorable fruit snacks:
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/kids/feature/16-cute-fruit-snacks/16-cute-fruit-snacks.html
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/kids/feature/16-cute-fruit-snacks/16-cute-fruit-snacks.html
July 7, 2009 Date with Husband
Yesterday, DH & I went to the Baltimore Museum of Industry. It was a lot of fun and we both would recommend it to anyone sightseeing in Baltimore. With your AAA card, you can get a buy-one-get-one-free deal on admission tickets. The BMI has great exhibits showing the numerous and varied products and services that were being produced in Baltimore in the 1800's and early 1900's. I particularly liked the period grocery store (you can walk through!) complete with an antique swinging screen door! Other exhibits you can enter include an early bakery, a printer's shop, a clothing factory, a machine shop, a canning factory, a pharmacy, a bank, an appliance repair shop, and a garage filled with an interesting variety of vehicles. There are many neon signs on display. There is even a small but fancy theater with movies about The Wire TV show. There are also several displays with props from the show.
Additionally, there are a few free outdoor exhibits including a crane from Bethlehem Steel with a impressively huge American flag hanging from it.
Later, we walked to Catonsville Gourmet for a delicious early dinner. Then we stopped at the new ice cream place and ate our cones while we walked home.
Later, the dog & I had a pleasant summer evening walk.
Photos will be posted shortly on my personal Flickr site.
Additionally, there are a few free outdoor exhibits including a crane from Bethlehem Steel with a impressively huge American flag hanging from it.
Later, we walked to Catonsville Gourmet for a delicious early dinner. Then we stopped at the new ice cream place and ate our cones while we walked home.
Later, the dog & I had a pleasant summer evening walk.
Photos will be posted shortly on my personal Flickr site.
Thursday, July 2
Monday, May 18
Friday, May 15
Robin Nest Adventure
A few weeks ago, robins built a nest on the light fixture directly outside our door. Our neighbors watched the nest building with a lot of interest.
Today as I was running out to visit the bead shop, I heard and saw baby robin heads popped up & looking for a meal. Immediately, I thought I would snap some photos with my Blackberry. As soon as I stood on a chair to get close to the nest and babies, something bonked me on the back of my head. I looked around and saw a very (justifiably) angry father robin. He was all puffed up and had a black "mohawk" kind of thing going on where his head feathers were standing up. Eventually, after I yelled at him a bit, he stood on the nest and he let me get a few pics. Mama appeared nearby with a beak full of worms, so I left.
Later in the day, I came back with my good camera and snapped a few more photos in relative safety. I pushed the door open just enough to point the camera at the nest and then closed it between shots.
You can see these photos and some more betta photos on my Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanctuaryphoto/
Today as I was running out to visit the bead shop, I heard and saw baby robin heads popped up & looking for a meal. Immediately, I thought I would snap some photos with my Blackberry. As soon as I stood on a chair to get close to the nest and babies, something bonked me on the back of my head. I looked around and saw a very (justifiably) angry father robin. He was all puffed up and had a black "mohawk" kind of thing going on where his head feathers were standing up. Eventually, after I yelled at him a bit, he stood on the nest and he let me get a few pics. Mama appeared nearby with a beak full of worms, so I left.
Later in the day, I came back with my good camera and snapped a few more photos in relative safety. I pushed the door open just enough to point the camera at the nest and then closed it between shots.
You can see these photos and some more betta photos on my Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanctuaryphoto/
Sunday, May 3
Spoutwood Farm May Day Fairie Festival May 2, 2009 Report
I posted snapshots on Flicker of the Spoutwood Farm May Day Fairie Festival May 2, 2009 in Glen Rock, PA. The weather was great - a bit overcast, not hot, and the rain stopped for the day.
I enjoyed myself immensely. I got to hold a snake and a rat, but not at the same time! :-) I ate great food, heard great music, and toured the fairie habitat, of course! I saw some alpacas, a llama, an angora goat, a Shetland sheep and a lot of dogs. Some of the dogs had wings. There were a lot of puppies. I are some great Thai food and some hemp cookies.
I bought some soft alpaca yarn, an amethyst bracelet and scented soaps. I learned how to care for a pet rat and how to correctly fit a bodice.
I apologize for the sideways photos. I rotated them in Bridge inside Photoshop CS2, but I guess it wasn't enough.
I enjoyed myself immensely. I got to hold a snake and a rat, but not at the same time! :-) I ate great food, heard great music, and toured the fairie habitat, of course! I saw some alpacas, a llama, an angora goat, a Shetland sheep and a lot of dogs. Some of the dogs had wings. There were a lot of puppies. I are some great Thai food and some hemp cookies.
I bought some soft alpaca yarn, an amethyst bracelet and scented soaps. I learned how to care for a pet rat and how to correctly fit a bodice.
I apologize for the sideways photos. I rotated them in Bridge inside Photoshop CS2, but I guess it wasn't enough.
Monday, April 27
Aspargus, Tomato and Pine Nut Salad (Served Cold)
I cut the asparagus into 1" pieces and used yellow (with red stripes) heirloom tomatoes instead of the plum tomatoes. I also used French's mustard instead of Dijon, but we thought the Dijon would have given it a little more flavor and slightly thicker sauce. It was pretty good, though. I served it with guacamole (made with fresh avacados and guacamole mix), corn chips, goat's milk brie, olive bread, and dates.
Wednesday, April 22
Betta Update
I was looking at the previous posts with the betta photos. Goldie seems to have fully recovered now from his "shipping shock" and is doing well.
Since I put the Pearl Girls between the crowntail and Handsome, I have left the divider out. They seem to enjoy this new arrangement.
Maybe I'll name the crowntail, "King". "Handsome" doesn't seem to fit the little purple half moon guy. Maybe I'll name him "The Emperor". That way they will have nice symmetry.
Since I put the Pearl Girls between the crowntail and Handsome, I have left the divider out. They seem to enjoy this new arrangement.
Maybe I'll name the crowntail, "King". "Handsome" doesn't seem to fit the little purple half moon guy. Maybe I'll name him "The Emperor". That way they will have nice symmetry.
Today's Note to Karen Mac Auley, Betta Mom
Hi Karen,
Just a note to report on the bettas. They all seem happy and healthy.
The Pearl Girls are voracious and eat very well. They love the Atison's Betta Pro pellets and eat lots of them. When I'm feeding live blackworms, the girls peck at the glass eyedropper full of worms before I even get a chance to squirt the worms into their tank. I feed them a lot to keep them happy. They have many admirers to keep them entertained also. They swim around and around their tank to get a better look at the boys on either side of them.
The boy is doing well, but he doesn't like the Atison's pellets. He swims up to them, eyes them suspiciously, and then passes them up altogether. I'll keep trying them to see if he changes his mind. He enjoys the worms, though.
Goldie is also doing well, but he is much more calm like my other bettas. I have put him near the girls a few times, so he has been happily making bubbles.
I posted a few photos (not great, but okay photos) on my blog. (see link below)
I will try again soon and post the results.
-Theresa
BTW - To my readers - there is a link to Karen's website in my list of links. Look for "Quicksilver's Chihuahuas & Photography". Karen's bettas are very lively and interactive. They are a lot of fun to own.
Just a note to report on the bettas. They all seem happy and healthy.
The Pearl Girls are voracious and eat very well. They love the Atison's Betta Pro pellets and eat lots of them. When I'm feeding live blackworms, the girls peck at the glass eyedropper full of worms before I even get a chance to squirt the worms into their tank. I feed them a lot to keep them happy. They have many admirers to keep them entertained also. They swim around and around their tank to get a better look at the boys on either side of them.
The boy is doing well, but he doesn't like the Atison's pellets. He swims up to them, eyes them suspiciously, and then passes them up altogether. I'll keep trying them to see if he changes his mind. He enjoys the worms, though.
Goldie is also doing well, but he is much more calm like my other bettas. I have put him near the girls a few times, so he has been happily making bubbles.
I posted a few photos (not great, but okay photos) on my blog. (see link below)
I will try again soon and post the results.
-Theresa
BTW - To my readers - there is a link to Karen's website in my list of links. Look for "Quicksilver's Chihuahuas & Photography". Karen's bettas are very lively and interactive. They are a lot of fun to own.
Monday, April 13
Monday, March 30
Betta Care
On the advice of Karen Mac Auley, betta breeder in Arizona, I placed an order for the Attison's Betta Pro food. It's coming from Doctors Foster and Smith along with some heart shaped treats and fragrance-free dog shampoo for Bonnie. Also, the betta breeder inspired me to change the water even more often and feed live food. All of my bettas are more active, even the lethargic old man. The youngest one is making bubbles.
The live blackworms are really easy to get from my local pet shop, Pet Peddlers. I used to get them for my African Clawed Frog and they were so good for him. I like to use an eyedropper to serve the worms becasue I can control how many worm I'm feeding that way.
I found some care info on blackworms here http://www.livefishfoodshop.com/care_sheets/blackworms.html and here: http://www.ekkwill.com/blaccarsug.html
I am bidding on a female betta who is on eBay right now, but won't post the info so as not to jinx the auction.
-
-
-
The live blackworms are really easy to get from my local pet shop, Pet Peddlers. I used to get them for my African Clawed Frog and they were so good for him. I like to use an eyedropper to serve the worms becasue I can control how many worm I'm feeding that way.
I found some care info on blackworms here http://www.livefishfoodshop.com/care_sheets/blackworms.html and here: http://www.ekkwill.com/blaccarsug.html
I am bidding on a female betta who is on eBay right now, but won't post the info so as not to jinx the auction.
-
-
-
Phishing Email - Current Caution
I received this phishing email in my inbox today, even though I do not have an account here. I called Tower and they said that they are currently working with the police about this. They also said to call a phone number you know is valid even if you do have an account with the institution in the email.
These people are looking for information. DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tower Federal Credit Union [mailto:service@towerfcu.com]
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 5:17 AM
To: theresa@sanctuaryphoto.com
Subject: You have 1 New Notification!
Dear Member,
You have 1 New Notification!
To Login, please click the link below:
LINK REMOVED
Copyright 2009 Tower Federal Credit Union. All rights reserved.
These people are looking for information. DON'T GIVE IT TO THEM.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tower Federal Credit Union [mailto:service@towerfcu.com]
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2009 5:17 AM
To: theresa@sanctuaryphoto.com
Subject: You have 1 New Notification!
Dear Member,
You have 1 New Notification!
To Login, please click the link below:
LINK REMOVED
Copyright 2009 Tower Federal Credit Union. All rights reserved.
Thursday, March 26
Our Aquarium Trip - Now A Video on You Tube
I posted a video of our trip to the National Aquarium on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXFeMZV0lWI It's a little choppy. I think the video clips got mangled when I edited them together.
Saturday, March 14
Bonnie is in the Doghouse
Today while DH & I were out, Bonnie ate an entire "stick" of Fig Newtons.
The Newtons had been unopened and were on top of the dining room table.
Monday, February 23
Boordy - Fondue Event - February 23, 2009
My Dad, DH, and I all went to the "Fond of You Fondue" Event at Boordy Vineyards yesterday. It was really crowded. If we go again, we should try to go early so that we can actually get a table. We could bring picnic food and hang out. That's what most people seemed to have done. We ended up standing around a barrel that one of the staff directed us to. Maryland wine really is not so great. Maybe we could sneak some decent wine in in a picnic basket.
On the way out, we saw Charles & Sue who are longtime friends of DH's parents. They were accompanied by their son and his new fiance. Congrats!
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