Sunshine

Well, the sun has finally decided to make an appearance. I was getting concerned about the window boxes and the pots of herbs and flowers. Last year the rains were so torrential that I had to replant everything.

I used to have perennial gardens and a good sized vegetable garden. I miss them but not the work. Gram Potter had wonderful gardens. They were well planned. The gardens on the side of the house were visible from the dining room and the side porch. They were colorful and something was always in bloom. The backyard garden was defined by a fruit tree at each corner with a lawn in the center. The shade under the trees called for hostas and other shade loving plants. In the center of the area was a bird bath. Behind this garden was the vegetable garden. I can remember digging up potatoes as a little girl. The tomatoes were wonderful. We would think nothing of taking a salt shaker into the garden and eating the tomatoes right there. I don't know what they have done to tomatoes but they are just not the same. Behind the vegetable garden was a barn. I can remember chickens but I was scared to death of them. Next to the barn was the berry patch. There were raspberries and black raspberries.









I have been working on my One Block Wonder. I am almost done. I want the borders to have hexagons so I will need a quiet morning and some coffee to do the math necessary for that to happen. Then I will work on the back. I won’t get this one quilted until it is almost time to go back to Sarasota because that’s where this quilt is going to live. On the floor in the cabin under the table I have a box of projects and if I can finish them all it will be a miracle. However, I will certainly try.

Tonight will be a cookout! Maybe we will even be able to have cocktails on the beach. I cleaned the cabin yesterday so today I can do what I want. I think my only domestic responsibility will be a marinade for the steak and salad dressing. The soy sesame marinade is a recipe that my friend Patti gave me years ago. She uses it on pork or chicken but I use it on steak as well. I keep a little container of toasted sesame seeds in the freezer.

Soy Sesame Marinade

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white wine or white wine vinegar
1/3 cup oil [use vegetable oil and toasted sesame oil mixed together for a more intense flavor]
1 tablespoon minced onion
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Combine and pour over meat. This can be done in the morning or the night before.

My favorite vinaigrette this year has been from Ina Garten's Barefoot in Paris Cookbook. I love the simplicity of it. We are trying not to use bottled dressings so this dressing is perfect.

Green Salad Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic

1 extra large egg yolk, at room temperature

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup good olive oil

In a small bowl. whisk together vinegar, mustard, garlic, egg yolk, salt and black pepper. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil. Toss with your favorite salad.