Comfort Me with Apples

Molly O' Neill, a local woman died last week.  She was a cookbook author and food critic for the New York Times. I know the O'Neill's from years ago when I taught some of the O'Neill children.  Her death made me think about authors who lived their lives in search of great food.  Molly could write even better than she could cook. She could put together a sentence almost as well as Ruth Reichl and Ruth has a new cookbook out right now that I look forward to buying.  Ruth's books and the complete series of Sex and the City got me through some long nights in London and Paris.  Tender at the Bone, Comfort me with Apples, Garlic and Sapphires, My Kitchen Years (which I liked least), Delicious (a novel) and now Save Me the Plums completes her list, however, Gourmet magazine was the love of her life. When she was released from the magazine she was at a loss and simply devastated and that is when she wrote My Kitchen Years. It was cathartic for her but depressing for me. Delicious, the novel, I don't remember too well, if at all.  But the others, oh my, they are a great read.

Garlic and Sapphires was written after she spent a year or more in disguise visiting New York restaurants and then writing about them.  That woman can write!

Today at Many Branches it was chicken balls on the menu for the 4th.  I bought four pounds of chicken ball mix from Carfagnas and added my twist to that base and ended up with great balls of fire and herbs.  I plan to use some in Alfrado, some in a sweet and sour sauce, and some in another plucky concoction.

I cleaned the refrigerator today.  I am making room for many more dishes and treats.  I am not going to do many more really big entertaining projects.  It is time to pass the baton. I will be hanging up the blog, too, after our trip to Italy in October.  (I expect I will do Thanksgiving this year, however.)

Brisket or corn beef?

It's three in the morning and I am finally back. I was treated to a double root canal on Wednesday and it is now Monday, so it has taken a few days to get back to staying on foot. Never heard of a double root canal let alone one on an 81-year-old woman yet I live on. So, if they want to treat you to one, RUN.

 I had better get a move on.  July 4th is around the corner and we are having a party. I have been working on things as I felt like it.  I also learned that what they told me at Fresh Tyme is not exactly true.  Beth Googled it and actually, brisket is not the exact same as corn beef.  Not that it will shake your world, but it surprised me when they told me at Fresh Thyme that it was.  I had fixed a great pot of vegetables and beans with seasonings and wanted a brisket to lay on top and roast low and slow for 8 hours.  It turned out so well that Nate ate half the 'brisket' which really was corned beef.  So, with the same base and brisket instructions, I sent Andy to the store and he came back with corn beef too. It was equally well received so I added beans, brown sugar, mustard, BQ sauce, and anything else I could get my hands on like soy, sriracha, and Worcestershire to the beans along with onions and peppers from Andy's garden containers.  The result is an enormous pot of baked beans for the fourth. (Bacon is involved as well.

I am planning a bevy of salads too.  Food Network is putting together the strangest ingredients for salads and they do look intriguing. I am still making the 7-layer anchor salad for sure and Heather's feathery green salad with 3 ingredients.

  Many Branches is looking great thanks to Eric and his crew.  Finding him was a Godsend relieving Andy of some really hard work. The pool this year took something out of him, but now it looks perfect.

Now I am off to work on the skirt steak--never touched the cut before, but what the heck.  Live it up I say. 

Winston

Winston, the coyotes' favorite target, fights me for baby cucumbers.  We discovered this yesterday as Andy had a pile of them beside him waiting for me to munch away with dabbles of salt.  Normally he places them on the counter, but this day they were on Winston's favorite swing and he got a taste for these delicate morsels. Since I am not a fan of big seedy cucumbers, Andy must be quick to pick this treat and get them, along with green onions, into the kitchen.  I lean against the counter gazing at our backyard dipping them in salt and marveling at our luck in getting this place in which to enjoy our lives. This is our 33rd year in this home and I am thankful every day.

Today is Andy's first day of summer classes at OSU and my less fun activity...the dentist.  I like Dr. Ward, but when I think of him, I think of pain or fear of it at least. I fear I am in for several visits.  I have a long list of to-dos this summer and the dentist is the first and the worst on the list.

I have started the menu for 4th of July.  The first thing I am trying is homemade baked beans baked with a brisket sitting atop in a slow oven for hours. I had the beans soaking overnight and they are now in a slow cooker.  Once they are soft I will add the good stuff to complete the taste of the beans and the brisket that has also been well seasoned.  Another long, slow cook and we will have something succulent to enjoy.  We have so much Swiss chard growing so I added several big leaves of that to the slow cooking beans.  Lined up like soldiers going to battle is catsup, yellow mustard,  onions, peppers, salt, pepper, some dried red pepper flakes, cumin, BQ sauce...you get the idea. If it is in front of me the beans get a dash of it. I haven't had a party in so long because of all the good and bad things that were and are still happening in the large family.  The death of Joe F. at age 60 is still a painful memory from a few weeks ago. But, we have a lot to look forward to as well, so we are positive.

Running around

Beth and I enjoy our jaunts out and about.  Today we had several errands and of course, lunch was one of the places we had to be.  I had several pieces of good luggage and bags that need zippers and a little loving care and the Russians (Mr. Shoe) are the very men to take on five pieces that needed care.  It is a slow ordeal, so we can't pick them up before July 20.  I like to take care of things and leave my personal items in good order, so I was delighted to get the luggage taken care of because I am going to be needing some of the pieces and purses in October. (Going to Italy.)

We then went to Fresh Thyme for babka and brisket.  I need a brisket to lay on top of the baked beans for a low and slow roast.  I saw it done on Food Network and then again the recipe showed up in a cookbook I am perusing.  If it turns out well it will have a place on the fourth of July menu. I am hoping for good weather on July 4th because I have been in sweaters for the last three days.  I thought I was done with sweaters and had them all cleaned to store for the summer, but noooo, out some of them came for the day.

We went to lunch at Easton.  There are restaurants everywhere you look over there.  We then went to Nordstrom for me to spend my Mother's Day gift card on Kiele products to keep my body going.

We went to Target but their computers were down nationwide so you could look but not buy. That is an unusual happening and kind of scary.

We stopped at Baskin Robbins for an ice cream cake for Father's Day tomorrow.  There were three young people running the place with no one in charge.  I don't know how businesses survive with that kind of 'help'.

I was worn out by the last stop and decided to find a lamp on another day.  Ribs are on the menu for the men tomorrow.  There are other things, but that is the main manly thing. (Grunt grunt...beating my chest.)

I am reading 13-Minute Murder by Patterson.  Yes, I am back with him.  Our break up did not last long.  I enjoy Gentleman Jack on HBO, it is a series, but it won't be to everyone's liking.  I figure I can take anything after watching the complete Game of Thrones series.  Life is good. I thank God every day for the pleasure of living and living here.

cabbage

Andy came home with a head of cabbage the size of a basketball.  Luckily I know what to do with it.  I started a fry up of pancetta and regular bacon, added a wealth of green onions which Andy grew, celery, which he grew, and started adding shards of cabbage along with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, Worcester sauce, fresh herbs and wow, we had a meal or three with a half a head left over.

Kathy and Chee came to pick up Joe and Glenda yesterday.  Glenda and I went with Beth and Alyssa to pick up her wedding dress and she got it to New Orleans without a hitch.  We were holding our breath.  On the way home I said I was so hungry.  No one else was hungry but I knew the minute they smelled KFC they would dive in.  I was right, I was lucky to go first or there would have been nothing left.  When we got back EVERYONE was hungry. There were no left overs, thankfully.  I love feeding the family and am now planning a feast for the 4th.  We are actually having it on THE 4th this year, so I am making a list.

Everything is so lush this year.  A tiny rain almost every day and the plants thrive onward and upward. I sent a big bouquet of swiss chard, basil, parsley, and dill fronds home with Chee.

Linda Mayo's 7-layer salad was the hit of the visit.  I made it twice and it is so wonderful to be able to make it a couple of days ahead and then toss on the way to the table. I've got to keep that in my mind for the 4th as well.  I am making lots of salads for the 4th.  Grilling will be in order and thank heavens I don't have to grill! That would be my man George! (He may not be able, they are moving into their beautiful new home and working like dogs to make it perfect.) I am sure it will be perfect by the 4th, but they may be worn out. lol

Fun days

We are having quite a week.  Joe and Glenda are here from Cincinnati for rest and recreation. Ballons are being blown up for Alyssa's wedding shower which is today.  She flew in late last night and must fly right home Sunday after she picks up her wedding gown. Tomorrow Mary Susan and Kathy come to pick up Joe and Glenda to take them home.  There has been a plethora of card playing, a few cocktails, and lots of food.  I'm beat!

The seven layer salad has been made twice and I can't believe the raves it gets.  It is so simple but it must hit the spot for the Lechlers.  Maybe it is the addition of cauliflower that does the trick or the layer of bacon, or the layer of cheese??? It's a mystery.  If you are interested in this popular dish I will add the recipe to one of the posts.  However, you have probably made this for years.  It can be made way ahead as long as you only stir it right before serving.  But, left overs were just as popular after it had been stirred.  Go figure. 

The shower is at noon at Flowers and Bread, so I will post pictures.  Madeleine is attending her first grown up shower today.  It should be fun to watch.

The best cake ever at the shower, a Victorian sponge with raspberry filling. I swoon.

Doris Lechler

A busy week

What a week we have ahead of us.  Joe F.'s memorial is Wednesday in Cincinnati and we want to pay our respects to a great man, husband, and father.  Then Joe (Andy's brother) and Glenda are coming home to Columbus with us for a few days.  The Cincinnati family has been grief-stricken for weeks during the last of Joe's life on earth. They need a break and we are giving it to them after a full day in Cincinnati.  Then while they are here, Alyssa is flying in from New Orleans to fit and take back to New Orleans her wedding dress, so Glenda and I are going to that fitting so Glenda can see the dress.  On Saturday, in Columbus, there is another shower for Alyssa at the Flowers and Bread cafe for around 25 people.  Glenda and I will go to that while Andy and Joe hang at home.  Kathy, Joe F.'s wife, and Mary Susan are coming to Columbus on Sunday to take Joe and Glenda home after their rest and recreation.

I have spent the day running errands and the traffic defeats me.  Road repair and traffic make me wonder if anyone besides the road crews work in Columbus...they are all on the road going somewhere. I am glad I am done with that for a few days.

I got in my recipe file and found a salad recipe from Linda Mayo for a seven layer salad which I want to make for our guests.  Maybe for Wednesday night with the ham and bean soup that I have burbling in the slow cooker.

I found the recipe right away along with a heavenly rice recipe from the 60s.  It is so delicious and I bet you have made it some time in your life.  I am making that too.  I want to cook ahead so I can enjoy the company.  We play cards and have drinks under the pergola starting around 3:00 into dinner time.  We eat outside on these glorious days and we enjoy each others company after the long rough winter.  I think grilling will be involved at some point and Chinese take out will enter the picture as well.

Doris Lechler

Weddings and good-byes

It is so much fun helping Alyssa plan songs for her reception.  I only hope the Italian band can pull them off. They have tapes of the band, but one never knows.  Sometimes it is better to go with a DJ.  But hey, being together and letting loose is what a wedding reception is all about.  I know we had the best time at Matt's wedding and recently Alex and Kyle's wedding.  I am so happy that her father, Joe, got to walk her down the aisle.  He is now in very bad shape and we pray for him and his wonderful family in their time of need. May God bless him and those he loved.
Note: Joe F. died peacefully a few hours ago. 5/29/2019 Rest in peace, Joe.

Yellow perfection

Have you ever seen yellow peonies? They are a sight to behold.  Two years ago Andy brought home eight plants with no color labels, so they were on sale.  We were lucky enough to get these beauties. This type of flower needs ants, yet not one ant was found in this bouquet.

I have not blogged for a couple of weeks.  Beth and I enjoyed time in New Orleans with Alyssa and the family.  Another reason is I need a bold type like I have here and a large font, like this one, on my regular format and I don't know how to make it larger and bolder.  My new glasses are not cutting it!

 I hope to get back in the swing of things shortly or maybe I have written, in over 800 posts, all I have to say???  Have a lovely Memorial Day, my friends. 

Sweet & hot pepper relish

Each time I visit Trader Joe's I bring home one item to try, one that I have not had before.   I have had Jake &Amos sweet pepper relish in my pantry for a while. Once I got it out to taste it I made a fast trip back to Trader Joe's to buy more.  Alas, it is a seasonal item, for some strange reason.  Never to be deterred I got on line and Amazon sells a lot of Jake & Amos products and not only did I find the sweet pepper relish but I found the (spicy) sweet & hot pepper relish as well.  Now I am stocked up.  Today I had it on brats, Johnstonville original brats are my favorite. I can imagine many ways to use both of these products to great advantage.  Beth likes it as well.  We are going to New Orleans this week and I am taking several products to Ann, Beth's mother.  I hope she enjoys these finds.

Yesterday Beth took me to Flowers and Bread a little boutique cafe for brunch.  Their cappuccino was excellent and so is their bread. I brought home a nice sour dough to Andy.  We have had it before and always attack it like it is our last loaf in this life time.

David sent, from Florida, a lovely fruit basket.  So pretty and delicious.  It has been a quiet Mother's Day here at Many Branches, but I like it like that some times.  I slept nearly all day yesterday and all through the night.  I go into those sleeps once or twice a year and have done so for as long as I can remember.  Then, that's it.  I have trouble getting to sleep from then on.

Thursday we leave for New Orleans and Cloe is waiting in anticipation of greeting us at the Claiborne Mansion.  Friday night is Rock and Bowl night.  Saturday is Alyssa's shower.  Thursday night Alyssa is cooking for us...she's gone domestic on us in anticipation of her marriage in October. Luckily she loves to cook and bake.

As soon as we land in New Orleans I want Beth to drive us to Sucre a wonderful bakery that sells French macarons.  I want to take a pretty box of them to Cloe. (Her lemon tree is doing well and I hope to exchange them for some Myer lemons to bring home again.)

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Off to school

Andy is 83 and off to classes at Ohio State.  He's taking three classes this summer term, and he is eager to get going.

Yesterday we spent time on my maintenance program, reading glasses. Today, after classes we pick them up, so strike one for the program. Job two is packing for New Orleans.  The zippers on my bags are not reliable.  I have used and abused them for so many trips that they are rebelling now.  I will have to take several of them to the Russians who have worked miracles on so many leather objects for me.

Yesterday we had the most scrumptious pork shoulder with carrots and potatoes that had slow cooker written all over it.  The meat was so delicious and today, with what is left, which is about two cups of meat I turned it into a soup with the addition of green beans and corn.  I will put peas in at the last because I want them to hold their color.

I am on series four of Game of Thrones and after I finish this series I will know all of the evil, salacious, demeaning,  things that one human can do to another.

The pool is finally clean!  What a job Andy had this year.  I helped but he did most of it.  Everything is blooming and Many Branches is welcoming spring.