Leaves are turning and there is a bit more rain and wind, so I guess it is fall. It’s time for some good soups and braises. Get a few good books lined up and maybe a movie or two. At least we don’t have to deal with snow like some areas east of us.
Traveling Neighbors
- Bev was down in Yosemite, she said she did some great hikes.
- Carole R, Andrea & Drake, Cheri and Jerry and I are all headed south in Oct. They all will be going to various places in Calif. Jerry and I are taking a road trip to Utah & Arizona to see a couple of National parks and family and friends.
- Edy has been in Estonia and Finland for work.
Oct. Birthdays
- David Ridge, Kaare Otnes and Dawson Harvey all will be celebrating birthdays this month
Book Club
Book club started again in Sept. We had a good time reconnecting and discussing books we would be interested in reading for the year. We came up with a good list that we should all enjoy.
The Oct. meeting will be at Edy’s home, #311. We will be reviewing The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver. A great novel by Kingsolver.
Let Edy know if you plan to attend.
Tips Du Jour
DIY Dried Herbs
If you find, like I did a giant thyme in a container on your deck, here is a way to preserve some.
- After washing and drying the herbs, place them on a clean paper towel and microwave them on high power for 30-40 seconds.
- Crumble the dried herbs and store in an airtight container, (use within three months for best flavor)
- I used my basil plant to make some pesto and put it in the freezer for a great tomato basil soup this winter. Put it in a container or ice cube tray and freeze and then into a plastic bag for use later
Renewing Crystallized Honey
Apparently, all honey hardens and crystallizes over time, but you don’t need to throw it out when this happens. To bring honey back to its translucent, liquid state, use a pot of simmering water or microwave. Put the open jar of honey in a saucepan filled with about an inch of water and place over very low heat, stirring the honey often, until the crystals melt. Alternatively, heat the open jar in the microwave on high power in 10 second increments stirring intermittently, until it has liquefied. Once cooled, use the honey or screw the lid back on for storage. The honey will eventually recrystallize, but it should flow freely for several weeks.
Recipe du Jour
Italian Sausage Soup
Olive Oil
4 Italian sausage links, (hot or sweet) I use bulk Chicken Italian Sausage
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 medium red onion, diced
1 cup roasted red peppers, diced (I found these in a jar)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
2 ¼ cups chicken stock
½ cup white wine
1 ½ cups roughly chopped, pitted kalamata olives (I used deli olives)
1(15 ounce) can garbanzo beans
1 teaspoon each dried oregano and thyme
Juice of 1 large lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Heat a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and coat with oil. Brown sausages on both sides, then remove from pan. When cool enough to handle, slice into bite-sized pieces. (When using bulk sausage, you can skip this step, just sauté the sausage until cooked through). Combine with remaining ingredients, except lemon juice, in a crockpot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on high for 4-5 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning. Serve hot. To cook on the stovetop, simmer in a heavy-bottomed soup hot or Dutch oven for 1 ½ hours.
Serves 4 (I doubled the recipe) it only gets better as it sits
Recipe from Central Market
Neighborhood Find
This summer when Edy and David’s family came to visit they found an Airbnb in the neighborhood. It is just down the street towards the park. It has one bedroom, and 1 bathroom. Is 1100 sq. feet, sleeps 4 and is $125 per night. Their family raved about it.
I told Shirleen about it, her family is going to use it for Thanksgiving.
You can find it on Airbnb-Richmond Beach Retreat. https://www.vrbo.com/1398510
A Big Welcome
To CJ and Luis who are here from their Spanish home.
I understand they are here until December. Hope you have a good time while you are here.
Neighbors under the weather
I’m sure you are all aware of Judy’s health concerns. Judy is one of the most courageous, inspiring women I know. Join me with prayers, love and good wishes for a speedy recovery.
It is almost time for ghosts and goblins so get ready.