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I think summer is here, at least part time, but that is what the beginning of summer looks like in the NW. I like the mixed bag of weather; it least it does not get boring.
Here are a couple of photo’s of our beautiful dogwood tree you might enjoy.
Traveling Neighbors
I do not think anyone has been going anywhere of late. I would like to get in a car, a train or airplane, just to have a change of scenery
We met outside on the lawn, social distancing and safe. It was nice to get together with each other. We discussed Born a Crime by Treva Noah, the discussion was led by Edy. It was a good book, sometimes disturbing, sometime entertaining. We plan to meet again this month, hopefully outside again. Since we missed the April get together, we will pick it up this month. Hopefully, we will be able to meet on June 8th. Because of not knowing what the weather will be we will hold off saying where we will meet. We will discuss Forty Autumns by Nina Wellner. Discussion leader will be Andi. An interesting book a book about a family living in the terrifying life in East Germany under Communist rule.
Tips Du Jour
Pitting peaches
Removing split peach pit from a soft peach half can lead to mashed fruit. For an easy removal, use a grapefruit spoon. The serrated edge of the spoon can easily cut out the stone without damaging the delicate flesh.
Substitution Tricks
- A nonalcoholic substitute for wine in cooking.
Amount ½ cup
Substitute ½ C broth+ 1 teaspoon wine vinegar (red & white, per recipe)
½ C broth+ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Note – Add the vinegar or lemon juice just before serving.
- Substitute for wine in Cooking
Substitute Equal amount dry vermouth for white wine
Equal amount sweet vermouth for red wine
Note-When refrigerated open bottle of vermouth will last for at least three months, much longer than wine. Tone down sweet vermouth with a few drops of red wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- A substitute for fortified wine
Substitutes: Equal amount white wine for sherry
Equal amount red wine for port
4. A substitute for Ruby Port
Substitute –Equal amount of tawny port
Notes Any flavor difference is mostly erased by cooking
- Substitute for Mirin
Amount: 2 Tablespoons mirin
Substitute-2 Tablespoons white wine (or sake) + 1 teaspoon sugar
Notes. Sweet sherry will also work as a mirin substitute.
- Substitute for unsweetened chocolate
Amount: 1-ounce unsweetened chocolate
Substitutes: 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 ½ ounce bittersweet chocolate (remove 1 tablespoon sugar from recipe)
Notes: For intensely chocolatey recipes, do not replace all the chocolate with cocoa powder; it has a drastic effect on texture.
- A substitute for bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
Amount: 1-ounce bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
Substitutes: 1-ounce bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
2/3-ounce unsweetened chocolate + 2 teaspoons sugar
1-ounce chocolate chips
Notes: These substitutes are both better for sturdier recipes like brownies rather than delicate custard airy cake, or silky pudding
Recipe du jour
Strawberry season is just beginning in the NW.
Macerated Strawberries with Basil
Serves 4
- Fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced 1/8 to ¼ thick (about 4 cups)
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 8-10 medium fresh basil leaves
In a large bowl, gently toss the strawberries with the sugar and vinegar. Let sit at room temperature until the strawberries have released their juices but are not yet mushy, about 30 minutes. (Do not let the berries sit for mor than 90 minutes, or they will start to collapse)
Just before serving, stack the basil leaves on a cutting board and roll them vertically into a loose cigar shape. Using a sharp chef’s knife, very thinly slice across the roll l to make a fine chiffonade of basil.
Portion the strawberries and juices among four small bowls and scatter with the basil to garnish or choose one of the serving suggestions.
Suggestions of serving
- Serve the strawberries over grilled or toasted pound cake, (this is my favorite way of serving the berries)
- Put the berries on split biscuits for short-cakes, top with whipped cream and scatter with the basil
- Layer the berries with ice cream or yogurt for a parfait. Garnish with the basil
- Spoon the strawberries over a poached or roasted peach half
- Use the berries as a filling for crepes or topping for waffles
- Mash the berries slightly and fold into whipped cream for a quick fool. Garnish with basil
Recipe from Fine Cooking
Farmers Markets
The Edmonds Farmers Market is open on Sat. As of right now only the small market is open. They ask folks to wear masks and social distance.
I have not heard of any of the other local markets are open or not.
Andi and Drake had these flags displayed for Memorial Day, I thought it was incredibly beautiful.
Wishing all the Dads a Happy Father’s Day.