I hope everyone is enjoying the summer, the weather has been lovely, albeit a bit too toasty for me. We are so lucky our house does not really get so hot it is uncomfortable, especially at night.
Traveling Neighbors
Our t
rip to Montana was wonderful, rather refreshing to say the least. We stayed with one of my nieces who recently moved there from Beaverton. I got to unpack lots of boxes and Jerry was her personal IT person, other than our work assignments it was a delightful visit. The weather was lovely. We always stop in Spokane anytime we go east, and stay at the Davenport hotel in Spokane, a great hotel. Pretty quiet, we did not even need to make reservations. We always enjoy a great dinner in the restaurant in the original Davenport but stay at the Davenport tower, which is across the street, but their restaurants are closed. Andi suggested we have a martini; she is right — one of the best. We can also recommend the French dip, again, one of the best we have ever had. They normally honor the Passport card but because of the lack of customers they have temporarily discontinued being able to use it.
Edy and her daughter went up to Whidbey Island for a “girls’ trip” to celebrate Edy’s birthday. It sounds like they had a great time.
Sick List
Well not exactly sick but David R. had his knee replaced about a week and half ago. If anyone has seen him in the last couple of days roaming the halls you would ask if he really had the surgery?? He is doing fantastic; I think he is giving Jerry a run for his money for being our number one “bionic man”. Soon he will be going out with Edy and I on our hill walks.
Sad News
I am sure everyone knows that our sweet neighbor Dixie Buol passed away a few weeks ago. She will be greatly missed. She always had a smile and loved to go to all the RMC events. Cheri and Bev put together a bit of a gathering last Sunday to meet and have a toast and reminisce about Dixie.
Tips Du Jour
More substitutions
A substitute for Buttermilk
Amount 1 cup whole milk
Substitutes
1 cup whole milk +1 Tbsps. lemon juice.
1 cup whole milk + 1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
1 cup whole milk + 1 tsp cream of tartar
Notes: Lemon juice is our first choice; some tasters detected off flavors from vinegar and cream of tartar. These substitutes do not work in raw applications, such as buttermilk dressing.
A Substitute for Sour Cream
Substitute:
Equal amount plain whole-milk yogurt (or flavored yogurt in recipes where the flavors will not clash)
Notes: Whole-milk yogurt and sour cream can be swapped for each other in most baking recipes.
A substitute for Yogurt
Amount: 1 cup yogurt
Substitute:
2/3 cup Greek yogurt + 1/3 cup water
Notes: The water is added to compensate for the whey that is drained from Greek-style yogurt
A substitute for Unsalted Butter
Substitute: Equal amount of salted butter (remove ½ tsp salt from recipe for every stick used)
Note: The amount of salt can vary from brand to brand. So, we still generally recommend using unsalted butter, especially in baking.
Substitute for Butter in Baking
Substitute:
1 mashed avocado for every stick of butter (replace up to half the butter in a recipe)
Notes: Recommended only in recipes with strong chocolate flavors
Substitute for Different oils in Baking
Substitute
Equal amounts of vegetable, corn, or canola oil.
Notes: These three oils can be used interchangeable in small amounts. Do not use olive oil unless called for.
Substitute for Regular olive oil
Amount: ½ cup regular olive oil
Substitute:
1/8 extra-virgin olive oil + 3/8 cup canola oil
Notes: This combination mimics the milder taste of regular, or “pure,” olive oil
Recipe du Jour
Balsamic-Macerated Strawberries with Basil
2 lbs. fresh strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced into ¼ slices 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 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 more 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 across the roll to make a fine chiffonade of basil.
Portion the strawberries and their juices among four small bowls and scatter the basil to garnish or choose one of the serving suggestions below.
Ways to serve…
- Serve over grilled or toasted pound cake. (this is my favorite)
- Put the berries on split biscuits for shortcake, top with whipped cream and scatter with the basil
- Spoon the strawberries over a poached or roasted peach half.
- Use the berries as a filling for crepes or a topping for waffles
- Mash the berries slightly and fold into whipped cream for a quick fool. Garnish with the basil.
Recipe from Fine Cooking
Edmonds Farmers Market
One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to go to the farmers markets. I usually hit the Edmonds since it is so close and has most everything I need/like. I have favorite vendors, the booth I go to for flowers is a lovely lady that I have been in the same spot for several years, her daughter who helps her was a grammar school, now is heading off to college this year. I go to one booth for berries, another for fruit. Of course, things are a bit unsettled. Folks must line up and enter at one end, 5th, and Main walk through one way and out the other end. A bit of a challenge for me who must look at everything before I buy, heaven knows there might be someone new or my favorite vendors are out of what I want to buy. The number of vendors has been decreased by maybe a third, and the crowds are no longer as large. Everyone must wear a mask and try to social distance. The atmosphere is not as festive as years in the past.
Edmonds has also closed off Main Street from 3rd to 5th, now a pedestrian street. I do not know if this is just on the weekends or just Sat? Several of the restaurants have outdoor seating, extending into the street.
August Birthdays
Carole R. and Linda H. both have birthdays this month.
Security reminder
There was a posting on Neighborhood about a breech of security in a condo building in Edmonds. A woman entered their secure garage behind a resident’s car. So, a reminder to make sure no one that does not belong comes in behind you.
Potluck
In previous years we would be gearing up for our annual RMC potluck. But I am afraid because of Governor Inslee’s directives we will not be able to get together this year. It is one of the events I look forward to each year. It has been an incredibly fun event in the past, enjoying all the incredible food and fellowship, with friends and neighbors. If anyone has any ideas that might work throw it out there and see what we can do.