Looks like I am starring in the movie, Dumb and Dumber 3! Whose Job is it anyway? That became my big question of the day - is it the EPA's job - to ban pesticides or is it someone else's job to protect bees? Are these mutually exclusive responsibilities? Let's see what we can find out....... Just in case you are like me and made some basic assumptions about the EPA, and the role of other Government agencies as well, you may … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2013
On Behalf of Bees – Reaching Out to the EPA – my little journey
photo courtesy beneficialbugs.org my all-time favorite "live" bee picture from Cindy Houlihan in Italy! thank you Cindy! (George just said I am like Erin Brockovich!) Ok, so Christin got up this morning and told me the story (I actually missed it - how did that happen?) that she read on Twitter about the memorial service for the 50,000 bees killed by the pesticide, Safari in Oregon, and did I see it? I am actually happy … [Read more...]
SCOTUS – The Case for and against the Marriage of Watermelon and Buttercream
Photo Courtesy Yummly Yesterday was a great day in our celebration of civil rights. In this spirit, let's just say that I am definitely "for" the marriage of any buttercream base and flavor, on principal and in theory. And, as such recognize the possibility, that even though we all should have the right to any such combinations as a civil right, that, we should know in advance, that there is a chance that some of these combinations, in … [Read more...]
Watermelon – Serving up Wellness, Whimsy and the best of Memories
Perhaps it should be said that what I love most about the Summer, from the kitchen perspective, is the availability of the best fruit - and all the wonderful ways you can enjoy it. Yesterday, I went on again about Peaches. Today, it is Watermelon! Isn't it amazing, that just when you need it most, nature (or man, depending on your perspective) anticipates your needs and sends forth the answer to your prayers?? In this case, during those … [Read more...]
Peachy-Keen – Peaches Pair Wonderfully With (PPWW)………..
(please note: my linking function is not working correctly - I apologize for any links not showing or working) These days I am just, Peachy-Keen, yes I am. I have my mind wandering all over the place and imaging all sorts of recipes to make with peaches. Just this morning I was trying to think of one food item that didn't go well with peaches. Can you? It's no secret that I am a great fan of Lindsey Shere and Claudia Fleming. … [Read more...]
Caprese Salad with Peaches
Chunky Version: 2 ripe heirloom tomatoes, cut into chunks 1 ripe peach, cut into chunks 10 large fresh basil leaves, preferably freshly picked 1 bufula mozzarella, cut into cubes 1 slice red onion, cut into fine dice sea salt and freshly ground pepper balsamic vinegar extra virgin olive oil To a medium bowl, add the tomato and peach chunks. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes and add to the bowl. Chiffonade the … [Read more...]
Claudia Fleming’s Peach Tartes Tatin
Photo Courtesy The Last Course My dear Mom always had a supply of old brioche tins in her kitchen. How I wish I had them now! Adapted from The Last Course - The Desserts of Gramercy Tavern by Claudia Fleming, Copyright 2001 Yield 6 servings 1 tsp light corn syrup 3/4 cup sugar 1/8 cup crystallized ginger, cut into very small dice 4 tblsp unsalted butter, softened and cut into 1" pieces 3 large peaches, unpeeled, … [Read more...]
George Burns, John Denver and Special Deliveries
Pierre de Ronsard, or Eden Rose, so spectacular and with such lingering impact For those of you who peak at this blog now and again, you know I am clearly obsessed with taking pictures of flowers. Whether in my yard, at flower shows or markets or even in store windows, as I did in Paris in March, I am instantly drawn to intense colors and intricate forms, and happen to react to them as if they were each their own little marvels, delivered to … [Read more...]
A Woman to Admire, A Motto to Follow
Clematis Jackmanii While I was sitting in a men's fitting room early last week waiting for George to have 2 suits tailored, I paged through a copy of the Sunday Times Style Magazine from June 2 which I found on the coffee table. While I was initially intrigued by the cover shot of "Mrs. Prada", I was ultimately struck by one quote attributed to a woman I had never heard of before, but who I will now, never forget. The author of the … [Read more...]
To Thine Own Self Be True, The Importance of Being Earnest – Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde Teach Me a Lesson; It Takes The Cake – Zoe François’ Bee Hive Cake
Photo Courtesy Zoe Bakes Warning: Anyone who comments to me about the weather today is in the line of fire. I am sitting at my desk watching yet another deluge of rain coming down. Is it time for the rowboats? Thank goodness I have the likes of Zoe François' Bee Hive Cake to make me smile. Never underestimate their immortal words: To Thine Own Self Be True and The Importance of Being Earnest- I have Shakespeare and Oscar … [Read more...]