Summer berries! Yummy! I know that we never run out of wonderful ideas for using and preserving, but isn't it great that people keep coming up with new ones.
Because of Hurricane Arthur, I didn't get to take Nagisa strawberry picking as I'd promised. So, Friday we visited a local u-pick and purchased berries: 8 quarts to be precise. We cleaned and trimmed and bagged several quarts for the freezer. But one new idea (new to me, anyway) piqued my interest. So I gave it a try.
Strawberry Vodka
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| I got the idea from a rabbit trail that began with checking out "Cherry Bounce" at The Runaway Spoon (another recipe I plan on trying) which led me to other boozy fruit recipes and then eventually to David Lebovitz and the simple recipe for strawberry vodka --- just the choicest fruit, a decent vodka and a week of your time. I'll let you know how it tastes. |
Saturday, Amy and I dropped Nagisa off in the city; she's headed for a month long summer camp. And I was headed for freedom! She's a honey of a girl, don't get me wrong. But sometimes Mama doesn't want to feed the babies on time; sometimes Mama just wants tea and toast for supper; or sometimes Mama wants to walk naked from the bathroom to her bedroom, etc. etc.
After we dropped Nagisa off, we went to several thrift stores Sally Ann had 50% off selected items; and of course, I had a 30% off coupon for Value Village. Even more fun, we visited the Asian grocer for Japanese and Korean supplies. Then we found this little gem: Cafe Aroma Latino and stopped in for lunch.
The thing I most liked about Cafe Aroma (besides the food) was that you could order one of each thing: the portions were small and the prices were as well.
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| We began in Mexico with a beef taco as well as Colombia for a couple of empanadas; they were gorgeous! Full of flavor and not at all spicy. Then we visited Guatamala for chuchitos and a couple of tamales; but sadly, we were a little disappointed in them as they were fairly bland. We probably should gone to El Salvador for pupusas. Oh well! Next time! But overall, we were pleased with the meal and the lovely decor. They also had a small shop attached where we filled our basket with mole sauce, purple tortillas, dried hot peppers, tajine, hot sauce and all sorts of other goodies. Such fun! I love finding new food sources. |
I'm looking forward to my month of relative freedom. Yesterday after work, Amy greeted me with an amazing super supper salad and yummy healthy cookies made from oats, almond meal, chocolate ships and coconut. Don't you love it when someone else does the cooking.
Later in the week, I'll show you my thrift store finds.
In the meantime bloggies -
It's summer!
It's summer!
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| Breathe. Relax. Swim. Explore. Enjoy. And eat! |
What delicious items have been on your table lately?
5 comments:
I've been eating a lot of strawberries here. They are so good and good for you too. No vodka with mine but they were delicious on blueberry pancakes! Enjoy your Summer!
Oh good for you! I made strawberry shortcake last night! So good!
That food sounds delicious. What a wonderful meal. YUM.
If you get ambitious with other berries, the vodka can be infused with just about any berry (blackberries, raspberries) and left in a dark, cool place for a month or so. When it is ready, make a simple syrup to sweeten it with (to taste) and you'll have your holiday gift giving ready to go months ahead. Blackberries and cherries also work well with brandy using the same method (or slices of ginger root, etc.).
I made a cherry strudel today, but that's been the extent of my baking lately-just can't seem to get motivated. I hear you on the alone-time.
Wow, those strawberries in that vodka...I think that sounds really good, and I don't even drink!
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