What's Cooking

Spring is almost over as is April. The month seemed to fly by.

As you know I enjoy volunteering at Fernbank. They are appreciative and caring of the volunteers. We had a nice appreciation breakfast on the 19th, some awards, and chatting with fellow volunteers.

Most of the spring flowers are over, they don’t last too long but we’re also well into a drought. I can see magnolia leaves dropping and the heron pond is low. One of my favorite trees is the tulip tree but the flowers go quickly and the trees are so tall that the flowers are hard to see. I found a perfect one on the path.

There is one rhododendron on the path and it was beautiful for a short time.

Trees are getting green and I hope we get some rain so they continue to get new growth.

I’m continuing to meet with people in person, it makes a difference. Movie night with Friends group - Orlando, was an interesting movie and nice potluck with the group.

I took another cake to Wednesday knitting and lots of people were very happy. It’s easy, no mixer needed, great strawberry icing, serves a crowd.

My potatoes are sprouting, my older amaryllis are blooming and I have a new porch visitor.

I’ve been cooking more and doing some baking. I’m leaning more to fish and vegetables. Asparagus tart is easy and in season. I marinated some cold shrimp to serve with it.

Potato leek quiche is delicious! I used olive oil for the crust, no milk, 4 eggs and had almost too much filling but went with it. On a parchment covered baking sheet. Salad on the side.

Creamy white beans with herb oil, served with roasted okra. Fish pie also excellent and leftovers heated nicely. I used cod, Yukon gold unpeeled and did not pipe! Fork for texture.

Spring salad served with roasted salmon. I pickled the radish with the green onion.

Dan Pelosi gifted a link for New York Times recipe for Caesar kale pasta salad. Very good!

I had a marathon bread baking day. Sesame semolina from Zingermans cookbook.

Pesto sun-dried tomato from my friend Jenni. It is so delicious! I suggested a savory bread since her raisin bread is so delicious. She did it! My shaping needs work.

A new, basic whole wheat bread that came out nicely.

So I’ll stay aware of nature, continue meeting in person, cake never hurts in a group, walks are good and I’ll look for new critters on the deck.