Sunday, August 30, 2009

More on Watermelon Soup

I recommend replacing the shallot with scallion and garnishing with fresh cilantro and maybe basil.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Watermelon Tomato Soup

A few weeks ago at the Beaverton Farmer's Market, The Saucebox restaurant's chef prepared a super delicious Watermelon-Tomato Soup. I knew I had to make it, but have been unable to find the recipe. His had pickled melon in it, which was super tasty, but here's my take on it.

1 personal seedless watermelon, cut 1 1/2 c in 1 inch cubes (set aside), puree the rest in a blender
3 medium tomatos, seeded & peeled, cut up one into 1/2 inch cubes (set aside), puree the rest with the watermelon

Saute for about 5 minutes:
1 1/2 T olive oil
1 T finely chopped garlic
1 1/2 T finely chopped fresh ginger
1 Shallot (but next time I'm going to try scallions, think it would be better)

Add:
1 c of the watermelon puree and cook for about 5 minutes.

To watermelon puree in blender:
Hot ingredients
2-3 T fresh lime juice
Handful of cilantro
1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt

Place in glass serving bowl:
Chopped Watermelon and Tomato
1 small seeded & peeled cucumber cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 - 1 seeded finely chopped serrano chile

Pour ingredients from blender over chopped items and stir.

Serve at chilled or at room temperature.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Kindred - Octavia Butler

Kindred Kindred by Octavia E. Butler


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love time travel. In this book a black woman from 1976 keeps getting drawn back to a plantation in the early 1800's. She seems to be responsible for the well - being of her ancestor, a white plantation owner. Well worth reading.

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Quinoa Tabbouleh

My friend Karen brought a delicious Quinoa dish to work today and it reminded me of my mom's tabbouleh, so I made up this recipe. It was ever so delicious. We ate and ate and ate until it was all gone.

Quinoa Tabbouleh
1 cup quinoa
1 3/4 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1-2 Tbs olive oil

Rinse Quinoa, then cook with water and salt for about 20 minutes (until water is absorbed). Stir in olive oil and let sit until about room temp (doesn't really need to get all the way cool)

While quinoa is cooking, chop into about 3/8 in. pieces:
1 medium tomato
1 medium cucumber
1 avocado
apx 1/4 c chopped onion (I used a red onion from farmer's market)
generous handful of cilantro
small handful of arugula (optional)

Dressing (apx measure):
1/4 c fresh lemon juice
1/4 c olive oil
salt

Stir up dressing, I used my magic bullet. Mix together quinoa, veggies, and dressing. Enjoy. Pita chips would be good, but we ate it with our favorite Juanitas Corn Chips (from Winco).

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Club Dead - Charlaine Harris





LeAnne's  book recommendations, reviews, favorite quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists

Summer Road Trip - Hubby's Report


Sunday
After a beautiful early morning ride along the Fall River, everyone had a great time wake boarding at the lake with the Schmunk family, along with Nathan and Jill’s friends - Kerry Ann, Garrett and their two kids.

Jason, Heather, Sydney and their new baby….Landon had to head back home to South Carolina, so Darla and their gang hopped in the car and headed to San Francisco to make their flight. Darla stayed in SF for the evening and drove back the next day.

The rest of us headed back to Bill and Darla’s house for a little more relaxation and dinner.

Everyone went to bed early…not really.


Monday
Bill went to work to catch up with a few patients that were in need of a little dental work. So, the rest of us – Pat, LeAnne, Joel, Jill, and Nathan to decided to do a little more nothing. After LeAnne and I took the doggies for a little walk up Saddle Mountain (no leashes), we met for a little breakfast and more relaxation. We basically hung out reading, sleeping, talking, and do a lot of nothing out in the back area – protected by the mosquito netting. The homemade beer was again a major success….!!!

Bill arrived home in the afternoon and Darla arrived from SF. She was a bit tired, however very excited about doing a little golfing


Tuesday
Bill, Nathan, and I woke up early to get in a little fishing (LeAnne, Darla and Jill headed to Burney Falls for a little hiking and Joel decided to sleep in)

evening water skiing. So, off we went, back to the lake. What a beautiful evening it was!!! Water like glass – and very warm…. Jill went first – slalom with the BOOM. Yay!! Then, she got up with the boom and a short line – after the 10th try….YAY!!!

Darla went second…. Wow!!! Ex – professional water skier. Skied since she was 1 week old…. Next

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Living Dead in Dallas - Charlaine Harris

Living Dead in Dallas (Sookie Stackhouse, #2) Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fun reading. Probably more enjoyable than the TV series True Blood. Sookie Stackhouse is naughty, brave, and funny. Will keep reading the series.

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Sunday, August 02, 2009