Piquant

Brunch for one. There's something deeply satisfying about a solitary meal prepared lavishly just for yourself. You special you!

This is the perfect, perfect birthday cake (or no real reason cake) for that special someone in your life! (via http://www.whisk-kid.com)

Craving Chiles Rellenos

Kathamandu's Swayambhu or Monkey Temple

I realized today that it's been forever - and possibly a day - since I posted.  Mea  maxima culpa.

My absence, dear readers, by way of explanation, is this: I traveled to Nepal with my son in June, stayed for 10 days and arrived home again, home again with a nasty viral something or other which took roughly 3 weeks to cure.

And then I was extra sleepy.

After that I was distracted by romance. Ooh-la-la.

Finally, I couldn't think of anything pertinent to say.

I do realize the rarity of this situation. Loquaciousness is my particular strong suit.  Loquaciousness is a real word and you may use it in Scrabble should the occasion arise.

At any rate, I'm officially returned.

My trip to Nepal was just before the rainy season, so we had some rain, but not torrents. Mornings were sunny and our day started early as the sun rose about 5 am.  

Since we were still on US of A time, it was like getting up from a really long afternoon nap. I had cloudy head - a lot.

Days seemed super long to me, but I think that was because everything slowed down immensely.  The best part of everything being enormously slow was that I was well rested in spite of myself.

Even though we were visiting family, going out shopping and to do a little sightseeing, I still had hours and hours to relax, read, and sleep. 

The last time I was in Kathmandu, my son was much younger and I was a sheltered bride - if you can imagine that.  What I mean to say is that as a married woman, I was accompanied everywhere by my in-laws or a member of the household.  For a very independent woman (and traveler), it was an interesting position to be in and a little stifling.

Now, I can appreciate the care my son's grandparents extended to me.  Though my son's father and I are no longer in a relationship, we have the bond of friendship and kinship, and they still like to fuss over me and, naturally, their grandson too. 

This trip I spent more time on my own exploring on foot the neighborhood my son's grandparents live in, Balaju. We also walked to Swayambhu or the Monkey Temple, which sits at the peak of a very steep hill. Swayambhu is popularly called the Monkey Temple because frisky primates scamper about the complex grabbing up fruit and food offerings left by pilgrims. As a precaution, don't feed the monkeys. They're brutes when it comes to bananas or sweets.

Pilgrims take the 365-step climb, or stairway to heaven, to worship and send prayers heavenward via prayer wheels and constantly illuminated butter lamps. You can light your own butter lamp for 20 Nepalese rupees, roughly equivalent to 30 cents USD.  Cost to enter the temple complex is 200 Nepalese rupees, or about US$2.90, if you're not Hindu or Nepalese.

The stupa, a spiritual monument containing holy Buddhist relics, dates to the 5th century.  According to Nepali history, the Kathmandu Valley was covered in water and at the center of this lake  was a perfectly formed lotus whose heart was a brilliant flame. The Bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjusri, drained the lake with a blow from his magical sword and the lotus ascended to the hilltop where it transformed into the great golden stupa whose wise, all-seeing eyes gaze sleepily in all directions.

The view from Swayambhu is stunning, even on a grey-purple, cloud filled day.  The stairs are not for sissies or the feeble.  It's an arduous climb and the stairway is daunting, a straight, vertiginous shot heavenward. 

The air is heavy with the scent of aromatic dhoop or incense sticks blended from centuries old recipes and despite the crowds, there's a serene energy flowing through you and around you. Walking into an enclosed room, you're struck by the heat and light of thousands of brilliantly flaming butter lamps, thought to represent the illumination of wisdom.  

One of the most popular destinations in Nepal, Swayambhu really shouldn't be missed. If anyone is interested in traveling to Nepal, I'd be happy to help plan your trip.  

 

Looking for a quick weekend getaway. Grab a rental car and head to Crystal Springs Resort. Perfect for foodies, spa lovers, and families.

We love it!

Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Quesadilla a la Sam the Cooking Guy

On the menu for Day 3 of the Eat Down the Fridge Challenge were Meat Loaf & Mashed Potatoes Quesadillas a la Sam the Cooking Guy.

Mixed baby greens with avocado, carrots and tender cabbage made a crunchy counterpoint.

Tasty!

Chicken Burritos with Rice & Beans

Eat Down the Pantry & Fridge Challenge Day 2: Chicken Burritos, rice and beans.

Do your leftovers look this good?

Challenge: Eat Down the Pantry and Fridge

After a weekend of excessive food and fun, I feel like the best thing for my health is to detox - everything.

Too much wine, too many heavy meals and I start feeling sluggish.  The couch looks good and yet when I pop onto it, I can't rest. 

Time to cleanse - mentally and phsyically. To clear my mind and cleanse my house, meditation and burning sage and incense. 

Since we're getting ready for a trip. there's no better time to clear out the pantry and fridge than right now in the 11 days we have before departure.  

The challenge is this: eat only meals prepared with what is on hand.  Will I cheat and buy eggs and milk?  Not if I can help it.

I usually have a pretty well-stocked kitchen. We also have a lovely little garden with fresh greens and herbs, though no veggies yet, so we have some variety.  It's doubtful we will starve.  In fact, the first days will probably be pretty normal fare for us.

Lean days are ahead, but I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do with three eggs and no milk.  

Game on! 

 

Top 5 Tips for Best Burgers on the Grill

We're getting ready for a meat coma.

Burgers are at the top of our list and charbroiled is best.

Take note of these top five tips for best charbroiled burgers ever.

1. It goes without saying - or should - use really fresh meat. Make sure the fat content is at least 18%. Sorry, but super lean meat doesn't spell J-U-I-C-Y.

2. Don't forget the salt. Mix 1/2 tsp of salt into 2 tbps water for each lbs of ground meat you use. Water helps distribute the salt (and other seasonings) while adding moisture.

3. Add minced onion, garlic, and other seasonings (nix to bread crumbs, please) to ground meat before making patties. Don't manhandle the meat. Mix well enough to incorporate, then form patties gently.

4. Sear both sides of burger to seal in all the juicy goodness. When you see char marks, it's time to lower the heat. Flip early. Don't wait until the juices collect on the top of your burger. And never mash burgers! Please.

5. Don't overcook. Nothing kills a burger buzz like dry meat.

Fire Up the Grill for National Burger Weekend

 

Charred meat smells like summer and there's no more iconic cookout food than the burger. Nothing says cookout like a juicy hamburger fired on the grill.

The beauty of the burger is that it's so easy anyone can master making a terrific one.

Burgermeister Bobby Flay shows us his great Southwest version.

Get your burger on in honor of National Burger Weekend.