Tall Tales from Kansas

I better start thinking about my answer just in case.

On Friday night Chris asked me "what do you want to eat this weekend?"  To which I normally reply, "anything you want to fix sounds good to me."  But this time I said "something different, and really good." 

Braciole alla Marinara definitely filled both of those requirements. 

There were lots of steps involved.  With each mouthful I took, I was sure to tell Chris how much I appreciated that he didn't cut any corners.  

I wonder if next Friday night he will ask again?  I better start thinking about my answer just in case. 

it's not everyday you see a guy on a skateboard doing tricks with his bulldog

The fog transformed my morning walk today. 

Unbeknownst to me there was a statewide spider web spinning contest last night and this morning was apparently the final judging.  There were many varieties on display. 

The fog had nothing to do with this last one, but it's not everyday you see a guy on a skateboard doing tricks with his bulldog in my neck of the woods. 

Happy Sunday!

studies comparing the brilliance of their colors to the brilliance of our colors

Before I get totally blissed out on the oranges of October, I want to revisit the oranges of June, July, August, and September just one more time. 

All of these oranges are from Kansas.   Next month we are going to Asheville, North Carolina.  I have always wanted to see the fall foliage back East in October.  I will be conducting studies comparing the brilliance of their colors to the brilliance of our colors. 

In between comparing and contrasting the fall foliage I plan to take in a few other sites.  Here is what is on my list so far, in no particular order: 

Tour the Biltmore
Take a waterfall hike
Go to Malaprop's bookstore
Have breakfast at the Biscuit Head
Visit Purl's Yarn Emporium

If you are from the the Asheville area, or have been recently, please let me know if I am missing things.  I need to know about local coffee places and recommendations if you have taken a hike in the area.   Any and all tips appreciated. 

mums, cabbage, sedum, asters, and more mums

I went on a fall flower expedition this week.  I found mums, cabbage, sedum, asters, and more mums.

I came home with a lot of ideas but no plants yet.  I like my mums to last until mid-November if possible.  I'm afraid if I put them out now they'll be tired and worn out by then.  Besides, it would be a crying shame to dump these geraniums when they are behaving so nicely.  

I always think decorative cabbage looks so pretty in the fall garden.  I've never planted any, but am envisioning a nice pot of them on my porch this year alongside the mums and pumpkins.    I can't see why it wouldn't do well in a pot.  Expert gardeners out there....  let me know if I am wrong. 

my complete and utter inability to focus my mind

I have been stitching on the rabbit for a little over 2 weeks now.  I would say I am 3/8's of the way done.  I am not mathematical but believe that is more than 1/4 but less than 1/3.  

This project has been a sheer delight to work on.  I could be a bit further along if it weren't for my complete and utter inability to focus my mind on only one thing at a time.   About an hour into a rabbit session my eyes slide over to my stack of squares for that afghan I am working on.    More specifically this little blue and purple number I started last week. 

One of you had to ask how this project was coming along which of course made me realize I was going to do one a month and I haven't done one since May.   I am taking a little trip in October and I feel certain I can get the July, August, September, AND October squares done while I am gone.  Heck fire!   I might go on a terror and knit November and December too.

I am nothing if not a dreamer. 

I like to think in my mind that a smallish piece is a semi low calorie dessert

I celebrated the autumnal equinox this past Sunday by baking a pumpkin pie.  This pumpkin pie right here. 

It requires a bit more work than the usual pumpkin pie.   But the flavor is well worth it.  The addition of the yams, fresh ginger, and cooking the filling before baking it really enhances the flavor.  This is the recipe I used.  While putting the filling through a wire mesh strainer was probably not done by the pilgrims, it's worth the effort. 

I packed up some to take over to Angie, who proclaimed it to be "outstanding".  That is a rating she usually reserves only for her very most favorite foods (cornbread or deviled eggs). 

I was going to google the approximate caloric content of a piece of pumpkin pie but I decided I really did not want to know.  I like to think in my mind that a smallish piece is a semi low calorie dessert.  If you know better please don't tell me. 


As with almost all the desserts I make, this pie freezes well.  Just cut it into pieces, wrap in plastic wrap, and then put the wrapped slices in a freezer container (ziplock or tupperware) with a lid.  Set it out for about 15 minutes before you are ready to eat and it's just perfect. 

watching spiders weave their webs

Happy Monday.  I worked on Saturday.  That means I am off today.  I am being extremely productive.  Doing very important things.    Arranging posies, playing with a cat, listening to a book on tape, watching spiders weave their webs.   

Nothing too stressful today.  I am resting up so I can watch the premiere of "Hostages" tonight.  If the promos are right,  it's going to be one of those crazy, scary, keep you on the edge of your seat biting your nails shows.   That plus Toni Collette and  Dylan McDermott sounds like an unbeatable combination to me. 

loaded with vitamin A and 100% good for you

I have made the first butternut squash bisque of the season.  I used the recipe I discovered last year because it was perfection and I don't see how it could get any better. 

For the record I would also like to point out that this soup is loaded with vitamin A and 100% good for you.  So you can eat as much as you like.  Not that you need my permission. 

I am taking it to work until every container is gone.  I don't mind one little bit having the same thing for lunch 5 days in a row.   If you prefer a bit more variety this soup freezes really well. 

I was going to try very hard not to make a pumpkin pie this weekend.  But decided that was completely ridiculous.   When the pumpkin calls, it's best to listen.  Resistance is futile. 

 

Related articles

foods that make you smile just by looking at them

I was not sure how Khaled Hosseini was going to maintain that level of sublimely good story telling

Many of you have likely already read this book.  In the event however, that you have not... prepare to be totally engrossed in a BIG story that will absolutely hold your attention as you follow these characters through the years.   

I loved The Kite Runner, I double loved A Thousand Splendid Suns, and I was not sure how Khaled Hosseini was going to maintain that level of sublimely good story telling.  Oh me of little faith.   While totally different from the first 2 stories, there is a tug right off the bat that pulls you in and keeps you reading, because you care about these people and must know how their lives turn out. 

I know I have said this before, but with this book especially, it bears repeating.  The rich accents of the readers add so much to the telling of this tale.   Listening to this was like having a relative of a central figure in the book tell the story just to me.  Pure magic.    Get an audio version from your library if you can.

when one adventure leads to another adventure

Nestled on a hill right up from the Crossroads Arts district, just adjacent to the Quality Hill neighborhood, is this totally funky area in Kansas City that I think is called Westside.  It's where I went last Friday.  Last Friday when I was not working.  Unlike this Friday when I am working.   

There is a lot to see here - people, buildings, restaurants, porches, flowers, crepes....  We ate at Chez Elle which was a totally delightful eating experience.   I had the one with smoked salmon, artichokes, carmelized onion, herbed cream cheese, creme fraiche and capers.  I gave it a 100 + swoon rating.  We also walked by plenty of other places that demand closer scrutiny on another day off. 

I love it when one adventure leads to another adventure. 

they can never, ever, EVER, take the place of the true fall candy mix

Before it gets too far along in the season,

and before they are all gone from the target shelves (which I understand is the only place they are being sold),

I feel it is my duty to tell you about these.

They are good, not delicious, not irresistable, but good.  The M&M people should never think of trying to replace regular M&M's,  or peanut M&M's,  or peanut butter M&M's with these ... 

... and they can never, ever, EVER, take the place of the true fall candy mix... salty cocktail peanuts and candy corn.  But until it is time for that, these are a nice distraction. 

there is also a guard cat there

Every single time I go to Kauffman Gardens, I swear I am going to go more often.  And yet ...  somehow 11 months have gone by  since I last visited.  That situation has now been rectified.

It's a restful place.  Perfect for sitting and staring.  Or chasing butterflies around.

I love getting ideas here for things I could do in my garden.   Even if I never seem to do any of them.    I like to live in the possible.    


Not that this makes any difference, but there is also a guard cat there.  A guard cat that is always on duty but will take time from his schedule for a bit of petting.  

Unless there is an intruder that needs to be attended to.  Then watch out, he's all business. 

apricots, apples, golden raisins, and walnuts might have something to do with it

I have extolled the virtues of Fervere before.  It is a lovely little bakery in Kansas City.  When I went last Friday I almost bought a loaf of this Sprouted Quinoa simply because it looked so beautiful. 

But I am a creature of habit.  I always get a loaf of Orchard bread when I go there. 

I am sure you can see why.  Apricots, apples, golden raisins, and walnuts might have something to do with it.  It is perfect toasted with honey drizzled on it.

I always have loved it best that way until this weekend.   This weekend when I opened a jar of Homegrown Jam by Homestead Ranch in Lecompton Kansas. 

Did I tell you it was peach jam?    Match made in heaven.  That is all I am going to say about it.    

he looks like he belongs here

If you come to Kansas City, Penn Valley Park is a good place to get a great view of the city.

BUT... the reason I came here last Friday on an "exploring the city day" with Joan was to see this.

This is Scout, a sculpture created by Cyrus Dallun for the Panama-Pacific Expo in San Francisco in 1915.  As he was making his way back east after the Expo, he stopped here for a viewing.  Legend has it that the people of Kansas City liked him so much they raised $15,000 to buy him.  

He looks like he belongs here to me.  I can't believe I have lived in the area for almost 30 years and haven't seen him until now.  Better late than never I guess. 

the tambourine player who was already looking at me suspiciously

These gorgeous pumpkins were the first ones I have seen at the farmers market this year.  Pretty, pretty, pretty. 

Right across from  the pumpkins were the chrysanthemums.

Pumpkins + mums AND the fact that I had to wear long pants to the market this morning confirms that I made the right decision when I broke down yesterday and had a pumpkin spice latte before October.  

This group was singing a hauntingly beautiful, somewhat familiar tune that almost brought tears to my eyes.  But I kept it in check.  I didn't want to make a spectacle of myself and frighten the tambourine player who was already looking at me suspiciously. 

Since I was in a fall frame of mind I went with a mostly orange flower arrangement today.   You just can't go wrong with orange.  The more the better.   

I also decided it was time to resume soup making.  Butternut squash shall be first up on the agenda.  

 I'm sure if you had seen these this morning you would have bought them too.   

waiting till October pledge

Today FALL was in the air here in the midwest. 

...and you know what that meant.    I broke my own "waiting till October" pledge.   Sitting outside on a Friday when it's 65 degrees, talking with one of your best chums about life in general, sipping on a pumpkin spice latte.  Well life just doesn't get any better than that. 

on the literary front

I read every single word of this book AND I looked at every single picture in this book at least twice. 

It made me want to sit down and record random vivid memories.  Like the time my sister and I had lunch at the counter in some European city in a little restaurant we wandered into.  She can't remember it.  I remember some of it.  In my mind I can see the man behind the counter in his white shirt and white apron.  I sure wish I would have drawn him.   

But enough of that.  This is a literary post.

I finished "Story of Beautiful Girl" last week.  It made me want to do more factual reading about institutions where people with developmental disabilities used to be "housed".   A hard subject but handled well by this author. 

I also raced through "The Husband's Secret" because you just HAVE to find out what happens.   Liane Moriarty knows how to move you between several characters, carefully intertwining the plot lines until it all is laid out before you in a way you did NOT expect. 

I read these last 2 on the Kindle app on my iPad.  I am actually getting to like reading that way... except never with a book illustrated by Maira Kalman.  Those books need to be held so you can read the illustrations through your fingertips. 

it brings out the loo-zee-an-uh in me

I like "brewing" my own iced coffee.  I feel certain I have told you this before though I can't quite locate the exact post at this exact minute.   1/3 cup of coffee (I use Cafe Bustelo Espresso in the yellow and red can) and 1 & 1/2 cups of water, I use a french press, let it sit overnight or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator, press (or pour through a filter if you don't have a french press).  Delicious. 

I didn't plan ahead last weekend and had no iced coffee ready to press on Saturday morning.  This required me to make a trip to Dunn Brothers for some of their iced coffee to go.  When I ordered a bottle they asked if I wanted regular or chicory.  I said "chicory please" and raced home to mix up a glass with my usual splash of milk and coffee syrup.  Whooooo - eeeeeee!  If you like strong coffee you get yourself over to a Dunn Brothers now and get you some.  It is iced COFFEE like I like iced COFFEE, as in nice and STRONG.  

Chicory!  It brings out the loo-zee-an-uh in me.  I wish Aunts Mabel, Ola, Bea, Lois, Dorothy, and Pauline were here so I could make them one... something tells me they wouldn't go for iced coffee, but boy what I wouldn't give to hear their reaction to it.  Louisiana accents and all.   

something wonderful and delicious happened to the eggplant

If you are like me, and have not done much cooking with eggplant before, I implore you to change your ways.

I will admit that as I put this in the oven hoping for the best, I was skeptical about just how it was going to turn out. 

Something wonderful and delicious happened to the eggplant as a result of the roasting and the baking.  It turned into this savory, buttery, soft, flavorful, melt in your mouth lunch.  I have always liked eggplant at restaurants.    Never been brave enough to make it myself.  Those days are over. 

If you want to try it, here is what I did: 
Slice up the eggplant (I used 3 small ones) and put a bit of olive oil and salt on it.  Roast it at 425 degrees for about 8 or 9 minutes on each side.  Slice up the tomatoes (I used 2).  Chop up a small onion and saute it in some olive oil for about 3 minutes.  Throw in some chopped swiss chard (I used one bunch) and let it wilt down.  Layer 1/2 of the eggplant, 1/2 of the tomatoes and some sliced fresh mozarella (I used one small ball) and some chopped basil (I used 4 leaves).  Then add the swiss chard, the rest of the eggplant and the rest of the tomatoes.  Finally add a tablespoon of olive oil to 3/4 cup of italian bread crumbs (I did not make my own) and pour that over the top.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.  I used an 8x11 pan for this. 

P.S.  All you eggplant afficionados please tell me about your favorite way to fix it. 

even shoveling and scraping sounds heavenly

I do not remember what the significance of "wooly worms" are.  Something to do with predicting a long winter or a cold winter.  Winter of any kind sounds pretty good to me today.

So, when I saw this fellow in my zinnia patch today I told him to bring it on.  The sooner the better. 

I do realize I will be regretting these words as soon as snow and ice season is upon us.  But really, today even shoveling and scraping sounds heavenly. 

paint by number only with wool and a needle

My needlepoint rabbit project has arrived!   I mentioned a while back that my friend Joan had finished a needlepoint project and I got a bad case of needlepoint envy.   There was nothing to do but start one of my own. 

I have done some needlepoint in the past but it's been awhile.  This is one of the easiest, most enjoyable things to pick up and start.  No counting to do, no colors to pick.  In fact, it reminds me of paint by number only with wool and a needle. 

Lewis is a bit put off by the thought of a rabbit of any kind in the house.  I carefully put up my work after each stitching session.  He has a reputation where rabbits are concerned.    I'm not taking any chances. 

If you are interested, I got my kit at Ehrman Tapestry .

when it's still 90 degrees outside at 8:30pm

I brought home some chard and eggplant from the farmers market today.  


Eggplant is so pretty but it's not an ingredient I cook with regularly.  I googled eggplant, tomato,  chard recipes and came up with an idea for a gratin which I am planning to take to work for lunch next week.  Unless I poach an egg and serve it on top for breakfast in the morning.   

I picked out a flower arrangement with millet, ornamental peppers, and what I think is dill.   It made me think about fall.  When it's still 90 degrees outside at 8:30 pm, flowers that make you think of fall are a good thing. 

In the people arena I liked this pair best at the market today.  It was that carefully placed hand on her dad's neck that sealed the deal.  

kansas city style ribs with corn on the cob and coleslaw

If you are not sure what you want to fix this weekend for that "it's not labor day, but I still want something good because it's the weekend" meal... I have a suggestion for you.

How about some Kansas City style ribs with corn on the cob and coleslaw? 

I told Chris what I need to do is a special blog give-a-way.  I would offer up his services to fly or drive, with all the proper ingredients, and fix this meal for the lucky winner and their family.  Good idea huh?  

Then he said "but then who would cook for you this weekend?"  At which point I quickly saw the error of my ways and thus I am only providing the idea ... minus the special give-a-way.    sorry.

come to my house and collect all my 9x13 pans

I have been single handedly attempting to bring back the days when the 9x13 pan dessert was king.

This time it's Nieman Marcus cake aka Paula Dean's Gooey Butter cake. 

I need someone to come to my house and collect all my 9x13 pans and remove them from the premises.  Forcibly if required.  There might be a 3rd one somewhere in a box in the basement.  Don't leave till you take that one too. 

we live in a social media world

I read this column in last Sunday's paper with interest. 

When I first started my blog in April 2011, I was uncomfortable taking photographs in public.  I went about it very surreptitiously.  Almost embarrassed to be doing it.  Kind of like the first time you make up your mind to wear bright red lipstick.  I felt like an imposter. 

Those days are mostly long gone.  My camera is now my friend.  We like to go out together in public.   When I see something that makes me go "oh", I tell my camera and together we decide on a good angle.  I am very respectful of the object of my lens and never make a fuss about snapping a shot.  Sometimes I will ask before taking a photo;  if I get an inclination that I should.  I have very seldom been told no.  

Be it good or be it bad, the bottom line is we live in a social media world.  I have always thought that you should not have the expectation of privacy if you are hanging out in a public venue.   I guess I can understand if someone thinks maybe you are going to use their picture inappropriately, and for sure I understand parents who might not want their kids picture taken for that reason as well.  What do you think?  Discuss amongst yourselves and get back to me on that one. 

I zipped the lip

I don't believe it's possible to set your eyes on this sight and not smile.   Sunflowers as far as the eye can see.

I brought along an extra photographer for this assignment... just to be on the safe side.

4 eyes and 2 cameras is always best when one of us might get stung and be temporarily incapacitated.   

I asked Chris to please walk up this path a ways and lie down and get a shot of the sunflower heads so I could see what they looked like from that perspective.    He did not cooperate.  Something about a bit of mud from the rain the night before.   I was going to remind him about who was the assistant and who was the head photographer on this outing ... but since he is the one who read about the field and mentioned it to me... I zipped the lip. 

If you are inclined to make a visit, here is a link to details on this field of sunflowers around Lawrence Kansas - the farmer's wife.  

how I cooked my patty pan

The patty pan squash story - part 2.

Thanks Karen S. for confirming that I did not need to peel this squash and for letting me know I did not need to remove the seeds.   I cleaned it, cut it in small wedges, put olive oil, salt, pepper, and some dried oregano on it and baked it in a 450 degree oven for 22 minutes.  The flavor was remarkable and the leftovers were great with a sunny side up egg this morning.   

The end.

I took a big leap of faith and washed it today

Today I finally finished the sampler that I started on the plane to Istanbul in 2010.  I don't know what took me so long.  Once I set my mind on just doing it... it went so fast AND was such fun.   I learned to make spider webs...

and do chain stitch and algerian eyes.

There was also couching and coral knots and zig zag.

Then after all of that I took a big leap of faith and washed it today in preparation for framing. 

I'm still thinking on exactly how I want to frame this... and if I want to back it with another cloth first and maybe edge it???    I will of course be consulting my personal embroidery and needlepoint expert that I keep on retainer just for times like this. 

P.S.  If you get a wild hair to do some algerian eyes and spiderwebs you can get this sampler at Rebecca Ringquists's site. 

foods that make you smile just by looking at them

Doggie drinking stations were much appreciated Saturday at the farmers market.  We are making up for that cool spell we had earlier in the month with a run of hot days.  Oh well.  It's summer.  It's Kansas.  It's supposed to be hot and sticky. 

The gladiolus were especially spectacular but I came home with a bouquet of snapdragons, zinnias, and gomphrena. 

Oh and some patty pan squash.

Who knew that was what these little flying saucers were called.  I didn't know it was a "summer squash".   I am also not 100% sure how to cook it, but supposedly you don't have to peel it.   Unless  I hear from one of you before 5pm tonight with another idea, I am going to cut off the top, remove the seeds, cut it into wedges, drizzle it olive oil and some spices, and roast it. 

Or I might just keep looking at them for another day or so.  They definately fall into the category of foods that make you smile just by looking at them.