Our farmers bring in boxes and crates and containers of the most gorgeous produce.  Adam made sure I saw these yesterday before he made them into the day's salad special and the accompanying greens for our first big wedding of the season.

 

Yes.  It is. 

 

We made the first Grilled Cheese special yesterday, a truly delicious mix of Yellow Branch artisanal cheese and balsamic roasted Roma Tomatoes.  Oh yeah.

 

This is what MY plate looked like.  Brand new lettuce.  1/2 of a sandwich.  And some maple-sweetened cole slaw. 

 

Monday, April 15

Chicken Piccata 8.95

 

Tuesday, April 16

Spinach + Caramelized Onion Calzone w/ Parmesan Roasted Broccoli 8.95

 

Wednesday, April 17

“Mojo Criollo” Cuban Pork Roast with Black Beans and Rice 8.95

 

Thursday, April 18

Local Lamb Curry with Basmati Rice 11.95

 

Friday, April 19

Herb-roasted Mahi-Mahi with Rosemary polenta 10.75

 

 

 

Casserole to go:

 

Wednesday, April 17

Whole: 62 Half: 31

 

Lasagna of the week:

 

Friday, April 19

Whole: 39 Half: 19.50

 

Were you a kid who liked to lick the beaters?  I was!!!

 

Look at THESE babies!!!!  you could get a year's ration of whipped cream in one fell swoop by filling up with this sweetness.  Marty (and the rest of us) stay away from this temptation, knowing that we'd all balloon up to a frightening girth if we indulged.

 

While we still make little, muffin-sized quiche and individual-sized breakfast burritos, we have started making normal-sized pie-shaped quiche too.  As with everything else around here the innards vary according to the contents of our walk-in and the bounty of our farmers. 

 

You CAN rest assured that whatever we're making will be delicious.  

 

This is Deb's copy of my mother's Blueberry Hill Cookbook.  Shredded.  Filled with scribbled notes.  Loved and well-used.

 

Spring has sprung in my little yard.  While the Biltmore Estate's bazillion tulips are coming into full bloom, my sole baby flowered this week.  I couldn't be more pleased.

 

 

 

April 13, 2013

 

Hiya. WOW what a gorgeous day we’re having here! We had a corker of a storm a couple of nights ago and it blew through and cleared out the air, plastered us with rain and turned, overnight, everything green. Today is a bit chilly but everything is spectacular in its own early spring way.

 

I’ve gotten into my garden a bit these past few days. I cleaned out three raised containers I have and planted cucumbers, peas, and beans. The pots and window boxes on my deck are refreshed for the season, cleaned and filled with light purple pansies, pink geraniums and petunias. In front of my house the terra cotta pots are now the home of yellow pansies and red geraniums. I am SUCH a pushover for color. But I get distracted and overwhelmed by taking on huge garden projects so these little pot assemblies and containers are perfect for me these days.

 

It’s been quite a week for me in a couple of ways.

 

I got a note from my book’s publisher with quotes from folks I sent my manuscript to. GOLLY! Reading what everyone says is quite stunning. It’s hard to believe that these comments are about MY book! Sadly there is only room for two short quotes on the book cover, but they will all be used on assorted publicity as the days go by.

 

I got another note from my editor (doesn’t that sound cool?) asking for examples of all the honeys that are featured in the book. I got to sort through my sticky collection of honeys, scrambling to squeeze out drops of this and that. The book goes to the photo department this week and the digitizer (or something like that) needs to compare the photos with the actual honey to make sure the color is accurate. Who would have imagined such a thing?

 

Got another note saying that my book has just been nominated for an award. Already? Already! Holy mazoley!!

 

And then Livestrong wrote and told me that they would like to feature me in an ad campaign for Livestrong events, using my words and picture to lure folks to participate in runs and rides and hikes and so on – all of which will benefit the Livestrong Foundation. Gee whiz!

 

In the meantime (!) we’re working hard to rustle up riders and supporters for the JOYride for Livestrong at the YMCA. I have high hopes and inner worries. Hopes that lots of people join in. Worries that no one will. So PLEASE join up, okay? I hate worrying and I really want to make this a fun, fun day.

 

Oh – I don’t have room to run a photo of this, but Leslie, our catering director, has invited a friend and colleague to present an evening seminar for women called Understanding Men. You can find out more about it by visiting the website: www.incareofrelationships.com Hmmm.

 

Um, I think that might be enough of a report for now. My body is returning to the one I remember. My mind is too. I feel the fog lifting. A good thing, for sure. The blast of the high pressure system not only cleared out the air but it seems to be opening up space in me too. How nice.

 

Henry is our honorary co-chair of the Kid's JOYride! 

 

The kids will kick off our Inaugural JOYride for Livestrong at the YMCA (an exercise program for cancer survivors and their families.)  Henry can now ride a bike so he'll be there.  After their ride, kids can play on inflatable bouncy things, hula hoops, balloons, face painting and more.  We'll have music and other fun things to do while we wait for the 25 and 50 mile riders to come in.

 

It's all part of Livestrong Weekend in Asheville.

 

Now all we need is for you to say yes to joining in.  Follow the link below to register as a rider (real or "virtual") or to become a sponsor.  We're trying to make it possible for 100 people to join this program - which is free to participants but costs the YMCA $515.00 per person to produce.