My Culinary Adventures

So, after a long day of tackling the educational world's toughest problems, what is a girl to make for dinner?  Tonight, we will take an adventure down a harrowing path that involves a cast iron skillet, bacon, onion and.....liver.

Every year my husband and I receive a quarter of beef and every year we give his aunt the heart, liver, and tongue.  Not this year!  Nope!  My husband really wanted to eat the liver.  He indicated to me that he had ate liver growing up and liked it.  So after stalling for about, oh a year, I finally gave up the fight and made the liver.  I, myself, have never really ate liver, and I can now say I will never eat it again.

My adventure began with a little research.  I figured, who better to teach me how to cook liver than "The American Woman's Cook Book" circa 1940.  This cookbook has everything in it for a culinary adventure; Codfish Balls, Braised Tongue with Aspic Jelly, Turtle Ragout, and of course Sardine Sandwiches.  But most importantly, it belonged to Nick's Grandma Kate.

I decided that out of the five different liver recipes, the liver and bacon description sounded like the safest bet.  After all, everything is better with bacon!  Guess what....not liver.

The moment I pulled the liver out of the package I cringed.  The slimy texture was enough to throw any person off their game.  I took a deep breath, and followed the directions step-by-step, knowing the whole time that this was not going to be good.

I took great care in the plating of the liver thinking that would make it better.  My husband, remember the one who wanted the liver, insisted that it was tender, cooked well, and smelled good.  But the moment he took a fork full I could see the change in his expression.  "I think my liver days are through" he indicated.  He was a sport about eating some, I took my required bite, and the rest went into the trash.  Even Liddy took a bite with excitement, only to be disappointed that it was not steak.

After the kitchen was cleaned and I ate my yogurt for dinner, I sat back and flipped through "The American Woman's Cook Book" with the smell of liver in the air.  I noted a cookie recipe with Grandma Kate's handwriting "no good" next to it.

 So without hesitating, I opted to keep the tradition alive and made my own notation for my future grandchildren.

 

Winter Squall

As the saying goes in Michigan, "Don't like the weather?  Wait ten minutes."  I wish this were true for this winter we are having.  Usually by now we would have had some 40 degree days that would take the blues away.  Unfortunately, we are having a good old fashioned Midwest winter.  A lot of snow and a lot of cold.  So as much as I would like to write about other topics, the winter blues are on my mind and photography.  All I have for landscape right now is snow, snow, and more snow!  It took this picture the other night.  I thought the wind and drifting, while sharp and piercing, created quite a majestic view.

 Until the next morning when I attempted to go get groceries.  That beautiful scene the night before created this winter squall in my drive way.  I took my husband three hours to clear it all out!

The "Subarctic"

So, it has been just a tad cold in Michigan.  The type of weather were your nose hairs freeze together the moment you step outside and the wind bits through you like a steel blade.  I am talking cold.  However, I do find it comical when people in the Midwest complain about the cold.  Don't get me wrong, there are some downfalls to this type of weather.  Our pipes froze the other day and I can't do any re-purposing projects because it is just too cold in my workshop.

However, there are some great perks to the "subarctic" weather.  It gives me a great excuse to stay inside and curl up with a good book. And let me tell you, there is nothing better then a piping hot cup of coffee when it is a negative 15 degrees, no matter what time of day it is.

(The link's to both the bread recipe and coffee creamer directions are under "My Cravings Satisfied).

My dog, Liddy, has also taught me the art of sun bathing during the cold temps.  I have found her walking around and examining each spot until she finds the warmest one.  Let's just say she not exacting part husky.

My husband, Nick, will also openly admit he likes the cold weather.  It think he actually enjoys pushing snow, starting a fire in the wood stove, and the comfort food I whip up this time of year.  However, he does become a bit restless and finds an excuse to use a tractor even with only an inch of snow!

The winter is a time of rest and relaxation.  Even though I am busy at work, when home, there is time to think creatively, read something inspiring, and appreciate the warmth of family.  I enjoy nothing more than throwing a bunch of pillows and blankets down and enjoying family cuddle time during these dark, cold months.

But it is not always dark and cold, the winter at times gives us some stunning images.