Olallieberry

A Little Clafoutis

The refrigerator is full of free range eggs from our local farmer, and the backyard cherry tree has generously gifted us with its first fruits... what to do?

After a little researching, I came across this recipe for Clafoutis. I was a bit hesitant at first as I am not a big fan of eggy dishes, but it looked simple enough requiring only the most basic of ingredients. And it's from Julia Child for heaven's sake, how could I go wrong? I rolled up my sleeves and prepared to give it a try. 

Upon further digging, I learned that traditionally the dish is prepared containing the pits of the cherries to ensure full flavour. Wonderful! How much easier could this possibly get?? To everyone's horror I proudly announced I would be preparing the dish in the traditional way, which would serve me duly in that I would not be required to perform the tedious task of pitting the cherries.

Well... after being the target of considerable begging, pleading, and overall harassment, I admit I broke down and pitted the cherries (yes I know--this is an extreme let down, and I am fickle and weak).

I don't know how significantly the flavour would have been affected with the cherry pits intact (I am still determined to try this when no one is looking), but I can honestly say this dish turned out absolutely amazing. Pits or no pits. Ten out of ten, hands down. Not only in the simplicity of preparation, but in flavour, texture, and presentation as well. Served barely warm, the tartness of the cherries actually complimented the slightly eggy texture of the pancake surrounding them (who knew?). The dish was gone in less than 20 minutes flat with many compliments and polite enquiries as to when I would be making another. I've already added it to my little recipe box and will be reaching for it every year as my cherry tree gifts us with its first fruits. 

I am so delighted with this recipe I simply had to share it with you all, highly recommended! xoxox

Au Naturel

Six days and five nights we frolicked in the Kootenay Region of beautiful British Columbia. The morning we left home it was raining so incessantly we were wondering if we were going to have a holiday at all! But by evening when we arrived at Blanket Creek the rain had stopped completely and did not rear it's ugly head again until our drive home (more on that later). By day two the skies were blue, the air fresh, and our spirits soaring. We had left the flatness of the Prairies behind us and were nestled in, comfortably surrounded by beautiful mountain forests. The sweet smell of cedar and the sound of birdsong permeated our senses. We hiked, and cooked outside, and sat around the crackling campfire, and made friends with the squirrels, and swam, and cliff dove (or our extremely mild version of it at my panicky insistence--dangerous business that cliff diving can be--the locals told us one or two fearless adventuresome types die every year engaged in the wretched sport). The water was crystal clear and warm like bathwater. I even found the relaxation time to start and finish this book, which was a real treat as time for such indulgences are sorely lacking for me in the real world.

The Ferry crossing in what felt like the middle of nowhere was definitely a highlight for us. The area is so remote we shared the entire boat with only one other party apart from a family of swallows who had made their home there. (Although we certainly do not tolerate vandalism of any sort, E really got a kick out of someone's artistic perspective of the no smoking sign.)

Everywhere we looked was unbelievably more beautiful than the last. Upon our eventual reluctant drive home the torrential rains began immediately, and we drove for 14 hours through unrelenting thunderstorms and heavy winds magnified by the narrow and treacherous mountain passes. Part of the long drive was spent at a dead stop on the highway near Banff, waiting for emergency workers to clear a mudslide off the road caused by the storm. Traffic was backed up for 20 km in both directions (quite significant considering the remoteness of the area) and we wished we could simply return to our blissful retreat.

Eventually we made the long journey home to find a joyful Mylo awaiting our return. Although well-cared for by a dear friend, he clearly missed us terribly and had lots and lots to tell regarding his own adventures without us (he does in fact speak exceedingly well and understands English perfectly).

xoxox

How About this Heat

Whew it's been hot again--finally some relief in the form of crackling nighttime thunder showers--or should I say thundering nighttime hail storms. Although some areas have experienced major flash flooding, we've been pretty fortunate having experienced only benefits in the form of a minor cool down.

Poor Mr Mylo has really been suffering. He has transformed into a gooey mass of fur-covered glop, seeking out the coldest, hardest surfaces he can manage. No energy even to playfully run away from the eager grabbing hands of the kids; he just puts up with the well-intentioned mauling and flops back down again... until nighttime.

The rest of us have been suffering too. Hiding in the house, running around frantically adjusting the windows and blinds to keep the sun out as it moves its way 'round, forcing its way in through every little crack and cranny, and torturing us by trying to cook us to death. It's made holiday preparation torturous too. The trouble is the windows have had to stay closed during the relatively cool nights because of the storms.

This mixture of rain and heat sure has been good for the garden though. Except for my onions, which I swear are still exactly the same size they were when I told you about them here. They are still about an inch high, and I planted them in mid May! I am not exaggerating. And its not just the onions, the carrots are in about the same sordid state. Do you have any words of wisdom?? Any advice would be much welcomed.

The swallows have fledged; the yard is strangely quiet and as a result surprisingly lonely. Of course there are many other birds who make their presence known, but when you have a whole family of tree swallows "livin' loud" right outside the back door for several weeks and then a moment later they're gone, believe me it gets quiet. The Mr gets a little concerned when I mention this; he is worried I am considering filling the void with further companionship in the form of a new pet. Of course I need some sort of entertainment during this incessant hot spell, so I'm holding off on the reassurances just for a teensy little while! ;^D

Thank you for all your lovely birthday wishes! I'm wishing you all the most wonderful week imaginable. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

Sweet Summer Birthday

Well, I built a little birthday cake for myself.

One must test these things, and what better way to experiment than on oneself. 

It was quiet--just the four of us (and Mr. Mylo of course, although he does not hold a particular fondness for cake).

Admittedly nobody fainted, but I swear I heard a few gasps of amazement go through the room. 

Though I'm not quite convinced it was over the laborious candles; the combination of chocolate cake and strawberries kind of trumps everything around here...

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments on the birthday candles post; I am so very greatful for your encouragement! xox 

Wee Birthday Candles and a Bag

I have found a new obsession.

While trimming and labelling my last batch of soap, I got to thinking about some candlemaking supplies passed on to me by my mum awhile back. I really felt the urge to give it a go, so I quickly finished up with my soap labels and carefully assembled my new work area (messy stuff this is).

I spent the next two hours hand dipping these little birthday candles. Of course the process was truly experimental at first, which became much more productive and efficient as I figured out exactly what I was doing. My ethusiasm grew.

I really knew I was onto something when I hung them to cure...

Afterwards while admiring the outcome and visualizing myself heroically adding birthday candles to every manner of dessert for every future celebration with onlookers ooohing and aaaahing and collapsing to the floor in utter amazement, I realized something was missing. 

I dashed over to the sewing machine and quickly whipped up this little linen drawstring bag to store them in: The celebratory cake-decorating experience must be complete.

"Ahem... isn't that an awfully small item for such a lot of handiwork?" the Mr asks in cautious confusion.

"Of course not, it's all about the experience," I reply, rolling my eyes at such a ridiculous question. 

He thinks I've lost my mind. I think I'll do the same thing all over again next week and love every minute of it. And He will most certainly come around at the very next celebratory dessertfest, of that I am absolutely convinced LOL!

xox

Country Weekend Drive

Canada Day Country Drive

{2012-07-01}

Just a few photos of the weekend. Along the way we passed many of the now abandoned homesteads that commonly dot the countryside. Somehow these derelict farmhouses spark romantic notions and yearnings for a simpler life.

Wilting

Boy do I miss cooking. It’s been so hot I just haven’t found the gumption to heat up the kitchen, and nobody else around here has really seemed to care too much. I'm in the mood for something starchy and satisfying. Maybe a potato or pasta salad; still requires heat, but in a short confined burst followed by a solid period of refrigeration which shouldn’t put anyone off too much. Or maybe a cool, no-bake dessert -- something with ice cream and drizzled chocolate and crushed nuts and more chocolate.

Whew! I really wish we had put in that air conditioner we talked about last year... maybe I'll just order in.

Wait, is that a thunder cloud I see??