Summer treats and tricks

Well, Friday afternoon I figured out that it wasn't my allergies that were making me uncomfortable- it was a cold sneaking up on me. I don't mean to brag, but I haven't been sick all year and now in June, warm weather and a weekend to myself- it happens. Everything I do to baby myself when I'm sick seems almost non-summer behavior, no cuddling under blankets, no hot tea, no steaming bowl of soup.

However, after a brief respite on Friday afternoon with a complete multiple cat scan (all three cats had to check on me after I lied down on my bed "what's going on? she doesn't do this!" Their concern is very touching) I did make an easy, very tasty dinner of dan dan noodles from Cuisine at Home. Sauteed ground turkey breast and a rich peanut sauce over whole wheat noodles along with some steamed broccoli totally made me feel better. Quick and healthy dinner- and great leftovers. And I made an egg salad wrap for lunch the next day.

Saturday, hit the Farmer's Market pretty early with my friend, Cynthia, who was in town this weekend. Had too profusely apologize to her for the short trip as I had to go to work right after. I love how the market changes almost every week. Each week brings something new to look forward to. I scored some fresh peas to shell, strawberries, asparagus, french breakfast radishes, swiss chard, broccoli, a scrumptious gougiere from Tami's Tarts- (wow that Tami can bake! I almost caved in and got the pineapple caramel tart- next time!) oh and a lavender lemon cupcake from Carefree Patisserie.

Sunday, the cats were up to no good. I was thinking about just staying home and catching up on stuff but their antics just gave me the boost I needed to get going. I won't tell the whole story- summing up: Mischa got stuck inside the couch. Stupid cat.

I did get a great price on blueberries this week- 2.50 for a pint- just enough to make this gorgeous blueberry coffee cake from Cooking Light. The buttermilk gave it such a subtle tang along with making it so moist. I did add some cinnamon sugar on top along with the turbinado sugar. Also I think next time I will add a tsp or so of cinnamon to the batter. My blueberries did sink a bit, but I did not toss them in flour which usually helps to stop this. I thought of that after I added the berries to the batter, oh well. I took it over to my roommate's Mom's house for Sunday dinner- where her nephew proclaimed it the best coffee cake he's ever had. Compliments from four year olds are just the best.

Knowing that Monday was Rachel's birthday, I put to use that leftover buttermilk to use and made a recipe from Small Batch Baking (an awesome cookbook if you love to bake but have a small household) pineapple upside down cakes for her birthday treat. I used some star shaped silicone molds for a little fun. The rum gave it a nice accent without being too overpowering. And what goes better with the latest Stephanie Plum book than pineapple upside down cake?

And after doing two batches of handwashing dishes (one the historic charms of the old kitchen in the century old apartment building), I decided an easy light dinner was in order (especially after having the standby Sunday lunch- fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn). I bought some ravioli, used up the remainder of the marinara sauce in the fridge and made those fresh peas.

Fresh peas are so wonderful. Sure, they take some time to prepare- but I switched on the tv , sat on the couch and had ample help from the cats. Miss Charlie loves the pea pods. I just blanch them in water until they're tender and finish them with just a touch of butter, salt and pepper. I did put Penzeys Shallot salt on mine- which is just fabulous with fresh veggies of all sorts.

I have to say, Fearless Fourteen was fun and I did need a break in my reading cycle. I finished Sliver of Truth by Lisa Unger this weekend- the sequel to Beautiful Lies and started in on Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. I am eagerly awaiting the next James Rollins book this week- woohoo!!

And yes, I am feeling better. I have been sleeping like a rock it seems and my cootie has settled in my throat, giving my that ultra sexy sick voice over the last couple of days. But my energy level is started to get back up, which is a relief.