Monday, June 29, 2015

In Season Vegetable Soup



We love soups at our house in fact it is something my hubby asks me to make, the beauty of using in season produce is that flavor will be at its peak, and using a simple recipe the ingredients will shine. 
I made this one in the spring when new potatoes were in season one of my favorite farmers at the Tanglewood market had picked the potatoes a couple of hours before they tasted so fresh and earthy.

Ingredients:


  • a small bowl of new potatoes
  • a handful of fresh parsley and oregano 
  • 1/2 an onion chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic chopped
  • a little knob of butter 
  • 2 small carrots chopped
  • a bunch of fresh spinach 
  • a handful of frozen or fresh corn. 
Method:

  1. heat a little butter and saute the onions and the garlic for about 6 minutes
  2. then add the spinach a little at a time letting it reduce down
  3. add the potatoes, carrots and corn with about 2-3 cups of water and turn down to a simmer for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are soft
  4. add the fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. this soup didn't need any stock the wonderful vegetables and garden fresh herbs gave it flavor. 





Love this picture of our little Princess eating in season fresh tomatoes really can be eaten as apples.

Soon we are headed to the UK to visit family, touring the UK seeing Grandparents, brothers and sisters and cousins we are excited. Be sure to follow along on social media, the facebook page, twitter and vine and join in our adventure.

Hope your having  a wonderful summer 

Hugs 


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Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Scuppernong Float




One thing I love about shopping at local farmers markets is that you get to discover local foods, that may be new to you. It was in North Carolina that I first had muscadine grapes, these grapes are native to the area and grow really well. They can be eaten, made into a juice, a wine or jellies. I confess to eat they are a tad sweet for my liking and they have tough skins. So a juice is a good way to go.

 The grapes grow well in the south, there are a few varieties one being the Scuppernong  found growing wild in northeastern North Caroline in 1810 by Dr. Calvin Jones Float. They are rich in antioxidants and are truly a taste of the American South. 

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Edenton North Carolina - Photo Series





En route to North Carolina's Outer Banks we stopped for a night in Edenton. I had read about it as one of America's prettiest small towns its steeped in history and this made it a big draw to me. Its North Carolina's first colonial capital so it has British roots and boosts the States oldest courthouse that is still in operation from 1767. 

Its a lovely little town situated on the Albemarle sound a pretty body of water for fishing and boating. I confess its very small and could be done as a day trip really or maybe a coffee or spot of lunch en route to the coast. But if you love History as I do and historic buildings its well worth a visit. 



Cupola house, a lovely home from the 1700's with pretty gardens 




Roanake River lighthouse - a favorite of mine built in 1886 to guide boats, its a lovely focal point and next to a kids play ground. 

this made me smile as a Brit 

 




lovely old homes, this one is for sale :)




What little town has impressed you lately ?



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Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Jerk Shrimp with Caribbean Rice



One of our favorite ways to cook rice is this Caribbean inspired recipe I learn from a trip to Turks and Caicos, its easy to make and it transports you to a sunny Island. The day we cooked this, fresh wild caught local shrimp were on sale, good shrimp is perfect to lightly season and grill it takes minutes and is so good.




Ingredients: 

  • One can of peas in coconut milk
  • 1/2 a red onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic chopped 
  • salt about 1/4 teaspoon 
  • pepper to taste 
  • one cup of uncooked rice 
  • shrimp
  • jerk seasoning 


Method:

  1. saute the onion and garlic in olive oil for about 7 minutes 
  2. then add a cup of rice (I used Jasmine)
  3. add the can of peas in coconut milk (if you can't find these you can find pigeon peas in the Latino section of most grocery stores and buy coconut milk separately) 
  4. add about a cup of water not much is need as the coconut milk is already present. 
  5. add salt and pepper
  6. turn the heat to a simmer add a lid and boil for about 20 minutes. 
  7. check from time to time to see it its done.
  8. meanwhile add jerk seasoning to the shrimp and grill them serve with the coconut, peas and rice and vegetables. 



It's the last week of school for our girl, so proud of her she has enjoyed first grade and done wonderfully with her reading, it was field day today such fun. She also did her first dance recital this week :-) the wee man is thriving full of mischief and keeps us on our toes. We are headed to the Outer Banks this weekend excited to see the famous lighthouses let the kids play and soak up the sunsets.





Hope your well and have a great start to summer.



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Monday, June 1, 2015

Historic Murray's Mill, Catawba NC







I really enjoy visiting historic sites its a snap shot of a time gone by and its delightful when they are well preserved and managed by folks who care. This is the case for Murray's Mill in Catawba North Carolina the old water mill is close to i 40 making it a fun stop if your driving up to Asheville or the mountains. It would also make a lovely trip for a picnic and a walk, the pond and setting is picture perfect. The Mill is from 1913 and the 1890s Murray & Minges General Store, is adjacent also there is the 1880s Wheathouse.

Each September there is an annual harvest festival, featuring music, cars and more, and the best part is they operate the water mill grinding corn and wheat and sell it. I think we may have to return this fall. 

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