tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29083776663149330802024-03-05T20:33:30.709-04:00runty mousea lifestyle blog by a self-proclaimed generalist and part-time foodieLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-47095704031842286842013-06-18T15:48:00.001-03:002013-06-18T15:48:24.108-03:00Summery PastaWell. Hello there. This feels... rusty. I won't spend too long commenting on my hiatus. Suffice it to say I was "busy"!<br />
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Anyway! I'm just finishing up an extra-long weekend and I've been back in the kitchen in a big way. Amazing what you can do with a little free time here and there! The first step was spending a little quality time on the Internet for some meal ideas. <br />
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So what's on the menu? A delectable summer pasta by way of <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">Smitten Kitchen</a>. (If you like that blog at all, you must know she's got an <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/the-smitten-kitchen-cookbook/9780449015797-item.html?ikwid=smitten+kitchen&ikwsec=Home&gcs_requestid=0COCM_OKW7rcCFY355wod8VsAAA">amazing looking cookbook</a> out). It is just too season-appropriate not to share with you.<br />
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The first thing that caught my eye was the farfalle:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9078915154/" title="Farfalle by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Farfalle" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/9078915154_0313945b09.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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So silly how you can like one pasta more than another just based on its shape. But, silly or not, I love farfalle the most of any pasta! (Fun fact: linguine comes second and orzo comes third.)<br />
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Two other ingredients, however, make this a summer meal: mint and snap peas. Not a combination I had ever considered before (unlike the rest of the world, <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=mint+and+snap+peas&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=u5zAUffRHoTsyQGBpIDIAQ&biw=1170&bih=679&sei=5JzAUb-aA8q9ywGG9IHICw">apparently</a>). But one that instantly piqued my interest. Mint is so refreshing, but I don't often have it outside of a mojito.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9076690791/" title="Fresh mint by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Fresh mint" height="500" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9076690791_8b8eb91231.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9078916444/" title="Chopped mint + herb shears by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Chopped mint + herb shears" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9078916444_e50038d3de.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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(The herb scissors are a godsend! So much easier than chopping wet herbs.)<br />
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Here is the link to <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/06/bowties-with-sugar-snaps-lemon-and-ricotta/#more-10244">the whole recipe</a> on the lovely Smitten Kitchen blog. Inspired by her visit to Rome. My only modification was to add some broccolini. It caught my eye the grocery store - we usually don't have access to such exotic produce! I added it with about 3 minutes left in the pasta cooking time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9078918734/" title="Broccolini by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Broccolini" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9078918734_aa889063a2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I said the mint and snap peas really caught my attention, right? Well, I can't lie - the ricotta and parmesan didn't hurt either...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9078914198/" title="Ricotta by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Ricotta" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/9078914198_09437a665f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9076686469/" title="Parmesan by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Parmesan" height="375" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9076686469_f0a3280502.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And now here is the finished product:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9076684201/" title="Lunchtime by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Lunchtime" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9076684201_ba88cb4a9b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Food porn close-up:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9076685441/" title="Farfalle with snap peas, broccolini and mint by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Farfalle with snap peas, broccolini and mint" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9076685441_63a0ef2ea7.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I dare you not to try this! With lots of fresh cracked pepper and a bit of sea salt. Mmm.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/9076682953/" title="Pasta plate by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pasta plate" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9076682953_2927d99c6f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-19888810372555216332012-09-03T11:02:00.000-03:002012-09-03T11:03:26.777-03:00Fish CakesSo, the blog has been dormant for the past four (really, has it been four?) months, but it isn't dead yet. It has been a <i>beautiful</i> summer here on PEI. It was also a very busy summer with work, weddings, family and friends visiting, beach trips, etc. Now that September has arrived, it seems like I'll be settling into more of a routine. Here's a new post to hopefully set the trend for <span style="color: #20124d;"><b>runty mouse</b></span> as well. <br />
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Fish cakes are an Island (and Atlantic Canadian) tradition. They are a dish I will often order at restaurants (usually at brunch) to determine how much I like the chef. However, homemade fish cakes are a dish I'm much more familiar with. My mom makes a lovely fish cake with potato, haddock and egg, pan-fried and crispy, always with delicious homemade mustard pickles or chow. My Uncle Mike makes a smashing fish cake with bacon as the star ingredient and these are always whipped up at special occasions. At a recent family party, he brought along fish cake sliders! Genius! More to go around. <br />
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As much as I love them, I realized that somehow, I had never made them myself. What?! It was true. So one night in the spring I fixed that. Rather than going by a recipe, I relied on my Island roots and vast tasting experiences and created quite a reasonable fish cake if I do say so myself.<br />
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Did I write down my recipe? No. Of course not. Below is my best guesstimate. There is an ingredient list at the bottom of the post.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921090196/" title="PEI Potatoes by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="PEI Potatoes" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8181/7921090196_379c0d0a1b.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Obviously the recipe starts with PEI potatoes! Starchy white potatoes such as Russets work nicely. I think Reds (skin on) would also work. Something like Yukon Gold might be a bit too wet. For many Atlantic Canadian families, potatoes are boiled nightly for dinner, so the leftovers are used in fish cakes. We don't eat potatoes very often, so I peeled and boiled up a few pounds (probably 2-3) especially for this recipe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921088108/" title="Salt cod by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Salt cod" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7921088108_9a13768d2f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Taking a page from my time in Newfoundland, I chose salt cod as my fish of choice (about a half pound). For me it's the ultimate fish cake fish. You do have to plan ahead a bit, however. The cod is preserved by a load of salt that needs to be soaked away before it's edible. So buy the fish perhaps a day ahead, soak it in the fridge in some fresh water, changing as often as necessary until it tastes as fresh as you'd like. My fish only took two changes of water, about six hours apart. I then drained it and kept it in the fridge until I was ready to cook.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921086136/" title="Parsley and aromatics by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Parsley and aromatics" height="183" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8169/7921086136_204b20f2b2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Aromatics were up next. Green and red onion add some nice colour. These were sauteed in some butter until softened and just starting to brown. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921084638/" title="(fish)cake batter by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="(fish)cake batter" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7921084638_ca060c4b67.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The next step is to simply mix your cooked, mashed potatoes with your salt cod and aromatics. I added some chopped fresh parsley; Newfoundland fish cakes invariably have dried summer savoury added instead. Use salt and fresh-cracked pepper to season. Form into patties just like you would with burgers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921076082/" title="Fish cakes by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish cakes" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/7921076082_6dc0229b1c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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These keep nicely in the fridge until you're ready to pan-fry them in a little butter, or you can pan-fry them immediately to eat or keep as leftovers (which could then be microwaved). <br />
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Making a meal out of ours, we grilled some corn and made a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Have I told you how we do our corn? We take fresh corn-on-the-cob, rub it with a bit of butter, add salt and fresh ground pepper, then wrap each ear in tin foil and grill it on the BBQ for 15 minutes or so.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921073898/" title="Fish cake supper by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish cake supper" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7921073898_9da96cab2b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Final product! A simple but delicious meal. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7921071684/" title="Fish cakes and chow by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish cakes and chow" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/7921071684_94612e2bc9.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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And don't forget the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chow-chow">chow</a>! Best part of having fish cakes!<br />
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<i>Fish Cake Ingredients:</i><br />
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<i>2-3 pounds Russet, white or red potatoes, boiled and mashed</i><br />
<i>1/2 pound salt cod, soaked and drained</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup red onion, sauteed</i><br />
<i>1/2 cup green onion, sauteed</i><br />
<i>handful of chopped Italian parsley</i><br />
<i>salt and fresh ground pepper to season</i><br />
<i>a few tablespoons butter for sauteeing onions and pan-frying cakes</i><br />
<i>Chow-chow or ketchup to garnish</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-22827747848066633862012-04-28T09:13:00.000-03:002012-04-28T09:13:02.500-03:00The Fifth FeastIt's only April, and already I'm getting giddy with excitement for... dun dun na na: the 5th Annual <a href="http://villagefeast.ca/">Village Feast</a>!<br />
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I'm assuming a few more readers know about the Village Feast now, given <strike>my <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2011/06/village-feast.html">post</a> from last year</strike> the stunning <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/the-village-feast/show.html?titleid=270396">Food Network documentary</a> which aired in early April (trailer <a href="http://vimeo.com/38853953">here</a>). The event has been covered in other <a href="http://www.butterybeancounter.com/2011/07/village-feast-with-chef-michael-smith.html">blogs</a>, <a href="http://peicanada.com/eastern_graphic/publication/chef_michael_smith_cooks_over_1000_village_feast">the</a> <a href="http://peicanada.com/eastern_graphic/publication/resident_sings_praises_village_feast_documentary_which_showcased_communi">news</a>, and widely spread by word of mouth. <br />
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In a nutshell, the Feast is a community-supported event in Souris, PEI, championed by local <a href="http://chefmichaelsmith.com/">Chef Michael Smith</a> and a wide variety of community leaders and businesses. It is a gourmet steak dinner with all the trimmings, held (usually!) outdoors in a summer picnic setting. The ingredients are as local as possible (depending on Mother Nature, of course) and purchased to support local primary industries such as farming and aquaculture. The funds raised support charities both near and far. Near includes the Souris Food Bank, Coats for Kids, and the Main Street Family Resource Centre. <a href="http://www.farmershelpingfarmers.ca/">Farmers Helping Farmers</a> assist with the "far" part, using the funds to build school cookhouses in Kenya. The hot meal prepared in the cookhouses encourages the children there to attend classes daily, and the cookhouse makes it a lot easier and safer for their mothers to prepare the meal.<br />
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I've been waiting for months to debut last year's Feast pics on runty mouse. Thought I'd save them up to generate <strike>saliva</strike> buzz for the upcoming - fifth! - Feast on July 8th, 2012.<br />
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Let's start with the raw materials, shall we? <br />
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First up, some Island beef. Canada AAA Striploin steaks to be exact. (Incidentally, the excellent quality of Island beef has also been showcased this month with <a href="http://www.peiburgerlove.ca/">PEI Burger Love</a>. There is no better place for a part-time foodie than Prince Edward Island! If you haven't already, get out there and try one of the creations!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938063447/" title="Steak by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Steak" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6005/5938063447_ed25db8c86.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Next, the bread of breads: <a href="http://www.speervilleflourmill.ca/">Speerville Mills</a> Organic Red Fife bread... all risen and ready to go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938065399/" title="Risen dough by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Risen dough" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/5938065399_b563436234.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Freshly picked (and I mean <i>freshly picked</i>) lettuce from Farmer Becky at <a href="http://peiflavours.ca/index.php/whats-in-season/listing/Fortune-Organics">Fortune Organics</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938624130/" title="Farmer Becky by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Farmer Becky" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6121/5938624130_01e5eef87a.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.colvillebayoysterco.com/">(very local) oyster</a> shucking station:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938071203/" title="Oysters by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Oysters" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6126/5938071203_1ef6f94738.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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And - my personal favorites - the strawberries and rhubarb for Chef Pedro's famous dessert.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938059803/" title="Berries by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Berries" height="334" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6005/5938059803_152384673e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938617606/" title="Rhubarb by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Rhubarb" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6144/5938617606_156e75e82e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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What does this look like when it all comes together?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938072211/" title="The meal by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="The meal" height="334" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6126/5938072211_05c76defd1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938630632/" title="Strawberry-rhubarb shortcake on a nutmeg biscuit by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Strawberry-rhubarb shortcake on a nutmeg biscuit" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6022/5938630632_c3070bc2c3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Oh, yeah.</i><br />
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Now, some miscellaneous and behind-the-scenes shots from the day:<br />
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Many hands make light work:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7070533351/" title="Volunteers by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Volunteers" height="380" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7070533351_764b37973f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Co-founders Alan MacPhee and Chef Michael Smith rallying the volunteer troops pre-event. (Don't mind the film crew):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6924448978/" title="Volunteer rally by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Volunteer rally" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6924448978_98fb8bbb71.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Committee chair Pat O'Connor addressing the masses:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7070530791/" title="Committee chair by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Committee chair" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/7070530791_49421f8b20.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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We literally require the army to pull this off: This is a Canadian Forces truck with a Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT) attached. It also comes with army chefs! A place to prepare and serve a large portion of the food.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7071801515/" title="Canadian Forces at the Feast by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Canadian Forces at the Feast" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7071801515_394a8d64ea.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Chowder creation: seafood chowder for 1200 is no easy feat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938094361/" title="Chowder prep by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Chowder prep" height="281" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6142/5938094361_b30e232500.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Speerville's wood-fired oven being stoked up for the bread-baking:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6924713446/" title="Speerville oven by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Speerville oven" height="344" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/6924713446_81dc770574.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Local butchers in the on-site steak carving tent:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7070531953/" title="Meat tent by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Meat tent" height="334" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/7070531953_52a89bc57b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The biggest, hottest steak grilling station you've ever seen:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938629384/" title="Grilling by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Grilling" height="334" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6027/5938629384_8d269af716.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A new station last year: Kenyan Githeri. The same dish that is prepared in the Village Feast-sponsored cookhouses built for Kenyan schoolchildren:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5938625358/" title="Githeri by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Githeri" height="334" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6029/5938625358_bd5f30808d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Chef Pedro giving instructions on the dessert serving:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6924447664/" title="Chef Pedro and gang by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Chef Pedro and gang" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/6924447664_f0d5e5e9b8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Intrigued? Inspired? If you want to join in the amazing experience that is the Village Feast, you can join the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/117209918412967/">here</a>, contact for ticket info <a href="http://villagefeast.ca/Contact.html">here</a> or get information on volunteering <a href="http://villagefeast.ca/Volunteer.html">here</a>. This year, it's happening on Sunday, July 8th in <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=souris+pei&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4b5e0cc21649db89:0xe5465c7b687cbc73,Souris,+PE&gl=ca&ei=4M2GT-feH-jE0QHYy-3TBw&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CEMQ8gEwAw">Souris, PEI</a>. Tickets are $39 and more than worth every bit for the food, the experience, and most importantly, the charities!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-47095424706637776292012-04-10T12:02:00.000-03:002012-04-10T12:02:32.646-03:00Santa MonicaLast stop on our <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2012/03/california.html">California tour</a> - <a href="http://www.santamonica.com/">Santa Monica</a>. What a spot! Such a great place to truly enjoy yourself and your time off. Sunny, blue skies, lots to do and see, and a very relaxed atmosphere that made me feel right at home, even on the opposite side of the continent.<br />
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One of the most memorable things we did in Santa Monica was rent old-school bikes and give ourselves a tour of the beaches and coast (Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844481956/" title="Santa Monica Pier by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Santa Monica Pier" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6844481956_6a060de446.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[the iconic <a href="http://www.santamonicapier.org/">Santa Monica Pier</a>]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844482584/" title="Beach bike trails by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach bike trails" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6844482584_f36c4b1a62.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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[<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33052-d2023196-Reviews-Sea_Mist_Rentals-Santa_Monica_California.html">bike rentals</a> - best idea ever!]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990608793/" title="Canals of Venice, CA by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Canals of Venice, CA" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6990608793_aec0a174b3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[canals of Venice - an easy stop on the bike route]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844486742/" title="Pelican on roof by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pelican on roof" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6844486742_dbd93fa15b.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[lots of pelicans at Marina Del Rey]</div>
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As I mentioned, the area has a totally relaxed vibe. The huge beaches, plentiful palm trees and gorgeous sun didn't hurt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990613217/" title="Venice Beach by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Venice Beach" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6990613217_c961675f1a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[beach at Santa Monica]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990615015/" title="Palm trees at dusk by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Palm trees at dusk" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6990615015_12d3c546ac.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[in love with palm trees]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844489530/" title="Rock stars by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Rock stars" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6844489530_67cac4f0b2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[being Californian on Venice Beach]</div>
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We also hung with some locals at <a href="http://thedailypint.net/">the Daily Pint</a> and tried the stellar beer list there and at <a href="http://west4thjane.com/">West 4th / Jane</a>. I think I've said this before, but Californians <i>really</i> know their beer. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/7064586699/" title="@ The Daily Pint by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="@ The Daily Pint " height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5115/7064586699_05205d947b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[shuffleboarders @ the Daily Pint]</div>
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Look how much fun Hogie is having!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990620433/" title="Carnival time! by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Carnival time!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6990620433_1bee820457.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
More California posts <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2012/03/pasadena.html">here</a> and <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2012/03/hollywood.html">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-44104834307963024902012-03-28T19:27:00.000-03:002012-03-28T19:27:10.061-03:00HollywoodOur <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2012/03/california.html">trip to L.A.</a> wouldn't be complete without a visit to Hollywood. To me, it was as essential as seeing Times Square in <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2011/11/nyc.html">New York City</a>. A quick ride on the Metro took us from <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2012/03/pasadena.html">Pasadena</a> to Hollywood and Vine.<br />
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Even the Metro stop itself was movie-themed. Check out the station walls and ceiling covered in old film reels, and note the "stage" in the background. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990511667/" title="Hollywood and Vine Metro Station by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Hollywood and Vine Metro Station" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6990511667_a0a1f0440e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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A street shot at dusk:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844386132/" title="Hollywood and Vine by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Hollywood and Vine" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/6844386132_9e34bed5d6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://www.walkoffame.com/">Walk Of Fame</a> was a must as well. It's hard to avoid, actually. From the Metro stop all the way to <a href="http://www.chinesetheatres.com/">Grauman's Chinese Theatre</a>, there were hundreds of stars.<br />
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Including mine:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990512935/" title="Walk-of-Fame by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Walk-of-Fame" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6990512935_5a0b1dbc17.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[the star actually belongs to <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0478851/">Laura La Plante</a>]</div>
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Outside Grauman's:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6878957162/" title="Hollywood friends by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Hollywood friends" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6878957162_16815d797f.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Blooper reel: we took our time strolling down Hollywood Boulevard, checking out the star's names, dodging evangelical end-times promoters, partaking in happy hour, etc. The final destination was the Hollywood and Highland centre, where there was supposedly a great view of the Hollywood sign. We all really wanted to see the sign "lit up at night" at the end of our stroll. Well, here it is folks:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844388296/" title="The Hollywood sign? by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="The Hollywood sign?" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6844388296_5fa7e1bd37.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Apparently a myth (made up by us) that the sign is lit up at night.<br />
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Epilogue: before Mike and I left the city, we ended up exploring Beverly Hills and serendipitously got a shot of the sign after all (full daylight). Mind you it was at 15X zoom through power lines, but it was still fun to see in person!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844497916/" title="Hollywood sign by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Hollywood sign" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6844497916_5ef0fa9314.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Next stop, Santa Monica.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-27190525497023939662012-03-18T16:16:00.000-03:002012-03-18T19:46:44.667-03:00PasadenaFollowing up on my <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2012/03/california.html">last post</a>, I'm here to tell you a little about <a href="http://www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/">Pasadena</a>. It's not only home to that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXgVlRmziwQ&feature=related">little old lady</a>, but also the California Institute of Technology (<a href="http://www.caltech.edu/">Caltech</a>), where my brother's been pursuing his PhD for the last several years. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcWkfnBr4-PfUQuxIzpU0-E_MrPGHd0SbXCQkSLth_APEr_ZMhSjUjwMywZMzMutSGCDL7js9HraB2bpOpnj-VaD1_yRNMKQSAjgBYud4FUdaZLiHsGZljDKWT0IqZejS_Y0DCyc0UCk/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-18+at+12.08.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcWkfnBr4-PfUQuxIzpU0-E_MrPGHd0SbXCQkSLth_APEr_ZMhSjUjwMywZMzMutSGCDL7js9HraB2bpOpnj-VaD1_yRNMKQSAjgBYud4FUdaZLiHsGZljDKWT0IqZejS_Y0DCyc0UCk/s400/Screen+shot+2012-03-18+at+12.08.21+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">[via <a href="http://maps.google.ca/">Google Maps</a>]</span></div>
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As you can see, it's a tad northwest of L.A. itself, right at the foot of the mountains. <br />
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It seemed like a great place to live! Clean, well kept, a nice downtown area with great shops and restaurants. Of course, the warm and sunny weather didn't hurt the first impression. <br />
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A shot of city hall:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844343174/" title="City Hall by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="City Hall" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6844343174_411afa8ae6.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Hanging out downtown:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844343746/" title="Colorado Blvd. by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Colorado Blvd." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6844343746_e584bc8b2a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Mike and my brother, the whole reason for the trip!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844342326/" title="Bro's-in-law by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Bro's-in-law" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6844342326_348921223a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This was taken at <a href="http://www.luckybaldwins.com/">Lucky Baldwins</a>, a fabulous Pasadena pub where they know good beer. Excellent beer in fact, so much so that I felt like I was <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2011/06/chimay.html">back</a> <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2011/07/chimay-food.html">in</a> <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2011/08/brugge.html">Belgium</a> (they had a Belgian beer festival on the go). Mike and Tim were beside themselves when they found out there was a very special launch of a Californian triple IPA happening on Sunday afternoon. West Coast IPA is their favorite type of beer, so this was going to be triple the fun. We had to jump through several hoops to qualify for the tasting, but it was worth it!<br />
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Here we are with our coveted glasses of Pliny the Younger, <a href="http://russianriverbrewing.com/">Russian River Brewing Company</a>'s IIIPA:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844345984/" title="Pliny the Younger by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pliny the Younger" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6844345984_e2f29d9cc6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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(I've been known to like a West Coast IPA myself).<br />
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Later that day...<br />
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We found ourselves poolside at the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1453">Westin Pasadena</a>, soaking up some California rays! The heated pool and great view didn't hurt either.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990468329/" title="Pasadena pool view by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pasadena pool view" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6990468329_423153e5f5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844340554/" title="Vacation gang by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Vacation gang" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6844340554_c9ccf92bf0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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On Monday, Evan took us to school for a tour.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990475659/" title="Astrophysics building at CalTech by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Astrophysics building at CalTech" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6990475659_2afd13f002.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
This is his building - home to some great minds. The building itself was impressive. The architecture was interesting with few right angles to be found. It was filled with creative thinking spaces, for instance, rooms with entire chalkboard walls and colourful, comfortable seats. When you are a theoretical astrophysicist, a place to think is the main tool you need (oh, and a ridiculously large computer).<br />
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The campus is home to many olive trees. At one point, the dean had a bet with some students that they couldn't produce a bottle of olive oil from these olives. Well, they did, and you can now purchase Caltech olive oil! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844350910/" title="Olive trees by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Olive trees" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6844350910_0dcf25e65d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The "Gene Pool" - check out the double-helix tiling at the bottom.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990473269/" title="Gene pool by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Gene pool" height="374" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6990473269_323c0717a8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Loads of turtles in the turtle pond!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6847687594/" title="Turtles by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Turtles" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6847687594_94146cb404.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We did see more of Pasadena - mainly restaurants, which I'll try to cover in a "California - the food" post soon. It was great to finally see Evan's home here. As I said, it seemed like a beautiful place to live. Particularly since there was no snow and it was 25-30 degrees in March!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-320825820736573662012-03-17T16:51:00.000-03:002012-03-17T16:52:13.313-03:00California!Just a week ago I returned from a vacation in glorious, sunny, southern California. The trip was a long time coming. My brother has been in grad school there for the past four and a half years and we were long overdue for a visit on his turf. Also, friends of ours have been raving about southern California as a vacation destination for years! They twisted our rubber arms a few months ago and before we knew it, the four of us had the trip booked.<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">First afternoon: all of us at poolside in Pasadena. Thirty degrees - not bad for March!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6844340554/" title="Vacation gang by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Vacation gang" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6844340554_c9ccf92bf0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<br />
Just a taste of the fabulous food we had:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990618633/" title="Pier Burger by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pier Burger" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6990618633_a3c062764a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I fell in love with palm trees...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990615015/" title="Palm trees at dusk by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Palm trees at dusk" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6990615015_12d3c546ac.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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... and generally felt right at home in California.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6990512935/" title="Walk-of-Fame by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Walk-of-Fame" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6990512935_5a0b1dbc17.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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More posts to come!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-55659522790909002942012-02-28T23:01:00.000-04:002012-03-17T16:52:27.696-03:00Leap!Tomorrow marks the first Leap Day of <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/">runty mouse</a>'s existence. A few links and tidbits to mark the occasion:<br />
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It's my Aunt Barb's birthday! How old are you now, Barb? Fifteen? <br />
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Despite the anti-aging benefit, apparently being born on Leap Day <a href="http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/daily-buzz/problems-millions-leap-day-birthdays-221341808.html">isn't all it's cracked up to be</a>. Thus, the Leap Day babies have banded together in an <a href="http://www.leapyearday.com/">online support group</a>!<br />
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Most amazing <a href="http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/">30 Rock</a> episode yet: <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2239013/">Leap Day</a>. In which these geniuses create a complete, detailed, believable, fictional holiday with all the trimmings. A little clip <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTTWbbuMpkQ">here</a> (poor quality but you get the gist) .<br />
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[Leap Day <strike>Kenneth</strike> William] </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(found <a href="http://lookgoodatalltimes.tumblr.com/post/18393003109/ericofthedead-leap-day-william-on-facebook">here</a>)</span></div>
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Google's <a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/google-doodles-frogs-on-gioachino-rossinis-220th-birthday-leap-day/234624-11.html">plan</a> to honour the day. Check out <a href="http://www.google.ca/">Google</a> tomorrow to confirm!<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February_29">Wikipedia</a> sums up all that is known about Leap Day.<br />
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My words of wisdom for tomorrow: don't be afraid to take a leap!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl1dUu0_MO_v45pGkdKy0uJGXuVOaA1e6983vai-R5Ypp0KQXmKe5QW9XJ_KLbOFStK-vLRnSz0OXi9i-NjRp4E2wxW0O8r4DYX_T86bvz59Js6kxRAbMu4MoRS9QFshjmv4SUJSdQGE/s1600/girlsjump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQl1dUu0_MO_v45pGkdKy0uJGXuVOaA1e6983vai-R5Ypp0KQXmKe5QW9XJ_KLbOFStK-vLRnSz0OXi9i-NjRp4E2wxW0O8r4DYX_T86bvz59Js6kxRAbMu4MoRS9QFshjmv4SUJSdQGE/s400/girlsjump.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-13637103472941509542012-01-28T13:51:00.000-04:002012-01-28T13:51:51.308-04:00Souvenir of NewfoundlandWhen preparing to leave Newfoundland several months ago, I thought about what I'd like to have for a souvenir. I had a few good ones:<br />
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My mummer ornament.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555873979/" title="Mummer by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Mummer" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6555873979_cf13846445.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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My extensive photo collection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30zvv6JL8ZX6z8zYkF_NYFkGW7_L_NHnryTKpghdkqH41E5QpFGxuaHRvqm0HIqZl5uNyfyUDfLXJbOf7hc8dGNMctgGsFv_ckmsLwNYQ4TvX1iKc-RXjBEnJOTCM7W8zf8aUl6HZLXc/s1600/NLmosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30zvv6JL8ZX6z8zYkF_NYFkGW7_L_NHnryTKpghdkqH41E5QpFGxuaHRvqm0HIqZl5uNyfyUDfLXJbOf7hc8dGNMctgGsFv_ckmsLwNYQ4TvX1iKc-RXjBEnJOTCM7W8zf8aUl6HZLXc/s400/NLmosaic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148194147/">Lighthouse</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148186795/">Urchin</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148198943/">Near Port Aux Basques</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5159553065/">Cape Bonavista Lighthouse</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5160157698/">Dungeons Provincial Park</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5159549199/">Kilmory Resort</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5055069969/">St. John's fence 3</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4815938145/">Ferryland lighthouse</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4743702947/">Cliffs</a>, 10. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4743700349/">Rasta-sheep</a>, 11. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4676328227/">Megan and Laura at the Sea Stack</a>, 12. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4676947122/">Blue at the Spout</a>, 13. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4676933898/">Untitled</a>, 14. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4676292073/">ECTA sign</a>, 15. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4370210463/">Rocky seas</a>, 16. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/4370940790/">Durrell</a></span></div>
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And of course, my degree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWUvGp4LEYmFTofuSg670zfbKnW2hykJbU00Py6WZz2pcUMaNXgDmhVOgIr1KAxJ7kb9364jMAOg_-_hEa7oNnlSVZ7S-5TKAS6iA4pvjBlKQ71q_V0E9Jiuyekt6McHgwc-6dzVyguM/s1600/IMG_1131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWUvGp4LEYmFTofuSg670zfbKnW2hykJbU00Py6WZz2pcUMaNXgDmhVOgIr1KAxJ7kb9364jMAOg_-_hEa7oNnlSVZ7S-5TKAS6iA4pvjBlKQ71q_V0E9Jiuyekt6McHgwc-6dzVyguM/s400/IMG_1131.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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I felt that I needed something else, something that, like the mummer, represented the traditions of Newfoundland. And then it came to me. There was a <a href="http://www.wooltrends.ca/">little yarn shop</a> two blocks away. The owner designed her own patterns. Among them, there was a pattern for a traditional fisherman's sweater (but toddler-size and therefore do-able). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6776947111/" title="Pattern by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pattern" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6776947111_254ee498a9.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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It's been a slow process, but the project is coming along. The pattern is one you have to focus on - not exactly mindless knitting. But it's a fun one! Check out this nubbliness:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6776944773/" title="Nubbly by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Nubbly" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6776944773_648a46ee0c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And the cables (love a cable):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6776949679/" title="Cable needle by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cable needle" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6776949679_4a3dab87fa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A close up of the back panel:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6776941899/" title="sweater back by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="sweater back" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6776941899_4b20bdac88.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Progress so far:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6776938561/" title="Sweater so far by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweater so far" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6776938561_eec6c6d514.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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By the way, in case you were wondering, there is no current intended recipient of this baby sweater. It's something I'll keep on hand, just in case I need it down the road...<br />
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Want to see more knitting projects? Check out <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/michaels-blanket.html">this blanket</a> and <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/01/grettas-blanket.html">this blanket</a>, <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/winter-is-here.html">this hat</a>, <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/emergency-scarf.html">this scarf</a>, <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-mittens.html">these mittens</a>, oh, and <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2009/10/mittens.html">these mittens</a> too.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-49733072719156116362011-12-22T19:09:00.002-04:002011-12-22T19:16:31.952-04:00For the love of cranberryCranberry sauce with turkey is the holiday equivalent of pineapple on pizza. You like it or you don't. One of the great dichotomies of life. Since I'm dedicating a whole post to cranberries, I think you can guess which side I favour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S58DBSjqSal_eIAmyRmquMpEfxdBOe0dXR2-szL7nX4YYLgoSHP5g97JSg-aQ2TbdG5suhY5V_WUKz9RedIDNnXg4A0nG8yjCmEOyw8bFTF8-92X9fFse8T5FWsiIImT-KP-RIdWwiU/s1600/Jellied_Sauce_Eng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S58DBSjqSal_eIAmyRmquMpEfxdBOe0dXR2-szL7nX4YYLgoSHP5g97JSg-aQ2TbdG5suhY5V_WUKz9RedIDNnXg4A0nG8yjCmEOyw8bFTF8-92X9fFse8T5FWsiIImT-KP-RIdWwiU/s1600/Jellied_Sauce_Eng.jpg" /></a></div>
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[found <a href="http://www.oceanspray.ca/Products/Jellied-Cranberry-Sauce.aspx">here</a>]</div>
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For years I thought canned cranberry sauce was a-mazing. Sweet, tangy, easy, there. That was before I was doing any of the cooking. A few years back I took to making the sauce from scratch - which is dead easy. Boil a cup of sugar and a cup of water, add a bag of cranberries and cook til the skins split. <br />
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Last year, I came across a more <i>involved</i> <a href="http://www.sweetpaulmag-digital.com/sweetpaulmag/holiday2010/#pg106">cranberry sauce recipe</a> in <a href="http://sweetpaul.typepad.com/my_weblog/">Sweet Paul</a> Magazine. I knew I had to try it!<br />
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"Sauce" is an understatement. This stuff is called Spiced Cranberry Apple Relish and is just as fancy as it sounds. But fun to make!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5361249201/" title="Chutney ingredients by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Chutney ingredients" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5081/5361249201_a9c450223d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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First, dice up the cranberries - I threw them in the food-processing attachment of my immersion blender and a few minutes later:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5361861720/" title="Minced cranberries by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Minced cranberries" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5250/5361861720_559d70d4c8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Citrus really makes this recipe zingy (zest and juice of oranges and lemons).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5361254931/" title="Zesting by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Zesting" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5004/5361254931_b24e9f162d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Grated fresh ginger adds the eponymous spice.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5361253551/" title="Cranberry apple chutney by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cranberry apple chutney" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5090/5361253551_dbbe41aa5d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Bit of sugar tames things down a bit:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5361863422/" title="Cranberry apple chutney by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cranberry apple chutney" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5048/5361863422_808e9fa8c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6556345083/" title="Just Us organic sugar by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Just Us organic sugar" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6556345083_c06a567c39.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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And the final product. Cranberry lovers rejoice!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5361867398/" title="Cranberry apple chutney by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cranberry apple chutney" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5282/5361867398_ecc94b4a22.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Best enjoyed with turkey and all the trimmings. Happy holiday eating to all of you, cranberry lovers or not!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6556346213/" title="Turkey dinner by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Turkey dinner" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6556346213_e3d9868861.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-71154908495696888682011-12-22T17:44:00.000-04:002011-12-22T17:44:39.538-04:00O, Christmas TreeThis Christmas brings a few firsts. First Christmas living back on PEI (after all those years away), first Christmas in our own home, and more to the point of this post, first real Christmas tree! <br />
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We started the season with only nine Christmas ornaments. The nine ornaments worked well last year, when we had nothing to decorate but our philodendron. But, thanks to some gifts, some sales, and some last minute DIYing, I think we've been able to fill it out nicely. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555895441/" title="Santa! by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Santa!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6555895441_50018a551e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[Santa from a French craft fair, from the world-traveling brother-in-law]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555893719/" title="Sou'wester snowman by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Sou'wester snowman" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6555893719_59360cc3e9.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[Snowman, Atlantic style]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555885533/" title="Donkey by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Donkey" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6555885533_64e94467ca.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[From a couple of donkeys]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555883445/" title="Mocassins by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Mocassins" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6555883445_fdb44f2c5a.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[<a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Labrador">Labrador</a> souvenir]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555887455/" title="First Christmas in the new place! by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="First Christmas in the new place!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6555887455_c97356dc3d.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[A gift from Mike's mom]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555891543/" title="Feathers by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Feathers" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6555891543_eea852cedb.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[DIY with feathers and empty Christmas balls]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555873979/" title="Mummer by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Mummer" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6555873979_cf13846445.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummering">mummer</a>, souvenir of <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Newfoundland">Newfoundland</a>]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555878741/" title="Pinecone on a spruce tree by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pinecone on a spruce tree" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6555878741_f4c18c4203.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[More DIY - pine cone, a hook and some hot glue]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6556007905/" title="Snow doc by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Snow doc" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6556007905_8d51381bf9.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[A gift from my mom]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555881063/" title="Angel by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Angel" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6555881063_8a614e22ff.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[Souvenir of <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/search/label/Europe">Europe</a> - handmade in the Czech Republic]</div>
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The trunk may be crooked and the ornaments few, but to me it's the most beautiful tree. The scent fills the house. It really brings on the Christmas spirit!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6555897139/" title="tree by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="tree" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6555897139_94109d9c41.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-14360008103135812162011-12-11T22:39:00.001-04:002011-12-11T22:41:00.137-04:00NYC... the foodYou may remember my recent visit to NYC from <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/11/nyc.html">my last post</a>. I had to make a separate post about my dining experiences there. Despite spending only three nights there, the trip was so packed full that one post couldn't do it all justice.<br />
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I will preface the post by saying that I don't have pics of <i>all</i> the great food we had. Meeting up with three girls you see only once a year leads to a lot of great conversation; food blogging was taking a bit of a back seat. <br />
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Our hotel was near Times Square. By the time we had all arrived from our various destinations we needed to head somewhere close by to eat. One of the girls mentioned <a href="http://www.juniorscheesecake.com/our_restaurants/times_square/">Junior's</a>. The original Junior's is located in Brooklyn and claims to be the home of the best New York cheesecake. I have to say, the cheesecake was pretty great as far as cheesecake goes! Unfortunately I don't have a pic, probably due to <strike>the instantaneous feeding frenzy</strike> my tiredness at the late hour.<br />
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(On an obscure note, the restaurant was founded by Harry Rosen. But not <a href="http://www.harryrosen.com/eng/aboutUs/aboutUs.cfm">this</a> Harry Rosen.)<br />
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I do have a pic of another great menu item - the brisket:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422071567/" title="Brisket by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Brisket" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6422071567_c7dea0f830.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A combo of NYC traditions: beef brisket with au jus, served on potato pancakes with a side of applesauce! The beef was moist and tender (which is saying something for a cut of meat like brisket) and the "bun" was hot and crispy. <br />
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Next up is a spontaneous street-sweet: <a href="http://www.bakedbymelissa.com/">mini cupcakes</a>! They were bite-sized and so tempting. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422132149/" title="Mini cupcakes by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Mini cupcakes" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6422132149_2f5a681c53.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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How tempting? Let's just say this was on our way to breakfast!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422125357/" title="mini cupcakes by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="mini cupcakes" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6422125357_2a865a8327.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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So hard to choose. #firstworldproblems</div>
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Probably the most famous NYC "restaurant" we visited was <a href="http://www.originalsoupman.com/">The Soup Man</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422152391/" title="The Soup Nazi by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="The Soup Nazi" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6422152391_9b478fc6ba.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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You may recall this place from Seinfeld. "No soup for you!". They actually sell t-shirts with that saying...</div>
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As you'd expect from the reputation, this guy is serious about his soup. Actually, he seems to be pretty serious about everything, particularly the right way to order the soup. The rules are printed on a large sign, and there are even handy marks on the sidewalk to help you out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422148643/" title="Soup Nazi by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Soup Nazi" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6422148643_09ec23b752.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now, for the soup. I had to have the lobster bisque. Fantastic. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422157423/" title="no soup for you! ...soup for me! by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="no soup for you! ...soup for me!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6422157423_2b8700dc0d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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You may have gathered from the pics (or remember from Seinfeld) that the "restaurant" is actually a lunch window on the street. You can't eat soup standing up, so we headed to a nearby park to enjoy it. The meal includes fresh bread, fruit, and a chocolate. Lovely lunch!</div>
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The last meal I have to share with you was more 'Euro' than 'Big Apple'. We had a decadent breakfast at the <a href="http://www.lepainquotidien.us/">Le Pain Quotidien</a> location in SoHo. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422161593/" title="petit dejeuner by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="petit dejeuner" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6422161593_5bc59b96fa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Check out this meal. A bread basket with four of their rustic/traditional breads, boiled egg, gruyere, organic apple juice, and cappuccino. Yum.</div>
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The number of places to eat in Manhattan is almost incomprehensible to a girl used to the selection in Atlantic Canadian cities. I recommend reading some online reviews ahead of your visit to have a short list of nearby restaurants. Otherwise it's hard to know where to start! </div>
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Any NYC restaurant favorites? Please share in the comment section!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-3220992191068555142011-11-28T21:31:00.001-04:002011-12-11T22:41:49.667-04:00NYCThis fall I was lucky enough to make a trip I've always wanted to make. To celebrate our 30th birthdays this year, three of my girlfriends and I decided we'd visit New York City (that's 120 years of life experience, for anyone who's counting).<br />
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I had never really visited the US. Not for a proper trip. There were a couple of half-hearted day trips across the border to Maine, but those don't really count. So, it was time. <br />
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I have long been curious about NYC, given it's pervasive presence in pop culture. I also have a few favorite blogs based in and around New York including <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">A Cup of Jo</a>, <a href="http://emersonmerrick.blogspot.com/">An Apple A Day</a>, and <a href="http://www.darlingdexter.com/">Darling Dexter</a>. And who wouldn't want to hit the streets of Manhattan after watching a few episodes of <a href="http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/style/on-the-street/1247463985977/index.html">Bill Cunningham - On The Street</a>? With my wardrobe, I know he'd spot me right away and probably do a whole video on me... <br />
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Anyway, on to some highlights of the trip!<br />
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We stayed in a New York hotel that's been around forever, the New Yorker. It was very central, had great Art Deco styling and was quite clean. Four people to a room was pushing it, but doable.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422120933/" title="New Yorker Hotel by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="New Yorker Hotel" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6422120933_72a5830917.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Because it was so close, we happened to hit Times Square almost every day. Dundas Square in Toronto has nothing on this place. It was constantly packed with people, no matter the time of day. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422075233/" title="Times Square by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Times Square" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6033/6422075233_2f5041cc48.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Another iconic symbol of New York that we passed daily:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422112427/" title="New York Times by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="New York Times" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6422112427_590dac0335.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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On the top of my list of things to do in NYC was Top of the Rock, a trip to the top of Rockefeller Centre to see the whole of Manhattan. The views were incredible! Especially the one with all the cute girls in it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422089349/" title="Central Park by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Central Park" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6232/6422089349_644c0ac387.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422092851/" title="Empire State by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Empire State" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6058/6422092851_8e4cfdf9ce.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422085009/" title="Girls at the Top of the Rock by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Girls at the Top of the Rock" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6422085009_8bd35e7374.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It was mid-November, so Rockefeller Plaza had the beginnings of its legendary Christmas display. Like the massive Christmas tree - with six storeys of staging required for its decoration!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422081951/" title="Tree by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Tree" height="500" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6225/6422081951_a876b6306c.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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The rink was open as well. There's something funny about a Zamboni in Manhattan.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422078237/" title="Rink by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Rink" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6422078237_b03a2d0c8a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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After seeing how huge Central Park was, we had to go take a look. We must have spent a couple of hours there and only covered less than a quarter of it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422106407/" title="Central Park by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Central Park" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6422106407_27a89ef9fc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422099063/" title="Central Park by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Central Park" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6422099063_b21f1f7315.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The show we decided to see was a comedy that had won numerous Tonys: Avenue Q. Sort of an existentialist/realist take on modern urban life. Performed by puppets. Here is a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be-h0eevE_E">sample</a> from the soundtrack.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422100989/" title="Avenue Q by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Avenue Q" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6422100989_4defed1587.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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The Museum of Modern Art was another spot I couldn't miss. Partially because of a special exhibit: Plywood.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422136815/" title="MoMA plywood exhibit by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="MoMA plywood exhibit" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6422136815_6894d374ae.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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...and it's role in mid-century design, of course. Not just plain old plywood, that would be weird.<br />
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For example:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6422139901/" title="Eames chair by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Eames chair" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6422139901_089922d913.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Mmm, plywood.<br />
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Looking back at everything we did in the city, it's hard to believe we spent only three days there. Yet, there is so much I'd like to go back and do! So, the Big Apple is still on my list of "places to see". <br />
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Ok, I'm stopping this monster post right here. There is a bit more NYC to come (NYC: The Food). So stay tuned.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-36665751038973517762011-11-11T09:56:00.001-04:002011-11-11T10:35:01.249-04:00Lest we forget<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6333927533/" title="Poppies by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Poppies" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6333927533_5b1e4043a8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I wouldn't call myself a military buff. But I take Remembrance Day very seriously. WWI and WWII were atrocities. I think it is important to periodically revisit those horrible events. It gives us perspective - war is atrocious, both for soldiers and civilians, and we should attempt to avoid it at all costs. <br />
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With that said, I'm proud of the roles Canadians (and Newfoundlanders, back then) played in the wars. My grandfathers (pictured below) both served Canada, overseas or at home. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6319777043/" title="Papa O'Brien by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Papa O'Brien" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6319777043_c24ddb3592.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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[Henry O'Brien]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6320297822/" title="Grampy O'Connor by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Grampy O'Connor" height="480" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6320297822_9854785d1b.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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[Leonard O'Connor]</div>
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To me, the world wars had clear morally "good" and "evil" sides (at least with respect to the Holocaust). Some of the armed conflicts ongoing today don't seem to be so clear cut. My wish for 11/11/11 is that those countries involved in armed conflict will work diplomatically where possible to find meaningful solutions. Ones that don't waste the lives of soldiers or civilians.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-43841494573411987062011-10-22T18:51:00.000-03:002011-12-11T22:40:45.704-04:00Schwarzwälder KirschtorteAlso known as Black Forest Cherry Cake. A cake I've always enjoyed and admired. One I might never have tried to make on my own (seems like a high degree of difficulty, no?). Well, the stars aligned a few weeks ago and it became apparent that I needed to get on it.<br />
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You see, we had planned an Oktoberfest celebration (in honour of both the season and our recent adventures in Germany). It happened to be scheduled on the same date as the birthday of a dear friend of mine. It didn't take a master of deductive reasoning to identify Black Forest cake as the most appropriate <i>gâteau d'anniversaire</i> for the occasion.<br />
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It took a few grocery store trips to gather all the ingredients. I decided to short-cut with the chocolate cake part (thank you Duncan Hines), but wanted to create the cherry filling from scratch. Luckily a local grocery store had some imported sour cherries in juice. Add a bit of sugar and corn starch, stir for an eternity, and you get delicious cherry filling:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269024027/" title="Cherry filling by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry filling" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6269024027_bd2120f724.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I know you know what comes next: <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269548362/" title="Whipping cream by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Whipping cream" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6269548362_93156781ba.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah. Full-fat.<br />
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Add some icing sugar to get, well, icing:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269557218/" title="Whipped cream by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Whipped cream" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6269557218_34feb4ebc7.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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(Not going to tell you how many spoonfuls I sampled to make sure it was "just right".)<br />
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Another special ingredient was Kirsch, a strong alcohol made from cherry distillate. Tastes nothing like cherries, more like whiskey. So I diluted it with a syrup made from the sour cherry juice and more sugar. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269560206/" title="Kirsch by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Kirsch" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6269560206_5bdec7183c.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269026435/" title="Cake (and pretzels) by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake (and pretzels)" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6269026435_acc29de598.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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These are the cakes, left out overnight to cool and dry slightly. (See the husband's <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2010/01/pretzelmaker.html">homemade soft pretzels</a> in the background? Yum!) You may know that this cake has several layers, more than your average b-day cake. I thought cutting it would be a horrible mess, until I found a tip on the interwebs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269553916/" title="Thread by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Thread" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6269553916_50c02027b0.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Ingenious!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269029365/" title="Cake-slicing trick by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake-slicing trick" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6269029365_f6ecff8850.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Wrap the thread around the middle of the cake, pull, and voila! Two layers! I was sure I had discovered the world's best-kept secret, but a quick poll later on at the party assured me this was essentially bakers' common sense. Martha was probably born knowing this one.<br />
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Anyway, it was then time for assembly:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269558742/" title="Ready to assemble by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Ready to assemble" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6269558742_d0252b7aae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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In this order: cake layer, baster-full of boozy-cherry-juice, dollop of whipped cream, cup of cherry filling. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269035571/" title="Layering by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Layering" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6269035571_8e15bd7aff.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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...and so on, until a final layer of chocolate cake is on top. Then you let your inner Cake Boss out, and decorate the crap out of this towering calorie-fest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269037937/" title="Black Forest cake by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Black Forest cake" height="385" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6269037937_baac2c71ef.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Final product!<br />
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With the birthday boy:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269042911/" title="Birthday boy by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday boy" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6269042911_cb168615c4.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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(Now, just to keep it real, I need to show you the cake from another angle. Has a bit of a list to it. Next time I will try a bit harder to make the layers flush.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269044213/" title="Listing by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Listing" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6269044213_37011397d8.jpg" width="471" /></a></div>
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For any of you viewers at home interested in tackling the Leaning Tower of Bavaria that you see above, here are <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/black-forest-cake-i/detail.aspx">two</a> <a href="http://www.germany-insider-facts.com/black-forest-cake-recipe.html">links</a> to helpful online recipes. I used a hybrid of the two. Check out the comments below the recipe on the first link too - it's a gold mine down there.<br />
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One last thing. When Mike and I get into something, we get waaaay into it. So trust me, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte tastes best when you are wearing traditional Bavarian lederhosen. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6269036347/" title="Hosts in 'hosen by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Hosts in 'hosen" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6269036347_661c3b50b1.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-89422667831388565512011-10-01T20:52:00.001-03:002011-10-01T20:52:46.645-03:00The last of summerLast weekend was just <i>beautiful</i> on Prince Edward Island. Although it was late September, Sunday was like a summer's day. <div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6202026688/" title="Beach sunset by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach sunset" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6202026688_7bd66a7968.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We headed to Cavendish Beach. A first for me, despite being an Islander for almost thirty years. It was worth the wait, especially since at this time of year the beach was nearly deserted.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6202025018/" title="shadow by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="shadow" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/6202025018_f109af076f.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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There were some great photo opportunities. It was a majestic sight as dozens of Canada geese departed the nearby pond for points south.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6201508999/" title="migrating geese by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="migrating geese" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6201508999_b827123e4a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6201501749/" title="Canada geese by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Canada geese" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6201501749_c9909d274b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The sand was soft as powder. Shadows were starting to fall and the sand had a lovely cooling effect on hot feet. I took this shot with a desktop background in mind. Feel free to download it from my Flickr account if you like it (just click through).</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6201507499/" title="rippled sand by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="rippled sand" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/6201507499_2ef1864d3a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Can you tell we're enjoying being back on PEI?</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6202028248/" title="Hogans by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Hogans" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6202028248_fae9ebab22.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-92041041363505715412011-09-14T21:32:00.001-03:002011-09-14T21:32:47.605-03:00Soft as a rockDuring a rare slow period this past winter, I recklessly decided to start a new hobby. In retrospect, I needed a new hobby like an Eskimo needs a Frigidaire (as George Jones would put it). But the curse of the crafty is that when you see a new craft, you think, "I can do that!".<br />
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Needle felting, that's what I'm getting to. If you are reading my blog, I'm assuming you have seen some felted projects around the blogosphere, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>, <a href="http://supermarkethq.com/browse/everything">Supermarket</a> and the like. Anyway, I loved the aesthetic of felted pieces and had heard over and over again that needle felting was "easy" (with the small footnote that even experienced needle felters occasionally spill their own blood).<br />
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For those of you still in the dark, needle felting is a way of turning raw, unspun wool (a.k.a. roving) into felt. Have you ever washed a wool sweater and had it come out of the washing machine looking like it <i>might</i> fit a neonate? Well, that's wet felting. The water, heat, and agitation of the washing machine denature and tangle the strands of wool into a thick, tough (shrunken) mat of felt. With needle felting, the wool stays dry. A very sharp (remember the blood I mentioned above), specialized needle with tiny divots in it is used to poke at the wool and mechanically tangle the fibres. <br />
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So, given my (short-lived) free time and the low start-up cost of needle felting, I gave it a try.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148142609/" title="IMG_2091 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2091" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6148142609_f035ba19ab.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Stones like these were my inspiration. Stones are a great starter project - there is no right shape to aim for. A little wiggle room is ideal for your first project.<br />
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So I found some lovely grey and ivory roving (at <a href="http://wabi-sabi.ca/">this little shop</a> during my <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/nations-capital.html">trip to Ottawa</a>) and gave it my best poke. Well, my best million pokes. And came up with something like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148700326/" title="felt stones by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="felt stones" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6148700326_8fa1f1bb13.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Not too bad, I think!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148160159/" title="stack by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="stack" height="252" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6148160159_cee8483032.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148160071/" title="collection by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="collection" height="252" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6148160071_c5a1c4480a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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For now, they decorate a large glass vase/candleholder on my table.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6148697218/" title="table display by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="table display" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6148697218_b02092d321.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have a few more items in the works, mainly consisting of decorations for our inaugural Christmas tree (for which we have a current total of nine ornaments). I would love to do a Christmas post on a few of them. Guess I better get felting!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-80829402210065414882011-08-25T22:35:00.000-03:002012-03-18T18:24:31.548-03:00BruggeContinuing on with the story of our <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/european-adventure.html">European adventure</a>... after discovering <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/dusseldorf.html">Düsseldorf</a> and <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/07/chimay-food.html">eating</a> our way through <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/chimay.html">Chimay</a>, the husband and I made our way to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruges">Brugge, Belgium</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824530631/" title="Canal by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Canal" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/5824530631_938a74c1b8.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Maybe the prettiest city ever. Legend has it that Brugge was spared the drab-ification of the Industrial Revolution thanks to the thriving lace-making industry in the area. Or that's what I was told when I first traveled there in 2003. On this trip I learned that the city's history is not so simplistic. Brugge at one point was supposedly the commercial centre of the world, has a history of attracting great European artists, and was once actually a port city (silt deposits now place it a-ways inland). These days it seems to have a reputation in Europe for being a big tourist trap. But, like all good cliches, Brugge's reputation is rooted in truth - it's a great spot to visit!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825082628/" title="Markt in day by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Markt in day" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/5825082628_3f1d24ce2e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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We spent hours on end traipsing over the cobblestoned streets in the historic (<a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/996"><i>UNESCO-</i>historic</a>) city centre. The streets circle around the Markt and run parallel with the many canals of the city (hence the alias "Venice of the North"). We found tiny cafes, funny little homes, and some hole-in-the-<strike>wall-</strike>ground beer cafes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824525533/" title="t'Poatersgat by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="t'Poatersgat" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/5824525533_85aa37c1b4.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Our lodgings were lovely to look at, though a bit damp in person (I guess that was to be expected in the bargain lodgings of "Venice of the North").<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824522197/" title="Passages Bruges by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Passages Bruges" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/5824522197_7192fc9cb3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The food was excellent. For an example, see our moules-et-frites, below. On a few occasions we hit up the grocery stores for picnic fare and lunched near the windmills on the perimeter of the city. Simple and romantic - fitting for our honeymoon. We also ate delicious Belgian waffles but they didn't come close to lasting long enough to be photographed. Luckily, they're safely stored away in my food memory. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824533493/" title="Moules et Frites by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Moules et Frites" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5824533493_6bd4e53381.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824529159/" title="Windmills by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Windmills" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/5824529159_5c6871a312.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I can't not mention the beer. Belgium has so many beer styles, some only to be found in that country. There's not really beer there - except the odd import - that would really be recognizable as beer to the Canadian mass market. Many Belgian styles are sweet and/or have a high alcohol content, but really the styles run the gamut. To generalize, it's the kind of beer you savour and relish. You won't see a Belgian chugging. You don't buy a 2-4 in Brugge. In short, Belgian beer is an art form. When's the last time you went to a Canadian pub, asked for the house beer and got this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825093996/" title="Beer, the Belgian way by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer, the Belgian way" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5825093996_f9c8539549.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Served on it's own tray, in it's own glass, <i>on a doily</i>, with a side of specially selected local cheese. Belgian beer. That's what I'm talking about.<br />
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To me, Brugge is a wonderfully rich city and well worth a visit. I've been there twice and I'd love to go again. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825084978/" title="Markt at night by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Markt at night" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/5825084978_0682564ec1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The next European stop will be in the Czech Republic. So stay tuned...Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-68385885862416433792011-08-21T13:14:00.000-03:002011-08-21T13:14:50.603-03:00Garden freshHello again! It's about time I got back to the blog. It's been a busy summer with a new house and a new job, so despite having lots of things to blog about I haven't found enough time to actually post! <br />
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Back in June, when we moved in to the house, I quickly took advantage of my very first yard (yeah!), and planted veggies straight away. At the time I said I would be content if I even had a 10% yield, seeing as it was my first year planting anything.<br />
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Sure enough, I didn't get a super yield. Below is a picture (taken last week) of the 'garden' where I planted yellow beans, carrots, and cucumbers. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6035667924/" title="IMG_1999 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1999" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/6035667924_094cb2119b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[underwhelming]</div>
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Yep. Underwhelming. Because NOTHING grew! I noticed when I tilled the garden that there were numerous creepy-crawlies making a home in the dirt. Cut-worms must have been included in the melange because, aside from a few short-lived bean sprouts, my crop yield was nil. Mildly disappointing.<br />
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But now onto the success story of my garden: the cherry tomatoes! I decided to plant potted tomatoes because I've heard good things about container gardening - you know exactly what type of soil you're giving the plants, you can move the containers to get the optimal light, and really, you can put them wherever in/on your yard or deck you please. I found my plants at <a href="http://www.gov.pe.ca/business/onebusiness.php3?number=14081">VanKampen's Greenhouses</a> here in Charlottetown. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6035676936/" title="IMG_1541 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1541" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/6035676936_56cffd0233.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[just after planting]</div>
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I planted three cherry tomato plants per container (in retrospect I would have planted two - you'll see why). One container was a mix of potting soil + <a href="http://www.iwmc.pe.ca/compostpricelist.php">PEI compost</a> and the other had potting soil + a Miracle-Gro potting soil. I was going to experiment to see which plants did better, but of course mixed up the containers before labeling them (all my years experimenting in labs obviously have gone to waste!). <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6035663314/" title="IMG_1997 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1997" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6035663314_3d54a17bc0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[crazy plants]</div>
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In the end, the soil-experiment mix-up was moot. All plants took off like crazy. At last count, about three weeks ago, there were over 100 tomatoes on the vines - I'm guessing that number has doubled by now! If you look closely in the pic above, you can see the green wire frames I'm using to support the vines - compare to the first picture to see how massive the plants actually are!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6035103485/" title="IMG_1992 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1992" height="500" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/6035103485_c3bd041632.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[pretty tomatoes]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6065631498/" title="Cherry tomatoes by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry tomatoes" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6065631498_952c1602b9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[enough for dinner!]</div>
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The best part is that the tomatoes are actually starting to ripen in useful quantities. For about two weeks we simply ate them as they ripened one-by-one, but this weekend we had enough to use in our marinated-summer-veggie-and-tofu-kabobs. We typically go through a container of cherry tomatoes every week or two, so this garden success story will actually help our grocery bill.<br />
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Another success in the garden was the pea patch:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6065980202/" title="before and after - peas by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="before and after - peas" height="252" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6065980202_44d4017a6b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[before and after]</div>
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We're starting to see a bit of a yield - looking forward to the first harvest.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6065926796/" title="pea pod by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="pea pod" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6065926796_a1b210dfec.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[so fresh]</div>
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Lastly, let me show you our inherited grape vines. I can claim no part in helping them grow, they just came along with our house. They seem to be doing wonderfully this season, though. I might try some grape jelly in the fall if they become plump enough. They are definitely still sour at this point.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6035659300/" title="IMG_1874 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1874" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6035659300_aed7c66aa8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[grape vines on the pergola]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/6035121335/" title="IMG_2005 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2005" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/6035121335_d54a571935.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[lotsa grapes!]</div>
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Thanks for checking back into the blog despite the summer dormancy. Hope to have more posts for you soon!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-31623147639923312552011-07-11T20:08:00.005-03:002012-03-18T18:24:31.543-03:00Chimay... the foodI promised in my first <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/chimay.html">post</a> about Chimay that I'd be back with more about the food we discovered there. Well, promise fulfilled.<br />
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If I recall correctly, the first food we had on arrival at the <a href="http://www.chimay.com/en/auberge.html?IDC=293">Auberge de Poteaupré</a> was - <i>dun da na na -</i> the cheese. Not only was it the first food we tried, but the first food we smelled. On walking in the front door, the aroma of cheese rind was in the air. Kinda fousty, but in a pleasant way. Unless you don't like cheese. In that case, you probably shouldn't read this post. Anyway, I began salivating immediately. <br />
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After freshening up, we sauntered down to the restaurant. First item of business: selecting one of the Chimay Trappist beers. I chose Chimay Red, a somewhat dark beer that was fruity, spicy, and served in a beautiful goblet. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824849024/" title="IMG_0404 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0404" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/5824849024_3ae1e9fd21.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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While selecting a beer from the Auberge menu, I happily noted that each beer was paired with a cheese, also made by the Trappist monks across the road to my right. Across the field to my left was a herd of dairy cows. I knew this was going to be good cheese!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824853246/" title="Thanks for the cheese, gals! by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Thanks for the cheese, gals!" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5035/5824853246_cea5d576bc.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Our group was up for trying ALL the cheeses. Luckily, samples were on the menu. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5927566793/" title="cheese board by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="cheese board" height="334" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5927566793_8c61dc2193.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[clockwise from top left: cheese board, Grand Cru, A la Biere, Vieux Chimay, Grand Classique, Le Poteaupré]</div>
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I'm not going to pretend that I can critique the cheese and beer pairing. My palate is not that refined! They all went well together, in my opinion. The cheese was delicious. It ranged from creamy and smooth (Classique and A la Biere) to mild and firm (Vieux Chimay) and finally (my favorites) to smoky and rich (Le Poteaupré and Grand Cru). If there is a specialty cheese shop near you, I'd have a look for any of these cheeses the next time you're in. <br />
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When the cheese had vanished from the board, leaving nothing but a pile of toothpick-flags, we moved on to selecting our mains. I couldn't resist the pan-fried local trout:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824832366/" title="Trout by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Trout" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2382/5824832366_c1a79c2890.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The trout was simple and fresh with a crispy skin and a perfectly-cooked, flaky-but-moist interior. It reminded me of going fishing with ski poles with my dad when we were kids. We'd take the fish home, flour, and pan-fry them. Except we would usually behead the fish before cooking it...</div>
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Mike went for heavier fare. Homemade meatballs. All smothered in cheese. Meatballs big enough to plant a flag in:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824833552/" title="On top of old smokey... by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="On top of old smokey..." height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2395/5824833552_69389c4f30.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Oh, that cheese sauce... (I'm obviously drooling right now). I dipped a few <i>frites</i> in it, not gonna lie. Imagine a saltier, smokier, creamier Hollandaise sauce and you'd be close. It also had bacon in it. Yeah, it did. <br />
<br />
Do you see why the food needed it's own post? And this was just one evening! We had an equally fabulous dinner the next night. I'm telling you, this Auberge is the place to go in Belgium. <br />
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Until next time!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-61649618251843594332011-06-29T17:30:00.000-03:002011-06-29T17:30:11.965-03:00TzatzikiHopefully at least some readers are experiencing hot summer weather right now! Thought I'd share the (easy) recipe for a cool, tasty, summer dip: tzatziki sauce! This is a traditionally Greek dipping sauce that uses thick yogurt, cucumber, lemon and garlic and is ultimately refreshing.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828664924/" title="Ingredients by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Ingredients" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/5828664924_dfbeb71672.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>From the ingredient list, you could probably intuitively throw this recipe together. But there are a few tricks to it, namely controlling the water content of the dip, so I'll give you a few instructions. My method was cobbled together from several online recipes (which all gave similar advice).<br />
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You should start making the dip maybe five or six hours ahead of when you plan to serve it. I found the leftovers kept well refrigerated for 24 hours, so you could probably prepare it that far in advance. It will just need a good stir before serving. <br />
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The first step is to find a good, thick plain yogurt (500 mL). I prefer <i>at least</i> 2% milk fat in mine, more if I can find it. (What makes non-fat yogurt so creamy? It freaks me out.) Greek-style is preferable as it is the thickest type of yogurt, but I could only find Balkan-style and it still worked well. So, as I mentioned, you need to get rid of any excess moisture in the yogurt. This can be accomplished using a large bowl and a strainer lined with cheesecloth. This is my set up:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828118737/" title="Straining yogurt by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Straining yogurt" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/5828118737_0ddc5b6d14.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Let it stand in the fridge for a few hours. You'll be surprised at how much water drains out! Or maybe you won't, because I'm going to show you:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828118305/" title="Strained yogurt by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Strained yogurt" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5828118305_2548c69bbb.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>While the yogurt is straining, you can work on the cucumber. I've read that cucumbers are 95% water. I can't verify that, but they certainly are juicy! I love cucumbers. And in making this dip, I discovered I really love grating them. Warning: prepare to get splashed! <br />
<br />
I used the large side of a plain old box grater and grated one English cucumber, skin and all (for the colour and the nutrients). To get rid of the excess water, just use a bit of basic science: sprinkle the grated cuke with salt (a teaspoon or two), which will osmotically draw water out of its cells. Give the process time to work by leaving the mixture in the fridge for an hour or so. Next, to get rid of the moisture, drain the liquid out of the mixture, then pat it down well with some paper towels or a clean dish towel. The cucumber shreds should look pretty limp and relatively dry.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828665572/" title="Shredded cuke by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Shredded cuke" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/5828665572_f7d29f2d30.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">[just-salted cuke]</div><br />
From here on out, the recipe is pretty basic. Mix the thickened yogurt with the dry cucumber, then add a clove (or more to taste) of crushed garlic and the juice of 1/2 lemon, plus some zest. Stir well. Chill for a few hours before serving. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828667294/" title="Kibbeh platter by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Kibbeh platter" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/5828667294_e24cd41bbc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">[clockwise from top: whole-wheat pita bread, tzatziki, tabouleh, hummous, kibbeh]</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I like tzatziki served as a dip for vegetables or whole-wheat pita bread. On this particular occasion, though, I was hosting a Middle Eastern-style dinner, so the tzatziki was also a dressing for kibbeh, a sort of lamb meatloaf made with bulgar wheat and pinenuts and spiced with allspice and cinnamon. I was trying to emulate the kibbeh at <a href="http://www.cedarseatery.com/Cedarmain.html">my favorite Lebanese restaurant</a>. Now that's a recipe I'd like to share with you (now that I know it will turn out well!). <br />
<br />
Hope you find an opportunity to prepare this great dip!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-19353364557063350192011-06-22T14:55:00.000-03:002012-03-18T18:24:31.538-03:00ChimayStop #2 on our European adventure was perhaps the most anticipated. Because it was our goal to sample the fine foods and beer in this part of the world, Chimay was a prime destination. Not only do the monks here create the famous Trappist beer of the same name, but they also craft an extensive line of cheeses. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824849024/" title="IMG_0404 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0404" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/5824849024_3ae1e9fd21.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
<br />
The most <i>fun</i> part of this leg of the trip was that we spent it in the company of good friends. Friends of ours from university days had since moved to the Netherlands (and recently had a little baby girl). Along with Aaron (who we met up with in <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.ca/2011/06/dusseldorf.html">Düsseldorf</a>), we made a nice little party of six (or maybe five-and-a-half!). <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824843656/" title="Friends by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Friends" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2124/5824843656_ee7d461aa5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
We fit (snugly!) into a European rent-a-car. Which was essential, since Chimay is a bit off-the-beaten-track. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824853246/" title="Thanks for the cheese, gals! by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Thanks for the cheese, gals!" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5035/5824853246_cea5d576bc.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So, just for the part of me that loves accuracy, let me explain what I mean by "Chimay". I'm using the name a bit loosely to describe the area we visited. Chimay is a small village in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallonia">Wallonia</a>, the southern region of Belgium. About 10 km away, out in the countryside, you can find the Abbey of Notre Dame de Scourmont. The Abbey is home to the Trappist monks who brew and cheese-make (the profits of their enterprise go to running the monastery and helping the poor). Their product brand is also <a href="http://www.chimay.com/en/en.html?IDC=27">Chimay</a>. We did spend a few hours in the town of Chimay (photos to follow), but we stayed at the <a href="http://www.chimay.com/en/auberge.html?IDC=293">Auberge de Poteaupré</a>, the inn loosely associated with the monastery and just a short walk from the grounds. <br />
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Whew. Hope that explains it for you. Now for the pictures!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824856226/" title="Auberge de Poteupre by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Auberge de Poteupre" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3518/5824856226_3bcc6128f0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[Auberge de Poteaupré]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824838032/" title="Fork in the road by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Fork in the road" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/5824838032_d08bf25d2e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[walk through the woods]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824286697/" title="Abbey by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Abbey" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/5824286697_c79e1c7c4d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824280651/" title="Abbey by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Abbey" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5824280651_2906bcf3ae.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[grounds of the Abbey]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824845072/" title="Church at the abbey by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Church at the abbey" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/5824845072_4669bc2a6e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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[inside the Abbey church]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828906346/" title="Chimay (town) by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Chimay (town)" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/5828906346_b5175672a7.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[ancient church in Chimay (town)]</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5828359501/" title="Chimay (town) by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Chimay (town)" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/5828359501_99f19ebc56.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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[Chimay]</div>
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I think it's quite evident from the pictures, but the area was beautiful. Quiet, pastoral and green. The weather was perfect - temperatures in the mid-twenties, sunshine, and not a cloud in the sky. The Inn was in fabulous shape with crisp linens on the bed and friendly service in the restaurant. The monastery was utterly peaceful and beautifully kept by the monks. The town was just ancient - stone buildings and cobblestone streets in need of repair - but charming none-the-less. Language-wise, we got along fine (Mike was a French immersion kid, and quite a few locals spoke basic English). Chimay and the surrounding area made for a great long weekend and would be the perfect spot to go if you wanted to get away from it all.<br />
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Apparently, writing about the locale alone makes a full post! I think I'll give you a breather. You can read all about the food (including cheese!) in my next entry.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-28099492904543964192011-06-20T23:52:00.000-03:002012-04-12T10:10:08.584-03:00The Village FeastIt is that time of year again... the Village Feast is almost upon us. The 4th annual!<br />
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Never heard of it? Allow me to elaborate.<br />
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The Village Feast is a community-based fundraiser. The Village Feast is a gourmet meal. The Village Feast is a culinary event of epic proportions. The Village Feast feeds and clothes Canadians. The Village Feast facilitates the well-being of Kenyan children. The Village Feast promotes locavorism.<br />
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Can you see why I love the Village Feast?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5PRg6exu-sKixE0wgmee8HJVvDKN-Ay8RwzidIfeN-Mc3wyVw25EEaOK7jOw-TrZne4c4nhtIh4mI0jMndqJp63qStXxBf5XAMUA2m4UVc6_LL-rVmZYFkOOSjeSt2k60AxYE1qc8tI/s1600/mosaic43cbe39c13be21df47dc3204247a6220a5723cca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5PRg6exu-sKixE0wgmee8HJVvDKN-Ay8RwzidIfeN-Mc3wyVw25EEaOK7jOw-TrZne4c4nhtIh4mI0jMndqJp63qStXxBf5XAMUA2m4UVc6_LL-rVmZYFkOOSjeSt2k60AxYE1qc8tI/s400/mosaic43cbe39c13be21df47dc3204247a6220a5723cca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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[so many volunteers]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1rqzR5-cvCgrPqiSDPtEn8le_eEj5Kv32Nw2C2y_6VQ5oNfjYXIhtAxILyyYgPY9PALgUAZIZyVOEypPAfGSsrJc1fNw0L9-TomUULBKOtyQL4bnGQfj_iVfJ2GfQZKo9xaCqhD8H-Q/s1600/mosaic23cfaea95236cb485515f8a319d581aa539d5e8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1rqzR5-cvCgrPqiSDPtEn8le_eEj5Kv32Nw2C2y_6VQ5oNfjYXIhtAxILyyYgPY9PALgUAZIZyVOEypPAfGSsrJc1fNw0L9-TomUULBKOtyQL4bnGQfj_iVfJ2GfQZKo9xaCqhD8H-Q/s400/mosaic23cfaea95236cb485515f8a319d581aa539d5e8d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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[local. fresh.]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa3km5r_-bKCY7T9GpwIchv3NJmlAm4O3-pyM7LGNHjZiAsowKVmaSmCrR3BjtmQoAcNoKVTKb6WJGkYKYPt6NmbHEHQJFGD2pGnO50dAgImB_3BZ6hqWiYWUSoTaA9IfWs-jDeh60y4/s1600/mosaic19b1a573a9d2daad30c3a7a66fa6a202ac5ac032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa3km5r_-bKCY7T9GpwIchv3NJmlAm4O3-pyM7LGNHjZiAsowKVmaSmCrR3BjtmQoAcNoKVTKb6WJGkYKYPt6NmbHEHQJFGD2pGnO50dAgImB_3BZ6hqWiYWUSoTaA9IfWs-jDeh60y4/s400/mosaic19b1a573a9d2daad30c3a7a66fa6a202ac5ac032.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
[gourmet]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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If this piques your interest at all, I highly encourage you to visit the <a href="http://villagefeast.ca/Home.php">Village Feast website</a>. It is happening on Sunday, July 3rd in <a href="http://www.sourispei.com/">Souris</a>, <a href="http://www.tourismpei.com/index.php3#">PEI</a>. There are still tickets left if you are in the area and would like to attend. It's not everyday that you can attend a gourmet meal for 1000 people, sample the goodness that PEI agriculture and aquaculture has to offer, and support Kenyan school children and local families alike.<br />
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I wouldn't miss it for the world!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-3435788618193608112011-06-14T09:28:00.000-03:002012-03-18T18:24:31.544-03:00DüsseldorfDüsseldorf was our first real stop on our European holiday. But it took a little while to actually get there.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>St. John's to Toronto was about a three hour flight. Five hour stopover in Toronto. Nine hour flight (overnight - and now I know why they call it a red-eye) to Munich. Shuttle to the hoptbanhof (main train station) was forty-five minutes. <i>Then</i> we caught the train to Düsseldorf. Everything was going smoothly until the train ground to a halt about a half-hour outside of Munich. We learned that someone had unfortunately (and intentionally) met their demise on the tracks ahead of us! This understandably caused a major disruption in train schedules for the day. So we spent a few more hours than anticipated riding the rails.</div><div><br />
</div><div>But, finally, after 30 hours of travel, we arrived in Düsseldorf (red eyes and all). And despite the distance we had travelled, a familiar face from home was there to greet us!</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5823933207/" title="Buddies by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Buddies" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/5823933207_513e029fbc.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Our good friend Aaron was in this part of Germany for a work trip, and added on a few days of vacation when he found out our schedules would coincide. </div><div><br />
</div><div>It was <i>such</i> a treat to have a tour guide (Aaron had had time to get his bearings in the city already) at this point, because we were slightly bleary, yet determined to get the most out of our first <strike>day</strike> evening in Europe. So after a quick freshening up, we hit the streets.</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div>I hadn't really researched the city before arrival - we considered it more of a stop-over/meeting place than an official destination on our itinerary. For some reason, I had an image of Düsseldorf as a gritty, industrial town. Not the case!</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824493528/" title="Dusseldorf by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Dusseldorf" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5824493528_32cc76dbb0.jpg" width="375" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div>The city was just beautiful. Gorgeous. And it didn't hurt that it was 20+ degrees outside (any of my Atlantic Canadian readers know what a treat that was in early May!). It had a modern feel with a whimsical undercurrent evidenced by numerous statues, monuments, and interesting building features:</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5823934917/" title="Jesters by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Jesters" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/5823934917_599e58f92e.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5823934059/" title="Weathervane by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Weathervane" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/5823934059_b744c95374.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5823936265/" title="Statue by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Statue" height="500" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3430/5823936265_f71862f736.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5826503229/" title="Pretty building by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Pretty building" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/5826503229_3bdd310f58.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5827053030/" title="Tower by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Tower" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/5827053030_1b2e03696e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>As I mentioned in my <a href="http://runtymouse.blogspot.com/2011/06/european-adventure.html">intro post</a>, our motivation to travel to this part of the world was to sample the food and the beer. I'm about to get to the food. But the very reason we chose Düsseldorf as a meeting point was its unique beer style. The Altbier, or "old beer" (old in style, not in chronological age!) of Düsseldorf isn't found anywhere else, and is actually the grounds for a rivalry with neighbouring Köln. I won't give too much of a description here since my husband will be featuring the beer of our trip on <a href="http://irondonkeys.blogspot.com/">his blog</a>. Suffice it to say, if you are a beer connoisseur, the Altbier alone made it worth the trip. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824499838/" title="Altbiers by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Altbiers" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/5824499838_e7db30e10f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>But on to the food! We ate at one of the Altbier breweries (Frankenheim) and the entire menu looked tempting! </div><div><br />
</div><div>I settled on a traditional German pickled herring dish (very similar flavour to the Solomon Gundy of Atlantic Canada), with bacon-potatoes. The herring was served chilled in a sour cream sauce and topped with a boiled egg and black olive. The potatoes were served warm alongside. It was a lovely dish. Considering the similar flavour, if I were preparing this at home I might forego the cream component, but it was great as a treat. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824502156/" title="Creamy pickled herring by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Creamy pickled herring" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/5824502156_6af2755ab0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>Mike, relishing his first night in Germany, decided to go with a large helping of sausages (four, to be exact) with a side of sauerkraut and horseradish whipped potatoes. As is tradition in our little family of two, we routinely sample the other person's meal so I can tell you that this dish was super flavourful and everything you'd expect from a plateful of German sausage.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824501088/" title="Sausagefest x 4 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Sausagefest x 4" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5240/5824501088_02f207ce84.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>The meals hit the spot and set the bar high for the rest of our trip. Which I will tell you a little more about, next time!</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2908377666314933080.post-85359251961902703542011-06-12T17:43:00.000-03:002011-12-11T22:43:52.369-04:00European AdventureHello! Anybody out there? It's been a long - gasp! - six weeks since my last post! I mentioned last time that I was going on a bit of an adventure. Well, that I did. My husband and I went on a two-week tour of Europe (a honeymoon of sorts - two years after the wedding!). We explored the cities and countryside and sampled the best beer and food in the land. And now I'm here to share it with you.<br />
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(If you did the math and can't figure out why a two-week trip caused a six-week blog hiatus, I also had a few other things on the go such as graduating, moving, buying our first house and preparing for a new job. No big deal. )<br />
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There are lots of posts to come from the trip, but I'd like to start with a brief overview.<br />
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We travelled to Wallonia (in Belgium):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825360215/" title="Cows by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Cows" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2072/5825360215_1cfb5ca1c4.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Bohemia (Czech Republic):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825926492/" title="Prague Castle at night by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Prague Castle at night" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/5825926492_af349b85e5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And Bavaria (Germany):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825926052/" title="Munich at night by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Munich at night" height="375" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/5825926052_b3dc5ecf10.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We sampled fine food:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825415491/" title="Spargel + schnitzel by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Spargel + schnitzel" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5071/5825415491_f38e805619.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>and fine beverages:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5824849024/" title="IMG_0404 by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0404" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/5824849024_3ae1e9fd21.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We spent a lot of time in train stations:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825924582/" title="Koln train station by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Koln train station" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/5825924582_699a5ff305.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And on trains:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825919614/" title="Training by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Training" height="500" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5825919614_dfb7dec733.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And through the whole trip, we kept a journal (the old fashioned way - pen and paper)...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18001859@N08/5825364313/" title="Beer cafe by ~Tone, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer cafe" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/5825364313_3bbf686afd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>...so we'd remember all the things we wanted to blog about once back home! There's lots more to come...Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01676671302014797497noreply@blogger.com1