as of late: the october edition

{post-dance hair do}

{finally a broccoli soup I can get behind}

{just two gals chatting at a party}

{he likes his with maple syrup and toasted nuts (she prefers a healthy dose of brown sugar)}

{banged up but still smiling}

{not our Christmas card}

{apple crisp before}

{soup season}

{filling up all the white space at Nana's request}

{apple crisp after}

{a gift from Papa}

giving thanks

{lots of be thankful for}

 We decided to host Thanksgiving dinner at our place this summer when we were in PEI. Eager to get my grandparents over to the mainland we made them promise they would eat turkey at our place this year. They obliged us and so we prepared to host dinner for eight at our table for four.

Jeff was eager to brine our turkey and so we soaked our 14lb bird in salted and sugared water for over 12 hours. I was less enthused. The thought of poultry festering in a plastic vessel overnight wasn't doing it for me this year. I've brined a turkey before with my friend Jayme in Calgary. At the time we didn't have a cooler so we filled the crisper in her fridge with salt water! Now, that is commitment to turkey!

Jeff took Violet to church and then to the pool so I could prep and cook sans interruption. When I pulled the turkey out of the cooler it had an oddly human feel. The skin had become more transparent than usual and I could see the poor bird's muscles (that is what we eat right? muscles? sick.) I rinsed him off in the sink in much the same way I used to rinse Violet off at the cottage. It felt really weird. Wrong and weird, but I love turkey dinner so I persevered.

As I bathed our dinner the most disgusting thing happened: I got a feather splinter. Yes, a feather splinter. I love that we got our turkey at the market, but if it means seeing remnants of feathers I'm not sure I can stomach that much closeness with nature. If I get avian flu you will all know why.

The dinner went off without a hitch. I manged to fit all the food on each plate and all the people at the table (except for Violet who was relegated to her pink desk in the corner, which she loved). I thought the turkey was a teeny bit salty, but no one else agreed (it is possible they are just scared of me). Nanny made two pies (one for Jeff and one for everyone else -- for real), a perfect ending to a great meal.

I really have to work on taking pictures while I cook. I pride myself of being a good multitasker, but I can never seem to capture every step of the process. I took a few pictures of the bread I baked, one or two shots when everyone sat down to eat, but once my turkey coma began to set in I was out of commission as a photographer!

Nonetheless, here are a few pictures from our weekend, including a magical father-daughter-granddaughter hike at Hemlock Ravine. We have a history of such hikes which started when Vi was still in a baby bijorn. This year she walked almost the whole hour. She complained, but she did it!

xo

{Ellen's bread works everytime}

{even as rolls}

sage girl

{why yes that is candy corn on my sweater}

How was your Thanksgiving?

Ours was great, nothing beats a long weekend, but now I have a nasty head cold. I have loads of pictures to share with you but this is all I could muster in an Advil Cold and Sinus induced fog.

One thing I realized this weekend, although it has been a long time coming, is that Violet really is a big girl. She is in no way, shape or form a baby and she knows it.

I'm not sure how early you got up yesterday, but since it was a holiday I'll assume you missed the early morning rainstorm. It poured. When Violet and I arrived at the playground a few hours later the swings were still damp. No matter, Vi used her sweater to mop up the water and had a grand old time swinging away. After a few minutes a little boy, who was maybe two years old, came and sat in the swing next to Violet. It was so cute hearing her talk to him. She told him not to go too high and she called him silly when he said he saw a plane (she argued it was a seagull -- they were looking at two different things). She knew she was older than this little boy and I am pretty sure she thought she was smarter. She obviously loved it. She is always the littlest at our house, so she delighted in her new role.

When the little boy got off the swing he said to his mum, "my bum is wet."

Violet looked at him, took a deep breath and nodded, "it's a wet world", she said.

The two kids paused. The little boy looked at Violet for half a second, almost like he was acknowledging, "that was deep". Then he ran off and sat in a puddle.

Violet kept swinging, thrilled with her little-but-getting-bigger philosopher self.

It is a wet world? That might be my favourite Violetism yet! 

xo

Em

{we live next to one of the only construction sites on the peninsula -- lucky us...}

{she finds herself really funny}

je ne sais quoi

{beet and goat cheese panini}

I mentioned in my last post that I have recently started using Pinterest. My first foray into pinterest-recipe-dom was less than successful (see severed bundt cake), but I figured that was mostly my fault. No, that was completely my fault. Patience has never been my strong suit. After my initial experience my faith in myself may have faltered, but my faith in Pinterest remained steadfast. 

Enter the beet and goat cheese grilled cheese. 

Let me stop right there. How good does that sandwich sound? Right? I love beets and I love goat cheese -- slap on a little arugula and fire that baby in a panini press -- delish. Or not. Last night Jeff and I tried this recipe and although it wasn't offensive, I can't really say anything good about it. It was definitely lacking...je ne sais quoi. Not even a generous amount of sea salt could rescue my taste buds from the monotony of this sandwich. The word "blah" is coming to mind. 

What went wrong? I bought fresh beets at the market, they were sweet, soft and the most beautiful shade of pink. The goat cheese I used was good too -- we got it at Fox Hill Cheese (also at the market) and they never disappoint. What else can I blame? Myself -- an obvious choice, but surely even an imbecile can put together a sandwich. Then it dawned on me -- pinterest is the culprit. 

If other "pinners" are like me, they pin things that look good, not things that are good necessarily. I doubt many "pinners" do their due diligence and vet every recipe they pin. That would be exhausting. So how do you know if a recipe on pinterest is good? 

More importantly what could I add to this sandwich to give it a kick? Jeff said meat, but I disagree. Maybe caramelized onions? What do you think, is this sandwich worth saving?

xo

Em

groundhog day

{we cross our legs toward each other, that means we like each other -- ever seen Clueless?}

Last Saturday we got up early, headed to the market and then hit the road for the valley. It was so fun we thought we would do it all over again this week. Seriously, that is what we thought. My sweet friend Anna is heading back out West (temporarily we are all assured) and I had to squeeze in one last visit.

Last weekend her sister, who just had a baby, was sweet enough to have us over for lunch -- we thought we would put her hospitality to the test and visit her again this week. Luckily she and her husband are two of the nicest people you'll meet. They even acted like they were happy to see us again -- just what a family with a new baby wants, visitors!

I personally think it stinks that we lose so many good Maritimers to the West. I totally get it, but that doesn't stop it from stinking. Luckily this friend's roots are deep (like an apple tree...) and I just know she'll be back.

The fact her sister has one of the cutest babies around is an even bigger incentive to get back on the right side of Canada.

I'll miss you Anna!

xo

Em

{bliss}

{come back home Auntie Anna}

{I brought cheese and bread from the market}

{Anna out did me with homemade blueberry pie}

{silly girls}

in pictures

{Valley Girl of the Annapolis variety}

This weekend was full of fresh blueberries and fresh babies. I took pictures of the blueberries, but I was too busy ogling to take even one snapshot of either the two beautiful baby girls I snuggled on Friday and Saturday. Speaking of babies, with the amount of corn and blueberries Violet consumed in the last two days I am truly grateful we are out of the diaper phase!

Because it is literally too humid to type (my old computer is heating up my lap and making me sweat in an unladylike fashion), I will share some of my favourite pictures from this weekend with you.

xo

em

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

{lemon debutante cake}

I had a great chat with my oldest friend tonight and, like usual, our conversation drifted toward food. Her partner is a chef and we all used to work together (with my other besties) in Calgary. Such fun times. Anyway, the conversation got me thinking about food and how I wish I had a restaurant (only the fun parts of course) and how I totally miss working in restaurants (again, only the fun parts...and the fast cash!).

One of my favourite things about this blog is getting to share the food I love to make with you all, but it seems I haven't done a lot of that lately. It isn't that I haven't been cooking and baking and it certainly isn't that we haven't been eating (I have a hungry husband and daughter to keep happy), but it is safe to say we are in a bit of a food rut. Given the fact I make almost all our meals I think it is safe to say I am in a food rut.

As I have mentioned a million and one times we head to the market on Saturday. We visit the same vendors -- we love their products, but we love them even more. I would almost feel like I was cheating if I bought sausage anywhere but Sweet William. Our love of certain vendors and my propensity to fall into (and in love with) routines has lead to us eating the same 7-10 dishes on repeat. They are all really yummy (if I do say so myself), but even pizza gets old. While, that actually isn't true. I could eat pizza everyday! Everything else gets old!

The last interesting thing I prepared was the Lemon Debutante Cake pictured above. I volunteered to bake for a friend's wedding so we are currently trying things out. I love a challenge and an excuse to try new things. I probably wouldn't be doing it without the motivation of her impending nuptials.

I have heaps of cookbooks, and access to a loads of great food blogs -- there is no excuse for my behaviour. Even our preferred vendors have lots of products we never try, I just have to snap out of it, get off auto-pilot (very difficult on Saturday morning) and be more creative.

Thanks Ajie for the reminder that even though I have limited time, skills and resources, I am still a foodie at heart.

xo

Em

ps -- ever been in a food rut? any suggestions on how to get out of it?

PEE-oh-nee

{the prettiest of the flowers}

If I was to get married again (to the same man, obviously) I think I would plan my wedding around peony season. I can't think of a prettier flower. They are sweet without being precious, exotic without being weird, and delicate without being wimpy. I would like to be described in that way come to think of it! I was devastated to learn that it would be impossible to have them at our late summer nuptials last year.

For the past few summers my mother and I have waited with bated breath for the week when peonies arrive at the market. We have a supplier -- we bring extra cash -- a deal is made -- a centrepiece is born. If we are lucky our peony man will have his wares for three weeks. He warned us that if it gets too warm this will be it -- peonies for one of fifty two weeks. I guess they are pretty particular about their living conditions. When you are as awesome as a peony you can be demanding.

I've been enjoying our bouquet since Saturday and judging by the cool temperatures so far I think we will be in luck for another week of floral bliss.

Quick question: do you say PEE-oh-nee or pe-OH-nee.

I am a PEE-oh-nee girl myself.

Yup I am...

Hard hitting journalism on the old blog tonight. I'm never afraid to ask the tough questions.

I see a Pulitzer in my future if I keep this up...

xo

Em

date night

{we get to go out, we get to go out}

{picture for the jacket of his first novel?}

Why don't we do this more often?

My parents love having Violet. Violet loves staying with my parents.

Are we crazy? We should definitely do this more often...

My parents invited Violet for a sleepover last night and that meant Jeff and I got to hit the town. By hit the town of course I mean check out our favourite antique store, putter around Chapters and grab burgers at the Brooklyn Warehouse. If you haven't already done so, get yourself down to that restaurant. They get their beef from the farmer's market so you don't have to worry about eating stomach turning pink slime. If I am endorsing the eating of meat, you know it has to be good!

Date nights are the best for remembering: I do look better with more make-up (even though I tell Violet make-up doesn't make you pretty, it makes you sparkle -- I am clearly bending the truth); I do still get butterflies when I see Jeff (especially on date night); and I am so grateful to live in the same city as my parents (in whose care Violet is safer and happier than in our own!).

I read somewhere about a couple who plan to meet each other at a restaurant whenever they go on a date. The idea is that if you get ready separately it reminds you of when you are dating and builds the excitement. Isn't that a good idea idea (although it poses some logistical challenges)? Maybe next time we'll give that a try (hey Jeff -- I call shotgun on our only vehicle!).

xo

Em

it's the most wonderful time of the year

{a strawberry rhubarb crumble bar}

Not that most wonderful time of the year -- strawberry rhubarb season silly! For just a few short weeks the stars align and the last of the year's rhubarb is available at the same time as the season's first strawberries. We were able to buy both at the market last weekend. Tart red rhubarb and sweet jammy strawberries are a match made in culinary heaven.

Jeff rarely bakes and when he does it is with mixed results -- he'll be the first to admit it. His preparation of strawberry rhubarb crumble bars was the exception that proves the rule. Yum, yum, I highly recommend the recipe (found in last week's Globe and Mail Style section). The crumble bars are easier to eat than crisp (no cutlery required, good news for picnickers and people who hate doing dishes), they are less work than a pie (especially persuasive for someone with tiled counters that are terrible for rolling out dough) and they are more indulgent than a muffin (although if my memory serves me Ellen Kennie makes a mean one).

If you decide to give this recipe a try (which I wholeheartedly recommend doing), my only warning is that the bars get more flavourful with time. They are way better cool than warm (I don't have much patience so I learned this the hard way). They get a little soggy on top as the days progress, but if your family is anything like mine they won't be around long enough for that to pose a major obstacle.

Seasonal eating is so much more appealing this time of year. See you next year root veggies, there are new produce in town!

xo

Em

food, flowers and that face

How was your weekend?

Too short?

Me too.

We managed to have lots of fun even though the weather did not cooperate at all. I know I've been talking about it a lot lately, but seriously what is with this weather? When I lived in Calgary I totally romanticized East Coast weather. I thought the rain was refreshing, the fog romantic and the mist revitalizing. I longed for those quintessential Halifax nights where the fog hovers just above the harbour. I missed how healthy my skin felt and how moisturizing was optional, not mandatory for keeping your skin on. Now that I am back I remember: towels don't dry between showers, the distinct smell of mildew is omnipresent this time of year, and that humidity is good for skin, but really bad for hair. (I actually never forgot how bad this climate is for hair, I just blocked it out of my mind.)

There are, however, things to do in the rain and this weekend they included: ogling brand new babies, baking, running outside when the rain subsided to shake the giggles out of the wee one, and planting a few more flowers (and then feeling smug about how hardcore a gardener I've become even though all I did is put geraniums in a planter. But it was raining really hard and I didn't even wear gloves which is something). 

I hope you managed to keep dry this weekend. Fingers cross for a Vitamin D enriched week!

xo

Em

{just another hipster at the market}

{now that is a cute face}

{pink, pink and red -- guess who choose these?}

{nothing says new baby like a caramelized garlic tart}

{I am so happy to have my slippers back, thanks Alex!}

{a rhodo, a Violet and a mama}

{I just can't get enough of this face!}

{chasing bubbles = burning energy = good sleep? fingers crossed!}