Bernie Blog

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Sunshine, Storms and Sticky Mango Rice

A resident tree-frog feeding on the porch Monday evening before the storm, it was moist and balmy. The porch floor is green but looks a little different with the coat of pollen.

Monday and Tuesday has been a smorgasbord of weather. it was in the 80's, then we had wind, hail, thunderstorm, rain, cold and a possibility of frost tomorrow morning. Basically good ol' Georgia weather. Anticipating the rain, I spent Monday afternoon planting, I got 3 spireas, an "Incrediball" hydrangea and a "limelight" hydrangea in the ground. Also re-potted some petunias, pulled a bunch of weeds and organized the nursery area. It was a most wonderful time gardening among the emerging perennials and early spring bloomers.

Artemesia "Oriental Limelight" forms a beautiful carpet under the Crepe Myrtles every spring

White creeping Phlox with a touch of pink from the frosty weather

Found these Petunias for 99C each at Home Depot

Lady Banks rose in it's glory


Chinese snowball doing nicely


Double-file Viburnum

We had originally planned a quick excursion for lunch at Thai Spice in Peachtree City but decided to stay put and cook at home instead. Since I was still sort of in the mood for Thai food, I decided to whip up a recipe of Sticky Rice with Mango. I already had all of the ingredients on hand so it was inevitable.

Rice gets rinsed, then soaked for a few hours and then steamed till tender. sesame seeds are also toasted

For the sauce, coconut milk and sugar cooked till reduced by half

While waiting for the rice to cook, I popped out and enjoyed some of the sunshine but soon realized it was rather chilly today compared to yesterday but the plants were mostly unharmed even after the tremendous wind we had the night before so I was feeling thankful and lucky.

I also got a chance to tidy up around the house some.

Kitty Domain

Budding beauties

Table set and ready for dinner

For the main course, a simple shrimp and pasta dish inspired by one we had seen in "EVERYDAY FOOD" magazine. The original recipe called for radishes with the greens attached. I improvised and used collard blossoms and spinach instead

I also used fresh linguini instead of dry

This really hit the spot!

Cafe au lait or espresso, both good choices

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sunday Spring Impromptu Dinner

Asparagus with large Haas avocado for scale

I picked up locally grown GIANT asparagus at the Star Provisions farm stand on Saturday because it was just too good looking. I was not sure exactly what I was going to do with it but I knew it would be delicious. Since we had no plans Sunday evening, I decided I would have an asparagus inspired Spring dinner! I dreamed up an easy to prepare menu that I could manage in a couple of hours since that's all the time I had after church and a catering appointment on Sunday.

For dessert, I decided to make mango pavlova. I quick dessert since the only involved part is baking the meringue shell. After the shells are done, all you do is add whipped cream and fruit.

egg whites and granulated sugar is whipped together till stiff

Powdered sugar is folded in at the end

For a fancier presentation, I like to pipe the meringues with a star tip

always leave plenty of room around the shells for air circulation

I set the table while the meringues were baking. My small green moth orchids made the perfect centerpiece for our Spring dinner.

With the table all ready to go, it was time to get all the food ready, guest were expected in less than 2 hours! The meringue shells turned out nicely, with just enough color on them to add a hint of caramelized flavor.

I decided the best way to savor the asparagus was with a pureed pea and asparagus soup garnished with perfectly roasted asparagus spears and white violas from the garden.