Dinner and Love

Eating, for me, is one of the most important things in life. Not eating for nourishment sake, but for the sake of enjoyment, love, fellowship, community.
Almost every night we cook, laugh, eat, love. Sometimes it is just the two of us, many times there are great friends and wonderful conversations.

What I want to make perfectly clear, is that it is less about what is on the plate, than who is sitting next to you. Take away Chinese food, Mac n' Cheese, or a five course feast, whatever it is, do it with love, eat it with love. Enjoy.

Forget about all of the things that have to be done first thing in the morning, forget about the crabby co-worker or upset customer. Remember, that food is meant to be enjoyed.
So, what is for dinner tonight?

We had yummy salmon with fresh green beans. Usually, I prefer the salmon on the grill. But tonight is was just easier to pop it in the oven. Still tasty.

Next time you fix salmon try this.
Mix together, soy sauce, sesame seed oil, fresh ground black pepper, white pepper, wasabi paste and chopped garlic. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, but not longer than 45 minutes. Throw it on the grill and eat!

How do you like your fish?

Yummy!

While "working" today, I came across a great recipe for bread sticks that I just had to try. A fellow Etsian was kind enough to let me share the recipe with you!

By the way, she has a great shop that you should check out here. KarenElizDesigns

I must admit, that I am not much of a baker, probably not enough patience. We don't even own any teaspoon or tablespoon measuring thingys. But I was able to whip these out without a problem! Try them yourself and let me know how it goes.

1 pkg. active dry yeast
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2/3 cup warm water
1 tsp fennel seeds
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1 cup shredded old cheddar

Combine yeast and warm water in a measuring cup and let
stand 10 minutes. In a mixing bowl, stir together flour
and spices. Add 3 tbsp of the oil. Stir the yeast mixture
into the flour mixture to make a shaggy dough. Mix in the
cheese with your hands. Knead for 5 minutes, then let rise for
1 1/2 hours. Punch down the dough, then divide it into 32 pieces.
Roll each piece into a long, skinny stick approximately 12 inches long.
Place the sticks on a cookie sheet, brush them with the rest of the
olive oil, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.

Too Early!

I know, I know, I know. It is much too early to be thinking about Christmas. However, I found the sweetest little red cardinals the other day and I have been singing Christmas carols ever since! I figured the best way to get it out of my system was to make a little bit of holiday cheer, maybe that would stop the Jingle Bells ringing in my ear. It didn't work, now all I want is a Christmas tree!