3rd Harvest

Nothing smells better than fresh basil. Well, maybe cilantro freshly diced comes close. But out of my garden, fresh basil tingles my olfactories with hints of flavor to come. There is just something about picking herbs wet with recent rain. The fragrance swirls around me and coats my fingertips. The chef-du-soir, Mr. Q., had the kitchen window open, and immediately commented that the scent was wafting into the house. Mmmmmm.

Bargain of a deal at Trader Joe's - $2.99 a plant (bushy and good sized). Can't beat it. Perfect for psghetti, pesto, pasta...

The cat thinks it smells great also.

The journal

At the end of the day, after the aforementioned butterfly feast for the birds, I read the daily journal entries. My favorite was from a second grade boy, who says it like it is.

I'm sad.
I like butterflies.
I don't like the bird.

Butterflies are NOT snacks.

Did you know that on day 34, when you release butterflies that you have hatched and grown from wee little caterpillars, that on day 34 of caring for them, and you let them out, and the whole school is watching, that there will be some birds that will swoop in for a snack and eat them right in front of you?

Mailing My Son

I'm (we're) so proud of him and how he has matured and grown. He is delightful to be around, hysterical, opinionated, caring, loving, unique, focused (all on engines and vehicles, thank you). We very much enjoyed his 2-week R & R trip from overseas and the hot zone.

For the second time, we had to ship him back. After a too-early drive to Seattle, lack of shut eye, and a melancholy drive, we mailed our son. Airmail. Watching him walk down the tunnel to the plane was bittersweet. The wonderful time with him was at an end.

And we stood there, looking quite crestfallen.

But the next time, it will be a happy moment. And the last of these type of trips. Thank you, son, for preserving our freedom and protecting those in need.

Spaghetti Salsa

Last weekend, I made my "Spaghetti Salsa," famous in Taylor's mind. Maybe Chelsie's...Several were interested in the recipe. The trick is crushed peppers and lots of patience. Just remember, if there ain't no heat, there ain't no spaghetti salsa!

Angie's Spaghetti Salsa

Ingredients:
finely chopped garlic (close to one head - lots!)
one large onion, finely diced (more if you like onions)
olive oil
Saute' the garlic and onion in olive oil until onions are translucent and garlic is a little crispy.

Add:
6-15 oz. cans of tomato sauce
3-15 oz. cans of Italian stewed tomatoes
2-3 small cans of tomato paste
Add sauce first. Pour stewed tomatoes into your hand and crush them as you add them to the sauce. Add paste and use a whisk to break up lumps. Stir well.

Add:
3 T. Mrs. Dash (regular flavor)
1 tsp. onion salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper (preferably fresh ground)
4-5 bay leaves, whole
3 T. crushed basil
2 T. dried parsley
2 T. dried oregano
1 tsp. crushed pepper (I like to add 1 T. when my parents are not eating with us)

Optional: sliced black olives
Sides: hot garlic bread, green salad with vinagrette dressing

Stir all ingredients together. Cover and simmer on low to medium for a minimum of two hours, stirring often. When it is time for dinner, make whole wheat pasta noodles following package directions. Do not dump noodles into the pan of sauce. Instead, place a serving of pasta on a plate, and top with sauce and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Cool and store leftover sauce and noodles (separate containers) in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, heat some sauce in a frying pan, add some noodles, toss, and reheat.

Freeze leftover sauce. This sauce is nice to have on hand for chicken parmesan, last minute spaghetti, lasagna, or whatever else needs an extra spicy sauce.

Bon appetit!

Do you love to Auction?

Yes, I used auction as a verb...

If you love the thrill of the hunt, bid, and win, then Friday night is for you!

Join community members and valley residents at the annual Harrah Community Christian School Auction. The fun (competition?) gets under way at 5:30 with a silent auction. The live auction will take place later on in the evening. Students of the school will sing 2 inspirational songs. Besides bidding, winning, looking, listening, visiting...eating? Roast beef sandwiches on the house. Yummers for all of us.

See you there - May 7, at the warehouse on the corner of Harrah Road and Branch - next to the RR tracks.