Happy Mother's Day!!!

©Susan Jaye 2013

Happy Mother's Day!    .

     Hope you all are doing great and had a great weekend! 

Repost this, in honor to my mom, Annalee ... coming upon 19 years since she passed... still miss her often, but so many great memories!  Hugs to all!

In 1994, I was fed up with Mother's Day cards.  Every card I saw, either said something snarky or sappy, and nothing came close to saying what I wanted to say.  So, I wrote one myself; a sort of poem to my mom that served as that year's card.  She loved it, and kept it in her bedside table. 

She died in 2005.  We had a wonderful and fun bond, and I will always consider her, my first great, love.
As I am a mom now, I continuously try to build a good relationship with my daughters. 
So, in honor of moms everywhere, both present, past and future I share my Mother's Day card.
For me, it's as true now, as it ever was.

To Mom
There have been countless times when I told that I loved you,
Countless times that I've thanked you for being there and being my mom.
But in case there are times when I don't or won't say it, I want you know always
What I feel in my heart.

You raised me to laugh and to sing songs on a swing set.
You opened the door to the world of make believe;
a world of Mable and Charles and Pokey the Puppy.
You protected me from the Wicked Witch of the West and the Abominable Snowman;
yet encouraged me to see that I was strong enough to face them alone.
You showed me the warmth and the comfort of a thunderstorm as well as the sun.
You held me and helped me through times of tears,
Whether it was a broken toy or a broken dream.
Then helped me to find the courage to pick up the pieces and create something new.
As I grew and life became more interesting and complicated,
You were there to share, to listen, always with an open mind and an open heart.
Because of you, I never learned to lie- I never needed to.
I knew whatever I did, no matter how it was judged by others,
It would be accepted and loved by you, for it was part of my journey to discovering me.

Through this unconditional love I have been set free. Free to live without the need for secrets to create lies, and free to love others as they are, not who I wish for them to be.
And free to be all that I can be, in each moment of my life, perfectly me.

                                                                                                Thank you, all my love.


Here are some quotes about Motherhood from different sources.

"Mothers are all slightly insane." - J.D. Salinger

"If evolution really works, why do mothers only have two hands?" -Milton Berle
(My thought on this one- Early on in when I became a mom, I thought it would be helpful to be born an octopus, giving me eight hands; till the "mommy brain" cleared, and I realized that would mean that I would have octopi as offspring, thus, defeating the purpose.  Please see: Ever Feel Like This?)

"Having kids-- the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, reponsible human beings--is the biggest job anyone can embark on." -Maria Shriver

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy.  No man does.  That's his."
- Oscar Wilde

"A mother is neither cocky, nor proud, because she knows the school principle may call at any minute to report that her child has just driven a motorcycle through the gymnasium." -Mary Kay Blakely

"Sometimes the laughter in mothering is the recognition in the ironies and the absurdities.  Sometimes, though, it's just pure, unthinking delight." -Barbara Shapiro

"The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children." -Elaine Heffner


Happy Mother's Day.

Joys of Winter (Cassoulet Recipe)

Since it's snowing, thought it was time to take a break and enjoy time with family, and just do a little writing.  Hope you enjoy!

Posted this the first time in October of 2015! 

When it was...

The first fire of the season.

A nice glass of red wine.

Raking up crunchy leaves, only to have them scattered again and again by laughing kids.

Now, it's 2023... 

Got a senior and a freshman in high school.  Still are often laughing kids, so that is wonderful. 

Along with a nice glass of red wine...

What better dish to accompany such an evening than cassoulet?

Please consider paying $1 or so, if you use my recipes or just to show appreciation.  Thank you.   

Wanna Go?

This is Jenner, California.

Not much to report, just thought I'd share a shot of one of my favorite spots in the US.

No snow.

Walking In A Winter Wonderland... Again

 

This will be the last day you see snow, for a while, at least here at Sadie's that is.

Back in November, I wrote a quick wish, "Waiting On Snow", that featured this photo:

At my last job, the one I refer to in "Perks of Being Fired", a supervisor once asked me if I had any control over something or the other; I replied, "The only thing I can control, is the weather."  He laughed.  He thought I was joking.

So, just one more photo:

Then here's one to get the next season started -

The Thaw?

The last couple of days have been warmer.  Forecasters say there's still more snow to come though, so will not put away the winter goods just yet.

It's 9 days till the official beginning of spring; of course Punxsutawney Phil warned us we still had 6 more weeks to endure.  Either way it pretty much comes up the same.


I like snow.  A lot.  This year, I got it.  So even I am ready to bid adieu.

One of the reasons I like living in the Midwest, is when spring does finally spring, you see it, and feel it everywhere.   Feels like everyday is festive and has a reason to celebrate. 

And, after all, we do.

So, till the day we say bye bye to the white stuff, let's enjoy the last few days that it's here.

 Really, it won't be long.

To Get Away

Just a quick post today.

As much as I'd like everyone to read "Do Me Favor"; for what I believe are obvious reasons, I've thought it best to get a new photo up to greet all who stop by Sadie's. 

The photo is of Point Dume, just north of Malibu in California.  It was our favorite beach to go to while we lived there.  Not too crowded, just a nice beach to spend the day swimming, hiking, or whatever.  Usually saw wildlife that included pelicans, seals, dolphins and whales.  It was also relatively close to a couple of great seafood shacks.

This photo was taken Feb. 26, 2010.  Four years ago.  Right now it is 0 degrees.  Again.  Know I am not alone in looking forward to warmer days.  I know they'll come, just wondering, when?

Here's another to help you think of warmer times:

Have a great day.

The Gumbo

 

     If I ever get around to getting a cookbook put together, there will be a section entitled, "Labors of Love."  It will be sure to include, Cassoulet, Ratatouille, and Gumbo.  Dishes that generally take most the day, if not the whole.  I suggest putting on great music, invite friends over if you like, and it's guaranteed to be a day remembered with smiles.

Ingredients you will need:                                                             Makes about 6 quarts

-Stock(s)- 4quarts (64 oz/ 8 cups)
Packaged or made from scratch, with turkey or duck, or both.  I've used seafood stock in it as well.  When using poultry and seafood stocks, I use the ratio of 3 qts poultry + 1 qt of seafood.
If I make it, usually is left over from holiday birds, but I've used smoked turkey legs to make stock with great results. 
-3/4 cup of all purpose flour
-3/4 cup of canola oil - for the fat, I usually use duck fat instead of the canola oil.
-3 cups of chopped onions - 2 large sweet onions such as Vidalia
-2 large green peppers chopped
-4 stalks of celery chopped.
-2 large cans (~32 oz each) diced tomatoes
-2 bay leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne
-1 pound of andouille sausage precooked, sliced to 1/3 inch thickness
-16 package of sliced frozen okra*
*For the okra, roast it in the oven at 325F for 30 minutes, prior to adding to the gumbo, to rid or decrease the "slimy factor". 
- 4 cups of chopped poultry; chicken, turkey, or duck.
-1lb of peeled and deveined medium shrimp
-1 lb canned crab
- Additional cayenne, Old Bay, file, Tabasco to taste at end.  I rarely add salt, due to smoked ingredients being used.

     There are 100's of recipes for Gumbo, due to what you want in it.  The roux, okra, and file powder are thickeners used.  Some recipes just call for 1 or 2, but to me you can't call it gumbo, without the roux, or without the okra.  File powder, I sprinkle on at the end, and since it comes from sassafrass, it gives the gumbo a nice ... fresh mowed grass quality- the scent, not the texture.

You will need a large 6+ quart pot.  

The roux is made up of equal parts of fat and flour.  The roux is cooked until it is the color of dark chocolate, about 45 minutes, over almost medium heat.   I have heard the phrase low and slow pertaining to cooking, and this is one of those times.  Not enough heat, and you'll be there forever and no flavor, and too much and it will burn.  Either one, not tasty.  Need to pay close attention and stir almost constantly.   Either have one person stirring roux, while you chop the veggies that go in next, or prep the veggies before you begin the roux.

The veggies are added next; "the trinity" -celery, onion, and green pepper, need to be coated in the roux and cooked on medium for about 10 minutes.   Next add the tomatoes, bay leaves, and the stocks.  I used turkey stock left over from Thanksgiving, and duck from Christmas, for this batch; both had lots of scraps from the respective birds.  I have also added to the poultry stock, seafood stock, if I have on hand.  Add to this the poultry, okra, and sausage.  Add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, remebering you can always add more later, but you can't take away.  The Andouille Sausage will lend a lot of spice to the gumbo, so again, go sparingly with the spice right now.

Bring this to boil, then simmer 1- 1 1/2 hours.

Then add seafood, and cook 15 more minutes, till shrimp are pink.

Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, Tabasco and file to taste.

Serve over hot rice.

Enjoy!  The gumbo can store up to 1 week in the fridge, or freeze leftovers.  Once the flavors get time to party- the gumbo only gets better with time.  I have even made the gumbo with all ingredients, except the SHRIMP.  Then as I removed from freezer, thaw and reheat, add shrimp, more poultry or ham, oysters, whatever (due to mood or availability) during the last 15 minutes or cooking for a guaranteed great quick meal.

Feel free to email me with any questions:  sadiesgathering@gmail.com

Snow Days

     Today... and tomorrow are snow days.  Those serendipitous days when you get to spend the whole day, accomplishing nothing much.

     Therefore, today's post will be short.  I've gone from preparing meals- to trying to read- to mediating- to playing LaLaLoopsy-to trying to write- to mediating -to playing Headbanz, to watching too much TV.  Tomorrow will be more of the same, since it's too cold- negative something, (right now -6F) to play outside.  Cabin fever will set in soon, if it hasn't already.

     Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  A few days ago, I learned that there are 200 million women alive today, who have endured the atrocity of FGM.  An article by Ruth Rendell for the Daily Mail first caught my attention, (this article deals primarily with FGM in the UK).   I continued to read other articles about FGM and how it still continues.  There's also the atrocities of Darfur, Burma, Zimbabwe, and so many other places where unspeakable bone chilling horrors still occur.  All this make it painfully clear that for us to uphold our vow, "Never forget. Never Again."; there is still  much to be done.



Let us do what we can to keep warm, and be good to one another.



 

The Hoopla

How's everyone doing?

10 Days to go till Christmas Eve.

I think I am finished with the shopping.  So that usually means in about 5 days time I'll think of something that someone absolutely can't do without, and I can't find absolutely anywhere.

Then there's the baking.  Getting in the right frame of mind, to be ready to bake some yummy treats, all the while accepting all the help (the 9 and younger set)  that is available to you.  Then you realize there's that one key ingredient you are missing.  Like sugar.

The Christmas Cards.  Making them out merrily, while listening to Nat King Cole, then remembering that so-n-so, got a new job and moved.  Is this the new address or the old?  They got married; now whose place are they living?  Or they're no longer together, where did I put their new addresses?  What's their new significant other's name?  Go the distance.  Stay in touch.  Lots of egg nog later...

Decorate!

All the while using language as colorful as your holiday wrapping paper.

Now there's the Christmas Spirit.

 

I'd Rather Be In Paris

Need I say more?

Waiting on Snow

Yep... I'm one of those weirdos who can't get enough of snow.

It's one of the reasons we moved back to the midwest.

I grew up with snow days, and have experienced great snows since moving back.  It's a great excuse for doing not much, other than playing in the snow, eating great food and curling up by the fire.

Any other loons out their who can't wait to walk through a winter wonderland?

Sunday's Reason (Recipe Included)

     On most Sundays you'll find me at church.  However, every once in awhile I need to bow out, and take some time to be at home, by myself.  A little time to be thankful for everything, including moments of solitude.  During the week, I have time when I am by myself, but Sundays are different.  Throughout the week, there are usually errands to do during the time my husband is at work and the girls are at school.  There is seldom a week that goes by when there is not someone's doctor's appointment, sport practice, special function, or playdate happening; sometimes all of the above.  So, I guess Sundays seem to be the time when I can take time for myself.

Time to reflect.

Time to think.

Time to dream.

Time to plan.

Time when, I am not thinking, "Okay, what was I planning on doing next?" or "Will I ever be answered the first time I ask a question?"

     I don't need much time, and usually during these Sundays I like to try a new recipe.  It's amazing how fast you make something when you don't have help.

    From the time when I was a little girl and Mom made chocolate chip cookies, I have always enjoyed them dunked in coffee.  Mom made them hard and crunchy; even slightly burnt.  Nevertheless, they were always heavenly.  I have tried, to do the same with the Toll House Cookie recipe, but never get them as crunchy as Mom did.  So, I set off to find a chocolate chip biscotti recipe.  Those wonderful Italian cookies, that are made expressly to dunk in espresso, or coffee.
      I found several recipes, but as usual tweaked them a bit to what I thought would be best.  I encourage all to do the same, although I am quite happy with how these turned out.  I am not adding this to my "Recipe" page yet, as I am still trying to figure out a dropdown menu for it. So here it is:

Chocolate Chip Biscotti 
 2 cups of unbleached all purpose flour                                                  Preheat oven to 350F
 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
 1/2 teaspoon of salt
 1/2 cup sugar
 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
 1/4 cup (half a stick) of cold unsalted butter
 2 eggs
 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips

Mix all dry (first 5) ingredients; then add butter, eggs, mix; add in chocolate chips.  Divide into 2-4 logs (depending on size of cookie sheet available).  Make sure you allow 2-3 inches between logs as they will spread a bit while baking.  Flatten each log so they look like an oblong rectangle of sorts- 1- 1/2 inches wide.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Remove from oven, and slice logs on the diagonal 1/2 inch thick.  Return to pan, baking slices on their sides, for 10 additional minutes.  Remove from oven, and allow to cool on wire rack, as pictured below.  They will harden as they cool.  Store in airtight container.  Enjoy!

     If you are the type to give food for gifts during the holidays, I have a notion the recipients of these would be very thankful!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Been Away...

      Been away for a few days due to a death in the family.
     Always seems like the world should pause, if only for a moment, but of course it never does.  It couldn't or else it would stop all together. 
     It's up to the loved ones to pause for a bit of time; for remembering, reflecting, and adjusting to life without their loved one.
      Regardless of how long, at some point they must jump back on the merry-go-round of life.  For better or worse you realize again that the world keeps on spinning, no matter what.  Thankfully.
     Hopefully you have a renewed sense of what's important, and what is just "icing".


     I'll be back writing and working on Sadie's as soon as possible.  In the mean time, I hope you enjoy these photos I took in the Florala State Park.

 

 

 

     

Rainy Autumn Days...

     Another rainy day here; fine with me.
     As I have mentioned before, I tend to get more accomplished on rainy days rather than sunny days.  Got up; got the kids to school; did a dab of cleaning (as the saying goes, "a little dab will do ya")  and then visited with a good friend; which was the highlight of the morning.  Now, I will write a bit; work on a few other aspects of Sadie's; then start some bread before going to pick the kids up from school.  Who knows what I'll accomplish once they come home, but I know it will include some smiles and hugs.  Good by me.

     I think I have mentioned it before, but if not, I love fall.  Once it gets cool enough to freeze out the mosquitoes; I am quite content and slip into my relaxed state of mind for the next few weeks, before the craziness of the holidays takes over.

    With Halloween approaching, I always try to read as many of the horror classics that I can.  Sorry, I am a wimp admittedly and cannot make it through more than a few pages of Stephen King.  Brilliant writer, but messes too much with my psyche.  So these are the ones that I can manage, and still get a good night's sleep.

Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving-  Read recently for the first time.  Great fun and a quick read, less than 100 pages.

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury-  Can't say enough good about this wonderful book.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- Good, but I always feel sad for the monster.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson- Another good and quick read.  Just a little over 100 pages.

Dracula by Bram Stoker- Been awhile since I have read this and; I found it a bit hard to get into; but will try once again.

     Hope you are enjoying your day, whatever the weather.  Tomorrow, it is my intention to share with all, some yummy fall beers I have discovered.   Sadly, only through description will I be sharing.

All the same,
Cheerio!

About My Cover

The photo of Positano that I am currently using as my cover was taken by Pamela Fall.  She is an artist and photographer based in Southern California.

To see more of her beautiful photos of Italy, just visit her web site, www.pamelaj.comwww.pamelaj.com.

Viaggi felici!
S.

Happy Independence Day!

 This will be just a quick post. 

 I want to say thank you for all who have supported me thus far, it really means the world to me.  

I am school girl silly for fireworks.  Went to a show last night that was phenomenal in Wheaton, IL.

For our 4th we'll be engaging in our family tradition of minor league baseball, 

followed by more fireworks!

Wishing you and yours a truly spectacular Independence Day!  Stay safe and have fun!

Aunt Mary's Bourbon Slushy

     As we ready ourselves to celebrate another 4th of July, thought I'd share a recipe for a great summer treat for adults. 
     This recipe comes courtesy of my Aunt Mary.  In my opinion, everyone should have an Aunt Mary.  She's always been the fun aunt, the one who tells the good jokes, but is always there to listen and offer up good solid advice.  She's 85 and doesn't show any sign of slowin' down.  She takes life as it comes, and has a great "joie de vie".  I love her lots and hope she continues to rock on!
     She shared this recipe with me a few years back.   Just another tip from Aunt Mary.  She credits a nice lady from around the Chesapeake area for sharing it with her.  I added the mint leaves, and I encourage all to play with it and make it your own special recipe to pass on.  I like it cause it reminds me of the "wine of the South"- sweet tea; add the gentility of a mint julep, then some lemonade to remind you of a summer's lemonade stand.  Bring 'em all together and you have something to celebrate.

So, without further ado:

Aunt Mary's Bourbon Slushy

2 cups of strong tea* -cool before adding to mixture
*I use 4 Lipton's teabags and steep with several sprigs of fresh mint
1 cup of sugar
7 cups of water
2 cups of Bourbon
1 6oz. can of frozen orange juice concentrate
1 12oz. can of frozen lemonade concentrate

Mix all ingredients in large bowl or large pitcher (needs to hold 12-13 cups = 96+ ounces).
Remove mint before placing mixture in freezer.  Pour into large Tupperware containers.  It will need about 6 hours till slushy consistency; or just keep in freezer till friends drop by.  If word gets around, shouldn't be long.

P.S.  If you wish to leave out the alcohol, it's still lovely, but you'll need to make it in an ice cream maker in order to get the slushy consistency.


Wishing everyone a happy and safe Independence Holiday.

Happy Summer! Ratatouille!

How was your first day of summer?

On the home front, we started off summer with a nice summer rain.  To follow all the nice spring rains that we've had.

So, for the start of summer, I got to making a dish that I make every summer, ratatouille.

If you are not familiar with the dish it is a French Provencal dish that began a long long time ago.  Touiller mean to shake or toss food well.   So, while I have seen recipes where the ingredients are layered and look lovely, reminiscent of Remy's concoction in the Pixar film Ratatouille, my recipe that follows is not one of those.  As long as this dish has been around, I seriously doubt that the peasants who created it, fussed that much either.  Don't get me wrong -it is a labor of love, but other than simple chopping of veggies, and allowing 3-4 hours for creating, it need not be a soul wrenching endeavor.

This recipe makes about 6 quarts.  So, put some in the freezer to enjoy in the winter when you need
a French Provencal pick me up; or give a quart or so to the neighbor and make friends for life. 

You will need the following:

2 pounds of Eggplant
2 pounds of Tomatoes peeled, (or you can use 2  -16 oz. cans of diced tomatoes)
2 pounds of onions (they can be mixed- I use sweet and red)
2 pounds of peppers- green, red, yellow, orange or whatever color strikes your fancy
2 pounds of zucchini and yellow squash - 2 of each.
1/4- 1/2cup of extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and ground pepper to taste- more in a bit on this
2 Bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4-6 cloves of garlic minced

Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Before going forward let me add that this is a forgiving dish, meaning that you can't go wrong.
I have made it for several years, and even though I am a meat lover, with this dish, I always entertain the thought of becoming vegetarian.

First wash and chop eggplant into 3/4" chunks; place in large collander and toss with 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt.  Let set an hour.  After this hour,  rinse and place eggplant on baking sheet. Bake at 425 F for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes turn off oven and let eggplant rest in over till time to add to dish.

During the time where the eggplant is in the salt, or oven, go ahead with the rest of the dish.

Chop onions.  In a 6qt pot, heat 2 TBL of EVOO ; once warm (medium heat) add onions.  Stir to coat with oil, then cover and cook for 25 minutes.  Then remove from pot and keep them in a large mixing bowl or another pot.  Next, the peppers, chop then cook them in the same manner as the onions. After they're done, add them to the onion bowl/pot.  Then cook zucchini and squash for 10 minutes.

At the same time you are cooking onions, start the tomato portion.
If you are peeling tomatoes, heat medium sauce pot filled with water to boil.  Keep tomatoes on vine and after cutting an "X" on the bottum of each immerse in boiling water for 30 seconds or so.  Since you have them on the vine you can do this pretty quickly.  After immersion in boiling water, remove and place in bowl with ice water to stop cooking.  Skins should peel off easily.  Then chop tomatoes.
Use the same pot you boiled water in, (dump water) cook tomatoes, a dash of sugar, the bay leaves, thyme, and minced garlic for about 25 minutes over medium heat.  If you are using canned tomatoes, cook with dash of sugar, bay leaves, thyme and garlic, for about 25 minutes.

Time to put together:

Add onions and peppers, back to the pot with the zucchini and squash.  Then add the eggplant, and the tomato mixture.  Cook all together for 15- 30 minutes uncovered over medium heat.  Garnish with fresh basil.

The uses for this are boundless.  I like it over cous cous with a little goat cheese  as a side to chicken, lamb, or beef- burgers or steak.  Also, it's good hot or cold; mixed in with scrambled eggs, or put in a quiche shell, top with whatever cheese you like and voila! A lunch dish that's great for a friends' luncheon. 

Hope you enjoy it and have fun experimenting.

Today is a sunny summer day, so we'd best get out to enjoying it.

A bientot!  (see you soon)

S.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEST VIRGINIA!

150 Years ago today, West Virginia became the 35th state of the United States of America.

I would like to write a lot of fun interesting facts, (I've always been proud of its history), but my 2 daughters are fighting and I am having trouble finishing these short sentences much less an entire, entertaining post.

So, since I just returned from vacationing in my home state I will pay tribute to this beautiful state, that holds so many great memories, by posting a few photos.  Hope you enjoy.

PS: West Virginia's history is very interesting, so if you get a moment, I have included some links to give you a little peek.

To check out about West Virginia- www.wvtourism.com/statehood/default.aspx

 Read about WV's Greenbrier Ghost; part of American legal history for accepting the testimony of a ghost at a murder trial! 

This little guy seemed so grateful, thought I would end with this photo.  Look closely, he's smiling!

"Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer..."

 
In the words of the incomparable Nat King Cole, "Bring back those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer."

We still have a few days to go before the official start of summer.

Most of the kids are finished with school.

Family vacations, are being awaited.

My kids are anxious awaiting the arrival of the first firefly.

I will write on Sadie's, as well as work on a couple of other writing projects.
 I will hope that someday this will be my "day job". 

Whatever your summer holds, hope you enjoy it.