One More Detour on the Writing Road

Lovely morning, except for the mosquitoes. A little high cloud. Breezy. Cool. I’m taking advantage of the deck time while I can since the weatherfolk have predicted t-storms for the afternoon. I won’t mind the rain because it will save me having to water the garden, but I do like spending time outside. Trying not to think about the fact that we’re almost into September and the Fall catalogs have started arriving. Should be seeing Christmas decorations in the stores Real Soon Now.

Sorry I brought it up.

It’s an At-Home day today. No plans except for writing, laundry, and dinner. Excavated some of last summer’s marinara and crushed tomatoes from the deep freeze. I will roast some zucchini, carrots, and red peppers and add them to the sauce. Toss in some fresh basil from the deck pots. Maybe make some garlic bread.

I love commitment-free Saturdays. Still have Sunday as a buffer between me and Monday. I can pretend I’m independently wealthy and have nothing but time.

...this recipe's a keeper.

( dinner.... )

I am now out on the deck because it's a perfect day. 70s, maybe 80. Low humidity. Light breeze. I have a sink full of dishes--all for two frickin' chops, sheesh--and I need to put out the recycling, but it will all keep until later.

I baked my first loaf of bread today.

( all the exciting details behind the cut, with photos even )

Just had a snack of warm Brie on crackers with sliced apples and a glass of chard. Call me Stuck in the 80s, that's okay.

...has been achieved. I meant to bake it yesterday, but ran out of gas. So.

Mixed 3 pounds Gala and 1.5 pounds Granny Smith. Used a corer/slicer for the first time, and OK, maybe it's a pathetic kitchen aid, but I'm a convert. Lovely, thick uniform slices of apple. Followed Ina Garten's recipe to an extent. Added cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, sugar, salt, flour, and the juice and zest of one lemon. Made the pie crust with half water/half vodka, which is supposed to promote flakiness and tenderness. It worked with the pumpkin pie, so I tried it again.

I forgot the sugar/egg wash for the shiny crust, and oh well. The house smells good.



Later, pork loin roast with fennel, onion, and carrots. Sautéed red cabbage. Cranberry relish leftover from T-giving--yes, it will last for a couple of months in the fridge.

Hope you're doing something today that you enjoy, with those you love.