Mid-summer Blueberries

So, what's been going on over the last three years, you might ask. Well, I'd answer, I fell in love with a man who I first met when we were kids. On the other side of the world. Long story.

So I left the West side of what's-left-of-America and moved to the Boston area, as he had the better job over here. And now I live on the East side of what's-left-of-America. It's very green, in all interpretations of the word, which I appreciate immensely.

I've been working in tech, and doing some jewelry/metalwork when I have a chance. But I'm missing the food photography and may be dangling my toes back into it. We'll see!

Here are some amazing blueberries I just picked from the backyard. Happy summer!!

Back in Business!

Today is opening day of the Saturday Farmer's Market in Lake Oswego, OR. Whoopie!! They are back in business! The freshest fruits and vegetables, the most colorful flowers, the tastiest cold pressed juices. Yeah, I missed you, you vibrant-as-all-get-out market, you : )

Holiday Desserts!

This scrumptious poached pear dessert is courtesy of my son, an amazing chef in his own right. These are anjou pears poached in red wine, raw sugar and mulling spices.

I truly hope this holiday season has been filled with love and joy for you all.

Yours,

Alison

Tomatillo Time!

The tomatillo skins and fruits are extra colorful this year. It's going to make for a wild salsa!

Today I am trying to capture some decent food images with my old Lumix (Leica lens). I'm actually pretty happy with the result.

The Lumix will serve as my temp camera while I try to find a camera to replace my beloved Nikon D800. Yes, after much angst, I've decided that the D800 is far to heavy for me to use on an ongoing basis. It actually wonks my back after a while. And if I use it with a heavy lens while I'm out tromping around a vineyard for a few hours? Flat on my back for a day or two. Yikes!

So it's time to move on to something lighter. Research mode!! I'm excited to see what I find : )

Rustic Summer Sandwich

Is there anything better than a rustic summer sandwich for lunch during the dog days of August? Warm tomatoes off the vine, just picked basil, artisanal mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, and crusty bread. Just yum!

The Beauty of Imperfect

 

 While hanging in Santa Barbara this week, I came across these blemished beauties at the Saturday Farmer's Market. I was struck by the vibrance and color of these second class fruits. Ideal for jams, ideal for sauces and compotes, but discounted and overlooked by most. 

This got me to thinking, why does everything have to be perfect these days? It didn't used to be like that. Perfect fruit, perfect shoes, perfect dress, perfect house, perfect shampoo. Sadly, I even buy into this mindset somewhat. Clearly it's time in the world to start embracing, even celebrating, the imperfect. The world holds many vibrant gems that sport a few dings and scratches, but are perfectly fine in every other way. Viva la imperfections!

Julia Child's Cherry Clafoutis

Well, I was SO not going to waste my beautiful local cherries that I purchased a few days ago. So I thought maybe some beautiful jam, a cherry pie, or...? Then I remembered my fave! I dug up the Julia Child clafoutis recipe, huzzah!! It's a recipe that you think might be difficult, but really it's not so much. Your fingers get a little stained from all the juice, but it's a small price to pay for the custard-y heaven that is clafoutis. Julia's clafoutis. Nom.

Here's a link to the recipe on Food.com - http://www.food.com/recipe/julia-childs-cherry-clafouti-239454?photo=361982