Third Time’s a Charm – Friday Fictioneers

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Dale | 132 Comments

‘Tis Wednesday and, she who loves all things purple, and keeps all us all afloat, has chosen a picture from Jennifer Pendergast for this week’s Friday Fictioneers. Once I saw it, I could not help but want to close up my date trilogy started last year. Should you desire a refresher, just click on the links in that follow, to see why I went here after going there and there. No need, of course, but do click on my fancy-dining frogs below to be brought to the linky-thingy to add your very own 100-word story inspired by this lovely image. Now sure how? Rochelle’s post will do the ‘splaining of the hows and whys of playing along.

Take a foodie break in Pas de Calais - The Good Life France

Click on us to dine along

Wow, this is pretty snazzy!

Anything is better than the last two joints we went to.

You’ve got that right. Though, I thought my choice was funky. And now I can see why you said to kick my duds up a notch. Like my suit?

It wasn’t funky it was filthy. And you look very handsome. I should request it more often!

Thanks, and don’t push it. Your choice was the shits.

Can’t argue that one. Once you see it you can’t unsee it. Like my dress?

Let’s forget the past. You look very sexy.

Shall we go in?

Absofuckinglutely!

Remember Brooklyn? – Friday Fictioneers

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Dale | 141 Comments

Good Thursday, my peeps. It’s a grey day here and I wanted to go for my daily walk but I was on slo-mo and now I can’t go because my contractor is coming for some last minute thingies and I’ve run out of time. If I had been smart and organized, I’d have been out the door by nine but hey, I’m nothing if not go-with-the-flow. As a result, well, why not play Friday Fictioneers? Go on over to Rochelle’s blog by clicking here to find out the how-to’s inspired by Roger Bultot’s photo below. Got a 100-word story simmering in your noggin that just needs release? Click on the the lovebirds below and add your link. G’head, it’s fun!

©Roger Bultot

Dear Bill,

Going over some old photographs today, I found our trip to Brooklyn. Do you remember? It was November and the trees were still dressed in golden yellow leaves. We were excited to be together again.

We were determined to cross into Manhattan by subway (getting lost in the confusing labyrinth), so we could walk back over the Brooklyn Bridge. Such tourists we were. 🙂 We decided to stop for pizza at Grimaldi’s and had to pool our money, because they only took cash. Best pie ever!

Just thought I’d bring you for my walk down memory lane…

Lotsa love,

Lianne

New Year – First Dinner

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Dale | 155 Comments

I was going to entitle this “Breaking in the New Kitchen” but that would be technically wrong as I did host the Christmas breakfast with my family… My sister might disagree with who should have been first for last night’s feast but hey, things don’t always they way we plan, yanno?

Anyhoo, this evening was planned after we learned of our friend’s death on December 18th (post still not finished but will follow shortly). We suddenly felt the need to see each other; the funeral home not counting.

I swear I am the queen of start and not finish. 🙄 So, before I lose the feeling of last night, here I go. I started on Friday. Lucky for me, I was “liberated” from a job I loathe on Thursday, giving me all day Friday to cook (if that was how I chose to use my time).

I started things off by making the parsley-celery oil for the soup as well as the parsnip chips, inspired by my chef friend Janet, of The Simmering Chef’s recipe. Click here to get it. I was determined to use chicken thighs (skin on, bone in) that I had in my freezer so The Google was brought into service. I found Ina Garten’s Chicken Marbella. I got all the ingredients together and placed them in a bag to marinate all afternoon and overnight. If I hadn’t had my date night that included watching the oh-so-horrible-please-don’t-waste-your-time movie “The Poison Rose” (surprising cast: John Travolta, Morgan Freeman, Famke Janssen, Brendan Fraser), I might have actually made my soup AND my cake but no…

No matter! I was up and at ’em really early so, first things first, I baked the cake. I am so mad at myself as I had been making Soeur Angèle’s version of the Sachertore for eons (though it had been ages since I last made it) and could not find my copy of the recipe. I was positive I had kept that page, but no. Sigh. So onto The Google (again) I went. No luck. Her recipe is not to be found. So I keep my search up until I found one that sorta-kinda resembled what I remember of it by Lidia Bastianich, but made a few modifications.

As the cake baked, it was onto the Parsnip soup.

The “Mise”

As the soup simmered, I went out to shovel the walkway – not that there was much, but still, I took my time. Time to purée the soup and set it aside for warming up later.

I then went on to make my cheese bowls (Raclette and Grana Padano) that would hold my mesclun salad with Raspberry-Honey Vinaigrette. Every time I make these, I am amazed at the quantity of fat I need to wipe out of the frying pan!

Frying the cheese

Formed over square bowls

Cake cooled and iced it was time to do a quick sweep and mop of the floors and take my shower.

Good grief! Who was this broad who was so organized that her hair would not still be dripping wet when her guests arrived? I didn’t recognize her! She even set the table and shucked the oysters and made mignonette!

Just before Giselle and Dany, then Julie and Michael arrived, I put the chicken into the oven. An hour to cook, fifteen minutes to rest and Bob’s your uncle. The tour of the remodel was given and, as we are wont to do, stood around the island. We noshed on oysters and drank bubbles while catching up. (And, just so you know, it’s not because I still have not received my sofa that we had to. Plus, I did bring up the stools that will be getting their own makeover soon!)

There is nothing I love more than cooking for people I love. We ate, we laughed, we sang an early happy birthday for Dany (two weeks early) and then, because I had changed the Spotify from 70’s acoustic to French crooners, we ended up doing a sort of karaoke with one of Aznavour’s songs – which, as I wrote about when he passed away, is completely IMPOSSIBLE to sing along to (hell, you can’t even read the lyrics fast enough!)

The meal:

Cream of parsnip with Parsley-celery oil and parsnip crisps

Chicken Marbella with egg noodles that I brilliantly added butter and the oil from the soup

Raclette & Grana Padano bowls with mesclun salad

Sachertorte

Fun times. I’ve never had all the lights on in the house at once. Bloody hell it was bright. (Note to self… use the damn dimmers!)

A crazy bunch

Blow Dany

Birthday Boy

P.S. I started this post, officially yesterday morning (as it’s close to 1 am now) whilst enjoying my raisin bread toast (courtesy of Giselle) followed by one of her delicious almond cookies (and she claims she’s not a baker!) I pressed publish before I realised I forgot to add these!

Raisin bread toasts needs cinnamon sugar!

Cookies made with love

Weekend Writing Prompt #283 – Dunk

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Dale | 112 Comments

A word prompt to get your creativity flowing this weekend. How you use the prompt is up to you. Write a piece of flash fiction, a poem, a chapter for your novel…anything you like. Or take the challenge below – there are no prizes – it’s not a competition but rather a fun writing exercise. If you want to share what you come up with, please leave a link to it in the comments.

I took a short trip down memory lane with this one… Okay, that’s not entirely true as I had this very lunch just last week…

Comfort

Is an Aylmer’s cream of tomato soup with a side of sandwich.

The choice of sandwich is important. Plain will work in a pinch, but toasted is always best.

Some will swear by baloney (bologna) – plain or fried, thin or thick. Salami, ham, pressed chicken work

! But oh! A grilled cheese? That’s the best!

The magic happens when you dunk your sammie into the soup and savour!

Add The Flintstones and you are ten years old again.

It’s Terrasse Time! – Friday Fictioneers

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Dale | 123 Comments

Good Wednesday, my peeps! It’s Friday Fictioneers Day and I could not resist this photo. It kinda called me to do a certain sequel to my story from a couple weeks ago. As always, a thank you to Rochelle, our fearless leader, who, while still frolicking in the ocean, still manages to host our weekly shindig. Should you want to join in and write a story inspired by Roger Bultot’s photo, then click on the frogs below to add your link!

frog, chair, cozy, for two, drink, wine, soaked, cute, sweet, funny, relaxation | Pikist

Click to play

Since you didn’t like my choice last time we got together, you pick.

It was disgusting. And great, it’s terrasse weather. I know just the place.

Terrace weather, you mean.

Terrasse, terrace. The important thing is we sit outside.

In the shade?

Yes, in the shade.

Okay. Meet you there?

7:00 pm.

***

This is your choice?

Yes, this is my choice.

You thought my tables looked like toilets, what the hell is this?

Art.

Art? It’s graffiti!

Stop. The food and drinks are worth it.

They better be.

At least we won’t feel crowded.

Why does that bring me no comfort?

A Tuesday Night Supper

Posted on June 28, 2022 by Dale | 83 Comments

I haven’t done a food post in eons. And now I’m thinking I have to reinstitute Dalectables. I’m thinking about it. Oh, and don’t worry, this won’t be one of those super cheery blah-de-blah; step-by-step with twelve photos of the same thing. No, no, this is not one of those!

Just like blog post ideas, so go ideas on what to make for supper (for the umpteenth day in a row). And by go, I mean by the wayside. Sometimes, just like the wannabe post where I write one line with the intention of coming back to it later, I buy an ingredient for a specific recipe only to find its less-than-desirable self in the back of the fridge. Sometimes, like the line, I manage to use said ingredient in another way, thereby not wasting it. And sometimes, I actually use it in the way I wanted to. Or almost.

I had a head of cauliflower in the crisper drawer, slowly de-crisping and becoming more, let’s say frumpy. (And I don’t know about you but with the price of groceries, this is NOT the way to go.) I have been wanting to do a recipe since forever and tonight was the night! Of course, I could not find that recipe for the life of me… so, as I usually do, I went to the trusty Google and entered the ingredient I wanted to use. BOOM! Oh wait, that’s not it. Ooohhh… but I have everything I need for THAT recipe. It’s a go! And, while it might be a supposed main course, I knew that my kids would not buy it so it was going to be a perfect side for the marinated chicken thighs – that I actually remembered to do this morning before work. I am on FIAH! Okay, let’s not get excited.

And, take that Jamie Oliver… I, too can have a fabulous meal done in thirty minutes!

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks With Romesco Sauce and a side of Marinated Chicken Thighs. So, thank you, Martha Stewart, your recipe was delightful. And thank you, Dale Rogerson, your marinade turned out delish (not that I can ever make it again coz it was some of this, some of that and…)

Ta dah!

WWP #262 – Zest

Posted on June 4, 2022 by Dale | 106 Comments

Limoncello Instead

I’ve a zest for life, this is true

Life’s thrown me a lemon or two

Woe is me

I’ll never be

I’ll not turn sour and bitter

With vodka and zest

A time to rest

I will have a delicious elixir

From Zest

To ‘Cello

Easy-Breezy Sundays

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Dale | 48 Comments

If every summer day was like today, I would be in heaven. 25℃ (feels like 27℃) or, for you Yanks, 77℉ (feels like 81℉). The sun is shining but are were puffy white clouds passing by, breaking up the blue and momentarily giving breaks from the direct rays. The breeze is warm and steady at 30km/h with gusts up to 39km/h (19mph, and 24mph). The tree leaves rustle, the birds sing and traffic sounds so far away it is a barley discernable hum.

It is now late afternoon and all the neighbours, myself included, have mowed our lawns; no more sounds of circular saws or hammering or other chores needed, and now, we can sit by our pools or on our patios or right in the grass, having earned our time of respite, and just be one with the world.

Trying to hide from the lawnmower by looking like a potted plant

A well-deserved break

Of course there is supper to be made but I’ve actually planned ahead, sorta, kinda maybe. The salmon “should” be thawed by the time I’m ready, right? Plus, supper won’t be at least until 7:00 pm today… In the meantime, I am catching up on my reading – I am participating in Sammi’s Lord of the Rings re-read. It’s fun. We read a half-chapter per week, then “discuss” on her blog in her Tolkien Tuesday. I was behind by four weeks! Tomorrow we shall be discussing the first half of Chapter 11: A Knife in the Dark. It’s fun to get the opinions and thoughts of others (we are 4-6 regulars who participate) on each segment.

I was actually serenaded by a robin as I enjoyed the afternoon. How can one not appreciate that?

The BBQ is cooking my salmon and my rice is in its last resting five minutes. The asparagus are just about to get some grilling and I may actually be joined by the other residents of this household for supper, like at the same time as me. Whoa.

Grillin’

Platin’

We so enjoyed the different flavours brought out by the barbecue, it had me wondering why I barely used it last year. I shall definitely rectify the situation this year.

I’m also wondering why the hell we did not eat outside, especially since at the time we ate (8:00), the non-existent roof on my gazebo (ripped last year and needs to be replaced) wouldn’t have mattered as the sun had moved away from the house. Much as I love to eat outside, I do not love to eat in full sun and will never understand those who do. To each his and her own, I say.

*Special note: I was so enjoying the day yesterday that I finished posting today, Monday 😉

Soul Swell, Frolicking Fée, Marvellous Moon

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Dale | 112 Comments

I have so many plans. Too bad I’m a lazy bum! Was gonna write my WWP Saturday, then yesterday… but then the whole Blood Flower Moon Eclipse thing… But first, let’s go back…

Thursday evening was girls’ night. A way long overdue girls’ night. Okay, even if we had had one a couple months ago, I’d still feel it was overdue! Our usual trio of Julie, Giselle and me was upped by one with Linda. A very happy case of perfect timing. As the weather was particularly clement (a good 27℃ (81℉)) at suppertime, we sat outside of La Louisiane, a Montreal Cajun-Creole eatery that we have frequented a number of times and which I suggested for our evening. Ah man. It wouldn’t matter where we eat because it’s all about the company but good food just adds to it, right? Plus, Linda had never been so we got to introduce her to the joint. Linda and I arrived first and ordered drinks while we waited for the other two… which didn’t take long.

While we decided what to eat, we decided on a few appetizers: hushpuppies, sweet potato fries and grilled corn bread. Yeah.. um… Good stuff to absorb alcohol, right?

We then went for another round, this time with Cajun chicken wings, Gumbo – so more cornbread, beet and arugula salad, coconut beer battered shrimp. Delicious. All of it.

Giselle was ready for sweets so she indulged in a chocolate pecan torte (which we all took a bit of). However, we (Linda) felt we were still not done with the savoury and we ended up ordering some fried clams and crab cakes.

Lots of love, laughter and feel-good vibes were felt and must be repeated soon… Right, ladies?

First to arrive

Cornbread, hushpuppies, sweet potato fries

The Girls

Coconut beer shrimp, gumbo, arugula beet salad

Fried clams, Crab cakes

Chocolate pecan torte

Check this out!

Saturday morning I was supposed to run but the pool was in the shade and I thought that would be the best time to vacuum all the crap without me being cooked in the sun in the process. And, after I had done half, my sister Tracy called saying she was going to the barn for just an hour or so to see Fée (pronounced Fay) and would I like to join. She couldn’t ride her as she’d (Fée) had her vaccine so that’s why the visit would be shorter than usual. Um. Yeah! Plus, I promised Gigi from Rethinking Life that I would finally show her pictures of Fée.

Lemme tell you, I was rather glad it was to be a short visit. It was hotter than Hades out there – 32℃ (90℉) to be standing around in the blazing sun.

Tracy went to get Fée to bring her into the little ring. “She’s going to roll around in it.” “Really?” “Yep.” And she did. She ran around, going back and forth and then lay down and rolled. Up again and then rolled again. It was quite the sight to see!

Woo hoo!

Is this a good spot?

Oh yeah…

And then some

Wait. Where’s Mom?

I’m so excited!

As mentioned in the intro, this post was late because I was going to attempt to capture the Full Blood Flower Moon and Eclipse. And failed miserably. I even went up onto my roof but my tripod is tired and my butt got wet and then the clouds came just when I capture a sliver of it… and not all that well, either.

I did have fun with my phone before, begging the clouds to please be nice and disperse, which they did, before completely taking over.

And the best of the worst with my camera.

Oh well, maybe next time! If you really want to see some beautiful shots, check out Tim’s blog at Off Center & Not Even. Outstanding, I say!

Just Roll With It

Posted on January 24, 2022 by Dale | 114 Comments

“I try not to make plans. Because, even the best laid plans etc. etc.”

– Author: Brent Spiner

My plan for Sunday was rather easy. Get up (always a good way to start the day), have a coffee, eat some breakfast, have a second coffee, then get my heinie outside for a good walk. Upon my return will deserve a nice bowl of my veggie soup, take a shower, prepare supper, pick up my mother, enjoy our meal, drive her back, relax and go to bed.

As Sundays go, it started off nice and slow. Slept in until 9 (never mind I was awake from 2 till 5). Stoked the fire and made myself a cup of coffee. Got onto the Interwebs to catch up on my readings. Ate my bowl of Raisin Bran by 10, continued reading and next thing I knew it was past noon. Well, dang.

If I was going to walk for any reasonable time, I’d have to eat sooner. Continued reading and commenting and whatnot and then around 1:30-ish, had a small bowl of soup, then dressed up to go out.

Shovelled the back porch and along the back of the house up to the side gate (must have all exits free from snow, in case). Once that was done, grabbed my camera and was off.

After the cold we had on Saturday, Sunday felt positively balmy! Off I went in the direction of my willow, planning to keep walking until I reached the discovered secluded walkway. I got to the first park and decided to take a pic of the play area as this week’s theme in my photo group is “a touch of blue”, and there is blue on the monkey bars. I slid-shuffled across the skating rink, passing by a lady who was clearing the snow off the rink. I took a few pictures then noticed a flash of something on my camera….

“No card in camera”.

What. The. Fuck? What an amateur move! I completely forgot that I had taken a few pics of the sky from my living room window the evening before, uploaded them into my computer. Where I left the card. Sonova–

I grumble and take out my cell phone to snap a couple pics. Would have been a grand day with the camera as the day was beautiful, for sure.

However, there was no way in hell I was lugging my camera bag without being able to take pictures! Get a sore back for nothing? No. So I turned around. As I crossed the park, I thought, hey, all is not lost, I have lots of time. I shall go home, change and go back out for a run. Once I turned on the next street, the wind in my face determined otherwise. The day was bust. I just wasn’t feeling it, anymore anyway.

So I took my shower then slowly started preparing my supper. It was nice to not feel rushed. Chopping and sautéeing and browning. It’s when I feel the most zen. Just as I was putting my coat on to leave to pick up my mother, Iain’s CAA arrived to boost his car (dead battery). I told him that, since he had to drive his car to get his battery full, it would be a wonderful idea if he could go and get his grandmother. He agreed.

We had a lovely and simple Sunday dinner. To be repeated! I made my “Chicken à la Tuscan à la Dale” – one of those recipes that I actually wrote down. (Years and years ago, Mick asked me to please stop winging it and write things down so that I could potentially repeat the good stuff.) Of course, I never follow it, but the fact that I wrote it down means that I potentially remake it sorta-kinda the same way (ish). It just so happens I was looking for this recipe to share with someone else – and ended up not doing so coz I never did get around to sending out Christmas cards in which I was supposed to include a recipe on a 3″ X 5″ index card; said index cards that I actually bought for the occasion and will be potentially used next year – so it was top of my mind when I asked Mom if she wanted dinner.