Dyson's Delectables: May 2012

MENU FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 28, 2012

Well, we did get the garden in. The deck garden. Perhaps the back garden can wait until it cools down about. Like October.

In these last few weeks we’ve done a few other things as well. We took a drive. To Florida. Stayed for a week in Tampa with my college roommate and her husband. They are spectacular hosts - great food and great wine and a spectacular view of The Gulf of Mexico. And they arranged for a surprise evening with another college friend, Don who had been quite ill and had clearly made a great recovery.

Then we drove to Miami. Stayed one night then caught the Celebrity Eclipse as she sailed for Europe. Thirteen nights on board. Ports of call – the Azores (lovely), Cork (cancelled due to storms producing 30’ waves), a small port in northwestern Spain, Le Havre and finally Southampton.

We had rented an apartment in London – beautiful, overlooking the Thames with a view of The Eye, Big Ben and Parliament from our living room window.

Then on the Eurostar to Paris where we had an apartment in Montmartre overlooking Sacre Couer for 10 days.

As spectacular trip and a long time coming - my first time in Europe. So much to absorb!!!

We did our steak and ale pies, fish and chips, steak frites and croque madams – but we also cooked. The markets in Paris were fabulous – one highlight was that we did a market tour and lecture at Le Cordon Bleu. Wonderful.

This cooking was different from what I usually do. Usually I start out with a week’s menu and a list of recipes and ingredients. In Europe it was different. I would start from scratch - what looked great – how could I build a meal around it. It was a real education for me. And I loved it all.

Mon. AM Grilled Burgers

Mon. PM Grilled London Broil

Pasta Salad with Whole Wheat Pasta, Tomatoes, Cukes, Peppers,

Capers and Vinaigrette, Devilled Eggs

Minted Beet Salad GM 7 /92