High Above

I hope you all enjoy this post by fellow writer Beth Dumey who recently found herself immersed in the dramatic beauty of the northwest.

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As a Midwesterner, I seldom get to stand in the shadows of mountains. After a recent trip to Seattle and Vancouver, I’ve been pondering how I might view God differently if I lived in the midst of these gaping wonders.

In Seattle, on clear days, Mount Rainier casts a powerful presence over the city. White-capped and majestic, it is a guidepost for both travelers and natives.
“Can you see Mount Rainier today?” passersby ask as they crook their necks toward the sky. When they catch a glimpse of its outline in the distance, their faces relax into an appreciating “Ahhh…”

A few hours north, Vancouver is buffeted by mountains and one of the most familiar is Grouse Mountain, rising 4,100 feet above the city. A sky ride carries the curious and dedicated (skiers, that is) up to a clearing near the top. Adrenaline junkies looking for a challenge can choose the Grouse Grind instead, foregoing the gondola and hiking the distance. Either way, the view is as compelling as it is humbling. Self-importance dissolves at the foot of towering pine trees and prominent peaks jutting into heaven. The air is thinner. The bears, in their natural habitat, reign.
Perched on a mountainside, a mere speck along a tangle of untamed wildlife and uninhibited tree growth, it seems much easier to understand the sovereignty of God; His mighty power evident all around. Bigger than the breadth of a mountain, higher than the most skyward summit, He is stronger and more capable than all of the creation He spoke into being.

I travel to the mountains because it comforts me. In their shadows, I become smaller and God becomes much bigger. As I look up, I am embraced by the beauty, the grandeur, the fierceness of His presence. With a deep breath, I exhale.

A Bright Star in Michigan

Among Michigan’s many treasures is my friend and critique partner, LYNDA SCHAB, who just signed a contract for her debut novel, Mind Over Madi. Lynda’s book, to be released by Oak Tara Publishing, will be the first in a 3-book chic-lit series.

CONGRATULATIONS, LYNDA!

For most writers, the road to publication is loooong and bumpy. See what Lynda has to say about her writing journey and her first book.

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What have you learned through this writing journey?

LS - Oh, wow. The biggest thing I've learned is patience. The path to publication is long and winding. There have been so many times I've wondered why God wasn't making things happen faster. I've wanted to rush things along. I've even been tempted to quit because of frustration. But, looking back, every tiny victory, every narrow door that opened, was a necessary step that directly led me to where I am now. Not that I've arrived, of course. I have a loooong way to go, but I've learned that God's timing is rarely my own.

Can we get a sneak peak at the plot?

LS - Here's a little "back cover blurb" I've put together:
All men cheat. At least, that’s what Madi’s mother has always told her. That fact is confirmed when Madi suspects her husband of having an affair with the mother of one of his 4th grade students. When, in a heated moment, Madi asks him to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues she has tried to avoid. Issues of love and trust that trail back to her childhood. Will counseling, a determination to not turn out like her bitter and unforgiving mother, and an emotional confrontation with the “other woman” help Madi to realize there is Someone who always has her on His mind, even when it seems she’s lost her own?

How much of Lynda is in Madi?

LS - Probably too much! To be honest, Madi's story is (very loosely) based on my own. I've certainly experienced my share of insecurities for some of the same reasons Madi has. Also, like Madi, I constantly have a battle going on in my mind, I have a sarcastic sense of humor, and I'm addicted to computer games and chocolate.

My hope is that Mind over Madi will offer women a real yet humorous look at how our insecurities can affect our relationships with family, friends, and God. I also hope this story will leave readers with a knowledge and assurance that God loves us. That grace abounds, despite our weaknesses, our past mistakes or, as Madi would say, out moron-ness.

Release date?

LS - I wish I knew. The contract has been signed and I'm waiting for the editor to contact me with all of the juicy details. Can't be soon enough for me!

As a Michigan native, can you share with us some great places to visit in your home state?

LS - I know I'm biased, but Michigan is the most beautiful state in America. There are so many options...Perhaps the most recognizable tourist spot is Mackinac Island, described as the natural theme park of America. It's historic, relaxing, and gorgeous. We went last year as a family and can't wait to go back.

An interesting fact about Michigan is that we have more than 11,000 inland lakes. At any given point in Michigan, you are never more than 6 miles from an inland lake or more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes. We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. A few remarkable beaches can be found in Grand Haven, Ludington, Traverse City, and Holland - which also boasts wonderful Dutch heritage. There's also South Haven, where Mind over Madi is set. South Haven is a huge tourist draw because of its beaches and recreational harbor.

How about a favorite recipe?


LS - I have tons of favorite recipes and they all belong to restaurants. I'll admit I don't cook a lot (nor do I enjoy it all that much), but I try to cook something edible so we can sit down together as a family at least once a week. My family's favorite recipe is not-so-creatively titled, Chicken Casserole, but I have to say it is delicious. Plus, it makes a ton so there are usually left-overs, which is nice. I also make this dish for large family gatherings and it always gets rave reviews.

CHICKEN CASSEROLE

5-6 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
16 oz. macaroni noodles, cooked and drained
Steamed / cooked carrots
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
3 T. Margarine
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper

Prepare macaroni and drain. In saucepan, melt margarine. Add soup, milk and cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Combine macaroni, cheese mixture, chicken, carrots, salt and pepper. Pour into a 3-quart casserole dish (I use the Pampered Chef big stone bowl). Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.


Thank you, Lynda! I can’t wait to see Mind Over Madi in print.

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Michigan's Treasure

Saugatuck – with a name like that, how can it be anything but great? We visited Saugatuck, Michigan a couple of years ago on our annual Mother’s Day trip, which never actually takes place on Mother’s Day. Let me explain. Each year, my sister and I give my mother a two-night trip as her Mother’s Day gift. Our challenge is to find places that are within a 4-hour drive of the Chicago area. After we’d been to Lake Geneva, Galena and Amish Acres in Indiana, I remembered a friend raving about Saugatuck.

A little Internet research led me to the Beachway Resort and Hotel. Loved the name -- loved the location even more. Beachway is situated between downtown Saugatuck and Lake Michigan, overlooking the Saugatuck Harbor, where you can board the only hand-cranked chain ferry in the U.S. It only takes about 15 minutes to cross the Harbor into charming downtown Saugatuck, where quaint shops, art galleries and a variety of restaurants await.

For beach lovers like me, there’s something even better about staying at the Beachway (and I quote from the Beachway site) “it is the closest hotel to Lake Michigan's award-winning Oval Beach.”

What makes Oval Beach award winning? Check it out, and you won’t wonder for another minute. This Lake Michigan stretch of sand feels and looks like the most beautiful Florida beach you can imagine. Endless miles of sand and water, a sand dune high enough to experience panoramic views of Saugatuck and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. And no…Beachway did not pay me for this blog. And no…it’s not the Taj Mahal of hotels. Just a nice, clean family-run resort/hotel with a fantastic, family-friendly vacation or a great place for a couple’s or friends’ getaway. There are many other great places to stay in Saugatuck, as well. Check them out at www.saugatuck.com/lodging/lodging_index.asp.

Nothing says Michigan like cherries. Check out this delicious pie recipe.

Star-Spangled Cherry Pie with Crumble Topping

• 4 c. tart cherries, frozen or fresh
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 3 T. quick-cooking tapioca
• 1/2 t. almond extract
• Pastry for one-crust 9-inch pie
• 2 T. butter or margarine

Crumble Topping:
• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
• 1 c. flour

In a medium bowl, combine cherries, sugar, tapioca and almond extract and mix well (it is not necessary to thaw frozen cherries before using). Let cherry mix stand for 15 minutes.
Line a nine-inch pie plate with pastry and fill with cherry mixture. Dot with 2 Tbs. butter.

To make crumble topping, combine 1/2 c. soft butter, brown sugar and flour in a small bowl and mix until crumbly. Top cherry filling with crumble topping and bake in preheated 400° oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.

Note: Two cans (16 oz. each) well-drained unsweetened tart cherries can be substituted for frozen or fresh cherries.

Tip: If freezing your own cherries, arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet after pitting. Freeze until solid to prevent cherries from clumping together, then bag.

Cruising Around New Zealand

Many thanks to fellow-traveler Karen Robbins, my guest blogger for today. Unlike me, Karen has actually been to New Zealand! Read about her adventure, then stop by and visit her blog at http://karenrobbins.blogspot.com/.

Green fields spotted with white lambs. Rocky coastal areas with albatross, soaring above. Towns reminiscent of Scottish heritage. Dramatic cliffs rising from the sea protecting harbors of quiet waters and lush green foliage. A city vibrant with the enthusiasm of a great sailing event. These are the things I remember most from our visit to New Zealand.

Our trip to New Zealand, the land of the Kiwi, was back in 2000. It was a Millennium Cruise that began in Auckland in January—the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere. The first round eliminations for the Americas Cup were being conducted and we enjoyed watching the activity as the large sailboats came into the harbor after the races and crews rushed to get them out of the water and cover the keels least someone should copy their secret design.

We stayed one night in Auckland before boarding a Princess Cruise ship to begin our cruise down the east coast of New Zealand and over to Australia. It was a wonderful way to get an introduction to the country.

Our first stop was in the Bay of Islands to the north of Auckland. We anchored in the middle of them and took an excursion in a smaller boat around several interesting natural formations and explored a bit of Urupukapuka Island where Zane Gray is said to have stayed when he came to fish in the area. Serene and exotic, I can imagine he was inspired whether the fish were biting or not.

The Maoris named our next stop Tauranga which means “resting place for canoes.” This was one of the first places the Maoris arrived in New Zealand. In 1769, Captain Cook arrived. His reception here was a little calmer than some of the other places he explored. We had a full day as we explored the Roturura Lake countryside with stops to see some of the wildlife represented at a farm/zoo. The elusive kiwi bird was only a stuffed specimen since the kiwi are entirely night creatures and very shy. At the sheep farm, we watched a demonstration of sheep dogs at work and farmers sheering wool.

At a Maori Village, we were immersed in their culture as we participated in a meal that had been cooked in a fire pit (or so we were told). Pork, sweet potatoes, and all sorts of local produce were arranged in pots at a buffet-style lunch. The Maoris have a strange custom that the men perform. To make themselves look fierce and scare enemies away, they stick their tongues out. We tried not to giggle.

The town of Napier is known for their wool production. Wool was the number one industry in New Zealand for a long time but has since been replaced by tourism. At a nearby sheep farm and processing plane, we watched the sheering, cleaning, dyeing and processing of the sheep skins.
Our last stop on the north island of New Zealand was Wellington, the capital of the country and the birthplace of writer, Katherine Mansfield, who seemed from the literature we read to be a kind of Virginia Wolf personality. She lived from 1888 – 1923. Large red pom-pom type blooms graced tree branches throughout the city’s gardens. They called it the New Zealand Christmas tree because it always blooms around that time of year.

Christchurch, about a third of the way down the east coast of the south island is described as the most English city outside England. Its gardens, 19th century architecture, and antique trams give the city a quaint feeling of Victorian England. The port town of Littleton was easily explored on foot and the harbor area we toured by boat, gave us pastoral scenes of green hills dotted with sheep. Christchurch is also one of the places from which Antarctic exploration teams leave for their tours of duty.

Originally a Presbyterian Scottish settlement, Dunedin, the city located at the head of the Otago harbor maintains its Scottish ambience. While the city is a delight to explore, I found the harbor even more so. It abounds with wildlife. We saw seals, little blue penguins, cormorants, terns, and the big attraction, the albatross. These birds were amazing with a huge wing span that made them look like small jet planes in the air. We were not allowed near the nesting area but from our perch on the sight-seeing boat, we could see a ranger sitting next to one of the large birds. The ranger was probably about six feet tall but sitting, he was smaller than the albatross.

The southernmost part of New Zealand was the most spectacular of the coast line that we saw. We spent a day cruising through Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and into Milford Sound, the most spectacular of the fjords. When we stopped to pick up some passengers who had done an overland/overnight excursion, we could see in the distance snow capped mountains.

As we turned and cruised into the twilight, out toward the Tasman Sea, we bid farewell to the beauty and serenity of New Zealand with a promise to return to the land of the Kiwi.

Kangaroos, Koalas and Endless Beaches

Kangaroo Island, located about 70 miles southwest of Adelaide, Australia, is the featured destination this week. (Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and is located on the coast.) The island is a pristine wilderness where you’ll find sea lions basking on the beach and furry koalas peeking out from eucalyptus trees. And kangaroos, of course – plenty of those!

My last post provided some info on the animals and wildflowers you can see on this exotic island. If you go, you’ll probably find exploring and photography to be two of the key activities, but there’s so much more. Swimming, fishing, sailing, SCUBA diving, surfing, biking, camping and horseback riding are all at your fingertips. In short, this place has something for just about everyone, in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable! Make sure to stay no fewer than four days to really experience this amazing island and its wildlife.

How To Get There
If flying is your preference, there is air service from Adelaide airport. Once on the island, you’ll find shuttle service between Kingscote and Kingscote Airport. Book in advance. There is also a ferry called Kangaroo Island Sealink that runs between Jape Jervis (a peninsula town about 67 miles from Adelaide) and Penneshaw (town on Kangaroo Island). Passengers and vehicles are accepted. The following note appeared on one of the Kangaroo

Island websites: “Major roads between Penneshaw, American River, Kingscote and Prndana are sealed, most others are

unsealed.” No idea what that means. If anyone knows, toss me a comment.

Where to Stay
You can camp, stay at a luxury hotel, a B & B or something in between. Here are a few links to get you started:

www.OutbackEncounter.com/LuxLodge
http://www.hotelclub.com/Australia/Kangaroo-Island-hotels/
http://www.southaustralia.com/9005038.aspx

If you go, let me know! I’ll do the same. I’m hoping to cross this one off my bucket list in the next couple of years.

Kangaroo Island

I first heard about Kangaroo Island from the late, great Steve Irwin. And yes, I do think he was amazing – probably one of the most heroic protectors and defenders of our natural resources and the creatures God gave us. More importantly, he opened up the eyes of the world to the damage being done to our fragile planet and its inhabitants. But I digress. When I saw his footage of Kangaroo Island, I knew it was someplace I had to go. Sadly, it still remains one of the best places I’ve never been…but I will get there.

The island is located about 8 miles offshore of Cape Jervis, South Australia. It is a long, thin, pristine wilderness – beautiful, peaceful and full of the native Australian animals people like me find irresistible. Kangaroos (of course) koalas, sea lions and pelicans dwell on the island in abundance. The landscape is surprisingly diverse, with towering sand dunes, soaring cliffs, wetlands, forests and pure white beaches.

In the spring (September to November), wildflowers color the landscape like a painter’s palate, with 40 different species growing on the island. Eucalyptus oil is at peak production in the spring, which makes me think its wonderful scent would gently perfume the island’s breezes.

In summer (December to February), kangaroos, wallabies and koalas give birth to their blind and furless babies, while the little penguins are molting their feathers. This is also the time of year when the New Zealand fur seals give birth to chocolate-brown pups.

My next post will provide info on how to get there, where to stay, and more about the island. For now, enjoy this local recipe. (I’ll probably try it without the anchovies.)

Kangaroo Island Chicken

1 Lemon
4 boned chicken thighs; cut in pieces
10 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves; peeled and crushed
Salt and pepper
2 anchovy fillets
1/2 cup pitted and finely chopped green olives
1 garlic clove; minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley;
1 Tbs. white wine vinegar
1 Tbs. red wine vinegar
2 bulbs fennel
4 lemon wedges
Parsley leaves for garnish
Black olives

Preparation
Zest the lemon. Marinate the chicken with the lemon zest, two tablespoons olive oil, crushed garlic and salt and pepper for two hours or overnight. To make relish: mash the anchovies and place in a food processor with the green olives, minced garlic, parsley, vinegar, juice of lemon and another six tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Grill chicken, preferably over charcoal. Remove the chicken from the chargrill, cut into small pieces and toss with the relish. To accompany this dish, slice some fennel into large wedges and pour over a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, a little sugar and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Cover in foil and cook in the oven for about fifteen minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature garnished with lemon and parsley leaves and scattered with black olives around the dish.

Mexico City

It’s taken me awhile to get to Mexico City (virtually, of course!), but at long last, here it is!

The Main Square, known as Zócalo, is certainly one of the most historically interesting sites in the city. Many significant events took place right in the square throughout the years, and it was often visited by Viceroys (royal officials) during the colonial period and by presidents after the War of Independence.

If you love archaeology, don’t miss the Museum of Anthropology. Inside you’ll find an incredible collection of archaeological pieces displayed in 11 exhibition halls showing the richness of Mexico's pre-Hispanic past. And speaking of archeology, check out Templo Mayor, a series of pyramidal constructions built one over the other; and Cuicuilco Pyramid, half hidden by the lava 300 years ago.

Love castles? (Who doesn’t?) Chapultepec Castle dates from 1785 when the viceroy Gálvez ordered that a town be built on top of the hill. It now houses the National Museum of History.

Other great sites in the city include the National Museum of Art (opposite Plaza de Tolsá) and The National Palace.

And now for another delicioso recipe!

Tres Leche Cake

FOR CAKE:
Vegetable oil
6 3/4 ounces cake flour, plus extra for pan
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces sugar
5 whole eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

FOR GLAZE:
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup half-and-half

FOR TOPPING:
2 cups heavy cream
8 ounces sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CAKE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly oil and flour a 13 by 9-inch metal pan and set aside. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder and salt in a medium mixing bowl and set aside. Beat butter until fluffy. With mixer on low, gradually add sugar. Scrape sides of bowl when necessary. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and mix thoroughly. Mix in vanilla. Add flour mixture to batter in 3 batches and mix. Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. This will appear to be a very small amount of batter. Bake on middle rack of oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cake is lightly golden. Remove cake pan to cooling rack and cool for 30 minutes. Poke top of cake all over with a skewer or fork. Allow the cake to cool completely and then prepare the glaze.

GLAZE: Whisk together evaporated milk, condensed milk and half-and-half in a 1-quart measuring cup. Once combined, pour the glaze over the cake. Refrigerate overnight.

TOPPING: Place heavy cream, sugar and vanilla into mixing bowl and beat on low until stiff peaks form. Change to medium and beat until thick. Spread the topping over the cake and allow to chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Optional, add berries on top or swirls of caramel or chocolate.

Mexico's Famous Ruins

There is so much to see in Mexico that it’s impossible to put it all into a blog. Incredible beaches and diving, tropical forests, historical sites, archeological sites, the National Museum of Art, the National Palace, Chapultepec Castle …the list goes on and on. Today I’m going to focus on ruins because…well, I like ruins. They’re old, they’re sometimes eerie, sometimes peaceful, always mysterious. You can’t be in the presence of a ruin without it stirring you in some way.

Two of Mexico’s most famous are Palenke (or Palenque) and Chichen Itza, both originally built by the Mayans.

The Palenke Ruins are close to the tropical forests of the foothills of the mountains in Chiapas. They are considered among the most important Mayan archaeological sites in all of Mexico and Central America. Most of the buildings were built before the tenth century AD. Hard to even imagine what life was like for the people working on those structures. One of the most fascinating ruins is the palace, with its walls and roof covered with mortar carved images of kings and gods. So far, only 34 buildings have been excavated, while there is believed to be around 500 hidden somewhere beneath the surface.

Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan Peninsula and was once a major regional center for the Mayans. Interestingly, the land under the ruins was privately owned until March of this year! It is now owned by the state of Yucatan. If you go, you’ll see many stone buildings in various states of preservation. Some have even been restored. They are connected by a network of roads called sacbeob.

Next up….some interesting sites in Mexico City and one last Mexican recipe.

Marvelous Mexico

Divers and snorkelers like me know that Mexico is one of the best places for underwater beauty. At least…it used to be. Unfortunately the very people who love the undersea world are ruining it. Sometimes thoughtlessly, by breaking off coral as a souvenir or crashing a boat anchor into a reef, other times by accident. Now, of course, with countless gallons of oil pouring into the Gulf of Mexico from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil rig, who knows what may happen to our precious Gulf and its marine life.

In an effort to draw tourists away from the reef, thereby giving it a chance to recuperate, an underwater sculpture museum has been created and placed in the National Marine Park off the coast of Cancun. When complete, the art-meets-science project will be composed of 400 permanent life-size sculptures on sandy areas close to Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc. And here’s the best part – they are made of specialized materials used to promote coral life. The statues will actually form a reef structure for marine life to colonize and inhabit. Very cool!

If you go to Mexico, be sure to sample some elote, Mexican corn that is usually available on a stick from street vendors. My family loves it so much we make it at home. Healthy? No…not one bit. Delicious? Absolutamente!

Elote (Mexican corn)

Corn on the cob
Melted butter or margarine
Mayonnaise
Cotija cheese
Chili piquin
Lime wedges (optional)

Boil corn on the cob until done. Spread with thin layer of mayonnaise. Sprinkle with cheese. Drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with chili piquin, as much or as little as you desire. You can finish it off with a drizzle of lime, which I haven’t tried yet, but it sounds pretty good. This stuff is amazing and addictive! Many thanks to my niece, Laura Ortiz, for introducing me to this family favorite.

Wildly Beautiful

Did you know France has a Grand Canyon?
Gorges de Verdon is a river canyon that is considered to be Europe’s most beautiful. The turquoise color of the water and dramatic ravine that cuts through walls of limestone makes this a don’t miss for hikers, rock climbers, kayakers and photographer’s. The river flows into the Sainte Croix du Verdon Lake. The canyon is close to the French Riviera, making it very popular with tourists.

Have you heard about the Golden Isles (also known as the Hyeres Islands)? These three islands off the coast of Southern France are named for the sunlight reflecting off their golden-brown mica shale. They consist of Porquerolles, wildly beautiful with long sandy beaches and rocky cliffs; Port-Cros, a thickly forested National Park; and Levant, surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs and popular with “naturalists.” (You might want to avoid this one if taking a family vacation. The only place nudity is not permitted is on a few public beaches.)

Here's a final French recipe for meat lovers.

Boeuf (beef) Bourguignon
2 large onions, chopped
2 large carrots, sliced in rounds
2 tablespoons cooking oil
6 ounces lean bacon cut into small pieces
2 pounds of stew meat, cut into bite size pieces
1 bottle of red wine (less a glass or two if you wish)
1 bouquet garni or 2 tablespoons mixed dried herbs
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon tomato concentrate
salt and pepper
Optional Ingredients for Beurre Manié
2 tablespoons softened butter
2 tablespoons flour

In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, cook the onions and carrots in the oil on medium heat until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the bacon and continue cooking and stirring for 10 minutes.
Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper. Add the herbs, the garlic and the red wine. Cover, turn down the heat, and let simmer for at least two hours.

Meanwhile cook the mushrooms in the butter until soft and add to the stew after about two hours along with the tomato concentrate. Simmer until meat is very tender. Sometimes I cook it for the last hour without the lid to get a more concentrated sauce. If you are thickening your stew before serving, mix the butter and flour together in a small bowl until well blended. Blend in a tablespoon of the cooking liquid, and then stir this mixture back into the stew. Continue cooking for several minutes.
Makes 6 generous servings.

France Fun Facts

While researching France I found some interesting facts to share, but first I want to tell you about a book written by a friend of mine, Margot Justes. Margot and I give food and travel programs at libraries and will be presenting “A Taste of Italy” at 7 p.m., Monday, May 24 at the Elk Grove Village Library, 1001 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove, IL. If you live in the area, come by for a beautiful slide presentation and tasty treats!

Margot was born in Poland and has lived in some of the world s most wonderful places, including Israel, France and South Africa, and has traveled to many countries worldwide. Her book, A HOTEL IN PARIS, features Minola Grey, an American painter who decides that a trip to Paris is just what she needs to re-capture her muse. Soon after her arrival, a murder in the hotel disrupts her peaceful contemplation. Pick up a copy to see what happens next!

In the meantime, check out some Fun France Facts that might surprise you!

1. France is the largest European country in terms of land area after Russia and Ukraine.
2. French people cheek kiss to greet each others between family and friends, even between men. The number of kisses varies according to the region, from 1 (e.g. in the tip of Brittany) to 4 (e.g. Paris and most of the North), and occasionally up to 5 in Corsica (wow…a bit much for me!)
3. According to a 2004 IFOP survey, 44% of French people are Atheists (How sad.)
4. The French are the world's biggest consumers of psychotropic drugs. About one fourth of the population admits having taken anti-depressants or tranquilizers over the past year. (Hmm…any connection to Fact #3???)
5. Nicotine was named after Jean Nicot (1530-1600), a French diplomat and scholar who introduced the tobacco plant to France in 1559 (from Portugal).
6. In France, in exceptional cases, it is possible to marry a deceased person with the authorization of the President of the Republic. (Okay…why? And one more comment…ewww.)
7. Famous French inventions include the adding machine, the hot air balloon, the airship, the parachute, the submarine, the ambulance service, photography, animation and cinema.
8. 72% of the adult French population finds it difficult to understand French wine labels.

My final post on France will provide some interesting sites and another recipe. Stay tuned!

On to France

Okay, break’s over. Time to visit a little place Europe known for its fancy cuisine, high fashion and expensive wine. France is on the rather long list of places I have not yet been and want to go. Not for any of the reasons mentioned above (well…maybe the food), but just because it is so beautiful. The photo at left may not be a typical representation of France, but I liked it far better than a shot of the Eiffel Tower or an outdoor café. And if I go, I’d rather see the French countryside than Paris.

Our virtual visit to France begins with a recipe that not only sounds delicious, but is fun to say. Rich and chock full of calories, Chicken Fricassee combines, chicken, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, wine and cream for a dish you won’t soon forget. Fricassee is a cooking method where the meat and/or vegetables are browned lightly in butter, sprinkled with flour and than cooked in bouillon or wine, resulting in a flavorful sauce. You’ll notice this recipe calls for fresh Tarragon. Remember that when replacing fresh herbs with dried, you substitute approximately 1 tablespoon of dried herbs for 3 tablespoons of fresh.

Fricassée de Poulet
(Chicken Fricassee)

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced or crushed
1 1/2 pounds skinned chicken breasts, cubed in bite sized pieces
(I prefer dark meat and would use thighs. Also, cubing the chicken is optional.)
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 pound mushrooms, cleaned and sliced 1/4 inch
3 medium carrots, scraped and julienned in 1/4 inch wide strips
3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 cup crème fraîche or whipping cream
(for a crème fraiche recipe, go to www.joyofbaking.com/CremeFraiche.html)

Melt the butter and olive oil together in a Dutch oven or other heavy large skillet on medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic and cook for five minutes stirring occasionally. Add the chicken and brown on all sides - about five minutes. Stir in salt and pepper. Sprinkle the top of the chicken with the flour and stir for 1 minute, thoroughly coating the chicken with the flour. Stir in the water and wine and then the prepared mushrooms, carrots and tarragon. Bring to a low boil, cover and simmer on medium low heat for 15 minutes or just until the vegetables are cooked as you like them.
Turn off the heat and stir in the crème fraîche or whipping cream. Serve hot. Makes 6 servings.

Windmills and Wooden Shoes

Last day for the Netherlands, so here are a few more sights to see if you happen to head that way:

Windmills and Wooden Shoes – No trip to the Netherlands would be complete without these! Try a tour of Zaanse Schans, a popular tourist area in North Holland. There you’ll find the famous windmills, wooden houses and old-fashioned stores, including a wooden clog factory. From there you can drive (or your tour might take you) to the fishing villages of Marken and Volendam. Along the way, stop at a cheese factory, where Dutch cheeses are still being made in the traditional way.

Erasmus Bridge – This amazing architectural delight is shaped like a harp and soars over Europe’s largest harbor in Rotterdam, linking the northern and southern halves of the city. Beautiful by day and dazzling by night!

A Dutch Delight

The Dutch aren’t noted for having the most exciting cuisine in the world, but some of the recipes I found really made my mouth water. Farmers Cheese Soup, which contains bacon, onions and more, sounded particularly delicious to me. The recipe, however, had too many ingredients and too many steps, so you won’t find it here. Nor will you find the recipe for Lamb’s Tongue with Raisin Sauce. Need I explain why? Instead, I chose a vegetable – one of my very favorites – with a sauce nearly as popular in the U.S. as it is in the Netherlands. The photo shows it with white asparagus, which is a little more difficult to find and definitely pricier than its green counterpart. My guess is you can make it with either color, especially since the recipe doesn’t specify.

Asparagus Hollandaise
8 -10 asparagus spears per person (approx. 3.5 pounds)
1 tsp. salt
4 whole eggs & 4 egg yolks
8 slices boiled ham
4 Tbs. dry white wine (e.g. Pinot Blanc d’ Alsace)
1 cup melted butter
Pinch of nutmeg
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
Pinch of salt and white pepper
2 Tbs. finely chopped flat leaf parsley

Soak the asparagus in cold water as soon as you get them home. Rinse and peel with a potato peeler (start from the head and work your way down). Cut the woody bit off the end. Place the asparagus and salt in a large pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Take off the heat and leave the asparagus in the hot water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Meanwhile, boil 4 of the eggs and chop finely. Slice the ham into fine strips.

For the Hollandaise, beat egg yolks and wine until foamy. Place on a low heat and beat continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and add the melted butter in a thin trickle, while continuing to whisk. Add the nutmeg, lemon juice, salt and white pepper. Whisk again, and set aside.

Gently drain the cooked asparagus. Be careful not to damage the tender heads. Plate them up, making sure the asparagus are facing in the same direction, and top with the Hollandaise sauce, chopped ham and boiled eggs. Scatter parsley over and serve with the rest of the chilled wine.

Fields of Flowers

With tulips popping up everywhere these days, the Netherlands seemed the perfect subject for this week. Though tulips are the big draw in Holland, they are not alone in washing the countryside in a vibrant palette of color. But first, let’s clarify the “what and where” of Holland, as some people mistake it for a country. Holland is a region in the western part of the Netherlands. It’s capital is Amsterdam. One of the largest cities in Holland, Rotterdam, is home of Europe’s largest port.

Okay, geography lesson over. Let’s talk flowers. Each spring, countless tourists come to Holland to view huge fields of tulips. There are many types and colors covering vast areas of land (see the aerial view photo). But tulips aren’t the only flora worth seeing in Holland. Fields of crocuses burst forth in early spring, followed by daffodils and then narcissi. In April, tulips and hyacinths cover the land, blossoming until the middle of May. This is also the time of year when the Bollenstreek Flower Parade takes place. Volunteers spend months creating floats with 1.5 million flowers! Imagine how beautiful they look cruising down the street.


And still there’s more! Come August, the gladioli grow tall, each plant bearing numerous large colorful blooms.

To visit the tulip fields, go from late March through early May. They are located in Lisse between Leiden and Amsterdam. And as you might expect, there are plenty of hotels located in Lisse.

Check back in a few days for a Netherlands recipe!

England's Stony Mystery

Who doesn’t love a great mystery? Our planet has so many: crop circles, the Bermuda Triangle, the Lost City of Atlantis, the Loch Ness Monster and of course, England’s claim to mystery fame, Stonehenge. Theories abound, ranging from scientific and somewhat believable to completely outrageous. It has been excavated, surveyed, measured and x-rayed, yet no solid explanation for its existence has been forthcoming. Maybe a group of prehistoric people simply created Stonehenge for the sole purpose of making future generations endlessly ponder its meaning.

Want to visit this famous site? It is located in the county of Wiltshire in southwest England. Imagine driving for miles through the rolling hills of England’s countryside, then suddenly encountering this strange and somewhat eerie sight. The large standing stones and earthen mounds were set in a circular pattern approximately 5,000 years ago, causing some to believe its purpose was for religious rites, while others think it is tied to astronomy.

Okay…enough about Stonehenge. Here’s one last English recipe before we move on to another country (as yet to be determined!) I couldn’t finish England without a recipe for crumpets – what could be more English than that? And exactly what is a crumpet? By definition, “a porous England bread snack made from flour and yeast.” But check out the picture – it’s just what we call an England muffin, right?

CRUMPETS

1 (.25 oz.) package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 tsp. sugar
1/3 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees F)
4 Tbs. butter or margarine, melted, divided
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt

In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon butter and egg; mix well. Add flour and salt; beat until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush griddle and 3-in. metal rings or open-topped metal cookie cutters with remaining butter. Place rings on griddle; heat over low heat. Pour 3 tablespoons of batter into each ring. Cook for 7 minutes or until bubbles begin to pop and the top appears dry. Remove rings. Turn crumpets; cook 1-2 minutes longer or until the second side is golden brown. Serve warm or let cool on a wire rack and toast before serving.

England's Eden

How can such a small country have so many fascinating places to visit? There’s no way to cover them all, so I’ll highlight a couple of England’s quirkier sites today and tomorrow.

At England’s southwestern tip you’ll find Cornwall, famous for its wild, moorland landscapes and dramatic coastline. I’d go just for that, but Cornwall has a couple of other claims to fame as well. Eden Project, for example, attracted more than 6 million visitors to this little corner of the world during its first four years. It is the world’s largest biome and contains, under one roof, the complete range of natural plant habitats found on the Earth. It is run by Tim Smit, famous for another of Cornwall’s famous sites, The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Photo at right). These immense, beautiful and unique gardens have been the subject of television shows and news articles in addition to a book.

Cornwall is also the setting of a novel by author Deb Kinnard. In Seasons in the Mist, American graduate student Bethany Lindstrom is stranded in 1353 Cornwall. She knows she must find a way back to her own time or face a life of falsehoods and peril. But with the stern overlord Sir Michael Veryan, she is swept into the intrigues of King Edward's court, which will test their mettle and their faith in God to the limits -- and forever bind their lives together.

Tomorrow we’ll take a look at one of Earth’s mysteries: Stonehenge. And who knows…maybe another recipe will pop in as well!

Enchanting England

Today we begin to taste England, land of Big Ben, Stonehenge, crumpets, Medieval castles and really hot accents. We’ll kick off with an English recipe. Stay tuned for more to come later in the week.

But first…for you readers out there, many wonderful books are set in England and a few of my favorites are written by Linore Rose Burkard, author of Before the Season Ends, The House in Grosvenor Square, and The Country House Courtship. Set in the early 1800s, these regency romances are as beautiful and elegant as their book covers, with plenty of twists and fascinating characters to keep you hooked from cover to cover. All three are rich in detail and historic references that flow seamlessly throughout intriguing plots. You can read my reviews of Season and Country House at www.faithfulreader.com. For a contemporary novel set in England, try Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn. Three women with unfulfilled dreams and wishes take off for England, unaware their little trip will lead them to some life changing decisions. For my review, click on http://www.faithfulreader.com/reviews/9781590527559.asp.

As I researched English food, I ran across several that sounded good and some that, well…didn’t. Mushy Peas were a definite “no.” I’m not posting a recipe with the word “mushy” in it. Steak and Kidney Pie – might be good, but I don’t do kidneys. And Spotted Dick – I won’t even go there. This one sounded rather delish though, so check it out.

Beef with Wild Mushrooms

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

Fresh thyme

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 pounds beef steak

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup beef stock

9 ounces red wine

9 ounces wild mushrooms

Salt and pepper to taste

Cut beef steak into cubes. In a pan combine red wine, onion, garlic, and thyme over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until liquid is reduced by about a quarter. Put aside to cool. Meanwhile, melt butter in a pan cook beef until brown on all sides. Remove beef, and stir into cooled wine mixture. Put aside to prepare sauce. Lower the temperature. Sprinkle flour into pan. Cook slowly until flour is browned. Next, stir in beef stock. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Add salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in beef and wine mixture. Cook for another 40 to 45 minutes. Lay mushrooms on top of beef. Cover, and simmer for about 10 more minutes. Transfer beef and mushrooms to a serving dish. Taste sauce, and adjust seasonings. Simmer until sauce thickens. Finally, pour the sauce over the meat and mushrooms.

Wild and Free

I’m concluding Sweden with a post on critters. When it comes to spotting wildlife, you’ve probably heard of Africa’s “Big 5,” (lion, elephant, buffalo, black rhinoceros and leapord), but did you know Sweden has a “Big 5” too? Those doing the Swedish version of a photo safari keep an eye out for the following creatures:

1. Brown Bears: Sweden's largest predator dines primarily on berries, ants, shrubs, voles and salmon, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to get up close and personal!

2. Wolverines: These shy predators are members of the otter/badger family, but can get pretty vicious when confronted…so don’t. Mostly, they are hard to find and are Sweden’s most threatened species.

3. Wolves: These beautiful animals were driven to extinction in Sweden in 1970, but started appearing again seven years later. Back from the brink, there are now about 130.

4. Golden Eagles: One of the largest birds of prey, these eagles can be found primarily in the north of Sweden.

5. Lynx: Skillful hunters, Lynx are Sweden’s only form of wildcat. They are as elusive as they are beautiful, and few people have the opportunity to see one in the wild.

Well that concludes the “Big 5,” but I can’t end this post without adding one more creature because it’s one of my very favorites: The MOOSE! Who can resist those deep brown eyes, that big velvety muzzle? So for myself and moose lovers everywhere, here’s a pic!