MaryIsobel

Also in the PNW and barbequed wings and made salad for dinner so as not to heat up the house. Around 30C, supposed to be the hottest day for the next week. Smokey here from fires not too far away.

Also a pinch of wasabi fan. Just perks them up a bit!

Same in our area. We have the choice between bad and mediocre for similar cost to Anna.

Great idea about keeping it out. A couple of years ago, I put a lame on my Christmas list and my daughter bought me a set with the lam, the cloth and a banneton. I'm ashamed to say I have not used the banneton, putting it on display is a great idea.

That's a really unique presentation - I like it.

Yes, those are a great nibble with drinks.

Yes, 1 sheet of puff pastry rolled into a 12" square and cut into four 6"x6" squares.

I was quite pleased with this recipe. I ended up just blanching the asparagus and the were cooked perfectly after the 20 minute back. I added a smear of dijon on the ham and sprinkled the cheese with fresh thyme and chives. They went together in about 15 minutes and were really tasty. Served with an orange/arugula and pickled onion salad. Didn't think to take a picture of them plated. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/creamy-asparagus-puffs

The asparagus that I could buy today are quite thick. I'm happy because I think they are tastier than the skinny stalks. My MO is to peel the bottom third or so and then cut them in half long ways and treat them as thin ones.

Thanks, that was what I was leaning toward. Just a light smear I think.

Our dog can hear me open the "cheese drawer" in the fridge from under a bed, 30' away.

Thank you - and thanks for the baking tips. I appreciate that it seems to be a lovely dessert that comes together quickly.

We had to pivot from dining out to eating at home during Covid, as did most everyone. The thing is, we have not gone back to our old ways. One example is that our twin daughters' birthday is mid January, one daughter's fiance's is the day after. Rather than taking everyone out for a celebratory dinner at a decent place, which we used to do, we bought a 125.00 prime rib, a few bottles of nice wine, and ingredients for a cocktail or two. This, along with potatoes and veg to go with the prime rib and ingredients for a couple of nice cakes (I have always made our daughters their own cakes) cost far below what we would have spent dining out. It was not a difficult meal and everyone helped in one way or another. We came to realize that having our celebration at home allowed for better mingling and conversation (and games!) and more of a celebratory atmosphere. So, as Anna alluded to, I doubt if we will ever go back. We still eat out but it is more pub type, casual meals.

Very similar recipe. I have neither brie nor prosciutto on hand though. I think this type of pastry will be nice for a light lunch. For me, it would be too much as an appetizer.

If it is a recipe that you will share, I'd love to have it. Being that there is usually just the two of us, something that keeps is always a good idea.

That strawberry cake looks fabulous - a nice departure from shortcake. It looks to be a bit custardy - is it? Our local strawberries should be ready near the end of June - can't wait!

I am going to make these asparagus puffs for lunch with a friend tomorrow. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/creamy-asparagus-puffs#commentsFeed I have to sub havarti for the cream cheese so plan on putting a couple of slices on each with some chopped fresh thyme and mabe some chives in between. Since there is virtually no other seasoning, I am toying with the idea of a thin layer of mustard on the ham before wrapping the asparagus. I have dijon, grainy, and sweet and hot mustards on hand. Which if any mustard would you choose? I'll be serving an orange, pickled onion and arugula salad along side.

Wow - you are my idol, truly. You are bold and adventurous and obviously enjoy your food immensely. I need to pull my self up by the bootstraps and start venturing outside the ordinary/habitual things that I most often turn to. I had samphire (it was called sea asparagus) at a high end restaruant years ago and thought it amazing. Not an eassy thing to find but I suppose if I ventured into Vancouver or Richmond, I could find it.

If only all animals bound for our tables were raised as kindly as yours...

One of my daughters took great delight in saying to my other daughter's new boyfriend who was eating with us for the first time "we always have our guests say the blessing before we eat." Of course she waited until said boyfriend had lifted a fork to his mouth. (We never say a blessing before eating, it was just her twisted sense of humour.) She also liked to introduce herself as Guadalupe (which is not her name) and introduce my husband as "my Mom's son from her first marriage." Anything to make the new beau confused or uncomfortable!

Ketchup on scrambled doesn't offend me and I hope that my salsa (and cilantro if I have some) on scrambled isn't offputting to anyone.

And yours looks nice and light. Oatmeal bread is sometimes stodgy, but I love it all the same. I have a simple recipe that I can whip up quickly - makes 3 loaves and great toast: https://www.farmgirlfare.com/2006/11/oatmeal-toasting-bread-baking.html

I can buy free range eggs all over the neighbourhood for $5.00 Cdn per dozen. Lovely big eggs with deep orange yolks. One place I frequent usually throws in another dozen because she always has "too many eggs." A few of the neighbourhood places have started charging $6.00/dozen but most are holding at 5.00.

Oh my gosh - I can taste that, and it's delicious! Huge fan of oat bread.

The recipe cards are full 8.5"x11" sheets. I'll definitely hang onto them.