Our Christmas tradition of baking treats for family, friends and neighbors started a long time ago. When our kids were young, and we were still in California, I would bake as many as 40 or 50 small loaves of bread to give to people we love […]
Zunday Zen … Garden of Reflection
Bright fall foliage floating in the still pond Ducks diving in the swallow waters Sun rays peeking out from behind the ominous clouds Garden of Reflection … Inviting me to sit … and be still.
Magical Bali … Galungan
During our Bali trip, we spent a few days in Ubud. Imagine our delight, when we discovered that our visit coincided with the Hindu holiday Galungan. This is one of the most important Balinese religious holidays, as it commemorates the victory of good over evil. Everywhere we went, […]
Tasty Tuesday … Malaysian Curry Laksa
The weather here in the Pacific Northwest has been wet!! It’s been raining for days, and more is on the way. When it gets like this outside, I always feel like making soup! Seeing fresh Laksa noodles at the store inspired me to try something […]
Magical Moments
Fulfilling the dream. Globetrotting around the world. Magic memories!
Magical Bali … Strolling through the Rice Fields
The lush, green rice paddies around Ubud were a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of this town. A dirt path lined with coconut palms and banana trees wound through the endless fields. The only audible sounds were those of songbirds, and the occasional scooter zipping past. […]
Zunday Zen … Arachnid Art
Masterfully woven Suspended in between branches A spider’s work of art.
Tasty Tuesday … Persimmon Chocolate Chip Bread
Most people are familiar with persimmons. Few however, seem to know what to do with them. Persimmons are in season from around September through December. The two main varieties seen in stores are the larger, pointy Hachiyas and the smaller flat Fuyus. The main difference […]
Zunday Zen … Somewhere over the Rainbow
Maui: part of the Hawaiian island chain in the mid-Pacific. The diverse geography and year-round sunshine makes it a popular travel destination. Snorkel, surf or paddle board in the warm ocean along pristine sandy beaches all across the island. Hike and bike in the Haleakala […]
Tasty Tuesday … Caldo Verde
Winter has arrived out of nowhere! Suddenly it’s cold! An icy wind has been blowing into our area from the Columbia River Gorge. I braved the freezing temperatures earlier today and raked up the last of our fall leaves. Afterwards, I came inside and decided to […]
Zunday Zen … Dreaming of …
Banana pancakes on a tropical beach with Balinese coffee.
Tasty Tuesday … Super easy Vegetable Frittata
Lately, I’ve been craving eggs, so I made a frittata twice this week. Having an assortment of veggies, a few eggs and a little grated parmesan on hand, enabled me to put this frittata onto the table in about 20 minutes, start to finish! Served alongside a […]
Zunday Zen … Nature’s Own Palette
Riot of color Echoed in Fallen Leaf Lake Crunchy leaves abound.
Waffles, Beer and Chocolate … We must be in Brussels
Brussels is a truly international city! It’s the headquarters of NATO and the European Union, the Secretariat of the Benelux Union (Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg), capital of Belgium and in some ways like Amsterdam without the canals. We spent a few days here this spring, and […]
Tasty Tuesday … Vegan 6 Minute Chocolate Cake
Over the years, I’ve baked many cakes for many occasions. Since almost everybody likes chocolate, this quick and easy vegan cake is great. The batter can be mixed in a bowl, or directly in a greased baking pan. It consistently turns out moist, chocolatey and with […]
Zunday Zen … Washed Ashore
Weathered mysteries Washed ashore by pounding surf. Where did they come from?
Frolicking in Vondelpark
Amsterdam is a fabulous city! There is no shortage of things to do: incredible museums, canal cruises, coffee shops, the flower market, historical sights and gorgeous architecture. Amsterdam also is home to some of the best international cuisine anywhere in the world. Then there are the […]
Tasty Tuesday … Asparagus Sauté with Tahini Sauce
Some nights, I crave a tasty, fresh and quick to prepare dinner. That’s when a simple and fast sauté comes in handy. The end result always depends on what I find in the refrigerator drawer. The inclusion of onion and garlic creates a great flavor base, along with […]
in cahoots with muddy boots 