Tuna and Avocado Salad

Summer is winding down...and this salad is so yummy and easy I wanted to share it!

Tuna, Tomato and Avocado with mixed greens.

Dressing: Lemon Juice, Olive Oil salt and Pepper.


I am so in love with avocados and picking the right time to cut into one has become a bit of a game. The prize being the gorgeous green and yellow slices pictured above.

My gramma used to make sandwiches with just avocado and salt.

Bliss.

XOXO

Love for The Music...

Meet my beautiful violin, Myrtle.

I've been honored to share my space with her since I was about 12 years old. She's French, just like me...and at this point, pushing 100 years old. A true beauty to behold.

I began my stringed journey when I was 8 or 9. My family is very musical and it wasn't a question of "if" you'd play an instrument, it was "which one you would choose." Sports were never on the TV when I was growing up.

My Dad and Brother played the Saxophone (my Brother is now a music teacher) and my Sister played the flute. At a young age I took a few piano lessons and my Dad showed me how to play a few notes on the Sax but they didn't capture my heart. For years I thought I'd be like my Sis and play the flute...and then Mrs. Brown (our School's Orchestra teacher) brought a violin into my class. I was intrigued.

Being the stubborn Leo that I am...I chose the violin. It was partially because no one else in the family played it, so they couldn't tell me what to do, and also because it's SO pretty. Looking back I guess it sort of chose me. The warmth of the wood...the resonance of the strings...the way you have to hold it to you like a love.

I don't play much these days, though I keep Myrtle close. While writing this I took her out, tuned her up and practiced a bit. There's something about playing that feeds the heart and soul. I feel very lucky to have experienced playing in big orchestras and small chamber groups. I can't even explain the feeling. All that power and being surrounded by the music. The sounds coming off the strings and right into my heart, infusing me with wonder...nourishing me in ways I didn't even realize at the time.

Music is an amazing thing in that way. My Dad played in bands most of his life and even when very sick, music was one of the things that kept him strong. It really does have a mystical power that transcends reality. Whether you're producing or absorbing it. I'm in a much better mood when I put on music and sing along while getting ready to go out. It makes me feel more balanced, creatively and spiritually.

Yeah, Steak Salad...

This was a great solution one night when I was craving red meat but had been eating crap all day.

I didn't have much in the house, so I ran to the store and bought some inexpensive steak (note to self...make sure I order organic beef from Fresh Direct).

I cut the meat up into strips and sort of stir fried them with olive oil, Celtic sea salt and pepper (next time I'll cook and then cut up the meat so it will have the pretty pink coloring).

Then I tossed it with mixed greens, ground mustard, olive oil and white vinegar. You could also use dijon mustard in place of the ground mustard and lemon juice instead of the vinegar. I worked with what I had. I'm sure I also added a touch more salt and pepper.

YUMMY!

XOXO

Soba What?

Purple Cauliflower! I had to buy it.

I ended up making a stir fry with buckwheat soba noodles...just added some tamari & garlic, simmered the veggies then added the cooked noodles.

This sounds super easy, however, I did have a bit of a mishap with the soba noodles. I didn't realize they were tied together in pretty little bundles so when I went to drop them into the water the ends of said bundles sort of fused together. It ended up being a bit of a noodle battle to try and separate them once in the boiling water...I even burned my left knee a little bit.

Crazy.

But it turned out rather delicious, and beautiful with the green broccoli and purple cauliflower.

Curry Potatoes With Bell Pepper & Tomato!

Is it too soon for another potato post?

Never, I say!

My Mother brought it to my attention that in my other potato posts I never mentioned that I pre-cook my potatoes...Gasp! Thanks, Mom :)

Yes, I usually pre-cook my potatoes because otherwise it takes FOREVER to make "Quick" hash browns.

I cut them to the desired size and shape, put them in a small sauce pan, cover with water and bring to a boil...simmer for about ten minutes and drain...then add to the pan with what ever other ingredients you're working with.

In this case though, I cut up 1 large red potato and added chicken broth (about 1/2-1in) and let it simmer with 1 tsp red curry paste and 1 tsp minced garlic. Then I added one small chopped green bell pepper after about 10 minutes and took it off the heat.

At the end I chopped up two small plum tomatoes and added them with Celtic sea Salt to taste.

(I actually added the tomato because I'd over done it with the curry and needed to cut the heat but it ended up being really tasty!)

This dish was inspired by a "Sassy" friend of mine :)

XO

Feta Makes Everything Betta

This is one of my favorite quick dishes.

1 Package Penne (I used Gluten free)
1 lb Chicken Breast (cubed)
1 Can Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes
1 Can Artichoke Hearts
1 tsp Minced Garlic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Feta Cheese

Cook the pasta according to package instructions.

Put tomatoes, olive oil, artichokes and garlic in a pan and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes. Par-cook the chicken and then add to sauce so it can absorb the flavors. Add in the pasta and Feta. Season with Sea Salt and pepper to taste.

Need I say more?


SO GOOD!!!

2009 Long Island Scottish Games

I had Brodies "Scottish Teatime" Tea with my Breakfast

Of course, I'd rather be in Scotland...but it was nice being surrounded by kilts, nature and the sound of bagpipes for a day. It always feels like something is missing when I "do Scotland" here in NY. There's a feeling in the air that I love over there...the history is palpable and the sky takes my breath away.

Deliciousness ensued with roasted corn and a Haggis Puff...then later a hot dog and fresh squeezed lemonade. It reminded me of going to the county fairs with my Dad as a kid. I also bought some adorable, tiny, silver thistle earrings and a black and tan turtle. I think my purchases accurately depict me...girly earrings and a beer tool ;)

I got all choked up as soon as the drums and pipes began to play...as I usually do...and really enjoyed the beautiful sights of Old Westbury Gardens.

So here, in photos, are the 2009 Long Island Scottish Games, held at Old Westbury Gardens:









































XOXO