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Well Dear Reader the last week or so has been a bit of a whirlwind. Last weekend I was away in Orillia, the city that Spring apparently forgot. If the rain and sleet wasn't disheartening enough, on the Saturday we woke up at the hotel to a dump of snow. I have to say, this year Wiarton Willie got it wrong. Just saying. I know, I know. It is Canada so I should just get over it all ready. And I have. Finally. Today. Today, because I finally cracked out the sandals and capris! Three cheers for ditching socks! Of course with that happy dance came the realization that the winter padding must go! I have a family wedding in July and a new dress to buy. In an effort to snack smarter, I dug out the oversized rubbermaid container and filled it with ready to eat chopped vegetables. No excuses now for reaching for a cookie. I had a girl's night out with my niece and sister-in-law...went to the "Wizard of Oz" at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. It was fantastic! I can't say enough good things about it except to say...you should go! Last night, my husband and I went to a retirement party for his friend Nelson. It was quite the bash with about 45 people and an abundance of food. I took along a tray of my favourite mini quiches to contribute to the festivities. These are simple to make and are the perfect party food. The leeks are subtle and the thyme livens it up to a perfect combination of flavours. Not to mention the bacon. Cheddar, Bacon and Leek Mini Quiche Adapted from Fine Cooking, December 2006 issue 3/4 lb bacon, diced 3 cups leeks, diced 1 1/4 cups half and half 1 cup grated extra sharp cheddar 2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh ground pepper 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg cooking spray 2 pkg puff pastry ( I used President's Choice brand) Cook bacon until browned and crispy. Drain cooked bacon on paper towel lined plate and drain off all but one or two tablespoons of the fat in the pan. Return pan to medium heat and cook leeks until softened, about 5 minutes. While waiting for the leeks to cool down a bit , combine the cheddar, thyme, salt, pepper, nutmeg and half and half in bowl. Add the bacon and leeks once they have cooled. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray mini muffin pans. Roll puff pastry on floured surface (if you get the PC brand it is pre-rolled!) and using 3" round cutter stamp out pastry and press rounds into prepared cups of pans making sure the dough is centred and reaches the top of each cup. Fill each cup with one tablespoon of the mixture or to the top of each cup. Bake until puffed and golden about 20 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Makes 48. The tree in my backyard has given me hope that Spring has indeed arrived. I have been watching and waiting for the buds to appear and finally they have. I was out on the patio listening to the birds chirping in my neighbours tree and remembered the day old kaisers in kitchen. I broke them into pieces and threw them all over the lawn (much to the lobster's dismay - he hates the way it looks). A single bird descended from the giant pine next door and happily ate my offering. In return, he flew to the top of my near bare tree and kept me and my coffee company with a lovely song.
1 Comment
2/2/2023 05:41:52 am
Thanks for sharing the article, and more importantly, your personal experience of mindfully using our emotions as data about our inner state and knowing when it’s better to de-escalate by taking a time out are great tools. Appreciate you reading and sharing your story since I can certainly relate and I think others can to
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