One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Run, don't walk to your nearest Costco and purchase a supply of the fresh, beautiful, wild-caught salmon while it is in season. If you are buying "Atlantic-caught," newsflash: it is farm-raised. What does that mean? The red color you see is due to the fact that the fish are fed red feed. Can we say artificial coloring? Yuk... forget about the nutrition you might have thought you were having. You are probably better off to have organic, locally raised beef instead of that carp. Always buy wild-caught and US country of origin. The price is $7.99/pound and is packaged in approximately 2.5# increments - 2 large filets. I have cut each one in half and have put two halves in quart freezer bags. What to do with it? Thaw package of filets and marinade in that same freezer bag, of course, with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, fresh garlic, and a touch of herb seasoning. Maybe grill, maybe nonstick skillet... either way, Omegas tonight!

Raising The Bar

What on earth is that thing? If you are anal-retentive about your counterspace like I am, this tip is for you. The magnetic knife bar is not a new concept. In fact, I first discovered one while touring the Smithsonian in Washington, DC, in 2004 while chaperoning my daughter's class trip. I stumbled upon Julia Child's newly donated kitchen exhibit and was completely spellbound for at least an hour, pouring over every detail of her masterful workshop. Her knife bar was hung vertically and was maybe 5 feet long and full of every kind of knife imaginable. Let's just say that history was made for me that moment. As soon as I got back, I began the search for one. I found mine through Chef's Catalog but have seen at Williams-Sonoma in San Francisco. Do not settle for the Amazon 10" one... not long enough. Get at least a 15" one. No more hunting for the right knife from that ridiculously heavy block which has set up camp on your precious counterspace. No more covered sheaths in the drawer for digging through. Go ahead - fill up that drawer with something else. And, oh by the way, the 5" knife on the far left... yep, you guessed it... a recent gift TOMEFROMME (translation: to me from me). Who knew that cutting could be so easy? And check out that ergonomically correct handle - you guessed it again... Pampered Chef. Another tip: if you live in Nashville, every November, Ace Hardware in Belle Meade (Frank Shope, owner) has a free knife sharpening along with a Second Harvest Food Bank Drive - 1 can donation = 1 knife sharpened - up to 5 knives. I go every year... usually more than one time! Put it on your November calendar, friends.

To Sweat Or Not To Sweat... That is the question.

We all know we should do it, but doesn't it feel great when we get an all-out sweat flowing?  Do it regularly for your heart, do it for your family, do it for yourself. You are worth it! You will be glad you did. When you make this exercise thing a regular part of your life, you will have more energy to enjoy your loved ones among so many other benefits. My dad set a great example for me a very long time ago. He was not particularly athletic but began an exercise regimen at the age of 53. He continued it until past age 80. Though he has passed away now, I regularly think about the impact he left on my life with regard to taking care of my physical self. Thank you, Dad, for showing me the way.

Doing Decadence

Who doesn't love red, ripe strawberries? And who doesn't love decadent ones dipped in chocolate? Last summer a friend encouraged me to learn how to dip strawberries myself, but it required one skill I was missing: how to reduce the power on my microwave. Once I learned how to do that, I was like a dog with a bone.  My daughter recently had a baby shower for a forever friend, and these were enjoyed by all. I have taken them to funeral wakes, bridal events, Valentine's gifts, you name it. Who wouldn't be tickled to receive some? Look out, Godiva, there is competition in town.


What you will need: strawberries, Dulce Frutta (Kroger in the carton in the produce section) available in white chocolate and dark chocolate
Tools needed: stackable cooling racks from Pampered Chef, Tiered Tower also P.Chef, small fan, parchment paper, cookie sheets


Wash and drain berries thoroughly - place fan to expedite drying time. Melt chocolate pellets as carton directs in microwave. BE SURE AND REDUCE POWER! Chocolate will scorch and separate if you don't. Dip each berry and hold in front of fan briefly before placing on cookie sheets lined with parchment. Stack on wire racks with fan running. Best to do the day of serving and not refrigerate. Refrigerate leftovers but condensation will occur. Won't affect taste but will affect appearance slightly. Loved by all recipients!

Being Honey

     If I didn't make it clear on my very first post, the closet is completely lined with the tarnish-proof cloth,  even with a cover over the front weighted across the bottom with a dowel stick. The silver trays hang from vinyl-covered large hooks (like for hanging hoses and bikes and stuff) from Lowe's. The tarnish-proof cloth is called Pacific cloth and is available on Amazon. Some fabric stores will have it, too, but fabric stores are hard to find. Plan to spend at least $100 depending on your closet size, but your time is so worth it when you are not polishing every time you want to have a party! 
     Anyway, on being Honey... well, that is my grandmommy name and oh, so sweet when the 18 month old wants me when his fingers have been accidentally smashed in the door by big brother. He is fine now and let me rock him to sleep for nearly a half an hour. Love love love being Honey.

Having A Party

Preparing for a party can be an arduous task, but with a rainy day closet cleanout, you can simplify the process. Nobody has empty closets, but most of us have items we could/should purge. This is the hardest step... letting some junk go and emptying a closet (or even a couple of shelves). Wouldn't it be wonderful to have all of your silver in one area and to have it always ready-to-use? I polish maybe once every other year now with my treated fabric closet. It is the sulfur in the air that causes the tarnishing, so enclosing it will keep it nice for a very long time. No more polishing as part of your prep for a party... now there is a lesson in time management.