Jan 02 2013
Big Two
2 January 2013
Wow.
Hard for me to believe as it may be, this blog is two years old today. What started as a new year’s resolution in 2011 has evolved into a repository of stories and recipes, and has also served as a wonderful way for me to keep track of time through food and seasons.
While I will confess that it does at times feel like an obligation to write (and I have been silent for weeks at a time whenever I have felt less than inspired), it is mostly a pleasure to communicate in this way, even if digital space is a vast and anonymous universe. I personally know some of the readers of this blog, but for the most part, I have no idea who checks in, who reads these posts (regularly or only occasionally), and who tries the recipes I write. If you do and I haven’t heard from you yet, please consider this an invitation to make yourself known. You don’t have to write any kind of lengthy comment, just something short to let me know you’re out there and enjoying (or not) what you see.
This year promises to be interesting. On the last day of 2012, I got a package in the mail from my wonderful sister Brigitte, which contained (along with other cool things like a CD by Les Ramoneurs de Menhirs (Breton punk), some unrefined sea salt from Brittany and other yummy Breton stuff) a bag of this:
Dried seaweed blend
The mix contained therein is comprised of sea lettuce, dulse and nori. It tastes like the ocean, and I can’t wait to try it in some scrambled eggs, or sprinkled on steamed fish, or in salad dressing. It is definitely something I am thrilled to have in my ever-growing spice pantry.
In other news, I should report on a few experiments started last summer: plum vodka and vin de cerisier.
The plum vodka was a resounding success, and also one of the homemade gifts that the over-21 attendees at our Christmas dinner got to take home – along with some plum jam. It tastes fruity, sweet but not cloying, and definitely packs a punch. It is a sipping liqueur, much in the vein of Grand Marnier in that respect. On top of which, it looks pretty:
My friend Deb knew what she was doing when she gave me those glass bottles for my birthday. Well played, Deb. Well played.
I already have requests for more. I’m hoping our plum tree gives again generously this summer.
The vin de cerisier also came out really well, but I did not make enough of that to go around. All I have is one bottle, out of which I can share a little glass with guests when they visit. Its rarity makes it all the more precious, and all the more enjoyable. I had also made a vin de pêcher in the same fashion, with peach tree leaves, which is also very tasty (and equally rare in my cellar). I will definitely be making more of that this year, so I can spread the joy a little more.
Come to think of it, this could be my new year resolution: keep writing, keep cooking, and keep preserving things in sugar and/or alcohol so I can share them with the people I love. I can think of worse ways to spend my time.
How about you?
Well, you’ve figured me out. The whole bottle thing was just my nefarious plan to get some of that yummy plum liqueur. And to spread the love to the other 11 lucky recipients. <3
Christine,
I love reading your blog. It’s wonderful, awe inspiring and so beautifully written.
-Emily