The Spice Satchel: May 2011

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Beauty All Around

Even right next to my cracked cement patio, with the dirty/mossy brick wall, in the brick 3 story apartment complex, there can be beauty found. As we drink our morning coffee, with dew still on the plants. I love it when there is a reason to say, "okay, I'll be right in, I just want to take some pictures of this first." And then I love the pictures, and others do too! These moments are awesome. Here's to hoping next time I don't hesitate and miss it, to having the guts to park anywhere to get the shot, and enjoying the simple things.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

turkey it up

I think turkey may be my very favorite food! Paul and I were at the Joppatowne flea market Saturday, and we got 2 GIANT turkey legs from the Amish farmer's market there. On the way home we were discussing how to prepare them- something barbecue-y, but not with bbq sauce. My mind immediately remembered this mustard turkey recipe. I knew it was for grilling- which is not allowed at our apartment complex :( - so I figured we could just marinate the drumsticks in the sauce and cook them in the oven. I worked like a charm! We had them with spicy fried potatoes (heat olive oil, add spices- cayenne, garlic powder, black pepper- fry potatoes until about half done, stir in chopped onions, fry until done- yum!) and green beans.

I will be talking much more about this flea market in the near future!

While Paul was in CA over Easter, I also bought a whole turkey because it was such an amazing deal- $.89/pound. We made it today. A whole week of turkey is not too much turkey for me- no sir! We love fresh herbs so much, that this summer we are starting an herb garden, and I decided to start it today- since we were going to be roasting the turkey. I bought a huge rosemary bush while I was at Home Depot with Angela. Stuffed the turkey with a great big handful, drizzled it with olive oil and sprinkled it with pepper. Let cook, while basting, for 4 hours (until 180) and voila! So yummy!

Monday, May 2, 2011

photography on display!

I have 2 photographs on the big red wall at my Starbucks. !!!! I was extremely thrilled when I randomly ordered 3 large (16x20) prints from Mpix and they looked amazing! I was so thrilled I took them to work to show them off. When my store manager saw them, he said, "Those would look awesome in our store!" About a month earlier, he had gone through the process of permissions to hang up local art work- we had 2 local art pieces already hanging on the red wall. After seeing my work, he had the bulk art that was hanging in the middle of the wall removed, the wall freshly painted, and hung 2 of my photographs in the middle of the other 2 local pieces.

I even sold a copy! hooray :)