Patty cakes

Saturday I made recipe #13 (14?) with Potato Cakes served as a side along with steak and veggies. The cakes turned out better than I think I have ever had them (dare I say it??!!!). The husband loved them. They were light, fluffy, and super flavorful. I did do them a smidge thicker than the way mum used to make them but I was happy because they cooked evenly through. Because of being thicker, I only made five but I could have stretched it to six. I cooked the cakes about 12 minutes and then broiled to brown a bit on the top. We liked them so much that we even reheated them and used along side for Sunday breakfast eggs. Very good.

This weekend I don’t think I will get a chance to try any recipes…maybe the sausage and beans. My brother-in-law and girlfriend are in town and not only is skiing in the plans but a curling bonspiel. Husband’s aunt and uncle are also in town so we’ll likely be doing brunch. I haven’t gone out for brunch in a bit. Maybe we’ll do Provence, Watermark, or opt for debauchery and verbal berating at Elbow Room. Fun!

Cancer

Excuses, yes - I am just glad she didn't blame it on Cancer. That is in terms of her astrological sign, which she has used before.

I wonder if Car ever tried the Lazy Perogies? If she does, then we'll be somewhat caught up. I think this weekend I'll assign the potato cakes. We are having steak tomorrow night so I am going to try those as a side. Mum sent over the recipes; however, she gave two for the bean casserole. Now I don't remember which one it was that we had since neither of the ones she gave included white beans. So, I think the one with lima beans she sent is the one we were talking about...?

I was away in Calgary for the last week and was well fed at the conference hotel. I had a night out with a girlfriend of mine and when asked what I wanted, I said Vietnamese. There are some great Vietnamese joints in Calgary, which I really miss. Codo on 17th Ave has the best satay soup and Bangolak Saigon is delish. Most of the ones we have tried here are a bit dodgy at the best of times, although I have discovered Little Vietnam here in Van and might just have to whittle away at the places to find a goodie.

Yes, I do hear you......

Hi - sorry about that little sis - I have been extremely lackadaisical in both my cooking and my entries as of late and I have many excuses.

1. My basement is being built in. I know this sounds silly, but the guy building it is is this sweet widower who always stays for supper and has very particular dinner tastes. I guess in theory, I should be trying my recipes on him, but I just can't seem to stray from the basic potato, meat, frozen veggie formula.
2. I am pregnant - not a suprise for most but I damned tired. Hoping to shake this feeling of neverending weariness in the next trimester but for now, I am hitting the bed at 8pm and am semi-conscious from the time I get home until them.
3. I am pregnant - No food appeals to me. I am not sure what it is but I feel full most of the time, even if I am not. I can't even flip through my cookbooks (my usual favorite reading material) because I just can't handle the feeling of the bile rising in my throat. This, obviously, is causing a hindrance in my cooking habits.

That said, I am always full of excuses and these, while likely more valid than previous ones, still do not excuse that I have fallen behind. The lazy perogies will be on the menu for Friday night. I still have the recipe and I will see if our thoughts are the same as Sandy's. I have asked mom to cc me on the recipes she is sending to Sandy today.

Luckily, with Sandy away at a conference in the next week- and with no access to a kitchen- I might actually get ahead and she can be the slacker for once.

Carlyn

"Sister, can you hear me?"

To help facilitate some recipe making, I have put in numerous requests to mum for copies of a few different recipes, namely: White Bean Casserole, Potato Cakes, and Creamed Spinach. That way we will have a few to draw from at least to make as some sides. The section we haven't tackled at all is the desserts. I think I will have to start volunteering to bring desserts for potlucks, etc. otherwise making those just for the two of us might not be a good idea (for my ass!). Last week I made the famous Chili. I love the recipe and it is great for freezing. I should send the recipe to Car although I am sure she has it. It is on "the list" but I probably make it every month so I didn't even realize it. One thing I was thinking that needs to be added is Handwarmers (a bun with yummy, savory fillings) cause I enjoyed those but haven't made them in awhile.

I am feeling ambitious and may convert "the list" into a spreadsheet to help organize and include ratings, who/where it is from, the twist, etc. I am also going to start putting the recipes into soft copy so we have that in one file. I have got scads of e-mail print-outs and recipe cards, which could become a very daunting task to translate over if left too long (see picture).

Tonight we are going over to a good friend's place for dinner. She is an AMAZING cook and we always have fun trading up recipes and such. Can't wait! I think she is making her famous stacked halibut with roasted red pepper sauce from Cinda Chavich's "High Plains" cookbook. A great book.

Carlyn, do you read me? have you tried the Lazy Man/Woman Perogies as yet?

All good things must come to an end

It’s one of my favorite times of the year. Dine Out Vancouver is on. It works like this: during the dine out event (Jan 19-Feb 4) participating restaurants feature their dine out menu. Depending on the restaurant, set three course meals (with options for appie, main, dessert) are served for $15, $25 or $35. Many restaurants do $25, some do $15 and some do a mix, like you can “upgrade” from $25 to $35. This year we only participated in two dinners: one at Mi (pronounced my) and Nu. We went to Mi on a whim since we had planned to use our entertainment coupon with the goal to “try a new place.” When we got there, they were featuring the $15 per person dine out menu. Not realizing they were a dine out participant we thought “score!” because $15 pp for a three course meal is a steal. And we ate a lot of food. It was very good, not stellar--only by the fact that our meals were sometime confusing. I had ordered a Thai curry and the set-up on the plate was a little odd. Aside than that, they were big servings and great service. Even their regular menu looked quite good. Then we went to Nu with friends of ours. Nu is a hot new restaurant located in the heart of False Creek under the Granville Bridge. It was voted #1 best restaurant in Canada by en route (Air Canada’s rag mag in the sky--for whatever that means to you, but they have high standards!). Very stylish, funky atmosphere and excellent food. Sitting out over the water is a nice bonus. I had their salmon. I also had their pear salad as an appie (a WHOLE pear stuffed with goats cheese). Anyhow, today is February 4. I can't believe we only did two this year. Why must all good things come to an end?

Not so colorful casserole

The weekend before last when I made the blender pancakes on Sunday I tackled Lazy Man Perogies for dinner (sorry – no pics!). It was okay. A little bland but salt and pepper corrected it. It was served with kielbasa and some beets. I also think a cold veggie salad or leaf salad would be a good accompaniment. On its own, it’s a little boring in terms of aesthetics. Basically, the color of pasta, the color of cottage cheese, and [brace yourself] the color of potatoes. Surprisingly enough, I found the casserole was better the next day once it had “set” and it tasted better. It’s that second-time-around-better-than-the-first experience. Maybe our hopes were too high at dinner! I froze a few slices which I had had for lunch a few times and it worked out well. Not sure it should hit the recipe book, but a good alternative to the full daylong making traditional perogy.