Roasted Asparagus Salad

Springtime is here and super-fresh asparagus is slowly making its way to markets. I made this recipe from The Longevity Kitchen www.barnesandnoble.com

I really love the appeal of sweet roasted asparagus along with peppery arugula and the crunch factor of toasted hazelnuts.

Reading

The latest on the book stand...looks ambitious but I am officially on spring break. Other than waiting for the sun to come out, I've decided to spend some time reading One Book, One Philadelphia which is The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. I've also had my eye on The Longevity Kitchen for some time and have been perusing every chance I get. Terrific book loaded with helpful information on the foods we love to eat. Will give my thoughts on the books as soon as I get more time. Did I say more time? Oh yeah, that.

Pansies

I love the way pansies are so rich in color yet so delicate in texture.

March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb

As the English proverb is a favorite saying around these parts, let's hope it's true this March. I do see signs of spring weather making its way here.

{The little steel dog}  one of my favorite things in the garden. This was purchased at the Devon Horse Show which is always a highlight during spring.

Not the traditional St. Patrick's Day dinner...

I was thinking of making corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day dinner but when my son asked me to make lamb chops with mint jelly I thought-why not! Since an Irish dinner wouldn't be complete without potatoes, I made a potato and fennel gratin and some really green haricot verts.

Spring

I just discovered these boxwood wreaths at a local flower shop...I happen to love the square which reminds me of a picture frame.

Not the ordinary college food

My daughter was home from college for spring break this past week and made this banana bread recipe from a blog that she reads. She said it will be great for those busy mornings at school and stays fresh for a while due to the moisture in the bread from Greek yogurt. She really loves to bake when she's home so we were also the recipients of chewy oatmeal raisin cookies as well!

Jane Austen moment at the Flower Show

My daughters and I loved this Jane Austen tribute...we can only imagine since she was so fond of natural settings that she would have kept such a garden when she wasn't writing. 

Recycled Art at the Flower Show

This was so cool... a sculpture made from recycled tires sitting in the midst of a reflecting pool.

Philadelphia Flower Show

We made the annual trek to the Flower Show which featured an array of English gardens. The British themed show was well attended and offered some interesting takes on the traditional garden.

Man Booker Prize

I recently finished Alison Moore's book The Lighthouse which was shortlisted for The Man Booker Prize for 2012. I don't only seek out prize winning books but if one interests me, I read. This was an interesting discovery because of the descriptive use of language which reminded me of reading Edith Wharton or the Bronte Sisters. Verbs fill the pages allowing the scenes to feel rather than be. For example the rhythmic opening of the story begins, "Futh stands on the ferry deck, holding on to the cold railings with his soft hands. The wind pummels his body through his new anorak, deranges his thinning hair and brings tears to his eyes."  The characters are well developed yet so simple in their thinking that you might miss the underlying tow that the novel has planned for you.  This is a story of those who give in and give up on life, sort of, with the exception of one and he makes it to the end, almost. You might be tempted to re-read the ending thinking that you missed something, but the verb tells all.

Simple dishes to accompany the mustard roasted potatoes

The local Whole Foods had some gorgeous asparagus that I normally would not buy this time of year but instinct told me to go ahead and glad I did. The flavors along with some sweet cherry tomatoes add a bit of interest to the bright green asparagus. The chicken adds some nice texture but I kept it fairly simple (lemon, olive oil and red pepper flakes) so that the other foods had a chance to shine.  I also noticed that organic strawberries are slowly making their way into the markets. The only way I'll eat strawberries is if they are organic. Looks like spring is around the corner.

Comfort Food

Mustard Roasted Potatoes from barefoot contessa at home...easy, savory and really great on a chilly March night.