Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Smoked Salmon on Toast Points

I already posted two "Wordless Wednesday' post...almost did a 'Silent Sunday', but I can't stay 'wordless'...and I can't stay 'silent'! It's been such a torment and grieving period for me; first, the 'denial', and second the 'shock and grief'. Never in my life have I witnessed a favorite pet, passing away, and I never want to experience that as long as I live. I really think that poor little Mush missed Prince so much since he's been gone for the past two years...she grieved for her 'best buddy' for over a year. A few months ago, I found out that she has 'heart murmur' and I have been giving her pills daily, but in the end she gave up.

Although, she has been a lot closer to me (meaning, that she wanted to sit on my lap and literally patting my hand to pet her, (so cute, which I did anyway)...I cancelled her last appointment to the vet, and I cannot forgive myself. The hardest part is; when I walk through the door...just like to 'poem says'...she is no longer there to greet me!
I always have fresh herbs on 'hand'...eggs, capers, cream cheese, and occasionally buy smoked Nova Salmon. Not cheap by all means, but oh, so good. The best way that I love it is to make little 'open faced' sandwiches, or on bagels. These cute little whole grain party breads are a perfect choice...better than cutting up bread for 'toast points'...I prefer making toasts out of the little party loaf, and you have the perfect little snack to enjoy...and healthy too!

I have not been eating dinners at all since Mushy died...just snacks in the middle of the day, skipping breakfast as well! (not a good idea, just have no appetite)

Now that I pulled out my dear departed Hungarian grandmother's hand crocheted doily from my 'secret' drawer; she made this lovely piece and more for me, years ago which I kept it in meticulous condition; I'm proudly displaying that, as well!
As for me, I can totally just eat appetizers, and skip dinner! I love the Spanish inspired Tapas, as well and have been checking them out to make something really inspiring. Of course, the Italian Antipasti is not too 'shabby'...love the small bites!


Smoked Salmon on Toast Points
slightly adapted from Williams- Sonoma

For the herbed cream cheese:

  • 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 Tbs. chopped fresh chives
  • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh dill
  • 6 slices white or wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed, each cut into 4 triangles
  • I used whole grain party bread
  • 2 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
  • 6 oz. smoked salmon, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup capers, finely chopped
  • 3 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and grated
  • Dill sprigs for garnish

To prepare the herbed cream cheese, in a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives and dill. Stir with a wooden spoon until well blended. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat an oven to 350F.

Brush the bread on both sides with the melted butter. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven. Bake until the toast points are golden and slightly crispy, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.

To assemble, spread the herbed cream cheese on the toast points and place 1/2 to 1 whole slice of salmon on top. Garnish with the onion, capers, hard-cooked eggs and dill sprigs. Arrange on a platter.

Alternatively, arrange the toast points and smoked salmon on platters. Place the herbed cream cheese, onion, capers, hard-cooked eggs and dill sprigs in separate serving bowls and let guests assemble their own hors d’oeuvres. Serves 8 to 10.


Thank you for all your kind and caring words of comfort, I appreciate each and every one of your kind comments. I do apologize for not visiting and commenting on your blogs for almost 1 week now. I am getting back to the normal routine, and will not abandon my blog, or my favorite blogger friends! Your friendship means a lot to me, and I hope to stay in touch with you for a long time to come! Hugs,
Elisabeth

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

Mush was always at my side...even on her last day sitting on my lap while I was at the computer. She passed away peacefully, in her sleep on; 2-18-14 @ 4:44 A.M.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Spicy Chickpea Soup with Egg Noodles

Homemade Spicy Chickpea Soup, from 'scratch'...you bet!
It's been almost a week now, since I last photographed the beautiful beach 'sunrise'. I just did not have the desire to even photograph anything I have cooked or baked. It takes time, effort, and either the proper light for food photos, you should not even waste your time. Both of my children and I have started to have dinner once or twice a week since a year ago...a new 'tradition'... (just us, and the four grandchildren, on a weeknight... it's really a special event for us. to have this time and reminisce about the past when they were little...sharing stories for my grand kids!
Unfortunately, some Nostalgic stories, and memories do 'pull my heartstrings'...seeing them as adults with their young children; watching the years passing by before our eyes. You have to keep in mind that the past no longer has a 'life force'...IT IS OVER~...it's the current situation that is in your hands. You can reminisce all you want about the past...regret the things that went wrong...it is the only part of your life that you cannot change!

 I realized that Nostalgia does not...has not make us happier...dwelling on the past Our life is like 'chapters' in a novel...a 'never ending novel' learning from that long journey we took...leaving the past behind...greeting each morning as we awaken. Learning lessons of the past...being who you are today, and not who you were 'yesterday'! Our past should not define us who we were yesterday!


I felt the need to make a soup, today... I'm so glad I had all the ingredients in pantry, fridge, freezer, and cupboard...just had to make the decision...bake, or cook something comforting...so soup is always the right choice, with a sandwich!

Homemade soup of any kind is so easy to make...just have either homemade broth, canned, or in a carton...chicken, or vegetable broth, onion, garlic, celery, parsley, carrots, tomatoes, and canned beans, or frozen vegetables of your choice.
Here's my easy method:

Saute chopped onion, 2 cloves sliced, or chopped garlic, along with chopped celery in reg. olive, or vegetable oil.(also, a few scraped and sliced carrots) Add crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, cumin powder, dried parsley, salt and pepper to taste...

 (I didn't have fresh parsley) 1 Tbsp. of paprika paste, (tomato paste works well, or 1 Tbsp. of  paprika powder) 1 bay leaf...saute until onion is translucent, add a small amount of broth (32 ozs. in total broth)..Also, you can add frozen sliced carrots, abt 12 ozs. (I added frozen crinkle sliced carrots)....let the vegetable cook for another 15 min.

Add fresh chopped tomatoes...or canned diced tomatoes...tomato sauce works well,
You can add 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce in place of the (canned, or fresh diced tomato...I used Italian POMI strained tomatoes, about 1/2 container.

 Bring it to a boil, and now, add 2 cans of chickpeas, or garbanzo (same thing)...let it boil again, and add about 1/4 pkg of a 1lb. bag of egg, (or no yolk noodles)...let the noodles cook right in the soup for about 12 min. and it will be perfectly cooked...and delicious! When soup cools down, you can save them in plastic containers...even better re-heated~

I'm sharing with some really awesome 'thrift' finds with you...which I haven't in a while. I have a friend that does not approve of  buying someone's 'used' things...but the reality of it, and the most fun of it is that the majority of these wonderful useful things are donated by people who have paid 'good money' for the stuff, and most of the items are almost...if not 'new'...or barely used.
Every item has a 'story' behind it...where it came from, and why?...it was donated!

Just look at the bottom of this adorable little saucepan...LE CREUSET...made in France~
I love, love, Le Creuset pots, and pans. I bought a lasagna pan, and a skillet in the past few years (gave it to my daughter, she loves it)
The quality of this brand is 'unmatched'...cost 'an arm and a leg'...so expensive. very heavy cast iron, coated with super heavy enamel...food just tastes better, in Le Creuset. This particular little saucepan is an 'oldie, but goodie'...cost @ Goodwill, $6.99


I posted about these whimsical waiters, carrying bottles of champagne...by artist; Guy Bulut


I have this awesome and 'conversation' print hanging on my dining room wall for at least 3yrs now. Very well mounted, and framed, even with the wire hanger on the back. ($24.99)





So, what are the chances of finding another 'Bulut' print...3yrs later?...waiters in apron...in a Paris Café...I love this matching print...so well mounted and framed....couldn't just hang it simply...had to have it drilled with 'heavy duty hanger'...what a superb find...($29.99) ...worth so much more, and in great condition.










 A close up of this amazing print...such a 'conversation peace'...makes you feel like you're sitting in that French Café...just where I would love to be someday...soon!










 
Well, enough posting for now...I'll be watching the Winter Olympics from Russia ...and all day tomorrow!
Have a wonderful weekend! xo

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY...

Sunrise on our beach, Palm Beach, Florida...Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014...7:00AM
My granddaughter Gabby and I decided to take photos of the sunrise...depending on the weather, which happened to be a lovely sunny and pleasantly warm Sunday!
Linking to:
Be there 2 day...Wordless Wednesday
Eerily  quiet morning, virtually empty beach... a bit 'nippy' mid 60's, gentle winds, and waves caressing the sand...@ 7:04 AM