August Break 2-6

August 2: ground

I don't drink coffee, but my husband does occasionally, mostly when there's company. Our children all drink it, so there's always some Fair Trade coffee here. Ground, not beans. 

August 3: skin

This took some thought until I realized that almost everything has skin, from people and animals to vegetables and fruit. I've been admiring the butternut squash in my garden, pale green with white stripes. They are growing larger almost visibly in the heat we're experiencing. 

Apple skin can be red, green, yellow and many shades between. One of our apple trees is loaded this year and the apples have begun falling. So...

I made the first batch of applesauce. Our grandchildren love it with oatmeal for their breakfast, and our son and his wife make batches of it to last the winter. They ran out this year and bought some from the store. The children hated it, saying it didn't taste like "real" applesauce. Nana came to the rescue and handed over some from her pantry shelf. You'll notice there's no skin in the applesauce - that went into the compost. 

August 4: bookshelf

There's a bookshelf in every room in our home, except for the bathrooms and laundry room. I try to keep the books weeded out, but it's hard. There are a number of books I've not yet read and sometimes feel guilty about that. Recently I read this article that speaks about the value of unread books in reminding us how we always have more to learn.

I've recently read two books I've enjoyed very much. One is The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See, a wonderful tale spanning the years of change and development in China, told through the story of a young girl growing up in a remote village. It's a multi-layered story of grit and resilience, and of openness to change, as well as valuing tradition. And, it's about tea! 

The other book is Missing, Presumed, by Susie Steiner, a mystery featuring Manon, a lonely and desperate police detective. It's grittier (but not gruesome) than the book above, and if you enjoy mysteries, this might be one for your list.  

August 5: crush

I took the easy way out for this one - crushed garlic, a vital ingredient in so many dishes. I read recently that the Queen hates garlic and has banished it from the royal kitchens. 

August 6: spacious

Looking at the sky gives me a feeling of spaciousness. That infinite blue of summer. Here the pole beans are climbing upwards and have completely covered the 6 foot trellis. 

I picked the first handful of green beans yesterday, simmered them in salted water until barely tender, drained them and dumped them over a selection of grape and cherry tomatoes, halved, from the garden. Then, a scatter of sliced basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a grating of Parmesan cheese. The perfect lunch.

What's happening in your world? Read any good books lately? What are you eating on these hot summer days?