Ravioli (Mastering the Pasta Dough)

Ricotta cheese ravioli

Over the weekend I have "mastered" the semolina flour pasta dough. It was challenging but outcome was beyond my expectation. I was surprised by the taste of pasta and ravioli, and that inspired me to work on my pasta making skills.

Pasta with a cottage cheese and a lemon zest. Simple and tasty.

Next time I will tell you what obstacles I had to overcome and how I managed to do it. Quite fun experience if you ask me!

What surprised you today? What inspired you? 

See you,
Marina

Just to Enjoy Day

Oak 

This weekend The Husband was at home, and for a change he wasn't "hiding" behind a barricade of all sorts of medical books. He had a real "just-to-enjoy" weekend.  
Saturday morning, we had a lazy breakfast with coffee and a strawberry jam. Then we got in the car and went on a little road trip to Bentonville and Fayetteville. Teenager refused to come with us, claiming his weekend sleep. 
Our thirst for an art was satisfied at Crystal Bridges Museum.

George Henry Smillie Coastal Scene, New York

Charles Demuth, Sail: In Two Movements

Mary Cassat Summertime

William Trost Richards Along the Shore

Hans Hofmann, Sun at the Wall

And more sun outdoor...

...while hiking numerous trails around the museum

With a lifted spirit we headed for a bite at the museum coffee shop. 

Oh yes, I need that dessert please!

Next stop: the brewery we heard has some good beer to offer. 

Well, I have to admit, not only the beer: I had my best ever portobello mushroom burger. The Husband loved the beer, as designated driver I loved a little taste and atmosphere at the bar. We certainly would go back.

On the way home we were singing along with a radio. 

And what a beautiful "just-to-enjoy" day it was! 

 

Life is not just black and white, or gray. 
It has many colors, we only need to stop and see it.
Have a good week, and have a simple things to enjoy, my friends!


See you,
Marina

Remember this? Pan Fried Potatoes

Pan fried potatoes, garlic wedges, radish and grilled chicken

On Friday nights we often have a relaxing dinner with wine, simple food, a movie (from Netflix) or guitar music (from the Husband). Tonight wasn't exception. The theme was college, not intentionally, it just came out that way. 
We went to different colleges, lived in different dorms, but the student atmosphere was the same: a daily dose of happiness with a little money, a very little time, and a little food. And we made sure to take it all in.

Pan fried potatoes - favorite student's food!

Most desirable food for most college students was pan fried potatoes in which my husband would have a PhD. It's not just a simple process of frying in a cast iron pan some sliced potatoes, no. 
It's rather a student's ritual of gathering with friends, peeling a couple of kilograms of potatoes, cutting it into long strips, while chatting (or gossiping) and sipping some wine. 
When potatoes go into the skillet it's important when to turn it: not too early to prevent it from mushing, and not too late (burned potatoes don't taste good, you know that, right?). 
How do you know when it's the right time? One guitar song - time to turn, another song - turn again. Third song - turn, season and cover. And the forth song - set the table, pour the wine, and grab your fork!  

Dinner tonight

Have a daily little dose of fun, my friends!

Music, especially guitar music, makes everything better. Add some good wine and enjoy! 

What was your favorite college meal?

See you,

Marina

Infused Strawberries Drink

I find this drink to be better when it's made during the strawberries season. And it's healthier when you buy your strawberries on a Farmer's Market or pick it yourself. Those strawberries have all the aroma and flavor (you should smell my house - no air freshener would perfume my home finer!) 
With a lot of strawberries in the house after a couple of trips to the Wild Things Farm, I had everything needed to make this cold, refreshing and beautiful drink. 

You need a cup of strawberries, cut;  4-5 fresh mint leaves, 2 liters (1/2 gallon) of water and sugar to taste. Sugar actually is optional (but mandatory for the Teenager!). 
Place all ingredients in a small jar (enough to fit), boil some water and pour to over the strawberries. Cover it with a coffee filter and let stand for 12 hours (I usually leave it overnight). Then stir the infusion and transfer through a strainer into a pitcher. 
Add the remaining water and enjoy! Strawberries and mint wed perfectly in this drink. And your kitchen would smell so good you would want to linger there longer, maybe to make some dessert?! 

What is your favorite way to use strawberries?

See you,
Marina

Hello, Strawberries!

With a very mild winter and an early spring strawberries are in season and are ready to pick up. 
This morning I decided to skip the gym and went to the Wild Things Farm (6 miles from home) to pick some fresh strawberries. I defended myself with a though that I would still have some workout (crawling on my knees, lifting not to heavy buckets) and a good dose of vitamin D (which I can't get at the gym!)

Rows of inviting red drops on each side...

Cute one

Another pretty ones

It took me about 30 minutes to fill up those two buckets, and I wasn't rushing myself

Is there anything can be fresher than this?!

The Wild Things Farm: I had my yoga mat in the car... the place is inviting...

I came home and was "greeted" by my sweet peas...

My favorite...

Have a great day, my friends! 

Come back for more Stroberieada!

See you,
Marina