Yesterday was so warm that my library discussion group met outdoors under the trees. It's mainly old people, retired, because it meets mid-afternoon on a weekday.
Once again it reminded me of a quotation from a Miss Marple episode. Two lawyers are talking abut her appointment with them, and one comments she's elderly, so she'll be prompt. And again, by start time, every seat is occupied. It's a lively and interesting, very opinionated, group, hospitable to new members like me.
Lunch yesterday was that lovely ginger scallion sauce over cod poached in milk, with steamed chard and carrots
That really powers you up for action
And once home in the afternoon, the first day warm enough to sit out and read and smell the spice bush.
I'm currently doing a load of laundry using ivy leaf soap, and I'll report back on the results.
And the Misfits box arrived
The pita bread, blueberries and spinach are a favorite breakfast. And the ground turkey will join the pasta to become spag and mb. The shrimp will be cooked very simply, with rice and maybe that ginger scallion sauce. It's all there. Apples for midmorning snacks.Many plans.
Happy day everyone, enjoy your day, what are you reading? I've tried and rejected a couple of books recently, no need to review when I don't think they need more oxygen.
That's why you only see comments on books I think are worth my limited remaining lifespan.
Our book club here stopped with Covid. It is time to start again!
ReplyDeleteCod! My favourite fish. I made cod au gratin last week. Fish chowder this week from the stock of the poached cod. So good.
I recently finished reading a Christopher Moore book that I enjoyed. "Razzamatazz." It's a sequel to another book her wrote- "Noir." I enjoyed it. Currently I'm re-reading a Kate Atkinson book. "Transcription."
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying your new group.
Your lunch from yesterday looks incredibly healthy. I am still a bit curious about poaching fish in milk. It's so foreign to my experience.
I've noted the Christopher Moore books. Going to see if I can get it on my Kindle for patio reading.
DeleteI just started poaching in milk when I made that chicken pie a few weeks ago. I've saved the milk for a future fish based stew/soup. It's so much better than steaming or boiling, if you're cooking with liquid. . And the fish is ready for kedgeree or fishcakes. Probably best for white fish though.
Looks like things are greening up nicely outdoors where you live!
ReplyDeleteI think the season's finally turning.
DeleteThat looks like a wonderful dinner! I love fish. And your Misfits box rocks!
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely, filling but not heavy, a fave.
DeleteI have been prompt all of my life. Being late is impolite, according to me. Mark has little concept of time. That has sometimes been a problem. I have poached salmon in white wine and in olive oil. Until I made fish pie I hadn't used milk but I have cooked pork in milk. Your lunch looks really good and healthy. I am reading an actual book. Ordinary Grace - by William Kent Krueger. Mark's sister gave it to him, she obviously doesn't know her brother, he asked me to read it and give him the CliffNotes!
ReplyDeleteThat's an idea about poaching in wine, for a stronger flavored fish. Noted.
DeleteMy mother used to poach smoked cod in milk with a knob of butter. I think the idea was to reduce the saltiness or something. It wasn't a favourite meal but we didn't eat a lot of fish as kids (lack of supply).
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing if it was salt cod it needed all the mellowing it could get. I grew up on Atlantic caught plain fresh cod, not salty. But it still repays poaching.
DeleteI quit eating turkey. a friend said it was a trigger for afib for her due to some chemical in the turkey meat. I scoffed but then decided to see if there was something there and I've had far fewer episodes. I asked the library to get the Sandman by Neil Gaiman before I learned it was a graphic novel, a collection of something like 10 or 12 volumes. They called and said it was in. turned out to be book 5 so I said thank you but I'll pass. not that I have anything against graphic novels but don't want to start in the middle.
ReplyDeleteThat's a massive graphic novel, and yes, better from the beginning! Interesting about the turkey discovery. Thanks for mentioning it, other people might note.
DeleteMy sister used to poach fish in milk. Good!
ReplyDeleteMilk makes the fish less "fishy" by neutralizing the smell. Not everyone likes a strong fishy taste. You simply soak it, rinse and cook. Not rinsing can make one go off fish completely. LOL.
DeleteI might look into a book club at the local library once I get back from overseas
ReplyDeleteI loved discussing books in English lit at high school. I’ve missed it in adult life
I figure that you have to be early if you want to be on time.
ReplyDeleteThat lunch looks delicious! My type of meal. And looks like spring has sprung where you are. We've been enjoying gorgeous weather the past week but there are some cold days coming up. Hopefully it's the last of it!
ReplyDeleteA lot of women like this kind of meal, all good ingredients, little fuss.
DeleteGlad that you've found an interesting discussion group and that they're welcoming you. So many already-established groups are slow to admit new people.
ReplyDeleteNice to be able to sit outside - it was warm enough here for that for a few days but our balcony chairs are still wrapped up for winter and by the time I got a chance to set them up, it got cold again.
Yes, it's a nice group. I went wondering if I'd fit in and was pleased when they seemed very friendly.
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