It's been a hectic few years with four children married, the sale of two homes and the purchase of two others. Since last summer we've been overly preoccupied with organizing our new lives (and grandson Colin's) in both towns - Norwood and Marion. We've miraculously managed to try some great recipes with family and friends and I've expanded my culinary tricks to include layered cakes and new ideas for quick brunches. At the same time I've finally found that blending a careful combination of knitting, cooking, baking, puzzles, sleep, baths, movies and visiting with family and friends on the weekends in Marion is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Now that the months have passed and we're moving into a second summer in our new homes, it's time to add walks to work or to the water and bike rides along the southern Massachusetts coast or around the town of Norwood. Those weekends spent in our Marion home will get me through the hectic weeks in Norwood with late nights spent at work and long days with multiple interruptions and crises. In addition, Gerry will be restarting his two hives in Marion and starting another at the Norwood Community Garden where we will have a vegetable and herb plot.
We all know there isn't enough time in our lives to read the books on our nightstand let along the blogs that dot the Internet like stars in the sky. The Internet is endless, time is not infinite and I, for one, am realistic about it. I simply don't subscribe to blogs because I can't. When was the last time I listened to my favorite podcast, Books on the Nightstand? Six long months. When was the last time I read an entire online issue of American Libraries Online? At least two months. I'm not even going to think about the books or professional journals I haven't finished reading.
But today I found a blog that I couldn't resist. Recipes and terrific photographs (reminds me of my daughter Beth's!) and I wanted to hoard some of the recipes where I can find them. Which ... is here.
Grilled Soft Cheese with Thyme Honey and Figs seems like a great way to use our fresh summer honey from our hives. Grilled Cheese with Mascarpone and Chocolate. is another I can't wait to try some rainy summer brunch with friends. Next, of course, is homemade Mascarpone cheese which is a recipe you'll need and some terrific ideas for using it in place of ice cream or clotted cream. Broiled peaches with Mascarpone. Asparagus Tart. Yum. The last link I've included here is for a Bee's Knees cocktail that might become a favorite this summer using homemade honey syrup.
