In My Kitchen; September/October 2015

The kitchen view to the southeast reminds me that no matter how warm the temperature, it is already Fall... ready or not, it's here. Put away the summer shorts and pull out the sweaters. We're back ashore, readjusting to life in town for the next several months. Eagles still fly overhead, Canadian geese still honk away to awaken us in the morning, but I find I miss the gentle rocking of the boat and the ready access to just-caught seafood. The seafood memory is one of the reasons why I love my assorted seafood plates and platters. 

In my kitchen...

... you will find a set of vintage, hand-painted porcelain koi plates discovered at a local shop in Seattle's Columbia City neighborhood. Each plate is unique, crowded with a lively swirl of colorful, schooling fish. The plates are more decorative than functional, but no matter. They bring a smile whenever I set them out for display.

In my kitchen...

...this shrimp platter is a heavy, more durable stoneware favorite. Some days it is displayed on a countertop stand, but more often it's tucked away in a stack of platters. Occasionally, like today, it's useful as a serving piece. Heated in a low-temperature oven, it kept a batch of spicy sweet potato fries warm at the table. (link)

In my kitchen...

...I'm back on crutches again, so niece Hilary and RL have been on kitchen duty. Oh my, we have dined well on their culinary efforts! It would be easy to continue "playing lady", but I miss my usual free-wheeling activity in the kitchen. 

...a spicy Roasted cauliflower sandwich was so incredibly flavorful that we didn't miss the meat. I know, I know, I can't believe I said that, but it's true. 

...we enjoyed yet another version of Okonomiyaki, Japanese Cabbage and Shrimp Pancakes, the product of a friendly kitchen cookoff between two dueling skillets.

...Garlicy Lemon Hummus with Raw Vegetables made a tempting light lunch and anytime snack. This chickpea spread might not be pretty, but hummus is SO delicious as a dip, a sandwich filling or straight off a spoon (shhhh, don't tell). 

...Hil pulled a multilayered, multiflavored, winning recipe from a magazine and produced this amazing dinner plate: grilled chicken, marinated chickpea salad, Greek salad with feta and a zippy tzatziki sauce, all piled high on a warm Greek pita. Flavorful, filling and fabulous! 

In my kitchen...

... I'm finding ways to maneuver with one crutch, often leaning on a counter or carefully slicing and dicing while seated on a stool. Lately I've been in charge of leftovers-for-lunch and finally did some baking. Old Faithful, my trusty sourdough starter, welcomed the opportunity to produce a fine loaf of no knead sourdough bread with walnuts and a beer kick. It's good to be easing, ever so slowly, back into action in my kitchen. 

What's happening in your kitchen these days? As usual, Celia at figjamandlimecordial is hosting her monthly linkup to kitchens around the world. Stop by and visit, won't you?