Simple Pleasures

For the first time in a long time, I had a relaxing weekend. I was able to enjoy some of the simple pleasures that I have been missing out on while attempting to work three jobs. This weekend I was able to sleep in, spend time with my boyfriend and my friends. I got to enjoy the weather and the patios and eat this delicious bowl of cherries in the sun.


I hope you all had as nice a weekend as I did.

Summer Thai Noodles with Shrimp and Sweet Peas

I love summer time for all the fresh fruit and vegetables that arrive in the grocery store. I came up with this recipe tonight all because my grocery store was selling fresh green peas and they looked so juicy and delicious.

- 1/2 a pack of flat rice noodles (the ones used for pad thai)

- one shallot sliced finely

- one clove garlic crushed

- 2 teaspoons ground ginger

- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli pepper flakes

- about 20 raw shrimp, shells removed and de-veined

- two cups chicken broth

- one can coconut milk

- juice of two limes

- two cups fresh peas

- salt and pepper to taste

- cilantro (optional)

- lime wedges for garnish

1. In a bowl of water, soak noodles for one hour.

2. In a large pan or wok heat a small amount of oil and toss in shallots. Cook on medium heat until softened. 

3. Add garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes to coat shallots, then add shrimps, grilling on each side until fully cooked (when pink all over).

4. Remove shrimps from pan leaving seasoning and shallots. Add chicken stock, coconut milk and lime juice. Bring up to a low bubble, them lower heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes stirring frequently.

5. Add peas and allow to return to a simmer.

6. Remove noodles from water and add them to the wok, stirring them to cover them with sauce. Allow noodles to soak in sauce for 3-5 minutes or until softened.

7. Season to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper.

8. Serve topped with shrimp and chopped cilantro with a wedge of lime on the side.

Serves 4.

This dish is summer-y and fresh with a nice spicy kick. I really enjoyed it but there are a few changes i would make if I were to make it again. I was simply limited by what I had in my kitchen.

I would use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger as well as fresh red chillies (be careful, the fresh ones can be very spicy!). I also would have used lemongrass to substitute some of the lime juice. You can find lemongrass at asian supermarkets. It is packed with a citrusy flavour that is really unique and delicious.

I hope you like it!

Lost in the Clutter

I'm starting to feel trapped in my busy life, able to see inspiration through the cracks, but unable to get my hands on it. I go to work where I get to produce someone else's ideas but not contribute to them. When inspiration comes to me I am instantly discouraged by the lack of any sort of studio space to work in. What "studio" I had has slowly become the dumping ground and spare storage for everyone's extra stuff(including my own). 


I feel that the summer is passing me by, that I haven't taken advantage of the beautiful weather to walk, and to see parts of the city that I haven't seen. 


After this post I plan to make room to work in and to go exploring with my camera and sketchbook in hand. Hopefully I'll have some new things to post soon!

Her Morning Elegance

I love this stop motion music video for Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie. I just thought i would share it with you. I like that there are still a few people taking the time to come up with creative music videos. The song itself is also lovely.

Splitscreen: A Love Story

JW Griffith’s Splitscreen: A Love Story. Winner of the Nokia Shorts Competition 2011.

Cozy Up with Nanna van Blaaderen

Last week fashion designer Nanna van Blaaderen opened a show in Amsterdam featuring her new collection of knitting designs inspired by forms in nature using all natural materials and textures. The collection is called 'Species. A Tribute' and will be displayed until the end of the month. Such beautiful photographs too.

Outdoor Escape

So I got a little garden going on my fire escape. I bought some veggies; tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, green peppers, basil and rosemary. I also got some lavender because it's so pretty and smells so nice. I even split up some of my house plants so that i could put some more plants outside. 

There is a pesky racoon that is making things difficult by overturning several plants every night. I don't think that re-planting every morning will make for a prosperous harvest somehow.
I enjoyed planting everything and I like watering them everyday. I'm feeling a bit like a proud parent. I can't wait to post some pictures of my new vegetables soon!

Summer Broccoli Soup with Crumbled Bacon

I made a recipe over the weekend that left me with extra leeks, so I decided to make soup with the extra leeks. I also had broccoli so broccoli soup it was! Here’s the recipe for a light, summer-y broccoli soup with crumbled bacon on top.


1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 leeks (white and light green parts only) finely chopped
1 yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic crushed
5 strips bacon
1 bunch broccoli, florets chopped and stems finely diced (about 4 cups)
5 cups reduced sodium chicken stock
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup cream


1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add leeks, onion and garlic. Cook on medium heat until softened but not browned (about 7-10 minutes) stirring often. (While veggies cook, start frying bacon in a frying pan on medium heat. Cook bacon until crispy then set aside on paper towel to soak up extra grease.)


2. Add broccoli and chicken stock to pot. Bring up to a boil then lower heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, until it has reached a full flavour.


3.Remove pot from heat and let sit for five minutes. In batches, put soup through a food processor or blender to puree. (I kept mine a little bit lumpy but you can puree until you are happy with the texture.)


4.Once pureed, return soup to pot and bring back to a simmer. Add cream and stir until combined. Do not allow soup to reach a boil after you have added the cream. Add salt and pepper to taste. 


5.Serve in bowls with chopped crispy bacon pieces on top. (serves4)


Enjoy!

Salutations!

I've decided to start this blog to share the things that inspire me and the things that make me happy with anyone who is interested in reading about it. Hopefully it will make you happy too.
I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to posting!
My first goal is to start a little garden on my fire escape. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy the sun, the plants, and maybe even some vegetables at the end of the summer, while I read a book on my little piece of the outdoors.
Wish me luck!