As I equip my new kitchen and find space for all the things I’ve collected over the years, I’ve also decided on a “theme.” No, I do not have but would like a statue of San Lorenzo in my kitchen.
In the meantime the Virgin Mary is looking after me. Leonardo da Vinci’s version. Yes, a framed, $5 poster I got at a tourist shop in Florence.
Tonight I made a simple dinner for new friends and neighbors. They just moved in, too, so didn’t mind the dining table not being set up and we ate in the living room with our dog and their dog running around like crazy.
I made skirt steak with chimichurri sauce, roasted red potatoes with rosemary, heirloom cherry tomatoes raw, some jicama slaw I made last night, and corn on the cob. We finished with ice cream with blueberry sauce and fresh raspberries.
Jicama Slaw a la Dee
Shred 1 small or 1/2 large jicama and one large, peeled carrot. I added 2T chopped cilantro, more thinly sliced scallion, and 1/2 diced jalapeno before adding the juice of a lemon, salt, pepper and a bit of olive oil. It was even better tonight, had mellowed flavors in the frig overnight.
It looks festive and tastes bright and summery. Oh, the heat finally broke today. We went out for BBQ for lunch (baby backs, yum) and it was 72 instead of 95, and got to eat at a picnic table outside.
This is one strange town. People honk horns for no reason, are mean for no reason, but then you go to lunch once at the Smoke Shack and sit at the bar for the sampler plate and two weeks later, the barkeep comes out just to say hello.
Even the art museum we went to a few weeks ago called me the other day to thank me for becoming a member. I said she should call my m-i-l because she paid for the membership, but it was really nice of them to call.
And then I picked up my car yesterday after an unfortunate incident with a concrete impediment in our incredibly tight parking garage. My insurance company rep was in touch daily, there was a glitch but the shop put everyone in separate corners and told them to play nice and my car looks great!
In case you haven’t noticed, unless FEMA’s involved I’m a glass half full kind of gal. I always believe the best in people until they prove otherwise. Yes, it gets me hurt. But with the Blessed Mother looking upon me, drawn by Da Vinci’s hands, my kitchen is my refuge, my center, my way of making my husband, dog and guests happy.
The other design element is a decorative rod with all the tea towels my m-i-l embroidered as a girl, several with coffee motifs, the rest herbs.
We want to get rid of these boxes and have a home that friends and family and colleagues can visit, often. Oh, and if you find a statue of St. Lawrence (San Lorenzo) at a flea market let me know. Mangia bene. Dee
Cooking with Dee 