First the dressing. I am often inspired by the ingredients I find at the store or Farmer’s Market and sometimes (o.k. often) I change menus based on such inspiration. So I walking through the store and had already a bag of spinach in my cart. I walked by the shallots and thought hum….something. I stood there and stared at them for a minute, bought a few and went home to conjure up this dressing. I have to tell you, I love it and hope you do too. Use it on a salad, on grilled tempeh or your favorite meat. I’m not one for sauces/dressings on veggies, but it would be very good on Brussels sprouts or other hardy vegetable.
Wash and dry 3 medium shallots, place on parchment or foil, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, wrap and bake in a 350 degree oven that has been preheated for about 45 minutes. Let cool for a bit. Place in food processor or blender with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Puree. That’s it!
Here is an option that I didn’t try but I’m sure would be good. Place about 4 cloves of garlic in with the shallots when you bake them.
Why Whitney Houston you say? As you know I live next to a 400 acre vineyard and my doggie Wilma and I walk/run, but mostly dance through the vineyard in the mornings and evenings. She takes a dip in the pond and I do my stretches and such while she’s cooling off in the water. It’s a great routine. Mostly the vineyard is empty although I have been busted dancing around by the workers a couple times. They just wave.
My daughter Kathryn put some new music on my IPod yesterday and one of the songs is I’m Every Woman, but Whitney Houston. I dare anyone to sit still while that song is on. It’s an easy song, because of the lyrics to dance rather provocatively to; lots of hip movement goin’ on. I had a blast.
I sit in front of a computer a lot writing and preparing, but can only do so for about 3 hours before my thoughts get mushy and I need some air. My routine is 3 hours work then exercise, work, cooking, work, exercise. Something like that-works for me.
Look at these gorgeous apples. The trees are still offering me breakfast every morning and I thank them while they’re still here.
On a personal note, I have been home 6 weeks. Wow…time flies. Today I teach kids at a local Boy’s and Girl’s Club and Sunday is my first event for Shine The Light. I am still looking for a paying job and have some possibilities. Let me know if you know of anything-personal chef, nutritionist, writer, etc. Thanks….
I know that my friends and family are worried about me living in this RV with the vineyard and coyotes. I would love to have a house, but it will happen one day. Meanwhile, I am thankful for what I have; my family and friends and the work I do in the world. If that isn’t enough, I am really healthy and…drum roll….yesterday I saw a golden eagle just sitting in the tree watching me dance. We had a nice little conversation and I tried to be a bit more regal in his/her presence….