2/08/2025

All Things Bright and Beautiful - For Sunday Salon and Beyond

 

Sunday Salon, hosted by Deb Nance is a place where we get to share what has been happening in our lives.  And, it's been a few weeks since I've posted here.  Sometimes life gets in the way!  

A friend and I started things off with a bang, well at least a good view of the current eruption. Having some delicious Volcano House pizza while viewing is the Bomb! Especially after taking in an art exhibit and demonstration by a fantastic Pyrographic Artist!              

                Aloha Reef by John Mydock

Some mediocre books as well as a few better ones were gone through.  On the mediocre side, since I last posted here, The Last List of Mabel Beaumont.  Ho hum.

On the other hand, for sheer fun and breaking into frequent laughter, there was my catching up with Janet Evanovich and her Stephanie Plum silly series.  I'm caught up to here with, Game On: Tempting 28.


And, Alexander McCall Smith is always dependable for insight and wisdom, along with a good story. My latest read from his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, The Great Hippopotamus Hotel.


In the garden, my interesting subject is commonly called Lipstick Pod, otherwise known as Achiote, a tree from which I gathered some ripe pods to make a small batch of the oil.  This spice is used in Puerto Rican cooking as well as others, as a flavoring and coloring agent in things like tamales, mole sauce and ceviche.


I was making a batch of Gandule Red Rice.  A local favorite here in Hawaii.


On the table, thanks to Simona of Briciole, I made up some her recently posted warm salad, Radicchio and Red Grapes.  I love the contrast of bitter and sweet.  Though admittedly I added a bit of maple syrup.:)



Inspired by my current Reading: Be Ready When the Luck Happens, by Ina Garten.  This recipe came from her book,  Modern Comfort Food.  Roasted Sausages, Peppers, Tomatoes and Onions served with Corn Polenta.  Really a seriously good meal. 

And, Brews


My latest experiment with Kombucha, is a second ferment (where the flavors are added and carbonation happens) of cacao nibs, cinnamon stick pieces, vanilla bean pieces and raw cane sugar.  May it not explode!

Until next time!  Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

11 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Volcano House has survived so many eruptions — good to hear that it’s serving food again. I would love to be back in Hawaii!
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Claudia said...

Yes, Volcano House has been through some changes over the years. The restaurant was full that day, what with the good view of the eruption.

Nicky said...

I think I tried Alexander McCall Smith's work once and kinda bounced off, but now I'm not sure... Either way, I should give it (another?) try. It always seems so beloved by fans!

Marg said...

Interesting. I really liked The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, but I gave up on the Stephanie Plum books years ago

Have a good week.

teri @ girlsatthebookstore.blogspot.com said...

Been so long since I have read Stephanie Plum, I need to revisit, I always enjoyed them

Olivia Beck said...

I loved the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I wish I could get the books on Kindle.

Aj @ Read All The Things! said...

Those pods are weird looking! I don't think I've seen anything like that before.

Cindy said...

The food looks good! Glad you found some books to enjoy after the mediocre ones!

Tina said...

Did you say pizza? I'm in! Love it. your garden photos are always so neat, never heard of the lipstick pod.

Yvonne said...

It's been a long time since I read Stephanie Plum books. I loved them and fell behind. I need to catch up. Hope you have a great week.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

My friend always sends me the latest Janet Evanovich after she finishes reading it. I loved this latest book.

I need to try a little more of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. I do like that one, too.