Alvin, our Bichon Frise, looking at pictures of cute puppies on the computer. And I thought the four year old in the restaurant today hyper-focused on her personal tablet was technology gone too far. I am beginning to think there is no “too much.”
No, I did not put Alvin at the computer – he put himself there. Comments welcomed.
Good Eats From The Georgia Soil
Often we think of portraits and evocative landscapes when we think of another country’s culture. I’ve come to learn that music and food are equally informative when I want to learn about the culture of a place.
These are examples of Southern and in particular Georgia culture. On the left are pecans, the middle peanuts, then Vidalia onions and on top peaches. When I put this picture together I was struck by the pleasing color palette.
Crepe with raspberry, banana and creme fraiche
Quick, easy, pretty and delicious. The crepe is made with organic vanilla extract and finely grated lemon peel. The filling is fresh raspberry and banana. On top is creme fraiche and raspberry. After gently frying the crepes I put in the filling and broil for a minute or two to make the crepes crunchy. The creme fraiche is placed on top at the time of serving. The combination of flavors is a tasty interplay of tart, sweet and creamy. If you’re in the neighborhood stop by and I’ll make you some.
An opening between the women and men’s section of a Bedouin tent. Saudi Arabia
The space between the men and women’s section of a Bedouin tent is divided by a wall made of cloth. The cloth material of the tent wall makes it convenient for women to listen in and keep an eye on the goings-on in the majlis, “the public sitting place.” When the majlis is free of visitors from outside the women sit with the men.
Ancient Egyptians used mirrors to reflect the sun into a second mirror which directed the sunlight inside the tomb. This solution made it possible for the sculptors and artisans to see while working inside the tomb.
Artifact on interior tomb wall at Deir El-Medina “Thebes” lit by sunlight reflected on two handheld mirrors
Ancient Egyptians used two hand held mirrors to capture the sunlight and direct it inside and onto interior tomb walls. This made it possible for sculptors and artisans to work on hieroglyphs and pictographs within the dark interiors. Deir El-Medina, “Thebes” is the location of tombs for many artisans who built tombs for the pharaohs.
More images of Egypt
Leftover homemade peach blueberry pie
This is a follow on post to the Peach Pie post yesterday.
The only reason this much was leftover is because we wanted to have more tomorrow. We’ve gotten a lot of interest in the Peach Pie post and requests for the recipe. Enjoy
I found this dough recipe in Cook’s Illustrated magazine.
This recipe will yield an 8” to 10” crust for the top.
1 1/4 Cup unbleached all purpose flour 1/2 Teaspoon table salt 1 Tablespoon sugar 6 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4 slices 1/4 Cup cold vegetable shortening cut into small pieces 2 Tablespoons cold Vodka 2 Tablespoons water Process until the mixture has chunks like cottage cheese. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 45 minutes. The dough can be stored for up to two days.
While you prepare the filling take the dough from the refrigerator and let it soften so you can roll it out after you’ve completed the filling.
In my opinion Georgia peaches have the best flavor. Select firm peaches.
8 to 10 peaches peeled and sliced (thick) 1/2 of 1 Lemon, juiced 1 Egg 2 Tablespoons Flour 1 Tablespoon cornstarch 2/3 Cup sugar 1/3 Cup melted butter 2 Teaspoons Vanilla, use the highest quality you can find. Lanes has a Mexican vanilla. 1 Teaspoon grated nutmeg, grate the nut 1 Teaspoon cinnamon Blueberries, about a cup
Gently mix together and heat on stove do not boil, the goal is to thicken and create a sauce. Place the Peach filling into the pie plate. Cover with a layer of fresh Blueberries. Roll out the dough to the size of your pie plate. Option: Cover the entire top or cut slices and create a lattice. 1 Egg white, whipped moderately. Brush on top of the dough.
Cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes on the middle oven rack. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and cook for about 45 minutes.
Your oven will bake differently than mine so keep an eye on the pie. Patti, my wife, recommends the pie be served warm with Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream (in another dish) –she hates it if the crust gets mushy!
Peach Pie
When I was at the store I discovered the peaches were from Lane orchards in Georgia, so I knew what I had to do. Lane grows peaches and pecans in south Georgia and they are among the finest to be found in the market.
I try to keep dough on hand so while I was talking with Layla, my daughter, I threw this pie together, that’s why the crust is a little wonky. I know — don’t multitask. I pitched a few blueberries in for fun.
A man climbing on the great pyramid at Giza, Egypt
While editing images from Egypt I came across this one I photographed of a single person climbing on the great pyramid at Giza. The relationship of the person to the pyramid got me to thinking about the situation today in Egypt.
Small men with big egos may dominate a country for a short time. Countries with strong character and great heritage prevail.
4th of July fireworks, Lake Lure, North Carolina
Happy 4th of July from Lake Lure, North Carolina
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