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| In Evelyn's kitchen in Fairfax, VA: White Darjeeling Tea. |
Time for the wrap-up of what's been happening in my kitchen in Ann Arbor and in Evelyn and Tom's kitchen in Fairfax for the month of July. The first three weeks of July in Ann Arbor were very quiet. Michigan produce came in rather slowly, so we were still buying things like corn and fruit that were grown further south. Then we drove to Fairfax on our way to our next big vacation.
The World is a Kitchen
Very much in my thoughts: the worsening food-supply disaster in the world at large. I sadly read a new report on the increase in global hunger. Also, I contemplate the looming global grain shortage caused by the war in Ukraine and crop failures caused mainly by droughts in many countries. A statement from the head of the UN World Food Program: “ a record 345 million acutely hungry people are marching to the brink of starvation" — a 25% increase from 276 million at the start of 2022 before Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24. The number stood at 135 million before the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020.” (
source). I'm aware of these human disasters when I think about the bounty of foods available easily in my life.
The world is very large. There’s a lot of it that I still want to see so far in my life. Starting Saturday, July 30, I’ll be leaving the country and maybe leaving internet access. So I may not be checking comments here very often or reading and commenting on other blogs. I will do my best to be in touch with all my blogger friends in the wide world. If not during the trip, I’ll be back to see all of you at the end of August.
From Evelyn and Tom’s Kitchen
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We visited Evelyn, Tom, and Alice in Fairfax, VA.
Evelyn and Tom made us some fabulous mussels. |
At Home: Grilling
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| Once in the month we grilled real burgers with special sauce and grilled corn. |
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| Beautifully dark lamb chops with a dish of white beans. |
French dishes for Paris in July
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| French potato salad (pommes á l'huile). |
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| A rolled omelet that Len made for breakfast. |
Cauliflower Cheese with a twist...
British cauliflower cheese is a casserole generally made with steamed cauliflower, white sauce with mild cheddar, and a topping of cheddar and maybe bread crumbs. The casserole is baked in the oven to heat through and brown the topping.
I changed it a bit. For the vegetable, I used roasted cauliflower (less weepy) with some onion and sweet potato added. For the sauce I made a slightly more robust brown sauce with some spices and mild goat cheese added. For the topping I used pepper jack cheese. I just like things spicier!
Blog post and all photos © 2022.
19 comments:
We have been to Trader Joe's in Ann Arbor several times, but not recently. We are overdue for a visit.
You got to love the pics in this post. You have outdone yourself. I found my one connection to Ukraine this week, in the form of buying contacts online from that country. I was wary but they did show up and I'm still trying to see if they are cheaper than the ones from Canada. definitely cheaper than america.
Safe travels, Mae! I love your grilling and that cauliflower recipe sounds delicious. Be safe and well.
Hello,
Your meals all looks yummy. Cheese is good on everything, especially cauliflower and burgers. The toasted marshmallows looks yummy. I have been wanting to visit Trader Joe's and check out more of their meals. Have a great new week!
You cannot go wrong with a baked cauliflower and cheese dish!
Travel safely, wherever it is that you are going.
These dishes look very good. Did you used to live in Fairfax? I lived in Arlington, VA back until 1993-2008 ... when I moved. It seems like you enjoy Michigan, nice!
You eat so very well, Mae. You are lucky to have the disposable income to afford all these wonderful dishes you and your family share. I can see why you believe you are truly blessed food wise. Travel wise, too! Have an enjoyable trip, my friend.
So hungry now. Regine
www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Your food all looks delicious! I've tried some pre-made frozen dishes and liked some of it. It's sometimes the perfect thing.
i looove cauli cheese and i love your idea of roasting the veg. first. Must try that one day! Thanks so much for making the effort to do an IMK post before you went on your trip. Hope you have a fab. time of it, and see you in september.
cheers
sherry
I haven't had grilled/toasted marshmallows in ages! And you just reminded me that I haven't made pommes á l'huile this summer -- my favorite potato salad.
Your food looks delicious, and I think I need to try TJ's Kung Pao chicken. Enjoy your vacation!
Such a thoughtful post. How come every time I read your blog I feel like I want to eat. Well, eat what's in your blog. Except the cauliflower. I need a TJ's fix. It's been too long.
It´s an unfair world, and getting worse, and unnecessary.
And now China adds to the dangerous mix, too.
Especially the cauliflower looks great.
Trader Joe´s products we only get at ALDI. They´re of good quality.
hi Mae
I love an omelette and i love cauliflower cheese. thanks for joining in!
I'm so happy you are out in the world, seeing things and going places, Mae. I wish you safe and happy travels. I'll be eager to hear all about your adventures when you return.
I shop at Trader Joe's regularly and find great produce, wine, and convenience foods. Have a wonderful trip Mae..
Your kitchen looks like you have lots of good food - I like the look of the French potato salad - it all looks quite summery. I was curious about your cauliflower cheese - you said you made a "brown sauce" - I am not sure what you mean by that - we call a roux a "white sauce" and brown sauce is a bit like ketchup but browner. I wonder if you mean more gravy than brown sauce - it looks lovely esp with the extra vegies.
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