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Finishing Sugar by Terre Botanicals
March 8, 2016
— 1 Comment
I am surprised and pleased with my discovery of a new product for my kitchen. When Terri Nacke offered me a taste of her fine finishing sugars I told her I don’t use sugar. This is a little exaggeration because I do use sugar to ferment ginger beer, lacto fermented lemonade and other beverages. In the case of the fermented drinks the sugar is consumed by the yeast in order to grow and make the final result fizzy. A little sugar goes a long way at our house. I tried the chocolate sugar and liked it, but decided it would last for 10 years in my cupboard. After chatting for a few minutes at her booth at the Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale I learned that we had much in common including a love of botany and aromatherapy.
When I lifted the Rose Petal Darjeeling sugar to my nose it thrilled me. The taste blew my mind because this super deluxe product is made with essential oil of rose, a pure and direct love note to the brain. I knew before it hit my tongue that I had to have some to take home. Terri mentioned stone fruits and the natural affinity the rose has with apricots, which got my attention. My apricot and peach trees have just set fruits, and this year I am determined to keep them for myself instead of gifting them to the birds. She told me that for those who have a sweet tooth (a group I rarely join) the enhanced flavor of the essential oils reduces the amount of sugar needed to get the results desired. She does not skimp on the oils, very expensive additives.
I left the market with a recipe card that gave me many ideas about putting my new darling ingredient to use. I had a long drive ahead of me, but when I arrived in Tucson her suggestion of trying a small amount of the rose sugar to flavor a fine whiskey was still in my mind. I stopped at the store to find a good rye whiskey to try her idea for my reward at the end of the trail. Indeed, a very small amount of rose sugar in a glass of rye on the rocks created a unique and exotic cocktail. I was both happy to be home and felt very lucky that I took the time to listen to the reasons this sugar is different from other sugars. It is my new favorite ingredient! I am very happy to know that recipe ideas as well as a mail order form are available at Terre Botanicals website. I highly recommend this fabulous line to all the gentle readers. A little goes a long, long way, and there is really nothing like it I have seen on the market.
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- finishing sugars
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- botanical wizard
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- Terri packs my purchase
ZorroZ Bloody Mary Mix is a Flavor Treat
March 6, 2016
— 4 Comments
I had a wonderful shopping day yesterday that included the Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale as well as the Greek Orthodox monastery in Florence, AZ. Tasting all the samples at that wonderful Saturday morning market challenges one to pick favorites because there are so many delicious choices. Since I had a long drive I limited myself to products that would have no problem staying in the car for a while on a warm day. One such product is ZorroZ Bloody Mary Mix. I tasted it and loved the complex flavor. I could honestly just drink it straight up, but Fran Rons, the creator of the magical elixir, provides a card with recipes to spark new ideas for using this tasty liquid party in a bottle. I must try it in sloppy Joes because those are a favorite at our house, much more than Bloody Marys themselves. I also like his meatball recipe which I plan to knock off with a vegetarian nut loaf. Once the bottle is open I know I will be trying it in many ways. Guacamole is another suggestion Fran makes that sounds like a very good idea.
Today is Sunday, and I know that Bloody Mary is the official cocktail of Sunday morning for many people. I have lemons from our tree, some fabulous jalapeño stuffed olives and some celery for the garnish. My own preferred version is actually a red snapper, made with gin. Bob is in the garden working and I have been packing up some home made sauerkraut, making a big mess in the kitchen. We will wait until afternoon to savor our new cocktail mix, using it as a reward for finishing our respective tasks. As I write this post my mouth is beginning to water thinking about it. Are you a Bloody Mary fan, gentle reader? If you are I am recommending this excellent product to bring your cocktail to a new level of excitement. Cheers!!
Fran Rons at the market
What is a Milagro?
February 26, 2016
— 3 Comments
The custom of using milagros, or ex-votos, to remind one of a vow or a wish is common in may parts of the world. The custom was popular in Spain and came to Latin America with the colonizers. I have been collecting and using them for years. I like to find unusual ones to add to my collection. I put them in my change purse to protect my money. I don’t attach any saint or religion to them, but do like to see them every time I sort through my change to pay for something. They remind me of the intention I had when I placed them there. Some naturally get lost, but I have a some for so many years it is surprising.
friends enjoying Tubac
I recently found some great new ones in Tubac that I had not seen before. I was traveling with friends, so I purchased matching milagros for us as a souvenir of our trip to Santa Cruz County. I had just gifted a couple of charms to some guys from Wisconsin who were about to go on bicycles to Mexico. We met them leaving Tumacacori Mission ready to ride across the border. They were not afraid and felt fine about having no plans or accommodations arranged. They were some real adventurers. I was certain they needed some protection, so I gave them each a milagro. I am sure that milagros have been left at the mission for centuries, so it seemed right.
Tumacacori Mission
Tumacacori Mission
The Tucson Botanical Gardens has a craft project in the hispanic garden section now for visitors to design and leave their own meaningful charm in the trees. These handmade milagros are really fun to see as they decorate the garden. They signify whatever the maker has in mind at the time, and are very charming (pun intended). Do you have any personal milagros, gentle reader?
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
milagros in the trees
Chutney Freestyle
February 23, 2016
— 1 Comment
I followed the recipe above to make mango chutney last summer a couple of times. The first time I measured and made an effort to be accurate, even though I cut the sugar in half. The second time I whipped up a batch I made some changes to suit my own taste, but still kept to the recipe basically. This week I decided I was expert enough to make my third batch freestyle, and I am very pleased with the outcome. I only had three mangoes, so I roughly guessed about the proportions of other ingredients. I tasted my way as I added sugar, molasses and apple cider vinegar to discover the balance I like the best. I used the rest of my jar of molasses just because it was almost empty. The last bit was dissolved in vinegar to get it out of the jar. The extra molasses gave the product a darker color and a deeper taste as well. The biggest change I made was ramping up the spices, including the hot chile. The result is very spicy and tangy. The flavors meld over time, so the flavor will be more integrated after a few days in the fridge.
mango onion garlic
with brown sugar and molasses
extra spices in mortar
simmer
finished chutney
This has given me such a kick. I really enjoy improvisation in the kitchen because it thrills my creative side and expresses my own taste and personality. This is, in my opinion, the best batch I have made. I look forward to using it in many ways. If you have not attempted chutney making I enthusiastically encourage you to try your hand. The precess is very forgiving. You can change the end result if you want it more sweet, sour, or spicy. I plan to move on to other kinds of chutney, now that I feel confident in my skills. I think I will also try my hand at some ketchup, which is another take on the sweet/sour sauce. Do you like to follow the directions, gentle reader, or do like to freestyle when you cook? I have a peach tree, so I can well imagine fermented peach chutney in my future. Variety is, indeed, the spice of life.
What Law and Order? #BlackPanthersPBS
February 17, 2016
— 4 Comments
I am a revolutionary. I am in flashback mode during this political season. When I watched the PBS documentary about the Black Panther Party my mind was blown thinking about the similar tactics employed by our government today. Police are still outside the law, are still involved in brutality rather than community protection. In my neighborhood the police force protects criminals and refuses to respond to those who want to stop crime. I think it is scary that abuse of power continues to be our greatest obstacle to peace and prosperity. In 1968 J Edgar Hoover had absolute power to invade privacy and snuff Americans at will. Today the FBI is asking Apple to give them a back door to everyone’s iPhones. Today we have drones out killing people for our “freedom and democracy”. Have we ever had freedom and democracy for all our citizens? I think not.
I was involved, but not old enough to vote, in the 1968 election that sent Tricky Dick Nixon to the White House. I was in the audience at the University of Texas at Austin to listen to Eugene McCarthy, and later to Hubert Humphrey, during my freshman year on campus. I decided to register to vote as a Libertarian as soon as I was 21. The Democrats were more to my liking but both parties struck me as corrupt anachronisms dedicated to keeping war and prejudice alive around the globe. I was not alone in this belief. I am still not the only person who sees our system as dangerously off course.
We all feel that things have gotten out of hand, and we all want a better future for our country. I know that is true, even though the campaign rhetoric has become vile and toxic. With the new twist of a Supreme nomination stakes are high and emotions are higher. If we the people allow super pacs and nasty grudges to continue to drive our political outcomes we will all continue to feel let down by our government. This election, very much like the election of 1968, will have profound consequences on our image around the world as well as our own economy. No matter how you feel (Bern or no Bern) it is time to register to vote and exercise your right to elect officials you trust. History is being made very rapidly. Get out the vote, gentle readers. Do it now before all the hippies drop dead from exhaustion.
Tucson Hop Shop for Beer Week Festivities
February 12, 2016
— 2 Comments
Arizona Beer Week is being celebrated all over town with tastings, pairings, and special events. Next weekend is the big craft beer crawl downtown, but beer gardens all over town are gearing up for special toasts and tastes all week. Tucson Hop Shop is our very local beer garden (.7 of a mile from home) with a family friendly atmosphere. Food trucks are scheduled to cater for the patrons on the weekend. Picnics of any kind are permitted as well. Weather is expected to be perfect for a bike ride and a flight. My partner Bob is a big beer fan with a wide range of interests in beer styles. I am much more particular. I like porters, stouts, and some copper ale if it is not very hoppy. What I like about beer week is the fun we have meeting other happy beer drinkers in a community setting. We look forward to a festive time this week that includes new flavors and new friends in Tucson. Cheers!!! Enjoy in moderation and use a designated driver for best results.
Tucson Hop Shop
Biblical Hospitality in Sonoita, Arizona
February 9, 2016
— 1 Comment
I took a trip last week with my Swiss visitors to discover nature and culture in southern Arizona. I shopped extensively for the right location to make our headquarters for exploration. I was rewarded for my effort by spending two nights at the Hetrick’s Cozy Wine Country Retreat in Sonoita. It is situated on 16 acres of land with spectacular views in all directions. As with all air bnb listings, the hosts provided everything we needed. They have three cute dogs that have the run of the house, which made me very happy. The dogs are friendly and playful. The large fire David built for us in the evening was a focal point for conversation and some local wine sipping. Our hosts retreated to their offices and gave us the living room for our conversation. The Hetricks provide exactly the amount of privacy the guests desire. They are available for guidance and local knowledge, but allow the guests to use the kitchen, dining room, and beautiful patios of the home to their hearts’ content. We arrived on the two coldest days of the year, so we did not enjoy any patio time. We were very pleased to see the roaring fire in the living room to welcome us.
The Hetricks are involved in a Christian congregation and have a unique viewpoint on hosting. They practice biblical hospitality. They are both proud of this philosophy which honors every guest as a special gift. The home is filled with very tasteful Christian art, including a wall of crosses collected from around the world. There is no attempt to convert or even to discuss religion, but when I brought up the subject they explained their special mission within the hospitality industry. The attitude is palpable. We felt like part of the home, if not related to the family. The labyrinth was the last place we went before we drove home to Tucson. The site is incredibly scenic and moving. To walk the pattern into the middle and back out is symbolic of inner and outer life. The meaning is always personal and takes some contemplation. For me the sunny morning labyrinth meditation was a strong message of spiritual intention. Our trip had been blessed by the practice of biblical hospitality. If you are in Arizona looking for a very good deal on some biblical hospitality do check out Cozy Wine Country Retreat. It is a special place.
fireplace
zorro
Wild West Hospitality in Arizona
February 5, 2016
— 3 Comments
I am lucky to have visitors from Switzerland who are interested in Arizona culture and art. I am also interested, but not inclined to get out on the road on my own to seek more than I have right at home. In order to show my friends part of our state and share a couple of days sight seeing with them I booked an air bnb accommodation for us in Sonoita, AZ. It was a perfect central location to explore Santa Cruz and Cochise County. These sky islands are unique habitats that are completely different from Europe. The vast expansive views and the snow on the mountains (it was snowing in Sonoita and Patagonia when we arrived) made this area very attractive for movie makers involved with cowboy flicks. The movie Oklahoma was shot down there in the picturesque grasslands south of Tucson. The Swiss ladies loved the landscape, the little towns and the people. To complete the western experience we drove to Tombstone to see the courthouse museum, the restored part of town, and the specialty shopping only the town too tough to die has to offer.
My friend invited me to go to the comedy gun fight show, something I am sure I would not do on my own. It turned out to be very entertaining and well produced. I enjoyed it and give props to the actors that play the gun slinging characters. They do an excellent job of making it look spontaneous while keeping it safe for everyone. One of the actors is a real Arizona Ranger, which I think is very cool. All of them need a good sense of humor as well as much skill with firearms to do this show. The audience easily gets involved with the action which is slapstick. If you are visiting Tombstone this show will add to your enjoyment of the town. If you still want more gun fights they also do the gunfight at the OK Corral reenactment several times daily. Both are done well, but we already know how the OK Corral ends. The actors walk around town to promote the shows, so if you skip the performances you still get a glimpse of the fine costuming. Everyone is extra friendly because tourism is the only reason Tombstone is so tough. People from all over the world have a good time hanging out there. For an authentic welcome and some very hospitable local color, check out the town too tough to die.
gun fight
gun fight
gallows
Community Spirit, Beer and Yoga
February 1, 2016
— 1 Comment
yoga class
art studio
art studio
stout
yoga class
yoga class
yoga class
yoga DJ
yoga DJ
yoga class
I was lucky to find a perfect celebration for my birthday this year. I just discovered my local beer garden, Tucson Hop Shop. I am not a big beer drinker but am enthusiastic about supporting local business and local craft products, including beer. This classy yet casual spot is perfect for our neighborhood, located in the Metal Arts Village, a space for metal artists’ studios. The Hop Shop has developed a following and has instigated new events that bring the community together for fun. My big birthday gift this year (besides Medicare) is a visit from two Swiss ladies on vacation. I have been enjoying showing them around town because they are really open to culture and ready to party. The SyncHOPation event not only happened on my birthday but was walking distance from home.
SyncHOPation
Spiritual Gangster is a team that teaches yoga classes around the city in pop up locations. I have never seen yoga with a DJ before, and now I am a complete fan of the idea. I have taught and taken plenty of yoga classes, with and without music. To have a creative DJ work the class is another level of wonderment. The other aspect of the pop up that can be very popular is beer. The participants in the class at the Hop Shop were presented with a pint of beer when they turned in their class tickets. The $5 fee for both yoga and beer is a screaming deal.
My visitors and I had a fine time meeting people, drinking beer and dancing. The art studios were open, the parking lot was blocked off for the event, and the crowd was in a very good mood. Pizza and popcorn food trucks were serving delicious snacks. We enjoyed both with our beverages. My friend Steffi took the yoga class while Pia and I watched from a table on the patio. We toured the studios, did some dancing to the DJ, then walked home. There could not have been a better way to celebrate. If you like beer I highly recommend a visit to the Tucson Hop Shop. It is the perfect place for a party.
Entrepreneurial Spirit, Magic Kenny Bang Bang
January 26, 2016
— 2 Comments
The Dillinger Days party at Hotel Congress is always a great community event. People enjoy the car show and the costumed gangsters as well as both of our beautiful antique firetrucks on display for the occasion. A fire in the Hotel Congress lead to the arrest of public enemy number one in Tucson in 1934. The era is recreated each year and the locals enjoy watching the reenactment, which includes cops, robbers, and antique firetrucks. A good time is had by all.
I was eating lunch at Maynard’s Market at the train station while Magic Kenny Bang Bang sat at the bar talking to friends. I asked about his top hat costume, which seemed over the top, even at Dillinger Days. He told me that he is a professional magician. Oddly enough, I had just read his name a few hours earlier in association with an event he will MC on Valentines Day and had wondered who he is. He was waiting for his piano player to arrive for a show they would perform later in the afternoon. He did a magic trick at the bar that did baffle and amaze me, so I asked for a quick interview. He was gracious to oblige.
I think the combination sommelier/magician is a unique one. He can do all kinds of magic, but primarily is a people person who enjoys entertaining. I did not stay downtown for his show but think I will go to the Valentine’s event to see what he will do. I love to see the different ways people can make a living from their talents. Magic Kenny is a great example of ingenuity, creativity, and skill.
Magic Kenny Bang Bang
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