I’ve been writing this food blog for twelve years. Marie-Hélène’s Apple Cake from Dorie Greenspan is the only recipe I’ve ever repeated. Every Fall. Since 2012. Honestly, it’s that delicious.
I first baked this cake on December 8, 2012 when I was a member of French Fridays with Dorie, an international group of food enthusiasts who baked their way through Dorie’s newly published cookbook, Around My French Table. There were over 300 recipes. It took five years to work through the book.
Every week, as a group, we’d choose a recipe from her book, make it and then write a post about the experience on our individual blogs. Since 2013 I’ve baked at least six of these apple cakes every fall. For one of my friends it’s become his signature birthday cake. Bernie’s birthday isn’t official until my apple cake arrives.
One of our last hikes, a birthday celebration, was to the Pine Creek Cookhouse in Ashcroft. We four women are volunteer Rangers. Our bookends? Ever supportive husbands.
This apple cake recipe was celebrated in the first of the Food52 Genius Cookbooks, “Genius Recipes: 100 Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook.” At the time one of its editors wrote, ‘know that apples cobbled together with gently boozed up, custardy cake are going to be well received.’
Wrapping up my summer’s work at the Maroon Bells – the last day.
My all-time favorite cooking experience has been the years I “cooked the book” with 40-50 strangers from around the world. For whatever reason we clicked, it was magical. Over the years, even since the “book was thoroughly cooked” and we disbanded, we’ve managed meet-ups. One year we discovered four of us, for different reasons, were in Paris. Surprisingly so was Dorie. What a memorable dinner that was.
This is what a tired and exhausted cookbook looks like. After five years of weekly use while we were “cooking the book,” this book deserves to retire. Not going to happen.
I don’t know if this apple cake is so yummy because of the memories I’ve accumulated after baking it or because I recognize that throwing this apple cake into a celebration or on a dinner party menu practically guarantees an event’s success. Probably, both.
Admittedly, at 100-plus pounds, probably 11/2 years old, this little guy looks roly-poly and cuddly. There’s no Mother in sight. If Mom’s gone that translates to it being mating season and she’s out looking for a new mate. This teddy bear was on its own and I’m betting, very hungry. BGrauer Photo
To be honest, I’d never heard of Shishito Peppers until my neighbor, Meredith, was at my door last summer with a pan of these treasures. (I had the wine.) These babies are a snap, crackle and pop to pull together. I grabbed my grandmother’s cast iron skillet, coated these little green beauties with oil, charred and blistered them to my satisfaction. They are delicious. But, know this, one in ten is really, really hot! Find more info on the Web.
LET’S GET PERSONAL…
You may have noticed I’ve only posted once since June. This past summer I had to choose between writing a food blog or being a volunteer ranger. There’s that time and effort thing…..I have less of both.
Colorado has much to be proud about. Having Michael Bennett as our senior Senator ranks high on my list. He’s represented us since 2009. A good guy. Although not up for re-election, on this particular day he had driven to the High Country himself and made the circuit to all our tiny communities. We turned out. In the background is Betty Wallach. Talk about a dedicated volunteer!
Realizing I could do one activity well this year but not two, I compromised. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve never been a fan of compromising.) But I did the deed and am now choosing four months in uniform playing Smokey Bear with eight months devoted to my food hustle.
October was my birthday month. An Onion Ring Birthday Cake was a delicious novelty .
Not a great pix but great friends. I have know these two women since we moved to Aspen in 1988. Luky (L) was the first person we met after moving to Aspen. Most of what went right since moving here is due to her. Karen, I met soon after. I was stranded in Paris when Covid happened and the President ordered us home. It was a frightening time, When I finally got home, with nowhere to be since my condo was occupied, Karen never wavered and insisted I stay with her. Thankfully, neither of us caught Covid.
What’s so delicious about this cake is that my Gant neighbor, Linda, met this cakes’s baker by accident. Although the story is not exactly clear to me, Linda was given the get-Mary’s-birthday-cake responsibility. By accident, Linda mentioned that fact to a woman who works for her occasionally who knew a woman who baked cakes. Linda met her and told her what she wanted and voila. But Linda was out of town and couldn’t pick up the cake so a friend of the cake baker picked it up and gave it to the woman who worked for Linda and Linda picked up the cake. Did you follow that? It was a Wow and so was that story.
We bid a sad farewell to friends of 30-some-years who are moving to the East Coast to be nearer their family (make that 3 darling grandchildren.) Charlotte and Michael McLain are special people and have contributed so much to the Valley community. Thank you for all you have been to us, Char and Michael. You will be sorely missed.
This winter I’ll be in Aspen until the end of the year and then return again to Washington DC for three months. Last year I spent the first month there just trying to find my way with only the second month to explore. This time I will be staying longer, can hit the ground running (or, walking fast.) and will be posting every two weeks.
Next week Gingerbread Spice Dutch Babies are on the menu followed by Martha Stewart’s Potato and Buttermilk Soup before Thanksgiving. You’ll want those recipes.
Deb’s and my last hike together. It’s a little smokey!
Marie-Hélène’s French Apple Cake by Dorie Greenspan
Marie-Hélène’s (Dorie’s good friend) French Apple Cake
Serves: 8 pieces
Ingredients 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking powder Pinch of salt 4 large apples (If you can, choose 4 different kinds) 2 large eggs 3/4 cup sugar 3 Tbs. dark rum (optional) 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 8 Tbs. (1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled)
Instructions
1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously butter an 8-inch springform pan. If you use a larger pan, it will lose some of its height but will still be delicious.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl.
3. Peel the apples, cut them in half and remove the cores. Cut the apples into 1- to 2-inch chunks. If possible, use 4 different apples of any kind.
4. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. Pour in the sugar and whisk for a minute or so to blend. Whisk in the rum and vanilla. Whisk in half the flour and when it is incorporated, add half the melted butter, followed by the rest of the flour and the remaining butter, mixing gently after each addition so that you have a smooth, rather thick batter. Switch to a rubber spatula and fold in the apples, turning the fruit so that it’s coated with batter. Scrape the mix into the pan and poke it around a little with the spatula so that it’s “evenish.” (Is that a word?) Bang the pan on the counter 2-3 times to remove air bubbles.
5. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 to 70 minutes, or until the top of the cake is golden brown and a knife inserted deep into the center comes out clean. The cake may pull away from the sides of the pan. Transfer to a cooling rack and let rest for 5 minutes.
6. Carefully run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake and remove the sides of the springform pan. (Open the springform slowly, and before it’s fully opened, make sure there aren’t any apples stuck to it.) Allow the cake to cool until it is just slightly warm or at room temperature.
Serving: The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, with or without a little softly whipped, barely sweetened heavy cream or a spoonful of ice cream. Marie-Hélène served her cake with cinnamon ice cream. It was a terrific combination.
Storing: The cake will keep for about 2 days at room temperature. It’s best not to cover it tightly because it’s too moist. Leave the cake on its plate and just press a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper against the cut surfaces.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald
Salade de Chèvre Chaud
Since our High Country temps are playing in the 80’s this week, ‘crisp’ doesn’t come to mind. Despite that, it’s time to turn the page. ‘Crisp’ will soon arrive, followed closely by flurries of the white variety. Count on it. That’s why I suggest making Salade de Chèvre Chaud this Fall. You’ll find this warm goat cheese salad, a French classic, on the menu in most bistros. Not going to Paris this year? “Je suis désolée.” The recipe’s below…..très simple.
It’s been a gorgeous and, per usual, frenetic Aspen summer with too many what-to-do-today choices. For me personally this summer has also been bittersweet. My brother and only sibling, Buck, passed away unexpectedly in early July. His Memorial service was in Denver and we will return to Iowa in late September for his interment next to our Mom and Dad.
It’s always fun to meet people from Iowa, my home state. This gal is from Manchester where I grew up. I recognized her last name and she recognized mine!
Buck, a complicated man who led a big life, left a legacy that fills his sister with pride. Please let me tell you about him. After graduating from FSU, he and his wife, Janie, moved to Denver to open Hutchison-Western, the western division of Hutchison, Inc., a company my Dad founded in Manchester. Baseball had been his passion. As a junior in college he signed with the Cleveland Indians and played in the Minors until an injury forced him to quit. Having saved his bonus, he used that to start and build a company into the successful agricultural product manufacturing and distribution company it is today, employing over 150 employees in seven states, with manufacturing plants located in three.
“Good Morning, Bear.” This bear hung out one very hot day in a tree located 12″ from my D-Building.
There was always someone with eyes on Mr. Bear but he seemed content. At the end of the day, he ran down the tree, dashed to the nearby river and drank gallons and gallons of water.
Buck was also a philanthropist, a soft touch to be sure, passionately supporting youth education and the Western way of life. At his Memorial service in Denver, I’d never seen a room filled with so many men wearing cowboy hats. Because Janie had asked that everyone wear name tags and mine said, “I’m Buck’s sister,” I think I met all of ‘those cowboy hats’ after the service! Everyone showed up.
During a very hot day, this handsome male moose stood quietly in Maroon Lake. Tourists stood by the shore, getting a great glimpse of this magnificent beast.
His wife, Janie, is brave and courageous. His two sons, Blake and Heath, have worked at his side for 20-some years. When I asked Blake if he could step up and take over, he seemed surprised I would even ask. I think he already had.”I’ve got this, Aunt Mary. No worries.” RIP, Buck.
We had Mama Moose and newly-born babies in the North Star Preserve area and the Bells all summer. The Moms would protect her offspring by hiding in the meadows and grazing areas but visitors could still watch them from the trails.
Plenty to eat for Mama and her baby at the Maroon Bells. These two were having their lunch while Donna Grauer and I (Rangers at the Bells) were at a nearby picnic table having ours.
These mountain goats hang out near Independence Pass and begin shedding their winter coat in June. Each summer, their soft summer coat grows in. By winter, however they’ve fully grown their winter coat again.
A good day at the Bells.
Salade de Chèvre Chaud as envisioned by Lori Lynn, TASTE with the EYES blog
Salade de Chèvre Chaud is a classic French salad that lets warm goat cheese medallions shine. It starts with a bed of mixed greens and herbs topped with cucumbers and radishes for added texture, flavor and color. Medallions of fresh tangy goat cheese are coated with panko breadcrumbs and fried in oil to a golden crunchy exterior and creamy interior. The dressing is a classic Dijon vinaigrette.
The Salade de Chèvre Chaud can be served with two or three medallions for a main course or with a smaller salad and one medallion as a starter course. A crusty baguette is always welcomed on the side.
INGREDIENTS
Start with a mix of various fresh greens and herbs. Any variety of Greens such as Red Leaf Lettuce, Green Leaf Lettuce, Red Oak, Green Oak, Red Chard, Green Chard, Lolla Rosa, Spinach, Arugula, Beet Greens, Butter Lettuce, Radicchio, Kale, and Red Mustard Greens work. Herbs such as Chives, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Tarragon orChervil are a nice touch.
Toss greens and herbs with vinaigrette before placing in shallow bowls. Arrange sliced cucumber and sliced radish in the greens. Place 2 or 3 warm goat cheese medallions on top.
Dijon Vinaigrette
1/2 c. good tasting olive oil 2 T. high-quality red wine vinegar 4 t. dijon mustard 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 T. shallot, minced 1/4 t. fine sea salt several grinds black pepper Place all ingredients in a jar. Shake well. Make the dressing a couple hours ahead of serving time to give the flavors time to meld. Shake occasionally then shake well before tossing the salad. (Adapted from Jacques Pépin)
Goat Cheese Medallions
1 fresh goat cheese log 1 egg, beaten 1 Cup of Panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with coarse sea salt and fresh ground pepper Avocado or Olive Oil Fine sea salt
Form goat cheese into medallions and refrigerate. Dip chilled goat cheese medallions in a beaten egg. Then press the cheese into panko breadcrumbs to coat on both sides. Fry in avocado or olive oil over medium heat, turning once. When the breadcrumbs are golden, transfer cheese to a paper towel. Season lightly with fine sea salt while warm.
Top each bowl of tossed greens with 2 or 3 warm medallions. Serve immediately.
Mondays at the majestic Maroon Bells. With Donna Grauer
Last Monday I was at the Maroon Bells watching as tourists disembarked from the shuttle bus that brought them the 8 miles from Aspen Highlands to the magnificent Bells. More than 300,000 visitors come to be awed by our 14,000-ft. towering peaks every summer.
A little boy, maybe 7 or 8, walked over to me and said very seriously, “I would like to see a moose.”
A young moose, cooling off, on a hot day.
If a moose raises its hackles, threatening to charge, it’s sometimes called a “bluff charge,” a warning to back off. Always be wary. This young moose meant business.
“You may see a moose today,” I replied while pointing out the grazing area along the Scenic Trail where sometimes Mama Moose and her baby hang out. “If you do see a moose, what are you going to do? Are you going to move closer? Will you try to take a selfie?”
“No,” he shook his head resolutely, promising not to do either. I continued with our Q&A which I could see he was liking. Just as I was into ‘Be alert,’ ‘Stay a football field away’ and ‘Moose know you’re there whether they look at you or not,‘ Dad shows up, turning our Q&A into a father and son duet.
This Mama Red Fox is on alert, searching for food to feed her four kits hiding nearby. Note her gorgeous tail.
A Mule Deer and Great Blue Heron
I don’t know whether during their day at the Bells, this little guy found his moose or spotted the Mama Red Fox and her 4 kits or did a stare-down with mule deer or heard the whistles, screams, and tooth chatter of Yellow-bellied marmots or found the beaver lodge at Maroon Lake, but I am hoping it will always remain an unforgettable childhood memory for him.
Mama Mallard Duck and her Brood of Ducklings and a Great Blue Heron
A Yellow Pond-Lily is ‘an aquatic wildflower which produces beautiful flowers that grow in the shallow parts of marshes/ponds in the cool, high mountains.’ I’ve only seen them in June at Aspen’s North Star Preserve.
BROCCOLI WALNUT SALAD with APPLES, PEARS and DRIED FRUIT
Desperate for a tasty summer salad option to replace all the tried-and-true’s in your back pocket? Here’s a tasty recipe with oodles of variations by Julia, a Colorado food blogger. We served this at a special birthday party with Cathy O’Connell’s Crab Cakes, Dorie Greenspan’s So-Good Miso Corn https://slyrooster.com/so-good-miso-corn/ and Dorie Greenspan’s Marie Helene’s Apple Cake. https://food52.com/recipes/82496-apple-cake-from-dorie-greenspan
My favorite photo in this Post. The Birthday Boy wanted Dorie’s Apple Cake, his favorite, for this very special celebration. His wife obliged. Dorie, my friend, thank you for playing such a special part in our festivities. And, Donna, may your days always be filled with the joy and delight expressed above.
6 Cups Broccoli florets, chopped into small bites 1 apple, cored and diced or sliced 1 firm pear, cored and diced 1/4 Cup red onion, chopped 1 Cup toasted walnuts, pecans or nuts you prefer 1 Cup or Combination of dried cranberries, golden or regular raisins, craisins, dried cherries and blueberries
Creamy Dressing:
1/2 Cup Greek yogurt 1/2 Cup olive oil Mayo, 2 Tbsp Lemon juice 1/3 Cup Honey, softened or warmed up 1/4 tsp salt
PREPARATION:
Gather all your salad components in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whip up your dressing ingredients until perfectly blended. Introduce half of your dressing to your salad, giving it a toss to coat everything.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together
When you’re ready to serve, reinvigorate your salad with the remaining dressing. (I think Less is More and saved some Creamy Dressing as dip for veggies the next day.)
JULIA’S VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Cauliflower – Want to mix things up? Replace half of the broccoli with an equal amount of cauliflower. Nuts – Use pecans, peanuts, walnuts, pine nuts, or pistachios instead of cashews. Dried fruit – Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries, figs, dates or dried blueberries. Fresh Fruit – Go just with apples or just with pears. Salad dressing – You can lighten up the dressing by replacing some of the mayo or sour cream with kefir or Greek yogurt.
Sending Love and Appreciation to Leslie Friemuth, who loves this Valley as much as I do, for generously sharing some of her wildlife pictures.
It was a balmy April evening, my three-month visit to Washington DC about to end, when I went to the Kennedy Center. Although I’d taken an extensive Center tour in March, this was a live, evening performance with the National Symphony Orchestra performing Fauré’s Requiem & Mozart’s “Paris Symphony.”
At intermission I stood by the aisle and watched people roam, mix and chat. As the crowd dispersed, walking back down the aisle looking for their seats, I spotted Bob Woodward. You know, that Bob Woodward. Journalist. Watergate. PulitzerPrizes(2). No, dear Readers, I didn’t embarrass myself. I just savored the moment.
The National Symphony performing at the Kennedy Center.
So when you ask what is one of the best things I saw and experienced during my three months in DC, that would be my answer…..Bob Woodward.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
As I mentioned in my last blog post (March 6th), during my time in DC I lived in nearby Bethesda. On most mornings I walked the three blocks from my condo to catch the Metro. Thirty minutes later I stepped off the Metro, climbed 3 sets of stairs and was at the National Mall, a two-mile stretch of green space spreading from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. It is home to and nearby some of the city’s most famous monuments, memorials and museums. I visited most of them.
On April 8, 2024, the National Air and Space Museum and other Smithsonian museums hosted a solar eclipse festival on the National Mall. The eclipse was visible from 2:04–4:32 PM, with maximum eclipse at 3:20 PM. In DC, the moon covered 87% of the sun during the maximum eclipse,
What would become one of my favorite visits was to the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, two buildings but one museum and now officially named the National Museum of Asian Art. Whether you’re interested in Asian art or not, the Freer Gallery is worth visiting if only to see “Harmony in Blue and Gold: The Peacock Room” a spectacular work of interior decorative art. Created by James McNeill Whistler between 1876-1877, he painted the paneled room in a unified palette of blue-greens with over-glazing and metallic gold leaf. When visiting, quietly sit in the bedazzling room and be mesmerized by its beauty.
The Peacock Room, National Museum of Asian Art
Karaoke, never done it. But given the opportunity as happened at Planet Word, the world’s first interactive, voice-activated museum of words and language, I stepped up to have my moment with Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” My time at the mike was short. When you have three sets of teenagers waiting their turn and you’re the adult in the room, it’s time to move on. (See photo below.) Planet Word, imagined, created and partially-funded by CEO Ann Bucksbaum Friedman, is a private, non-government museum that opened its doors in 2020. When Lisa Wilkinson, an Aspen friend, mentioned she’d be in DC and wanted to visit ‘that new museum about words,’ we made a date.
‘The Planet Word Chandelier is a 12 foot diameter sphere covered in 4,860 individually controlled light elements. These distributed lights create a spherical screen, displaying interactive content about the world’s languages. At night, to make room for events, it automatically rises to the ceiling, transforming into a unique and massive chandelier.’ (Created by Hypersonics)
Planet Word is located in the historic, newly renovated Franklin School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. While its mission is to stay “focused on sharing the power, fun, and beauty of language with the world,” it’s a heck of a lift to equate grammar, syntax, and semantics with merrymaking. But Planet Word is ‘an imaginative magnet, attracting all of us, regardless of age, to its linguistic wonderland.’ Truth.
‘The 22-foot-tall talking wall of words shares the story of the English language, exploring the many forces that shaped the words we use today.’
If it weren’t for these five young men, I might still be at Planet Word singing “Sweet Caroline.” It was clear, however, they wanted a go at Karaoke. But in deference to me, they stayed with “Caroline” until the song’s end!
Throughout the summer, if you indulge me, I plan to share some of my most memorable times during my DC winter. I always realized spending 3 months in our nation’s capital city would be a gift. After being home, having time for deep breaths and reflections, I’m understanding at this point in my life it’s become more an opportunity.
A moon rock collected by Apollo astronauts during the first moon landing is enshrined in a stained–glass window – known as the Space Window – at the Washington National Cathedral.
My most enlightening experience was at a week-long program entitled “Inside American Diplomacy with the Foreign Service.” The FS, its 16,000 highly educated professionals scattered to more than 200 worldwide locations, serves as our eyes and ears on the ground. Established in May 24,1924 by Congress and a part of the State Department, they are celebrating their 100th-year Anniversary.
One of our field trips was to Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. Directed by former Yemen Ambassador Barbara Bodine, one of its missions is to train future Foreign Service candidates to go out into the world and, well, “diplomat.” It’s called diplomatic statecraft.
Ambassador Barbara Bodine was among the first female ambassadors to Middle Eastern countries. Called a battle-worn general as well as a career diplomat, she knew firsthand the wrath of Saddam Hussein and is still standing. I’m glad she was on our side.
Ambassador Bodine, whose career was spent primarily in Southwest Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, was Ambassador to Kuwait for 137 days during the Gulf War. One of the first female ambassadors to Middle Eastern countries, she was then appointed to Yemen. Her career was not without controversy (the USS Cole bombing aftermath) nor without peril (her plane was once hijacked, by an Iraqi Hussein supporter, mid-flight and diverted to the Djibouti before being released.)
My favorite speaker from my winter in DC, she spoke of her life, her career and the various jobs, responsibilities and opportunities she’s been given. Quite impressive.
Thomas Jefferson, America’s founding father and primary author of the Declaration of Independence
JOY the BAKER’S STRAWBERRY OAT CRUMBLE PIE Adapted from: Joy the Baker
Made with fresh strawberries and a buttery oat crumble topping!
1 9-inch pie
INGREDIENTS
CRUST:
Make your favorite homemade pie crust or pick up a store-bought pie crust from your favorite grocery. Roll your pastry dough into a 13-inch round. Lift the 13-inch round from the floured surface and center in a deep 9-inch round pie dish. Place in the fridge.
STRAWBERRY FILLING:
6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced in half (if the strawberries are large, cut them in thirds or fourths) 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar 1/4 cup instant tapioca large pinch of salt 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice heaping 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional) large pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
OAT CRUMBLE:
3/4 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup granulated sugar large pinch of salt 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small chunks
INSTRUCTIONS:
To make the strawberry pie filling toss together strawberries, sugars, tapioca, salt, lemon juice, ground ginger and nutmeg. Toss until all of the tapioca is dispersed throughout the strawberries and let rest for at least 10 minutes. The strawberries will begin to produce juice and the tapioca will begin to soften slightly.
To make the oat crumble, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter chunks and, using your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture. Quickly break the butter down into the mixture until well incorporated. Some butter bits will be the size of peas and smaller.
Toss 1/4 cup of oat filling into the strawberry filling and stir to combine. Spoon strawberry filling and its juice into the pie dish.
Spread crumble topping over the strawberry filling in an even layer. Trim the pie crust to about 1-inch larger than the pie dish, fold the crust under (tucking it inside the pie dish a bit) and crimp with your fingers.
To finish, place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Allow the pie to rest in the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
Place pie on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake the pie for 30-35 minutes more, or until the crust is golden and the strawberry filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving – 4 hours or so will help the pie cool and set.
NOTE: I used 1/4 cup LESS of granulated sugar for the filling. I baked my pie 10 minutes longer. So begin checking your pie after 30-35 minutes. It may not be done.
Served best with whipped cream but vanilla ice cream comes in a close second. Wrap tightly and store leftovers, if there are any, in the fridge.
Presidents Day Weekend, My Neighbor’s Porch, a Native American and our flag.
Six weeks and halfway through my deep dive into visiting Washington D.C’s cultural, historical, and artistic treasures, the stars and stripes are still flying, the cherry blossom florets about to burst and I am still standing.
While our capital is known for its magnificent monuments, excellently curated museums and the occasional political scandal, one of the town’s hottest ticket is the International Spy Museum. Before you jest, just know my Code Name is Earthquake. I am somewhat successful with codebreaking but possess limited surveillance skills. The museum’s popularity after recently moving into its $162 million new digs with its 1,000 artifacts enhanced with the razzle dazzle of videos and interpretive copy, skyrocketed.
Aston Martin Vanquish “Die Another Day” film, 2002 and the Mercury Cougar XR7 (Red) “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service film, 1969
Then along comes the martini, shaken-not-stirred guy. Bond. James Bond. The first day I was in DC, I grabbed a Metro and found my wandering way to the National Mall. Although I’d never heard of the Spy Museum, the hubbub, crowd and classic cars caught my eye. The museum was pulling together an exhibition of iconic vehicles used on-screen by 007, his many allies and adversaries. Bond In Motion is a celebration of six decades of 17 iconic 007 vehicles, props, scale models and clips from the films alongside motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage. It opened last week and will run through April 2025.
AMC Hornet “Die Another Day” 1974
I went to opening day. Full disclosure, I’ve never seen a Bond movie. However the exhibit is stunning, the museum spectacular and, unable to see it all, worth a return visit next week when my code name will still be Earthquake.
This was my primary destination for the past six weeks when I would take the Metro from Bethesda to D.C.
ME, MYSELF and MUSEUMS
On Valentines Day I walked around the White House .
I thought this exhibit looked interesting and opened the door before realizing I was in the Canadian Embassy. The exhibit was interesting. So was the tour! And our neighbors to the north were most gracious.
My Valentine’s Day lunch. Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is Washington’s oldest saloon and just steps from The White House. The fish is branzino.
In addition to the Smithsonian Institution with 17 of its museums located in D.C., more than 200 museums, historic homes, small art museums and headquarters of patriotic organizations are contained throughout the DC area.
One photo. Two Marys. The outdoor sculpture terrace of the I.M.Pei-designed East Building of the National Gallery of Art.
From 1909-1910 Theodore Roosevelt and a group of Smithsonian naturalists collected 12,151 natural history specimens including this lion. This lion went on display in April, 1913. Natural History Museum.
These Owl Butterflies love their fermented fruit. Butterfly Pavilion, Natural History Museum
Although it will be impossible to see it all, I rely on the many available policemen and Metro officers for help and advice. Witness the Circulator, a bus with a route on the National Mall going to 14 museums and 13 monuments over and over again. Early into my visit I asked a bus driver for directions. Having no riders, he offered to take me which he did but not before giving me a full on tour with his spiel to include the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and nine other monuments..
Oprah National Portrait Gallery
Civil Rights Icon and U.S. Congressman John Lewis RIP
President Obama
The National Portrait Gallery hosted a family celebration on February 10th for the Lunar New Year. It was wild in a kids-having-fun-sort of way.
RIDING the RAILS, MONOCACY and KRISTIN HANNAH
My French Fridays friend, Betsy Pollack-Benjamin and I visited Monocacy National Battlefield with its exceptional Civil War Museum. The crucial Battle of Monocracy delayed Confederate forces sent to capture the Nation’s Capital and ultimately forced them to withdraw to Virginia.
I spent a long weekend in Durham with my granddaughter, Emma, who is a grad student in Duke’s School of Medicine. To get there I took my first Amtrak trip from D.C.’s Union Station and thought it was fine.
Durham’s Saturday Farmer’s Market
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens.at Duke University.
Of the 10 things AI suggests I do while visiting a grandchild in graduate school, we did eight. 1)Explore the campus; 2)Sample local cuisine; 3)Stroll through the city; 4)Visit nearby attractions; 5)Share stories/ memories; 6)Help with errands (Hello, Hokas!); 7)Take photos; 8)Enjoy quality time/catching up.
We didn’t 1) Attend a research presentation; 2)Attend a graduation-related event.
At Emma’s book store I picked up The Women by Kristin Hannah to read while traveling back to D.C. I’ve only read guide books this winter. It is beautifully written, more historical reality than fiction. I also lived but lost during the Vietnam era. Thanks to Kristin Hannah for highlighting those brave nurses who saved lives to bring more of our guys home.
Souvlaki-Style Chicken Breast with Crema and Arugala Feta Salad
Rainy Sunday Morning Greetings from D.C.
For the past twelve years of my wanting a respite from Aspen’s high-alpine and occasionally bone-chilling winter climate, I’ve escaped for four months to warmer winter destinations.
Jose Andres’ Spanish Diner located in Bethesda
Betsy and her husband, Howard, recently moved from Boston to the DC area. We were in “French Fridays with Dorie” together.
This winter I’m in Washington DC, renting a one-bedroom condo in nearby Bethesda. While DC doesn’t promise Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine and hangs between a humid 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, it’s immersed with cultural and historical charm. Flying, as I did, during the weekend of January’s major snowstorm, there were issues. Instead of flying non-stop from Denver to DC, I was re-booked to Orlando with the Disney World crowd.
Patatas bravas, Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and garlicky alioli
Miraculously, in my two days of travel with cancellations, delays, packed airports and horrible weather, I only witnessed good behavior. United was doing its best. Its customers weren’t complaining. When United personnel kept apologizing because of the extra time needed to de-ice planes, I was not the only one who said, “Take all the time you need.”
My landlord had recommended using a small, locally-owned shuttle service to meet me at Dulles. Landing in a strange city, after dark, at 9 pm, 4-5 hours late, was not a good look! But I had kept in touch with my shuttle service driver throughout the day and could only hope this meet-up would work. As I walked out of the airport, having collected my bags, voila, there he was. It was snowing, the roads were slick and our drive took twice as long, an hour, to get to Bethesda. But the house was lit up, Erika, my landlord, walked out to meet us and Gerald, as relieved as I was to be there safely, carried my bags to the door. The End
I Live Here.
LIFE in BETHESDA
Like all my winter adventures, I’ll try to take advantage and make the most of every opportunity I’m given. They’ve all been wonderfully successful adventures but this will be my last. I miss my friends, my book club, my Gant family, my life in the mountains. I’ll still travel but just differently, One of those long-time friends, Cathy O’Connell
Although I’ve been in Bethesda for two weeks, I haven’t visited DC yet. Next week I plan to visit the International Spy Museum, the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Women in the Arts and weather permitting, walk to the Vietnam Memorial and other outside statues and monuments. There are 21 Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo.
During my first five to six days here, the weather was brutal. In between snowstorms, I had lunch at Jose Andres’ “Spanish Diner” with Betsy, my French Fridays with Dorie colleague, shopped at Trader Joe’s, purchased my Metro SmartTrip card, registered for a library card and joined Home Chef Meal Delivery Service, a top meal kit delivery service.
A meal service??? These services are reputed to be time-saving options for an over-scheduled public and are more than a 5 billion dollar business. Since I’ve always been curious about them, this is a opportune time for me to sign up and easy to cancel.
To purchase my Metro Smarttrip Card, I had to go down there!
Since I didn’t have a library card yet, Betsy loaned me three of her favorite books to read now: “The Stationery Shop,” a novel by Marjan Kamali; “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn and “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes. We got my card after our lunch.
For those of you unfamiliar with how these services work, I make three meal choices every week. Once a week Home Chef delivers three meal. Each choice, packaged with all the measured ingredients, takes about 30 minutes to prepare. For me, whose cupboards really are bare, this is an opportunity to choose, prepare, make and eat a variety of meals I normally wouldn’t. This first week I’ve already prepared Souvlaki-style Chicken Breast (delicious) with Crema and Arugula Feta Salad. (pictured above). Today I’m looking forward to pulling together Turkey Meatballs and Lemon Crema with Garlicky Spinach Orzo and will finish off my first box early next week with Creamy Pesto Chicken Flautas and Tomato and Green Onion Salsa. I always have leftovers.
Below is my own recipe for Chimichurri Dry Rub. A favor, please? Make this meal.
CHIMICHURRI DRY RUB, The Spice Train
INGREDIENTS:
4 teaspoons dried parsley ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon dried oregano ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon dried lemon zest (see notes) ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Makes 2 TBS.
Pat, dry and rub 2 6 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast with the Chimichurri Dry Rub and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place on medium non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tsp. olive oil. Add chicken to the hot pan, SEASONED SIDE DOWN. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes PER SIDE. Remove from burner, transfer chicken to the plate and tent with foil. While chicken continues to cook under the foil, make the rest of your meal.
This recipe works with 5-6oz. sirloin steaks as well.
CREMA, Recipe by Lisa Bryan, Downshiftology
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces sour cream 1 lime or lemon, zested and juiced 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Combine and mix together until creamy. Use immediately or tightly cover and put in refrigerator overnight. It will thicken overnight.
