Cottage Life
The Girls (mom, sisters and sis-in-law) came out to visit me at the cottage today. I had gone down to the beach yesterday afternoon to rake up some steamers so that I could try and impress my family with my "chowder making" abilities. I had originally video taped my clam gathering, but a videographer I'm not, so raking clams and filming at the same time meant a lot of gravelly crunching sounds and the lens pointed somewhat skyward. Awkward to say the least. I will work on my cinematic skills for future reports.
My "make it up as I go" steamer chowder recipe
Saute' until caramelized:
1/2 cube of butter
1/4 lb of good smoked bacon. (I like to use the kind you get the butcher counter)
1/2 of a medium size onion chopped in chunky fashion, not minced.
2 sticks of celery chunky chopped
1/2 of a large red pepper chunky chopped also
1tsp. chopped garlic (I use the kind in a jar)
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some zip
Set to the side...
Put a mess of thoroughly washed steamers (the more the better) into a large pan. Add enough water to come about a third of the way up and proceed to steam the clams until they all pop open.
Pour a generous amount of the clam juice left after steaming, into the bacon and veggie mixture
Add a mess of fingerling potatoes that have been halved or chunky chop some small white potatoes leaving skins on.
Bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender.
Add clams. Whole or chopped your choice...
At this point I add about 2 tablespoons of rice flour, which doesn't tend to lump, but regular flour will work. Tip: if using regular flour mix with some of the liquid first making a paste, then add to mixture
Add a generous amount of half and half or half half and half and half heavy cream.
Bring the temperature back up, salt and pepper to taste and a little sprinkle of paprika.
Note... clam juice will be salty so best to do a taste test before adding salt.
Bona not so petite'
Steamer Clams... the secret to my success
For dessert we had some gluten-free sugar-free apple crisp with a pecan filled topping, served with fresh whipped cream.
Before and After
I borrowed this photo from a folder of pictures that I shot for Sam and Shavin's wedding. I tend to do a lot of artsy stuff but I thought I'd change it up a bit and do some "regular" stuff.
I like this photo... I wish the table wasn't in the shot or that it was a nice old wooden desk but alas it's formica. Anyway that's beside the point in this case. I could magically make the desk go away with photoshop, but I am trying to stick to the "regular" rules for this one. No fancy stuff. But I could. I'm just sayin'....
Before
So here's the photo out of the camera
After
With a little boost, pretty subtle. A little more brightness in the skin tones, and eyes. I have also gotten rid of the distracting paper leaning against the wall.
One of my favorite processes. A slightly muted version, yet still plenty of contrast.
And then there's Black and White...
Healthy Choices
Hmmm... Pause for Thought
I'm in a clammy sorta mood and so here's a tribute to a Northwest Favorite...
Until Next Time...
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