February inspiration

Showy blooms at the garden show

February can seem dreary, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Yet there is beauty everywhere, and a promise of more to come.

February is also brings the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. After two days of show bliss, all I can say is, "Wow!" Floral displays, uniquely designed gardens, seminars, and a marketplace of plants and all things garden. I was in heaven.

I was especially drawn to all the garden ornaments. Here are some of my favs.

Glass blooms

Hanging ornaments

A sleeping giant in the grass

I found the succulent displays particular inspiring. (If you hadn't noticed, succulents are very de moda these days.)

A vertical display

The show inspired me to create my own little landscape. It's made from an old soup terrine I haven't used in years.

My succulent landscape

What inspiration will March bring?

All the signs

On the Seattle waterfront - Washington

Lately I've been struck by all the signs I see out in the world. Remember the 1970's song that went, "Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"

In Santa Cruz - California

Most of the signs I've come across are "No" signs - ones that tell you what NOT to do: no parking, no trespassing, no stopping. Depending on where you live, you may see "No" signs in more than one language.

In the Salinas Valley - California

Oftentimes a "No" sign conveys it's message with images. Some images are simple.

In the Oakland hills - California

Some are more complex.

On the Seattle waterfront - Washington

Perhaps more interesting are the signs that tell you what you MUST do.

In the Oakland hills - California

This simple, yet creative, one is my favorite.

In the Oakland hills - California

It communicates it's message well. :)

Seen any interesting signs lately?

The Incomplete List

I've caught the virus, the one that's been going around.

One of my favorite blogs, Houzz.com recommends you make lists when you're sick, something to pass the time on the couch, between raspy coughs and itchy sneezes.

My list will be visual, I thought. I can post a listing of my favorite photos from 2013. You know the photos I'm talking about, the ones that capture that moment, that special line or color that catches your eye, that shadow, that reflection, that singular texture.

Starting with my most recent photos, I worked my way backwards through time, skimming all the days past, the people and places I had encountered.

It wasn't long before I had exhausted myself. I've taken over four thousand photos in 2013! I had barely reached my way back to August when I had to give up.

So here is my visual list, which begins in August in Vienna, Austria...

A last visit to The Leopold

Then moves to London, England in September...

A London bus in Kensington

The Underground at Notting Hill Gate

Then to days at sea and arrival in New York...

On board the QM2

And to a visit to the California coast...

Moss Landing and the Salinas Valley

And finally to discoveries in Seattle in October...

Products of the Northwest

This is a recent photo, taken on one of many sunset walks this fall...

The Sound at sunset

Pretty amazing life, this.

I'd better get myself well soon. I hate missing out. :)

A walk in Queen Anne

I took a walk in the morning. It had rained and droplets decorated bare tree limbs along the way. Can you see what's hiding under the bushes?

I found an old Ford truck. It reminded me of an old family photo taken before I was born. My dad is sitting on the hood...

 Fall still burns in the neighborhood.

I love the moss-covered paths best.

That's all.

Whole Wheat Cornmeal Pizza Dough - Bread Machine Style

Whole wheat and cornmeal crust pizza

I make pizza. ALOT. It's a great way to use whatever is in your fridge. Got some eggplant that's looking a little sad? Some salami that's getting close to it's use-by date? Make a pizza!

My favorite style of dough has whole wheat and cornmeal. It's nutty and bready, almost like focaccia.

This recipe makes one round deep dish pizza or one large 12 x 19 rectangular pizza. (Since my deep dish pan is still in transit from Vienna, I'm using my daughter's large rectangular "college" pan. Thank goodness she is living with us right now!)

Coarsely ground cornmeal

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup olive oil
2 2/3 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup cornmeal or polenta (I like a coarse grind, which gives the crust a nice crunch)
1 teaspoon salt
1 packet (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast

Preparation:

Set your bread machine to its dough cycle, combine the ingredients – keeping in mind your machine’s instructions.

When the dough cycle is complete, pour the dough out onto a floured work area. (I just use my counter top.) Turn the dough a few times, and shape into a ball. Cover with a damp cloth, and let rest for about 20 minutes.

While you are waiting for your dough to rest, prepare the pizza pan by greasing the surface with olive oil and sprinkling it with about one tablespoon of cornmeal. This will make it easier to serve the pizza once it is done.

You can also start to gather your toppings. Today I am using a basil pesto base, topped with salami, roasted eggplant, marinated artichokes, caramelized onions, and two kinds of cheese - monterey jack and string cheese. (I love the patterns of the strings atop the pizza. :)

When the dough is ready, roll it out. Since I am using a rectangular pan, I shaped my dough into a log before rolling.

Put on your toppings and bake at 425 for 10 minutes, then lower the temp to 375, and bake another 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Check out my other bread recipes here.

Buon appetito!