a peek inside the fishbowl

We had a little friend over for dinner the other night and I was looking for something interesting to serve for dessert. I found something I liked over at Martha Stewart website.

I’m actually on another sugar fast (too much holiday munching!) so I wanted to make something that I wouldn’t feel bad about missing. The answer: chocolate pudding. :)

I cooked up a package of chocolate pudding (the kind you make on the stove with milk) and put it in small glasses. After the pudding set I sprinkled some crushed chocolate cookie crumbs over it and topped with a sprig of mint from our garden. Pretty, isn’t it?

The girls loved it. I think this one is a keeper.

This is a continuation of this post.

On our first evening we poked around a bit of the park and checked out the scene.

Notchville Park is a really neat three-tiered swim area. I hesitate to use the word “pool,” because “pool” is just too ordinary a word for what you get here. Here’s a daytime view, but these next shots were taken after they’d closed for the day.

The kids really got a kick of the lily pads (pictured below). But here’s the question, is it better to jump from pad to pad like a frog? Or cling to the ropes above?

I won’t give away the answer. You have to try it and find out.

Read the rest of this entry »

I have more to write about our holiday at Smuggs, but I wanted to get something down about corn before I (a) forgot and because (b) I’m feeling a little obsessed about summer produce at the moment.

Corn is one of my favourite summertime veggies. Whether it’s boiled in water or roasted on the BBQ or over a smoky fire, just one bite is enough to make me say … ahhhhh, yes. Summer.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I am a traditionalist. I don’t run with the crazy people on this one. I like corn with butter and salt, but I like it so much that I’m afraid to try something new and RUIN THE CORN, because, you know, ruining the corn would be the worst crime ever.

Butter application is a very precise thing. I prefer using unsalted butter and adding a healthy shake of sea salt. We have a special butter application tool called the Butter Boy, pictured here. I never thought I’d say this about a corn buttering tool but it is kind of awesome. (If you click on it, the image links to an affiliate listing on Amazon.ca.)

I put the “how do you like your corn” question out to my Twitter friends and this is what they told me:

@YoniFreedhoff
I like soaking them in water and then grilling them husks and all where they steam/grill simultaneously.

@Hellcat13
Boiled with enough butter and salt to give @YoniFreedhoff a heart attack by osmosis.

@hellokaitlin
on the barbecue, husks off, but wrapped in foil with a bit of water (and herbs if you have them)

@deadsquid
husks off, cut in thirds, and grilled with a nice chill dusting.

@deadsquid
now I want Cuban corn for dinner. the recipe here is worth a try if you’re so inclined http://unarata.blogspot.com/2008/06/may-31-end-of-may-bbq.html

@kristincraiglai
Mix chipotle chilli powder into olive oil, brush it on and grill (husks off). Mmmm.

@krusk
coat w/ butter, chili powder,cumin, touch of cayenne, S&P. Wrap in tin foil & BBQ. The BEST!

@MsJoyFG
the best corn: Roasted on the bbq then seasoned with lime juice and chili powder. A smear of sour cream to keep it cool.

@BlueShoes55
Boiled, topped with butter, salted, peppered :P

@kristinmcevoy
Boiled and topped with butter and a bit of salt.

@sassymonkey
last summer I usually steamed it. This year we’ve been grilling.

@m0ff
boiled and then rolled in butter and then sprinkled w salt.

I was amazed by your enthusiasm and excitement. I had no idea you all liked corn as much as I DO!

I thought the respondents proved to be an interesting combination of traditionalists and culinary trendsetters with brave tastebuds… and it finally inspired me to finally try something with chili powder. So I checked the Canadian Living website and found this recipe for Chili Barbecued Corn. I made it, and I’m glad I did. And you know what? I didn’t ruin the corn at all! It was delicious.

How do you like your corn?