Apple Blue
I don't have many words right now. School politics, budget-crunch induced oversized classes, and the beginning of flu season are wringing me dry.
SWW and I escaped real life on Saturday to head up the coast to See Canyon to gather apples, to Pismo to see the migrating monarchs, and to Los Olivos for a stop at Koehler Winery. We stopped whenever we wanted and took the most beautiful road whenever we could. It was just what I needed.
Something else helped make me feel better too, Forking Fantastic. Zora O'Neill and Tamara Reynolds just put out the funniest cookbook I've ever encountered. I've laughed out loud while reading this book, and no cookbook has ever made me do that before. The authors set out to encourage everyone to feed their friends; clean houses and matching table settings are no prerequisites to a good time. Inspired by the apples I brought home from my weekend's road trip, I played with O'Neill and Reynold's recipe for "Commando Chicken," chicken roasted in the oven directly on the rack, but instead of placing potatoes directly under the chicken to sizzle in the dripping fat, I cut up large chunks of apples (skin still on) to soak up the savory juices, caramelizing on their sides. So good.
Apples, oceans, butterflies, wine, a good road trip with a good friend, a perfectly roasted chicken with a yummy side, sometimes it takes a lot to get out of a funk.
Comments
(I realize that being the very first person to comment on this post may kind of undermine your shout-out. To the rest of the Internet: Christina and I have never met! She got the book of her own volition. It's just one of those wonderful Web connections.)
Anyway, very glad you like the book. I'm emailing Peter now--maybe he can try it in my absence...
Mel: Do buy it. As Zora mentioned, I'm not paid to advertise it in any way. I just mentioned it because I like it and I think others will too. Feel better!
Linda: I don't know of a place to pick apples in See Canyon, but there are lots of farms that sell all kinds of interesting varieties. SWW and I liked Gopher Glen the best, where they give samples of MANY different kinds of apples, mostly heirlooms (including Jefferson's favorite variety, so cool!), fantabulous cider, and a friendly staff. You may also want to stop by See Canyon Fruit Ranch for the lovely scenery. And, there are others and Kelsey winery tucked in there too (we really enjoyed the Cab at Kelsey).
AH: It's an interesting place and a LOVELY drive, especially this time of year. I haven't been to Oak Glen, and I considered going this year because I felt the need to be somewhere apple-y, but a couple firefighters I talked to told me the fire damage surrounding the farms was pretty bleak. I really didn't need more of that . . ..
Stimulating photos!
Cannot wait to get hold of that cookbook!