



Getting back to cooking was something Grenville and I were both looking forward to while on our road trip. We’ve been home 4 days and working to catch up on house and yard projects has left little time for culinary creativity. But we will get back into the kitchen as the cooler weather sets in and the yard work is ending.
Today, after defrosting a couple of chicken breasts, the challenge was then WHAT to do with them. We have a very prolific rosemary plant that’s endured despite Grenville’s relocating it several times. We were working outdoors most of the afternoon, so an easy recipe was the plan.
F&P Note: The onions did not caramelize as the recipe indicated, so a higher cooking temperature could help next time. Cooking in a covered dish was a good thing as the chicken was flavorful and moist. It was served with sides of broccoli and stewed tomatoes.
Seasoned Salt
There was none in our spice rack, but make-your-own recipes were available online, including this one using salt, thyme, garlic salt, onion powder, and other herbs and seasonings. Increase the amounts to make your own supply, which is way less costly than buying the ready-made version.
Put ingredients into a mini food processor or small blender container and blend on low until mixed.
These were some that were in the F&P garden when we returned home – YEAH!
Yesterday, we picked and sorted tomatoes. A lot were overripe or rotten so were throwaways, some needed to ripen (green house for these) and others needed to be used ASAP. One use for tomatoes that need to be used quickly is stewed tomatoes – an easy side dish.
Stewed tomatoes are tomatoes that have been skinned, seeded and cooked until softened. There are different options for cooking, such as adding a little water or broth; stew tomatoes in butter or olive oil or both.
The tomatoes took less than 10 minutes to cook. Seasonings are your choice – herbs (basil, oregano, marjoram), onions, garlic, salt and pepper.
Optional: Toss in some bread crumbs (seasoned or not) to thicken the tomatoes. The amount varies depending on your preference.
If you have a LOT of stewed tomatoes, you can make is a stewed tomato soup. Stew the tomatoes with onions and garlic that have been cooked in olive oil. Add beef or chicken broth plus Italian or French bread cubes to obtain a thick soup. Season with salt, pepper and, fresh basil, if available, (dried if not).
IK, you already know from previous posts that Grenville and I are back home at the Frog and PenguINN after our Maine road trip. Since we didn’t mention anyone with us, the question may be (or not) who is Libby?
Libby is a not a who – it’s my 2007 Jeep Liberty. Back in mid-September, my Stuff Happens post described how a $20 oil change resulted in (what we thought would be) a $3,000 repair bill
A brief recap: we were headed for service when another driver didn’t see Grenville’s left turn signal and rammed into the left rear quarter panel. Thankfully, there were no human injuries. Libby was “hurt” and the tail lights were smashed, bumper cracked, rear quarter panel bashed, tail lift damaged, cut in rear tire – but no glass was broken and no air bags deployed – maybe a few thousand dollars in damages?
NOT QUITE – make that a $6,235 repair bill.
Before we left, an insurance adjustor appraised the damage at $3,544. A week later, the repair facility told us it would be closer to $4,500 – apparently both were a bit off – it seems there’s no clear cut way of estimating damages until repairs are actually underway. The 4-page auto appraisal report listed all sorts of repairs from the left rear axle to the rear tail lamp and tire. Biggest costs were labor and sheet metal, followed by parts. No surprises there.
Here’s a few shots of the “after” repairs. Alas, no camera with me the day of the crash, so no “before” photos.
A quick trip through Kennebunk on a beautiful autumn afternoon.
Kennebunk was settled in 1621 and developed as a trading and shipping center with light manufacturing. It was part of the town of Wells until 1820, when it incorporated as a separate town. To the Abenaki Indians, Kennebunk meant the long cut bank.
Local economy is tourism based. We watched a carriage ride driver maneuver through the weekday traffic.
On a fall afternoon; a steeple peaked through leaves.
For over a century, the town was a shipbuilding and fishing village. Now it’s a popular seaside tourist stop with a small district of souvenir shops, galleries, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts.