Lemon Curd

First experiment with AB's lemon curd was less then completely successful. I do not think I heated the custard thoroughly as it was still runny. Tasty but runny. Also, DO NOT use dried lemon peel in this. I may try powdered next time. Or I will process the peel with the sugar. It was very good poured over some cheesecake.

AB's Lemon Curd

Recipe from Food Network

Foreign Flags

Thought maybe some rules and examples for the uses of foreign flags in the USofA were in order.

St. Patrick’s Day has for the most part been adopted by the people outside of Irish heritage. Unlike Columbus Day it has never lost the cultural and ethnic significances. Although drinking lots of beer and wearing green is as Irish as most of us want to get.
The only day that compares would be Cinq de Mayo.

Some common examples

Irish flag at a St. Pats parade or Irish pub=Fun and pride
Irish Flag at an IRA Rally=provocation.
Mexican flag at a Cinq de Mayo parade or cantina also hubcaps and cars=Fun and pride
Mexican flag at a rally demanding equal rights by citizens of Mexico=provocation
Stars and Bars at a NASCAR event= fun, heritage and provocation*
Stars and Bars at a Klan rally=provocation

I would say supporting another country in a sporting match when the United States is playing is crossing the line into provocation. But anyone who does that is either a foreigner who has traveled here to see the match or is looking for a fight and will be happy enough to join in once one starts. These two categories are not mutually exclusive.

In general, using the flag of a foreign nation to demand change is a provocation. In more civilized times a large group of people with foreign flags was called an army. They used those flags to be recognized by their friends and intimidate their enemies. While armies rarely still go into battle with ensigns waving and drums thumping (they should, I hope the Humvees are blasting American music whenever they can) the message remains the same. We are marching together and we have power in our numbers.

*Everyone I have talked to who flies the Stars and Bars (Hard to find someone who displays the flag of the civilian CSA) gets some satisfaction from knowing it is going to piss someone off. Remove that incentive and they would probably be happier flying the Jolly Roger. Of course there is also the very human trait of lionizing a lost cause that can no longer do anyone any harm (No one has filed taxes with the CSA in over a hundred years) . This same principle is what makes some people better after they die.

Lavender Omelet

Dinner last night included lavender omelets. Quite delicious seasoned with a dash of white pepper and a bare pinch of lavender. I would say 5-6 buds in a two egg omelet. The omelet was fragrant without being overpowering. I have seen other recipes online that I will try out and report on. I saw a creme brulee I will have to try. But first there are cookies to be made.

Dinner also included steamed asparagus and homemade mashed potatoes.

Mashed Potatoes
1lb Yukon gold potatoes cooked in boiling salted water until done about 25mins for me
mash and mix with
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp Herbes des Provence
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 cup strained Greek yogurt. This is thick stuff drain yogurt overnight in cheesecloth or substitute labna (a thick yogurt spread available at specialty shops)

Buying Lavender at Penzeys

To everyone who doesn't know Penzeys is a speciality spice retailer. They specialize in offering spices and seasoning mail order. I like them because the quality is excellent and the prices are reasonable. They also have a chain of retail shops. If there is one near you I would suggest a vist. For anyone who cooks it is a sensory experience. If you study their catalog carefully you will notice that their Provence spice crate includes a jar of lavender. Lavender besides being a key ingredient in the classic spice mix Herbes des Provence is also a signature flavor of the region. Lavender is not listed in the catalog by itself or offered for sale on the web. Feeling curious I asked the woman running the store, "Why does Penzseys only offer lavender in the crate?". The answer is they do not get very much but they will sell it if someone asks for it. Actually I felt a little like being invited into a private club. Note to the Illuminate if given a secret I will post it to a blog no one is going to read. Cost my dear reader is $4.19 for the jar. Smell wonderful. So far all I have done with it is use it to supercharge my jar of Herbes des Provence. My wife has suggested I make an omelet and I will report on the results.