Kate Collins's Blog, page 159
May 1, 2015
CRISPY SPINACH? WHO KNEW!
by Mary Kennedy
Five stars for Rasika at 633 D Street NW in Washington DC! Had an amazing lunch there with my husband, son and some delightful Brit relatives from "across the pond." Loved the idea of "small plates." A dozen or so "small plates" appeared and as soon as we shared them and gobbled them up, more appeared, as if by magic.
It's hard to pick a favorite but the "crispy spinach" was at the top of my list. It's called Palaak and consists of crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt and a tamarind and date chutney. The spinach is as crisp as "kale chips" and I'd love to make it at home, but wouldn't know where to start.
Another delicious choice was Cauliflower Bezule which is cauliflower in a marinated sauce with green chilis and curry leaves. Delish!
Other winners were Tandoori salmon, Spiced potatoes with chick peas, tamarind date mint chutney and Mango Shrimp with ginger.
Be sure to try the White Asparagus Uttapam with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili and coconut chutney. Fabulous!
And talk about travelling in style! No worries about parking because we used Uber. If you're not familiar with Uber, you can order a car and driver with your mobile phone and one appears in minutes. If you get to DC, be sure to try this amazing restaurant~ Mary Kennedy
Five stars for Rasika at 633 D Street NW in Washington DC! Had an amazing lunch there with my husband, son and some delightful Brit relatives from "across the pond." Loved the idea of "small plates." A dozen or so "small plates" appeared and as soon as we shared them and gobbled them up, more appeared, as if by magic.
It's hard to pick a favorite but the "crispy spinach" was at the top of my list. It's called Palaak and consists of crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt and a tamarind and date chutney. The spinach is as crisp as "kale chips" and I'd love to make it at home, but wouldn't know where to start.
Another delicious choice was Cauliflower Bezule which is cauliflower in a marinated sauce with green chilis and curry leaves. Delish!
Other winners were Tandoori salmon, Spiced potatoes with chick peas, tamarind date mint chutney and Mango Shrimp with ginger.
Be sure to try the White Asparagus Uttapam with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili and coconut chutney. Fabulous!
And talk about travelling in style! No worries about parking because we used Uber. If you're not familiar with Uber, you can order a car and driver with your mobile phone and one appears in minutes. If you get to DC, be sure to try this amazing restaurant~ Mary Kennedy
RASIKA,. the best Indian food in Washington, DC
by Mary Kennedy
Five stars for Rasika at 633 D Street NW in Washington DC! Had an amazing lunch there with my husband, son and visiting Brit relatives. Loved the idea of "small plates." A dozen or so "small plates" appeared and as soon as we shared them and gobbled them up, more appeared, as if by magic.
It's hard to pick a favorite but the "crispy spinach" was at the top of my list. It's called Palaak and consists of crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt and a tamarind and date chutney. The spinach is as crisp as "kale chips" and I'd love to make it at home, but wouldn't know where to start.
Another delicious choice was Cauliflower Bezule which is cauliflower in a marinated sauce with green chilis and curry leaves. Delish!
Other winners were Tandoori salmon, Spiced potatoes with chick peas, tamarind date mint chutney and Mango Shrimp with ginger. Be sure to try the White Asparagus Uttapam with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili and coconut chutney. Fabulous!
And talk about travelling in style! No worries about parking because we used Uber. If you're not familiar with Uber, you can order a car and driver with your mobile phone and one appears in minutes. If you get to DC, be sure to try this amazing restaurant~ Mary Kennedy
Five stars for Rasika at 633 D Street NW in Washington DC! Had an amazing lunch there with my husband, son and visiting Brit relatives. Loved the idea of "small plates." A dozen or so "small plates" appeared and as soon as we shared them and gobbled them up, more appeared, as if by magic.
It's hard to pick a favorite but the "crispy spinach" was at the top of my list. It's called Palaak and consists of crispy baby spinach, sweet yogurt and a tamarind and date chutney. The spinach is as crisp as "kale chips" and I'd love to make it at home, but wouldn't know where to start.
Another delicious choice was Cauliflower Bezule which is cauliflower in a marinated sauce with green chilis and curry leaves. Delish!
Other winners were Tandoori salmon, Spiced potatoes with chick peas, tamarind date mint chutney and Mango Shrimp with ginger. Be sure to try the White Asparagus Uttapam with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili and coconut chutney. Fabulous!
And talk about travelling in style! No worries about parking because we used Uber. If you're not familiar with Uber, you can order a car and driver with your mobile phone and one appears in minutes. If you get to DC, be sure to try this amazing restaurant~ Mary Kennedy
Ellery's Mystery Cozy Contest
Hosted By Ellery AdamsIt's the first of the month! Time for me to give away a $10 card to the bookstore of your choice.
This is how it works: I post a few lines from a cozy mystery. You post the title and author in the comment section. Then, I'll draw a random name from the winning guesses and post that person's name on this page and on Facebook by 10 p.m. on May 2nd.
Okay, here we go! Here are the lines from this month's mystery cozy:
"This book sucks There should be a law protecting the reading public from such trash! And with that, Carlene Arness hurled Murder in the Keys into her fireplace, the drama of the action diminished by the lack of a fire."
Ellery's helpful hint - This is the first in a new series centering around a book club. The author and I both live in Central Virginia.
April 29, 2015
ROAD TRIP!
By Victoria Abbott aka Mary Jane Maffini
I love a road trip. By the time you read this, I will be barreling my way down the I-81 bound for Bethesda, Maryland and Malice Domestic, the annual mystery conference where, in years past. I was fortunate (and thrilled) to meet most of the Cozy Chicks.
There will be three other Canadian mystery writers in the car with me.
My partners in crime for the trip are: Brenda Chapman, Vicki Delany (Eva Gates), and Linda Wiken (Erika Chase) I’ve been friends with these women for many years. We all love mysteries and this crazy business and the people we meet in it.
It's just not enough!
Malice Domestic takes place in a city where the flowering shrubs will be at their best, the trees will be leafed out, the grass will be lush. If you saw Maggie's fabulous photo on Tuesday, you know what I'm talking about.
Let’s just say we are leaving a still leafless area where all we have is a few lonely crocus and daffs to dot the brown lawns. How’s that for motivation?
STILL BARE!
Now, back to the car: we may all be talking at once. It will be stuffed like our suitcases.
We will have enough luggage for six people and it’s possible that one of us may also have a couple of giant hats. No names mentioned, but it’s not me.
I do however, have seven pairs of shoes packed, to cover off all possible foot situations, hot, cold, sore, everything except snow.
At the border, they will ask us a lot of questions! We will look a bit like we're moving in. It’s a nine hour trip and it will take us two days. There are no men on this trip and so that means plenty of restroom breaks, tea breaks, coffee breaks, lunch breaks, shopping breaks and ‘oh look, isn’t that pretty!’ breaks.
EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE
We will share the driving and we will be two to a hotel room. There will be emergency chocolate in both hotel rooms as well as in the car. In short, in case you haven’t gathered, this will be like a mobile slumber party.We know we’ll have a good time
If any of you are going to Malice, I hope you’ll say hi!
So how about you? Do you enjoy road trips with friends? Got any war stories about those trips to share? Feel free to defend the men in your lives if they don't mind stopping! Remember, what’s said on Cozy Chicks, stays on Cozy Chicks.
I love a road trip. By the time you read this, I will be barreling my way down the I-81 bound for Bethesda, Maryland and Malice Domestic, the annual mystery conference where, in years past. I was fortunate (and thrilled) to meet most of the Cozy Chicks.
There will be three other Canadian mystery writers in the car with me.
My partners in crime for the trip are: Brenda Chapman, Vicki Delany (Eva Gates), and Linda Wiken (Erika Chase) I’ve been friends with these women for many years. We all love mysteries and this crazy business and the people we meet in it.
It's just not enough! Malice Domestic takes place in a city where the flowering shrubs will be at their best, the trees will be leafed out, the grass will be lush. If you saw Maggie's fabulous photo on Tuesday, you know what I'm talking about.
Let’s just say we are leaving a still leafless area where all we have is a few lonely crocus and daffs to dot the brown lawns. How’s that for motivation?
STILL BARE!Now, back to the car: we may all be talking at once. It will be stuffed like our suitcases.
We will have enough luggage for six people and it’s possible that one of us may also have a couple of giant hats. No names mentioned, but it’s not me.
I do however, have seven pairs of shoes packed, to cover off all possible foot situations, hot, cold, sore, everything except snow.
At the border, they will ask us a lot of questions! We will look a bit like we're moving in. It’s a nine hour trip and it will take us two days. There are no men on this trip and so that means plenty of restroom breaks, tea breaks, coffee breaks, lunch breaks, shopping breaks and ‘oh look, isn’t that pretty!’ breaks.
EMERGENCY CHOCOLATE We will share the driving and we will be two to a hotel room. There will be emergency chocolate in both hotel rooms as well as in the car. In short, in case you haven’t gathered, this will be like a mobile slumber party.We know we’ll have a good time
If any of you are going to Malice, I hope you’ll say hi!
So how about you? Do you enjoy road trips with friends? Got any war stories about those trips to share? Feel free to defend the men in your lives if they don't mind stopping! Remember, what’s said on Cozy Chicks, stays on Cozy Chicks.
April 28, 2015
Get out the trombones
Duffy Brown here, and I’m talking musicals.
I love ‘em!! Give me a cute story where people suddenly burst into song and dance around and I’m all happy.I know, I know it’s not Shakespeare...though personally I think a musical about Shakespeare would be terrific. This Friday I’m off to see The Music Man at the symphony. Not exactly a full-blown musical on the stage but where they so some storytelling and acting and sing the songs with the symphony.
76 Trombones always gets my foot tapping and who doesn’t love a song about Marian the Librarian. I think I know all the songs by heart and will have to use considerable amount of self control not to sing along!
My favorite musical is My Fair Lady. I just love the premise. And the costumes are fantastic. I’m Getting Married in the Morning...we played that for my son when he got married. I Could Have Danced All Night, On the Street Where You Live. Again, I know all the songs by heart.
West Side Story, Wicked, Jersey Boys are more of my favorites. In fact my third cousin is Frankie Castelluccio (aka Frankie Valli) and one of the Jersey Boys. Who doesn’t just love Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man, My Eyes Adored You, and Dawn.
Frankie got all the musical talent as I have none. So what about you? Got a fav musical you just can’t get enough of? One you know all the songs to? One you got on a CD or iTunes playlist? Don’t you just love a good musical!!
Everything's in Bloom
by Maggie Sefton
This morning I'm Back Home in my hometown area of Northern Virginia, and
Spring has definitely Sprung. :) Pink dogwood trees, white dogwood trees, azaleas bursting into bloom, and lilacs. My favorite trees on the roads leading to my dear childhood friend's home in beautifull Vienna, Virginia are FULL of pink dogwood blooms----laden with them. So gorgeous that you simply have to slow down as you turn the corner and admire Nature's handiwork. My lilacs back in Fort Collins, Colorado are filled with buds, ready to bloom, too. But here in Virginia there's more of everything Spring. It's lush, simply lush.
I'm back home to visit dear friends and my family---daughter Christine and my grandchildren live here in Northern Virginia as well. On Friday----the Malice Domestic mystery conference starts at a hotel in Washington, DC. Lots of readers and other mystery writers will be there, so it will be lots of fun----as usual.
After the conference ends on Sunday, I will drive down to the "river house" about an hour and half south in Virginia, just a block from the wide part of the Potomac River. So I will post about the mystery conference and more next week. Meantime----I apologize for the later than usual time of my post. Blame it on a later arrival last night and all the fun I was having with my old friend Diane. When she and her sister Nancy and I get together----it's non-stop talking. :)
This morning I'm Back Home in my hometown area of Northern Virginia, and
Spring has definitely Sprung. :) Pink dogwood trees, white dogwood trees, azaleas bursting into bloom, and lilacs. My favorite trees on the roads leading to my dear childhood friend's home in beautifull Vienna, Virginia are FULL of pink dogwood blooms----laden with them. So gorgeous that you simply have to slow down as you turn the corner and admire Nature's handiwork. My lilacs back in Fort Collins, Colorado are filled with buds, ready to bloom, too. But here in Virginia there's more of everything Spring. It's lush, simply lush.
I'm back home to visit dear friends and my family---daughter Christine and my grandchildren live here in Northern Virginia as well. On Friday----the Malice Domestic mystery conference starts at a hotel in Washington, DC. Lots of readers and other mystery writers will be there, so it will be lots of fun----as usual.
After the conference ends on Sunday, I will drive down to the "river house" about an hour and half south in Virginia, just a block from the wide part of the Potomac River. So I will post about the mystery conference and more next week. Meantime----I apologize for the later than usual time of my post. Blame it on a later arrival last night and all the fun I was having with my old friend Diane. When she and her sister Nancy and I get together----it's non-stop talking. :)
April 26, 2015
ASTROTURFING: WHY IT HAPPENED TO DR. OZ
by Kate CollinsContrary to what you’d expect, “Astroturfing” is not about laying sod inside a stadium. It’s what a special interest group does to sway public opinion, a stealth maneuver designed to subtly manipulate us. And it’s rampant on Facebook and Twitter. You’ve probably seen it and didn’t recognize it.
Dr. Oz is the latest victim of astroturfing. These attacks, often in the guise of splashy stories on the national news or Facebook memes, come from industry shills who want to take down anyone who promotes a more natural approach to health and/or who raises issues that might hurt the industry’s profits.
In Dr. Oz’s case, the attack was not led by concerned physicians or scientists but rather by a GMO front group after he reported on the scientifically established hazards of glyphosate, one of the reasons why GMO food is toxic. Why? Because big corporations don’t want to lose profits. And of course the media instantly jumped on the bandwagon without checking the facts.If they had checked, they would have learned that the “Letter from Prominent Doctors Implies Columbia Should Fire Dr. Oz for Being a Quack.” was signed by Dr. Henry I. Miller. among nine other “distinguished physicians.” Dr. Henry Miller is actually a well-known shill for the GMO industry.
In fact, Miller was caught misrepresenting himself during the Anti-Prop.37 campaign in 2012, pretending to be a Stanford professor opposing GMO labeling. Guess what? He lied. Miller isn’t a Stanford professor at all. But look at the damage he and his fellow shills did to a man who tries to keep us healthy.
How do you recognize astroturfing? Watch for words like conspiracy, crazy, crank, crack, nutty, pseudo, and other terms to make you dismiss an argument they don't like.
And watch for more attacks on well-known figures who dare to go against Big Pharma or question authority, like Dr. Oz. At least now you know not to fall for everything you hear or read on social media. Because reporters now don’t and often can’t investigate or share their findings. Their companies are owned by Big Business Corporations who put them in handcuffs.
Remember, when something big and splashy hits the media, you can bet a concern for profits is behind it. Read more about these subjects below.
Sources:
“Seasoned Investigative Journalist Exposes Inside Strategies to Censor News” www.Mercola.com at http://tinyurl.com/pupvah4
“Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington,” by Sharyl Attkisson, a five-time Emmy Award winning investigative journalist whose television career spans more than three decades. Sharyl is the reporter who blew the whistle on the swine flu media hype in 2009, showing that the hysteria was completely manufactured.
April 25, 2015
The Girls Need Help!
by Leann
I suppose getting older has many pitfalls to come. This one started about eight years ago. I began to have a pain in my back--right side, middle. I soon learned it was actually my gall bladder. I thought after I had that little beast removed, the pain would leave. But it didn't. It's more generalized now. So what's the reason? It's my bra.
If I take it off, problem solved. But showing up outside the privacy of my home without the proper foundation is almost as uncomfortable as no bra. Not that I go out that much, but still. You get the picture.
These days, there are all sorts of online tools to measure properly. I even had myself measured at a department store. Okay, I am between band sizes and between cup sizes. That does make things a little difficult. But I have probably 25 bras and NONE OF THEM are comfortable. Some of it is probably caused by the changes created by gravity. (Thank you aging body. I never counted on THIS being a problem.)
I've tried various solutions. Bra extenders, wearing a tight T-shirt under my clothes, bralettes, camisoles. I do have quite the collection. And still my back hurts. I did read an article about ladies of a certain age and how they need a more "structured" bra.
Doesn't that sound comfortable? I think not. In my search for a solution, I did find something very interesting. According to www.brafree.org I learned this: "We believe there are no known health benefits from wearing bras - but there are disturbing parallels between wearing bras and the incidence of fibrocystic disease and breast cancer."
So, tell me readers--do any of you have this problem? Is there a bra out there for "us?" Or, do you think it's time to give up? I just want to be comfortable and perhaps bra-free isn't so bad after all. Next problem? Shoes ... and then there's the hair products, shampoos and soaps that make me break out in hives. Sigh. Getting old is all it's cracked up to be. Changes you never anticipated keep popping up.
I suppose getting older has many pitfalls to come. This one started about eight years ago. I began to have a pain in my back--right side, middle. I soon learned it was actually my gall bladder. I thought after I had that little beast removed, the pain would leave. But it didn't. It's more generalized now. So what's the reason? It's my bra.If I take it off, problem solved. But showing up outside the privacy of my home without the proper foundation is almost as uncomfortable as no bra. Not that I go out that much, but still. You get the picture.
These days, there are all sorts of online tools to measure properly. I even had myself measured at a department store. Okay, I am between band sizes and between cup sizes. That does make things a little difficult. But I have probably 25 bras and NONE OF THEM are comfortable. Some of it is probably caused by the changes created by gravity. (Thank you aging body. I never counted on THIS being a problem.) 
I've tried various solutions. Bra extenders, wearing a tight T-shirt under my clothes, bralettes, camisoles. I do have quite the collection. And still my back hurts. I did read an article about ladies of a certain age and how they need a more "structured" bra. Doesn't that sound comfortable? I think not. In my search for a solution, I did find something very interesting. According to www.brafree.org I learned this: "We believe there are no known health benefits from wearing bras - but there are disturbing parallels between wearing bras and the incidence of fibrocystic disease and breast cancer."
So, tell me readers--do any of you have this problem? Is there a bra out there for "us?" Or, do you think it's time to give up? I just want to be comfortable and perhaps bra-free isn't so bad after all. Next problem? Shoes ... and then there's the hair products, shampoos and soaps that make me break out in hives. Sigh. Getting old is all it's cracked up to be. Changes you never anticipated keep popping up.
April 24, 2015
YORKSHIRE SCONES--A VINTAGE TREAT
by Mary Kennedy
Yorkshire is known for its beautiful countryside, amazing views and rustic stone walls. And if you're looking for some first-rate comfort food, I'd like to suggest a treat from my British mother-in-law. Yorkshire scones. They are delicious and possibly addictive. She hosted a family "tea" when I first visited the UK and graciously gave me the recipe. Platters of these fresh-from-the-oven scones appeared at the tea party and were immediately gobbled up.
The recipe is super-easy and I bet you have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
Ingredients
· 3 cups flour (regular, all-purpose flour)· 1 tablespoon baking powder· 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, let butter soften at room temperature· 1/4 cup sugar· 3 eggs· 1/3 cup of milk—I actually use a little more than this. I start with 1/3 cup and then add a little more, a tablespoon at a time. No more than ½ cup milk total. I couldn’t get the dough to hold together with the 1/3 cup amount listed in the recipe.· 1/2 cup sultanas (I use a mix of raisins, craisins and chopped dates. Whatever I happen to have)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour and baking powder. I don’t have a sifter, I just use a mesh strainer and tap it. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar, beating until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then add the flour mixture and the milk. Sprinkle the raisins/dates, etc over the dough and gently fold them in. Drop by “mounds” on a baking sheet. You can sprinkle them with a couple of tablespoons of sugar, if you like. Bake for 20 minutes. Note: I tried rolling these out and using a cookie cutter, and they weren’t as good. I think I handled the dough too much and it made it tough. The original “drop” recipe is all you need.
My mother-in-law served these with butter and home-made peach jam. The scones freeze really well (assuming there are any left over to freeze!) Good luck, and I hope you enjoy them. Mary Kennedy
Yorkshire is known for its beautiful countryside, amazing views and rustic stone walls. And if you're looking for some first-rate comfort food, I'd like to suggest a treat from my British mother-in-law. Yorkshire scones. They are delicious and possibly addictive. She hosted a family "tea" when I first visited the UK and graciously gave me the recipe. Platters of these fresh-from-the-oven scones appeared at the tea party and were immediately gobbled up.
The recipe is super-easy and I bet you have all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
Ingredients
· 3 cups flour (regular, all-purpose flour)· 1 tablespoon baking powder· 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, let butter soften at room temperature· 1/4 cup sugar· 3 eggs· 1/3 cup of milk—I actually use a little more than this. I start with 1/3 cup and then add a little more, a tablespoon at a time. No more than ½ cup milk total. I couldn’t get the dough to hold together with the 1/3 cup amount listed in the recipe.· 1/2 cup sultanas (I use a mix of raisins, craisins and chopped dates. Whatever I happen to have)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift together the flour and baking powder. I don’t have a sifter, I just use a mesh strainer and tap it. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar, beating until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, then add the flour mixture and the milk. Sprinkle the raisins/dates, etc over the dough and gently fold them in. Drop by “mounds” on a baking sheet. You can sprinkle them with a couple of tablespoons of sugar, if you like. Bake for 20 minutes. Note: I tried rolling these out and using a cookie cutter, and they weren’t as good. I think I handled the dough too much and it made it tough. The original “drop” recipe is all you need.
My mother-in-law served these with butter and home-made peach jam. The scones freeze really well (assuming there are any left over to freeze!) Good luck, and I hope you enjoy them. Mary KennedyBling!
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
I never gave a flying fig for clothes. (You won't find any designer togs in my closet.) But in the last few years, I've started wearing jewelry. (Again, you won't find anything worth half a mil in my jewelry box.)
I've always been a sucker for rings and wear them on all eight fingers. Currently, the count is 13, and mostly silver with 2 aberrations; of those 13, six were made by my Dad. two silver, four stainless steel. (My buckle ring belonged to my great-grandmother.)
Lately, I've been buying bracelets. Usually I get them at yard sales, but Ive bought a few from the gift shop of a fantastic independent hotel that has a marvelous restaurant. The most I've paid for a bracelet was $16--and was extremely upset when my wrist turned green!
Mr. L bought these pretty bangles and gave them to me for my last birthday. He found them in the Smithsonian catalog. Aren't they pretty?
Last summer, I bought a bunch of necklaces; beads, mostly. Red, blue, purple, black. A few years back, Ellery gave me a gorgeous necklace of jet beads. It's one of my favorites. Another favorite is a heart-shaped pendant Mr. L gave me for Christmas. It's made of silver and broken china. (You can wear it as a pin, too.)
What kind of bling do you like to wear?
I never gave a flying fig for clothes. (You won't find any designer togs in my closet.) But in the last few years, I've started wearing jewelry. (Again, you won't find anything worth half a mil in my jewelry box.)
I've always been a sucker for rings and wear them on all eight fingers. Currently, the count is 13, and mostly silver with 2 aberrations; of those 13, six were made by my Dad. two silver, four stainless steel. (My buckle ring belonged to my great-grandmother.)
Lately, I've been buying bracelets. Usually I get them at yard sales, but Ive bought a few from the gift shop of a fantastic independent hotel that has a marvelous restaurant. The most I've paid for a bracelet was $16--and was extremely upset when my wrist turned green!
Mr. L bought these pretty bangles and gave them to me for my last birthday. He found them in the Smithsonian catalog. Aren't they pretty?Last summer, I bought a bunch of necklaces; beads, mostly. Red, blue, purple, black. A few years back, Ellery gave me a gorgeous necklace of jet beads. It's one of my favorites. Another favorite is a heart-shaped pendant Mr. L gave me for Christmas. It's made of silver and broken china. (You can wear it as a pin, too.)
What kind of bling do you like to wear?
