Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 33

Chill, Baby!

Photo by Chris Thompson

 

Celebrate National Relaxation Day by simply chilling out. Set all the stress aside… skip the political rhetoric… turn the page on the naysayers… cancel the chaos… embrace serenity and inner peace. Chill, Baby!

 

 

“Relaxation is not laziness. It’s about finding balance and taking care of yourself.”

— Elizabeth Scott (1972 – )
American author

Dream On!

 

“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

— C. S. Lewis (1898 – 1963)
British writer & theologian

Hope Lives!

 

 

“Hope is a waking dream.”

— Aristotle (384BC-322BC)
Ancient Greek philosopher & polymath

National Julienne Fries Day

August 12th is an annual day to celebrate the shoestring fried potatoes. A French favorite since the early 1700s, julienne cut fries are cut in thin, uniform matchsticks. These are the opposite of the thick, meaty steak-cut fries, so on National Julienne Fries Day, give your salty, crispy side a taste. My fave are Truffle Fries, which I always choose when I spy them on a menu. Enjoy my Super Simple way to make them at home.

 

 

 

Super Simple Truffle Fries
If making your fries from scratch, remember to soak your raw potatoes in cold, salted (and/or sugared) water for 20-30 min. AND fry them twice, as it’s the second frying that gives them crispness.

Favorite frozen French fries (shoestring style, of course, but any cuts work fine)
Truffle oil
Parmesan cheese, finely grated (or shredded)
Sea salt (& pepper, if you like)
Finely minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

Bake the fries per pkg directions. Drizzle with a little truffle oil and toss to distribute. Sprinkle with cheese and seasonings. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
KISS Notes: Truffles are a type of mushroom. Truffle oil is a neutral oil, infused with peelings of white truffles.  Truffles are exotic. For example, black truffles can sell for anywhere between $300 – 1,000 per pound, and white truffles can fetch $4,000 a pound. Because white truffles have a stronger flavor, their peelings are used to infuse oil. Truffle oil is also great on risotto and in creamy sauces like alfredo.

Waste Not

Photo by Antonino Visali

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

— Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977)
English comic actor

Let us never let even the darkest day be totally wasted.

You’ve Got This!

 

 

“Do not begrudge the pain you’ve endured. It’s the hells we survive that make us both strong and gentle.”

— Cathy Burnham Martin (1954 – )
American author, voiceover artist, and dedicated foodie

 

 

For more encouraging tips check out  2019’s “Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best” in paperback, digital, and audiobook formats.

Holding Hands Matters

For “Hold Hands Day” take a moment to spread love and show kindness. We all know that there is never quite enough of either in this world.

Choices

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.”

— Dolly Parton (1946 – )
American singer, songwriter, and actress

Monster Alert

On August 7th each year, National Sea Serpent Day commemorates the sightings of sea serpents, sea dragons, and sea monsters. Sea serpent lore may have been inspired by oarfish which can grow to be 50 feet long, but they are rarely seen because they live thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface. But, who knows!?!

World Peace

“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.”

— Robert H. Schuller (1926-2015)
American Christian pastor & author