I know, I know it’s taboo to talk about food you’ve eaten, but I can’t resist. Last Friday our Grandma Myrtle hosted a gumbo night. She specifically asked me to make sure that everyone made themselves comfortable. She wanted it to feel like on big family. I love this picture because it shows that her wish was granted.

We all gathered together for our first exposure to gumbo, greens and true southern cornbread. Her “grandson”- Scotland, was the only child invited. (Smart, considering her home is decorated with lots of breakable souvenirs.) Myrtle is a wonderful host. She makes everyone feel welcome and is so generous. She’s slowly introducing me to Southern cooking, and I love it!
I’ve been doing a bit of cooking myself lately, well baking mainly. I’ve been experimenting with using bread flour. We’re sold. I think Monday’s batch of whole wheat bread was perhaps the best I’ve ever made. (Tom agreed!) Today I tried my hand at artisan bread, with tasty results. I still have a long way to go, but in the mean time, we’re enjoying it!

One of my goals for this year is to eat more vegetables. Tonight, I realized I wasn’t going to have much time to make dinner, and I wanted something that would compliment the bread. My first thought was soup, but I wouldn’t have time. Salad? The idea of having just salad for dinner always seems inadaquet but I’m slowly learning that salad done right can be incredibly satisfying and satiating. Avocado and a slice of Brie were just the ticket to adding the fat necessary to satiate. I also swear that when my food looks beautiful I end up more content. You can’t beat a salad for beautfy.

Mixed greens, green pepper, dried cranberries, feta, avocado and basalmic glazed walnuts with a creamy orange ginger dressing.