A LONG WEEKEND AND A RECIPE

I didn't get back as soon as I planned. What a weekend!

On Saturday, we went to Plaquemine, a sleepy little town across the Mississippi River. Go across that dreadful bridge, carefully driving through Bruly and Addis, because they are speed traps, and then happily into Plaquemine. Right? Wrong. There had been a chemical spill earlier that morning and traffic was being re-routed. We rode by many, many sugar cane fields, past many, many police and National Guard guys, and getting more stressed by the minute. We had to go to a funeral-yes, another one. One of DH's clients died and we were going to pay our respects. We finally rolled into the funeral home just a few minutes before the procession to the church was to start. Well, because of the spill, the service was at the funeral home. No Mass. Just a short service. But the best part came afterwards.

We went to his house for the repast. WOW. He was a big game hunter--literally--so the living room was filled with LOTS of stuffed animals: giraffe, grizzly bear, gazelle. You name it, it was there. Whatever floats your boat! Their daughter had been in 3 Mardi Gras krewes, so her costumes were on display in a large case. Absolutely beautiful. I still don't understand how the ladies wear those LARGE headpieces.

The best part was the food. No one can cook like South Louisiana Cajuns. There was everything you could want, even meat pies. And some real home-baked ham. Anything you wanted to drink. And the desserts! I always thought an Irish wake would be the way I wanted to go. Now I've changed my mind.

Sunday was slow. I'm not an early morning person, so the time change nearly did me in. I woke up every hour during the night, so afraid I would be late for the Early Service. I wasn't, but yawned through the first service, poured in the coffee between services, and made it through the last service. Came home and took a long nap.

On the sewing front, I actually picked up the petit etui and did some stitching. Same for the Bea Potter SAL. I got an email from Robin, saying that some charts I ordered came in. I know one of them I want to start right away, so I'll get a little fabby, too. That's on tap for tomorrow.

Well, now for a recipe. I think my favorite holiday to cook for is St. Patrick's Day. Maybe it's the little bit of the Irish mixed in with the Scot. My favorite is Leek Soup. Sometimes I even make it during the year. Here goes:

CREAM OF LEEK SOUP

4 medium leeks (white and pale green portions only), cleaned and trimmed NO SAND!

1 Tbs. butter

2 tsp. olive oil

1 large clove garlic, finely minced

3 Tbs. AP flour

2 2/3 C. Chicken stock (or Swanson's broth)

1/2 C. milk

nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste

1/2 C half and half (or heavy cream)

1. Quarter leeks lengthwise and cut into 1/2" long pieces. Makes about 2 1/2 C.

2. Melt butter with olive oil over medium heat in large saucepot. Add leeks and garlic. Cook about 2 min., stirring often. Don't let garlic burn.

3. Mix flour with milk. Add to leeks with stock and seasonings. Stir and bring to simmer. Cook 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.

4. Spoon into blender and puree well. Put into saucepot. Add half and half and heat slowly. Garnish with chopped chives to serve, if desired.

I have another recipe around here that is Leek and Potato Soup. It's good too. Just what we need in this 80 degree weather.

CAJUN CREATIVITY

The pictures from Saturday's parade are ready. Go to my kodak album site (password is rosecottage), click on My Gallery, and then Mardi Gras 2009.

Tomorrow is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and the end of festivities (and king's cake). Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, which begins 40 days of Lent, leading up to Easter.

Traditionally Mardi Gras is a time of total fun. True, there maybe a LITTLE drinking going on, but Saturday's parade is proof-perfect that you can still have all the fun with nothing to ask forgiveness for the next day. Except for over-eating.There was a lot of barbecue, jambalaya and white beans. It's great fun catching all those beads (which will go on my Mardi Gras tree next year).

Google "Mardi Gras" for some great info and pictures.

A GOOD TIME ON SATURDAY

Here is the Loose Feathers Keepsake Box and Pin Cushion that I finished last week. I used fabric, threads, all the materials it called for. The lining fabric was my choice: I like anything that is old fashioned English rosy looking. It didn't take anytime to do the stitching and a couple of days to put the box together. The only thing different was that I didn't put the center divide.

We took the day off and went to Springfield yesterday. It was great and the parade was a hoot. Hopefully tomorrow I can download the pictures and get them online by Tuesday, which is Mardi Gras. My pastor mentioned the holiday in his sermon today. I wanted to jump up and yell that not everyone takes the opportunity to get rousing drunk. Some people just enjoy the beads, food and family time. And it wouldn't hurt some Baptist folk to do without for 40 days, either. Food would be a good choice!! Oh, I've found the best King Cake. The ones yesterday were from the Navarre Bakery in Springfield. I think I'll make a pilgrimage tomorrow. They (the cakes!) go away for a year starting Wednesday. These were WONDERFUL. Not pre-made pastry like Albertson's or Winn Dixie. And the cream cheese filling tasted like sweetened marscarpone. The icing wasn't in dark Mardi Gras colors. They were pastel. Oh, my mouth is watering. No wonder I'm a hundred pounds overweight.

There's no news on my friend's killer. She stays with me, in my mind, all the time. I hope the police will catch the creep soon. The Bible says to forgive. This one will take awhile to forgive-and forget, if ever. Prayers are appreciated.