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| Carol sky gazing |
Actually, I took this picture on Wednesday, but I think it can still be added to a post about our long holiday weekend. I was so mesmerized by these clouds that I begged Carol to stand there to give the picture a bit of perspective. When she saw this picture, she said it makes our apartment complex to look much more posh that it really is. I had to agree.
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| My plate at the potluck |
Yesterday, the actual Independence Day holiday, I went to a potluck with the Fairhaven walking group at our leader Cindy's house. She has done this Fourth of July potluck for a few years now, and I joined them for the first time last year. It was so nice that I didn't want to miss another one. Notice all the good food on the plate. I was enchanted by the green stuff that looks a little like broccoli, but not quite. Here's a closeup:
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| Maria's romanesco |
It turns out to be something called
romanesco, a cross between broccoli and cauliflower, which, according to that Wikipedia link, has been around for centuries. I simply loved it, and Maria told me she grows it in her garden. She picked it fresh that morning, steamed it lightly and brought it to the potluck. From that link:
Romanesco has a striking appearance because its form is a natural approximation of a fractal. When compared to a traditional cauliflower, as a vegetable its texture is far more crunchy, and its flavor is not as assertive, being delicate and nutty.
This morning, after our regular Saturday walk, I headed to the Farmers' Market to see if I could pick some up. I found that it's not available there until the fall harvest, as my grower told me it's best then, more flavorful and abundant. I might have to go to Joe's Gardens and see if I can pick up some starts for my own fall harvest. If it's more delightful than what I ate yesterday, I can't wait!
In a few minutes I'm leaving to go to the movies with my friend Judy. We're going to see
Ida at our independent theater. It's gotten great reviews. I've learned not to trust reviews all that much, but many people have said this is one of the best of the year, not to be missed. Then tomorrow, if the weather cooperates, I'll be heading to the Drop Zone in Snohomish for you know what!
:-)
That's what that is ... romanesco! I recently saw a photo online and had no idea what it was. Thank you for enlightening me.
ReplyDelete"Ida" sounds very very good. I need to catch up on my foreign film watching ... :)
Well, I learn something new every day. I have never seen or heard of this..but I bet it tastes wonderful. My husband eats a lot of cauliflower because of his LCHF diet. This would probably be a nice change for him.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful skies, and enticing plate.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to the air this weekend. Hugs.
dont know that i have ever had a romanesco...is that a cabbage roll on there? mmm...looks like nice fresh food...
ReplyDeleteand nice speckling of clouds....glad you had a good holiday...i am a little sunburnt after mine...ha
Romanesco...it's funny that it's so little known when it is so beautiful, and apparently even good to eat! Have lots of fun at the drop zone!
ReplyDeletehave never heard of that veggie, either! good luck with the skydiving tomorrow!
ReplyDeletei do like that photo of the apt. complex! :)
Discovered romanesco last year when it was delivered along with other veggies from our CSA. I love it! But it is hard to find in supermarkets any time of the year (at least around here)…All the food looked wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh, I use to see that all the time in the market in Florida but not since I moved to Arkansas. That is so good. Proud of your plate. That will keep you going till you make 100 for sure.
ReplyDeleteSonds like you're having a great weekend. I'll see if I can find some of that romanesco; it sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
That top photo of the sky is really beautiful. And I have never heard of that particular vegetable. Good luck tomorrow. I hope you will be able to skydive.
ReplyDeleteMmmm, your plate looks good. I dunno about the Romanesco though. Looks kinda like something you'd see growing out on a rock at the shore. But I like broccoli; I like cauliflower -- so if we can find it I'd be willing to try it. You're sure it won't kill me ... right?
ReplyDeletePotlucks are usually the best. I like potlucks but for the cooks it can be a challenge.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great plate of food! That romanesco is interesting.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at the drop zone...stay safe:)
I love all the fresh summer fruits and vegetables.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried Romanesco, but I have seen it in farmers markets. I might have to give it a try when it is in season.
Wishing you blue skies!
I love the name of that veggie. Your weekend seems busy as usual. I have not heard about Ida so I shall look it up.
ReplyDeleteCheers
I love broccoli and cauliflower so that looks delicious! I hope you can find some to buy in the fall and, even better, to grow.
ReplyDeleteLet us know how you liked Ida. It's not out on Netflix yet, but it sounds really interesting so I put it in my saved section for when it's available. :)
I,ve seen those in my supermarket and wondered what they were like. I love caulks and broccoli so I would probably like these too. Excuse errors becos I,m using my IPad for the first time! The clouds are so lovely and yes your apartment does look ,posh,!
ReplyDeleteWell, I sure learned some new things today by reading this. I will have to look for romanesco. It does sound good.
ReplyDeleteHow was the movie? I always hear about good movies from you.
Your view of the sky was gorgeous DJan. Adding Carol to the photo did give it a more interesting perspective.
ReplyDeleteRomanesco is quite delicious. I tried it for the first time last fall when I got some at our farmers market. I will definitely get more. Hope you enjoyed the movie.
I've never seen nor heard of romanesco...and I'm not an adventurous eater, but I'd probably try a little bite at a potluck now that I
ReplyDeleteknow what it is.
The cloud shot is amazing. The movie trailer looks like my kind of movie. Did you like it? Love the new vegie although I haven't seen it here. I'll check it out when I vacation in the states.
ReplyDeleteI remember getting romanesco in our farm share box. It was almost too pretty to eat. Now we just go to the farmer's market. But those boxes were always fun. Except for burdock. And parsnips.
ReplyDeleteRomanesco is a totally new vegetable to me! I'll be on the lookout for it.
ReplyDeleteYour potluck plate looks delicious, colorful and healthy! Very nice.
And those clouds-- Wow. The colors and the contracts are so lovely.
Glad to catch up and see you are doing well. Enjoy July!
I think I have seen romanesco once but was not sure how to cook it or if it would taste good. Next time I find it again I will be sure to try it. Thanks for explaining what type of vegetable it is.
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