There was a cool timbre to the morning air last Saturday as Katie and I hefted our bikes onto the car rack. We were heady with plans to strike out for an autumn coast along the city’s park pathways, longing to be enveloped in the scented Bow River’s embrace then stopping for a latte along the way.
Unfortunately my car’s battery had different plans…
I could have gotten mad.. well, I did get just the tiniest bit ornery but I decided to just use the extra time to finish my fall nesting….
Never mind spring cleaning, I prefer purging at this time of year… mainly because the thought of doing any chores with the onslaught of slush and snow provokes great anguish in me.
Sodden and heavy winter coats and muddied boots take up more floor and closet space than ethereal spring sweaters.. so stuff need to be removed, moved and moved on out!
uncluttered space = uncluttered mind
Yup, when winter gusts rale against the windows of my home, I plan to be fully ensconced in a chair next to the fire, buried in a book.. candles lit and a glass of wine in hand, pup snuggled in next to me.
♥
With the fall cleanse out of the way, my eyes and heart eased on over to my garden..the next best place to be when I’m grumpy…. a wee pause whilst watering flowers has a way of bringing gentle back in.
In my garden…
the lavender has long since vanished, but not before I made a little lavender butter..
Lavender Butter
2013-04-08 14:22:30
3 500 ml organic full fat whipping cream
coarse salt
culinary lavender
In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, blend the cream on medium speed. As the mixture begins to thicken into whipped cream, continue to beat, adjusting speed higher if needed. You may want to lay a cloth over top to prevent splashing or use a splash guard. Beat until you hear a sloshing sound then reduce mixer to avoid covering your kitchen in the white buttermilk liquid as it separates from the butter.
Move the butter to a bowl. Add ice cold water and smear the butter with a spatula. Pour off the water. Repeat several times until the water pouring off becomes clear and not cloudy. This is an important step as it keeps your butter fresh for a longer period of time.
Add salt and lavender to taste. Spoon soft butter into a mould and refrigerate. To remove, warm the sides of the pan or leave out on the counter for a bit. Cut the butter into squares and refrigerate or freeze.
Alternately, roll the softened, seasoned butter in a square of plastic wrap, shaping into a log. Refrigerate then slice into pats then put back into the fridge or freezer.
Just a Smidgen http://justasmidgen.com/
♥
wee chickadees were gorging on birdseed before the squirrels could…
the flowers showed up in their finest,
the hydrangea were boasting about their size this year..
and some of us just wanted to bask in the last few rays of sun..
I’ve also stopped fretting about the upcoming frost, knowing that frost means I can take out the potted plants and replace them with twigs gaily blotted with yellow and red leaves.
My herb garden did all right.. but I think next year I’ll plant carrots and peas in their stead, and definitely more tomatoes.. the four little tomatoes we grew were sooo sweet!
Wouldn’t it be awesome to make salads with almost everything coming straight from our garden?
Ok, maybe not the avocado and peanuts, um, not the dates either..
I will get my car back today.. but no matter, I got to ride my bike to the gym and then to coffee with my friends.. an Autumn bike ride of sorts after all!
Earl's Kopycat Santa Fe Salad with Peanut Lime Vinaigrette
2013-04-08 14:24:25
Salad
2 small corn tortillas
vegetable oil for deep frying
(or buy prepackaged crunchy tortilla salad topping)
7-8 cups each mixed greens and chopped Romaine lettuce
1 cup fresh dates, chopped
1 cob corn (or 3/4 cup corn kernels)
vegetable oil
14 oz can (398 ml) black beans, well rinsed and well drained
1 avocado
3/4 cup feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
Vinaigrette
1/4 cup each: fresh peanuts, vegetable or peanut oil and fresh lime juice (2 limes)
1/2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tsp each sugar and soy sauce
1 small clove garlic, pressed or finely chopped
2 tbsp lime zest (2 limes)
Mix all salad ingredients and arrange on a platter or in a bowl.
Cut the tortillas into thin strips. Heat oil in a frying pan on medium high, add the strips in batches, remove when browned and drain on paper towel. Spread over the salad.
Mix all vinaigrette ingredients and blend with an immersion blender, blender or food processor (I used a magic bullet).
Toss the dressing and serve immediately. If making ahead, add the avocado at the last minute to avoid browning.
Just a Smidgen http://justasmidgen.com/
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by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
The lavender butter is beautifully speckled, Smidge. Love the chickadee photo. Interesting flavors in the salad — I’d have to leave out the avocado, but am otherwise game.
The chickadees know to hide the seeds and stock up for the change in season!.
The flowers are lovely as all of your blog posts, always! Stellar.
Thank you Sharyn.. I know this would be a great salad without the avocado, it has so many ingredients!
That’s so awesome, I didn’t know that! Thanks:D
Love making herbed butter. Used a food processor – it took about 45 seconds!
Only you could make lavender butter from scratch Smidge! Delightful!
I love the lavender butter idea! I recently started making butter from scratch, and now I’m excited to blend all sorts of herbs into it (even though I could have been doing that with store-bought butter all this time, too!).
What a shame about your plans going upside-down. But, it does sound like you’ve got yourself organised for the coming frosts and snow. (It’s amazing to me how quickly your seasons change – we don’t get the big range like you do). Your butter looks lovely but what do you use your lavender butter for? I imagine it’s good with chocolate and scones and cakes? That chair on your balcony is so similar to chairs we have only my legs don’t have that lovely curvy shape. The salad looks delicious and I love the sound of the ingredients in the dressing xx
WHen I first opened your post, I though – she made white chocolate with lavender!!!! And I almost collapsed. I am like that with white chocolate, what can I say? But lavender butter is just as luscious and the possibilities…endless!
loved the pup photo, basking in the sun… right now I am staring at a blond dog, one that used to have a dapper look, and seemed to have basked in mud this afternoon. (sigh)
Hope your bike ride was finally everything you hoped for, even if on a shorter scale.
Lavender butter! Awesomeness! Great post as usual. xx
I also like to clear things out at this time of year, particularly old clothes and the accumulated detritis on the verandah, but not yet! not yet! it is still warm and lovely here.. I really liked your collage of flowers, what an excellent idea.. c
You have a great attitude Barb! If that had been my car battery I would have gotten a lot more than the tiniest bit ornery
That lavender butter looks so lovely, and so does the salad.
Did you make it with whipped cream? I was wondering about that because it would keep the mess “inside”, lol!
Did you make it with whipped cream? I was wondering about that because it would keep the mess “inside”, lol!
ps.. I’ve lost the linky to your blog.. could you reply here with it?? Usually I can click on the photos.. but yours doesn’t work?
Hahaha.. it’s so easy, but shhhh:D
I think organic and freshly made is sweeter? What do you think? Or am I imagining what I hope I taste, lol!
That lavender butter looks great. I’m forwarding the recipe to my wife.
We do have a range of temperatures for sure! It’s hot again and the colors on the trees are spectacular! I think the butter is perfect on a biscuit or scone.. I will have to blog about that I think:) Do a little research and testing perhaps? That is a single chair and table (like my plates and bowls) and not one of a set.. I wish I had a set! xx
Hahaha, dogs will do that, mine is white now turning gray!! Hey.. if you get the chance to make a white chocolate lavender bark.. well, would you?? And post it.. that would make me a very very happy camper:) The bike ride was glorious.. xx
Thanks:)
I think it is freezing and pile on sweaters, only to start panting like my dog.. or Daisy around 11ish. I’m happy you’ve got warm weather for your farmy:D
You know, I think I’m just getting resigned to stuff like this.. just more of a feeling that if I get mad.. the car will ruin my whole day instead of an hour, lol!
Well.. I think even you could make this one;) Thanks for your compliment!
I have some dried lavender from this summer.
Love your photos and the thought of curling up with a glass of wine and a book.
When are you going to get Freshly Pressed??? (I shouted so they hear me….)
and I hear a shower of rain too at this very minute.. i hope the warm holds on a bit longer tho.. c
and I hear a shower of rain too at this very minute.. i hope the warm holds on a bit longer tho.. c
I am greedy!
Your photos always bring me such peace Barb. They are just so beautiful and serene. Make me smile every time. And lavender butter?! Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a bit of that. I can just imagine how good it smells and taste. And I’m with you on the fall nesting. I purged and cleaned this past weekend too. My mind is already much better.
Hahaha.. probs never, I have given up.. “they” should be so lucky to have me there, lol!
You need to be.. what do you do when it’s cold.. do you have a little more time for other things once the animals are looked after??
Doesn’t it help? Plus I feel good giving stuff to charity! We gave so much hockey equipment away, so some little one will have the chance to play I hope!
You have it all! The site, the stories and the photos… It is only a matter of time!
Amazingly written !
I just swooned over the lavender butter! That is a absolute must-try
Another great one, Smidge! x
Totally – you may not be able to control what happens, but you can choose how you let it affect you!
So very lovely! I’ve been hoping to grow a little pot of lavender on the new patio space for shortbreads and the like. I’d never have thought to use those darling buds in something as lovely as home made butter and without a doubt, they’re a lovely addition to any afternoon tea. Such a beautiful idea!
Thanks you.. you’re a sweetie!!
Mine grew quite well.. but I needed to be home to harvest it a while back.. I managed to get a few stragglers before it went to seed. I didn’t know it went so quick! Oh, well, next year!
Thanks a bunch!
One of the many herbs that grows like a weed here. I can’t grow a tomato to save my life but thankfully I do have lavender. Love the homemade lavender butter! What a great idea. I think i need some lavender butter for morning biscuits.
Well.. my tomato plant was technically a disaster.. all the leaves were wilted and withered.. only the tomatoes survived, it was strange, lol! Yes.. on morning biscuits…I’ll be right over with the butter:D
That peanut lime vinegarette looks utterly gorgeous with the salad my friend! And your lavender butter? Stunning
Love your photos!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Barbara. a stunning post again – your photos so delicate – a clear favorite is the little bird … what a fantastic photo *smile – Love lavender, to look at and to smell, but in food I have difficulties with it. The salad is more down my alley way – and the dressing reads so good. Your hydrangea is stunning, one of my favorite flowers, but that snow white I don’t think I seen for a very long time to match the post your little dog … does just fine. What a beautiful start on my morning who has rain today.
What a wonderfully heartwarming journey in photos! Being a very typical Gemini the gentle walk from flowers to a beloved pup and then the picture of sitting with such a beautiful plate in front of one looking up into that view . . . am smiling . . . thank you!
Hi Barb, Fabulous post and beautiful photos. Love the lavendar butter.
Regards Florence x
Lavender butter. I will need to try that! My lavender is a sprawling octopus. I need to trim it up because it’s growing right across the garden steps. I leap over it and it smells so good, even now with most of the flowers dried and brittle. I have a small lavender plate in my collection that is very similar to yours. It’s from one of my husband’s grandmothers. I need to go find it and see if the patterns match. Wouldn’t that be nice! Matching plates 1000s of miles apart….
I love everything about this post – your gorgeous pup (of course!) that stunning speckled butter and that fabulous salad. I always feel so relaxed and refreshed after reading your posts – thank you
Smidge you always have the most beautiful posts! Your pictures are extraordinary as is your writing. Thank you for always having an uplifting post to read and such delicious recipes too.
Mandy
How elegant does that lavender butter sound? Yum!
I’m not much of a cook but your photographs are gorgeous–beautifully composed.
I am very impressed! And your photos are gorgeous as always.
A lovely lovely post my friend…seems as though your car might have done you a favor by giving out when it did…though you’ve shown yourself to be awfully good at making “lemonade”. I’ll be making lavender butter when I get home! That’s brilliant! The salad looks wonderful too, yes please on the avocado!
Our overnight temp dipped down to 5c, so I’m ready to start switching summer clothes for the thicker, huggable stuff. Big jumpers! YEAH!
Very nice looking lavender butter
Those flowers brightened up my day! Thank you
Our interests can condition the way we read a sentence. When I read your phrase “strike out for an autumn coast” I thought of heading for a coastline with trees turning bright colors.
Oh wow, Smidge. That butter makes me swoon. And look at all those flowers! It’s a rainy morning here, so it made me extra happy to see these.
I knew.. it might conjure up different images:) That’s why I selected that word.. Here on the prairies we can only imagine a “coast” .. so we just “coast” as in verb:) xx
I might take up on this challenge!
No, I think you’re right! But also the only homemade butter I’ve made so far has a pinch of salt added, whereas I only choose unsalted store-bought butter. So maybe the salt– counterintuitively– makes it taste sweeter?! Next time I’ll leave it out and see if it still tastes sweeter… either way I’m sure it will still taste BETTER though! : )
Barbara, I adore your collage of flower pics. Each looks so delicate and together they made me sigh aloud. Clever you for shooting your GORGEOUS white hydrangeas on a wicker chair. Brava>
Lavender butter would be dreamy with scones! Your salad looks so beautiful and full of delicious flavours Barbara. Snuggling with the pup is always a sure way to a better mood!
Luscious photos and food, as ever, Smidge. Never mind- Autumn will hold on just a little while.
Loving your post – Beautiful Photos – Happy Tuesday:)
This is all just so utterly butterly beautiful!
I feel I now need to spring clean but can’t face it but if i wait for warmer weather i will be distracted and want to be outdoors so I better get onto it. What a lovely idea, lavender butter, I just imagine a dollop on fresh scones
That lavender butter looks so tempting to just put in your mouth… like white chocolate or shortbread. I’m sure I’d regret it, but very tempting! I am also huge on decluttering when I need to sort out my life. It does help clear the mind
I was really attracted to the lavender butter! so beautiful! tthanks for sharing photos of your garden..they look wonderful!
At first I thought that was a picture of white chocolate bark, with some yummy bits in there. I’m sure the lavender butter is yummy too! I could see using this on a delicate white fish baked in the oven. I’m hungry just thinking about it.
Fantastic salad – all those lovely fresh flavours. Sometimes I really feel like I “need” to eat dishes like this. Something with a bit of a zing to invigorate the taste buds!
Lovely photos too Smidge.
They are all so beautiful and fascinated me as always but the lavender butter is my best. Thank you dear Barbara, love, nia
Love that photo of the hydrangea. I find it is not an easy flower to photograph.
I am presenting a class “Titled Cooking for 1 or 2″ for seniors and am encouraging them to eat outdoors whenever possible. Your balcony photo will inspire many. May I use it in my presentation?
Of course, it’s my favorite spot to eat and write.. Use any of my photos:)
Sent from my iPhone
Gorgeous!!!
Thanks xx
When I’m lazy I through the same ingredients in and use a bottled organic dressing (shhh) but you didn’t hear me say that, lol!
Now I never thought of using this on fish. I’m def going to try this.. This is why I love my fellow bloggers!!
I like your new blog design. It’s very professional looking.
Lavender butter is something I never thought of. Of course i thought it was chocolate but this is even better. A warm brioche would do this justice.
That little puppy sure can cuddle on a winters evening…I can picture that!
Hi Barbara! Your house is beautiful and your recipes wonderful. I love the butter idea, I bet is delicious. Thanks for sharing )
Thanks CCU! How goes the studying?
I love that bird photo too! Sometimes photography is all about luck isn’t it? Have an awesome day!xx
You’re very welcome! I like that I gave you that gentle moment, life can be crazy, eh?
You’re so lucky, it sounds like you have the garden I am striving for! It must smell heavenly! Does it attract butterflies as well?
And if you find that plate I’d love to see it.. How awesome is that?!
It was fun to make! A tad messy though!
Refresh away!! Xxx
Thanks, Mandy!
It’s pretty yummy ! Xx
I love photography.. Especially close ups, itskind of still life for me:)
Thanks Barbara – yes, a lot has to do with luck when it’s about great photos. The same to you.
Your new design is lovely Barb. I really love it, and especially how nice and big the photos are. They’re so beautiful….they always were….but I love this new “frame” for them. You’re so creative…
I’m so sorry about your car misbehaving
It can be a hassle, but your mindset is inspiring. I love how you think. I always have. Which makes coming here for visits feel so nice. This one feels so homey and comfortable that I can literally feel myself calm down when reading it. Oh, I hope that all makes sense 
You really are one of the very best Barb, we’re SO grateful for you.
Yesssss, I’m all over the lavender butter too. YUM!!! Lavender is such a wonderful fresh flavor isn’t it? I first discovered it as an herb that helps me with the anxiety issues (it works!) and fell in love with everything about it. I can’t wait to try the butter!
Loving the new look of your site Smidge !
and the pretty balcony, oh how happy I’d be to sit there, a cup of tea watching, well wathcing the word! the photos are a delight
Levander butter sounds like a great idea. I’ve never tried it and I think it’s a high time
great post Barbara.
Beautiful pics Smidge. Your lavander butter sounds lovely.
Beautiful photos Smidge! I at first thought the lavender butter are cookies! They sound so delicious on toast!
Thank you very much, Barbara. The photo put smiles on the faces of all the attendants. I think many are going to copy your idea. Thanks again for sharing and allowing me to use the photo..
Oh, what a dreamy post! I enjoyed every word and every photo!
Another fine post, Barb. This is such a treat, reading a few of your posts in a row like I’m now doing. This post, like the one before and, without a doubt, the one to follow, is a joy to read. And your photography! Simply beautiful. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got next for me … er … us.
The dates are a nice addition to your salad. i agree with you about doing as much as you can before trudging through the snow. I’ll be sitting in front of a fire and give a toast to you that we did our work in the nice weather during fall and can now relax to the degree that winter let’s us. Nice post!
Your blog is always so yummy, Smidge. It’s a joy to visit.
That salad looks amazing! I like the idea of making butter from scratch (well, maybe once)! This is such a beautiful post; I love your sense of colour and style.
Who knew lavender+butter could look so darn beautiful? Wonderful post!
New to your site today – I love the layout and your photos are gorgeous!
Thanks! What is your website.. I’d love to visit you as well?!
Beautiful photos, and recipes for a real plus, I enjoyed the visit to your blog.