This brilliantly colored dip is just a bright burst of Spring in your mouth! My daughter wanted to bring something healthy to her friend’s birthday party so we knew we wanted to start with Edamame and some sort of dip. Emerald is the Panatone color for this year, so Smidge’s kitchen worked out a recipe…
This little button popped up on my birthday the other day and it was the icing on the cake. { Photos of my real little cakelet to follow on a later post. } The timing was perfect, after all, what kind of world is this, if a girl can’t win on her birthday? Unlike the…
I posted a “congratulation message” on your Facebook page, but just to make sure you see it: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Awesome job!
This salad is quite unique, I love everything about it – mango is such a cool addition. I might try to make a version using farro, as a friend of mine brought a 5 pound bag for me and I want to put it to good use.
I think green is a nice base color for your next design… go for it! 
Congratulations on your awards, what a wonderful birthday gift!!!!!
Love your new design, both the color and the layout.
My kind of salad, great idea with the addition of mango.
Happy birthday and congrats on your blog award!
Massive congratulations on the well deserved award and on your birthday..am doing a one man (or woman) mexican wave for you right now! Beautiful salad, just seeing those vibrant colours makes me feel full of energy 
Oh, this salad looks yummy! I’ve been staring at a bag of edamame in my freezer– now I have plan. Wonderful news of the award and you birthday–congratulations on both.
Great looking salad with wondrous ingredients. Green’s good – it makes me think of spring and that’s good for me and my mind.
Whoo Hoo! Congratulations Smidge!! You’re on fire Loving this salad too! I too have had my hand in the candy jar one too many times and trying desperately to keep my hand out of it. LOL! Lots of kale and veggies in my house at the moment. And Ranger Craig just brought me a lovely fresh kale/beet/carrot juice. I think I’ll have a breakfast cookie with this. Wishing you a delicious day.
I hope you kick some major tail in this competition, my friend!
I never seem to be nominated or even hear of these things, but I’m glad to see you have a shot at getting some much-deserved recognition!
Ah, thank you, Barb, something that looks great, and I can eat without feeling guilt !!!
Paul
Congratulations! Nice salad too
Great spoons!
Congrats Barbara, very cool! Your blog is quite lovely, I haven’t changed mine since the beginning!
What a great salad for such bone chilling temperatures! Gorgeous colours.
Happy Birthday my friend and BIG congratulations 
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Congratulations to one of my favourite ladies, and belated birthday wishes, Smidge. This is one blog that whenever I catch it in my reader, I can’t resist visiting.
Congratulations. You are my talented and amazing friend. Enjoy the feelings associated with your honor. How was your weekend?
Sharon
Sent from my iPhone
That really is too cold. If we have a day of +14C it makes the news because it’s just so cold. Love your green salad – it really does look not only good for you but inviting too xx
I am loving the new layout!! And this salad looks delicious, you can NEVER eat too many sweets..but eating too few greens in indeed possible!
Sprightly!
Smidge, that looks perfectly healthy and delicious, and just such a gorgeous colour! Congratulations on your win, and a belated happy birthday! xx
This would be a perfect accompaniment to my new Cross-Trainer. Which, incidentally, I need because I too swore I would give away 99.9% of what I cooked, but the decimal place slipped.
Huge congratulations on your award Barbara – very well deserved. LOVE your blog design, and green is my favorite color. This salad looks absolutely fab, with all that beautiful green goodness. Love the edamame/mango combination.
Congratulations Barbara! (And happy belated birthday) the salad looks and sound delicious
Congratulations! That is a lovely bright salad to brighten a winter day.
This reminds me about the salad I had in Seattle – it was wonderful, edamame beans I will have problems with … but I’m sure I can use another green bean. So I put this on file until the sun comes out and salads goes on the menu again. Congratulations to the award … and your Valentine cake will get it’s post this week. Fantastic cake .. take everything back that it was too sweet, the next day is was PERFECT!
Ooh, how very exciting – congratulations on the very well deserved award Smidge! Your salad looks good enough to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Mandy xo
YUM! and something that won’t leave me feeling guilty!!
We’re definitely going to have to try this. Baby Lady loves edamame and sugar snap peas. I love the brightness the mint gives the salad an the sweetness and tropical flavor of the mango. Pinning it now for later use.
I’ve never done anything with edamame – despite living surrounded by soybean fields! You, as always, inspire me.
Well how many ways can I say congratulations! Happy Birthday, and how absolutely tremendous to be honored for your creativity. I’m really delighted for you. Your blog is a gorgeous place for a reader and follower to luxuriate. Poetry, art, fabulous photography and the best food and stories! I love to visit, and I’m truly delighted to see you’ve been acknowledged! And this salad sounds just wonderful to me! It feels springlike—and yes, green! Don’t eliminate the roses on your banner too soon though! They are so lovely! oxo
That indeed looks healthy, we love edamame here
Hi Smidge ! Sorry for the hiatus – I was in the US for work for the last three weeks and am really in need of non-meeting food, or rich (and large portions of) American fare. I am a firm believer of “when in Rome”, but I do need a break (both from tastebuds and from waistline !) from burgers and fried food.
SO, this is a WONDERFUL inspiration for me to go and make yummy salads for my meals – thank you !
Belated happiest of birthdays Barbara and a big shout out and congratulations on the wonderful award! Soooooo well deserved!!!!
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Such wonderful news, Barb! Congratulations and belated happy birthday wishes, too! Love your banner photo. The roses are stunning, as are the rest of the photos that follow within the post. And then there’s the actual salad. It sounds delicious, a mix of tasty ingredients of varying textures with a simple dressing. This is a real treat!
Congratulations, Barb! You are so deserving!! By the way, I love the Mark Twain quote. He could not have been more right!
Well done! So much more rewarding to win. A juried competition! I will make this salad for Dave without the mango which he doesn’t like
Congrats on the award Smidge! Well-deserved!!! And happy belated birthday. I hope it was a memorable one and that you have an amazing year to come. I’m not much of a fan of peas, but sugar snap peas I actually do enjoy. I bet this salad would go over well at our table. And I’m with you – the color would be welcome right now. Love the beautiful rose up top as well. Very happy.
Congratulations Barbara on your much deserved recognition. I love your light and healthy salad and I kknow we all give about 90, well at least 50 pecent away and the teenagers inhale the rest. Loving the look of your new site always so fun to come and see new things. Take care, BAM
Congratulations on this award! How wonderful!! I’m loving this salad…healthy and beautiful too. I haven’t used white balsamic vinegar much, so thank you for a nice recipe with which to try it again.
I think farro would be a lovely switch out for quinoa.. I’ve got a huge bag of quinoa from Costco that needs using up first:) Thanks always for your messages, Sally!
Thank you, Norma, it was a great surprise! I sure enjoy changing my blog, probably too much someone would say, but it’s too much fun not to:) xx
Thank you!
Haha, thanks Chica.. waving right back at ya’!
Thanks so much, Alice. If you try this salad, I hope you like it as much as we did. xx
I love green, emerald green is the color for 2013 I hear. But reds and oranges won me over this time:D
Haha, yes, that candy jar AND the cookie jar need a lock in my house! Thanks so much:D
Well.. there are many categories, you should look into it another year:)
No guilt here, I promise!
Thanks:D
They were my neighbors, I think about her every time I use them.. she’s moved away and I don’t often see her.
I find it fun, digital photos and such are interesting for me.. almost as much as food, but not quite:D
A big thank you:D
It’s difficult to be everywhere on the blog reader.. I always appreciate you stopping in! xx
Thanks, sweetie:D It was a great escape, warm temperatures, great x-country and wonderful food.. xx
I really must get over to your country one day! So much traveling that needs to be done! xx
You’re a sweetie yourself!! I love that philosophy! xx
Thanks, Kathryn.. it’s lovely having you pop in:D xx
Thanks so much Celia! xx
Hahaha.. that darn decimal, I was never good at Math!!
I will have to incorporate more green next time.. at least there are green leaves in my photo:D xx
Thanks Giovanna.. It was a happy one:)
I know you love the color green.. just thinking of your garden makes me love the color green more:D Thanks so much!
Hey, no worries, Viveka.. it was an Ina Garten recipe.. everything she makes is “fully loaded” with butter and sugar. Reducing the sugar is not a bad idea at all! xx
Well.. maybe with a little egg right in the middle it would be good for breakfast:D
It’s tough to find recipes that are guilt-free and appealing, isn’t it? I’m finding more and more on different food bloggers sites though. xx
I hope Baby Lady loves it as much as we did.. if not, I know you would be able to tweak it to her perfection:D
I don’t usually either.. we typically buy the packaged edamame from Costco and steam the packages for snacks. Thanks for your compliments, Gretchen! xx
You always know just the right words, I feel so blessed to have connected to writers like you. I love those roses, too! They were my birthday bouquet:D xx
Glad to hear it:D
No worries, Carolyn, I hope you had some fun while you were in the US?? I look forward to reading more posts from you now! xx
Hey, Thanks Danny!!
xxx
Thanks so much, John. I wondered if you’d like those roses.. I also wondered if you have ones like that in your garden?? You’ve so many varieties, I couldn’t remember. Glad you liked this post:)
Isn’t it true?! Lol, it’s just not fair:D
Thanks, Tandy.. I’d love to know what changes you make.. then I could try this salad a new way:) xx
I think the color craving comes from our winter.. it does seem to drag on sometimes. The roses do make me happy:) xx
Thanks so much Bam.. you’re right about the teenagers. Congrats, by the way, on your new blog.. I can’t wait to see it!! It’s very exciting!! xx
Thanks:) I think we’re both cooking pretty healthy these days! Just wait ’til Valentine’s Day, lol, that’s when my good intentions go right out the window! xx
No, Barb, I don’t have any that special over here. You’d know if I did. I would have featured it in post after post.
Congrats on the award! you so deserve it! love the new colours on your page.
hmm this edamamae and snap pea salad looks like a lovely meal for one. So easy to put together too! I should really get down to some healthy eating myself!
I use a lot of sugar in cooking – specially my sauces …
Cakes I can’t eat if too sweet – but it came out perfect the next day and I made an other for mum this morning.
Today I posted your cake .. and put some romantic music to.
I love the new rose header, Smidge! How lovely. And I adore everything about this salad – the freshness, the colors, and the crunch! x
I want this salad badly! Can you think of an alternative to the edamame as I am allergic to soy 
I do not think one can ever eat too many sweets so long as they can still crawl out of bed in the morning. Cheers Barbara!
Wow, my friend, you are indeed the bee’s knees! What a string of well-deserved accolades and awards! I told you a long time ago (not to do an I-told-you-so ….. ok I told you so) there was to be no stopping you! You’re headed to the heights dear Smidge, and you belong there! This recipe sounds to-die-for though I don’t like that expression and can’t imagine why I used it! It sounds rather like one of those things to live for and to savor. Good salads are like that. A big and joyous Whoop! for you, Barb! Couldn’t be happier!
First, congrats and happy belated birthday, Smidge! The bright green of this salad just drew me in. I love edamame and the thought of it with mango is making my mouth water! BTW, love the new tweaks to the blog. The rose banner is gorgeous! You’re getting ready to bust out of winter, aren’t you? lol!
Love the green and the promise of spring it conveys! This salad looks like a winner to me! And, of course, your beautiful blog is a winner too. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour. You’re one of my blogging role models!
Barbara, how did I miss this? Oh yes, I have been overdoing the sweets too. And like you I really only taste and give the rest away. Congratulations on your awards, well deserved! Your blog is phenomenal on all levels. What a wonderful birthday gift!! This green salad looks delicious and refreshing! I absolutely love sugar snap peas and with all the rest of the ingredients it has to over the top delicious!!
I saw the title of this post and straight away saved it to my favourites. I love Endeme, the only time I’ve had them from fresh is when I tried to grow them (not very successfully I might add!) but I can get them frozen and so this WILL be ade. Thank you x
I would love to live in a place where I could even consider growing them, lol! Mine were frozen.. alas, they shall probably always be frozen:) But they still tasted great! xx
This salad looks so fresh and healthy and delicious! You have a beautiful blog!
One of my most curious discoveries of Cross-Country Skiing was the sound your skis make behind you.. you could be convinced someone is following you. This poem sprang from that feeling of someone “lurking” behind, the lengthening shadow as it comes around and stands in front of you while you finish your route.. and the…
Years ago, I went cross country skiing with my high school. Somehow I found myself straggling behind and before you know it I was alone. Yeah, I looked back a few times wondering who the heck was following me lol!
I’ve wanted to take my daughter to silverstar but with the current road conditions and me driving a Yaris, Not sure I want to try so yummy bowl of chili though!
Looks like a glorious snowy day. The sky is so blue!
Chili is just the ticket (I had some turkey chili for dinner just tonight) in this weather and this looks so delicious.
Amazing trees!
How could beer not go with chilli! have you tried chilli vodka? I have mixed feelings about it – I like the heat, but it makes my head feel funny after 2 and it’s not the vodka doing that, I have hollow legs
Chocolate in chili???? Interesting but no go for me. And I was just thinking about making chili too
Used to cross country a lot but I can resist it now – too cold out there. I still have Florida blood in my veins. Beautiful pics, Barb. Where was this? You always post pictures of something that makes me hungry !!! Naughty girl !!!!!!!
Paul
Those mountain photos are gorgeous!! What a fun time with the family. This stew looks perfect to thaw out after a cold day!
I love Lion’s Winter Ale! I wish it was available year round, but then it wouldn’t be so special, I guess… Sounds like the prefect addition to chili
Your ski path is so beautiful…just breathtaking! I could spend hours out there, but I likely wouldn’t get far as I’d be snapping pics in every direction. Glad you had a great time Smidge. And your chili certainly looks warming. My two little ones would enjoy this as well albeit without too much heat.
I love the ingredient combination in this recipe
I can’t believe we’re this far into winter, and I still haven’t made chili. I’m drooling over yours!
Tenderest spring lies under… indeed. Smidge, your photos are heart-stoppingly gorgeous! And your ale chili is the perfect punctuation on a snow-filled Canadian winter’s day. Love your food styling here! What a beautiful post.
Beer in chili is one of my favorite things ever ever EVER!! Not even kidding. Yours looks AWESOMe! So jealous of all your snow and winter sporting… we’ve not had snow here in 2 years and as a former resident of Upstate NY I am jonesing hard! Gorgeous photos & recipe. Thanks!!
Gorgeous photos! I’ve never cross country skied, but I would love to take it up. There are plenty of trails in New Hampshire. Now that we’ve moved, I don’t go anywhere without my iPhone navigation! Not even a short walk. LOL Your chili sounds wonderful and I’m going to try the chocolate in mine next time.
What beautiful country! I’ve not x-country skiied in decades. Seems like a nice thing to pick back up. If it were ever to snow here!
That Chili looks so comforting and I like the idea of the beer in it.
I got goose flesh and the hairs on my neck went up as I read your poem! Ooooo! And what exquisite refreshment along those wooded snowy trails! I haven’t eaten beef for most of my life but oh if I did, it’d be a bowl of your Winter Ale Chili! (or 2!) (and btw, your posts, the layout, the graphics, just get more and more beautiful as you go! What an artist you are Smidge!) xxo
I´m not a skier but it does look sovery beautiful. And as for a gorgeous slow cooked chili with beer…sign me up!
Fantastic! Oh, how I miss cross-country skiing…
I think a day out in the snow like this would make you very hungry and coming home to a bowl of warming chilli would be awesome, especially with a few beers. I’ve never seen such a beautiful sight as your image of the trees covered in fresh powdery snow. I would love to experience a day like you’ve just had! xx
Those views! Glorious! The chili sounds wonderful although I might dial down the heat a bit. I wonder if I can find this beer in Ontario? It sounds worth looking for!
With such beautiful surroundings, it’s quite simple to see why you return there to ski. Your daughter’s and her facial expression could easily become the poster child for long-suffering teens the world-over. To you and to her, all I can say is that this, too, shall pass.
Your chili sounds wonderful, Barb. I’ve 1 quart of of a very good chili left in my freezer and will need to make another to replenish my stock. There’s nothing like a good bowl of chili on a cold Winter’s day. Yours will be the recipe I prepare next time around. It really does sound good! Thanks for sharing — and bring a navigator with you the next time you go skiing.
Your cool chili (get it?) has attracted my wife’s attention! Great job, Barbara!
Beautiful poem…and what a beautiful spot you chose to ski….I only went once to cross country ski…when we were much younger…but I loved it….It was on a winter getaway and we just never managed to do it again….The only mishap happened after we were through and making our way back to the Inn and there was a slight incline however I did not know it was pure ice and so went flying and gave my head a crack…what an awful headache …Diane
Such beautiful sceneries. Do you get mostly powdery snow? Chili sound interesting with the addition of chocolate.
Your beautiful view and experience skiing as a family is one that you will never forget. Your poem really captures your feelings and the experience. I was injured quite badly in a ski accident and can never be on a lift again but admire your family for finding the way back home after a long day out on the slopes. Your chili sounds amazing, great flavors and so rich I can’t wait to try it. Take care, BAM
It would be hard to get lost when its that cold, love the photos
Gorgeous – as always! This chili looks like something that 2.0 and I would thoroughly enjoy – there’s nothing like a big pot of hot chili to warm your bones from the inside out.
Happy New Year!
Your poem is absolutely outstanding! And even though I’m a vegetarian, you have a way of being able to write a meaty recipe that I throroughly enjoy reading. This one looks like a real winter warmer.
I am in love with this poem. It’s beautiful, Barb!
Just like the scenery from the skiing. Sorry you kinda sorta got…..um….disoriented I don’t think I’d mind getting lost on that trail at all. It’s breathtaking. Lucky girl!
Thank you for this delicious chilli recipe too. I think it’s just perfect for playoff games day!
I love all of this. The poem, the cross country skiing with loved ones, the chili waiting to be devoured at the end of the day.
Beautiful photos to boot.
Thank you. x
Love your chili “spices” – chocolate and cinnamon and beer – oh my!
Fabulous chili and lovely photos!
you are right: food never tastes better as after a day out in the snow. I remember how good the polenta and sausage was when eating it during our winter holidays on the mountains back in Italy. your scenery is even more beautiful and your chili hearty and nourishing. wish I could ski!
Beautiful post. The last time I went skiing was several years ago in Maggie Valley. Love everything about a ski trip. You are correct about the noise the skis make and you believe someone is behind you. Love the photos and your poem. The chili looks amazing!! I love the chocolate in the chili!!
Now those photos make me want to have snow!! What beautiful shots! And, if you knew me, I don’t ski or want anything to do with the cold! This is the perfect meal to warm up to! As always, you have just the most beautiful blog!!
I loved the scenery, as much as a Brazilian can love images of the cold… from a safe distance, from the comfort of my computer screen, but my few experiences with skiing were…. let’s say “epic”? For lack of a better word. They involved one particular descent in which this tropical human being ended entangled in one of those plastic fences, one ski gone, the other miracurously still tied to my foot. I have ZERO grace with snow boots.
Now, seriously: beautiful poem, beautiful photos, beautiful recipe.. You rock and roll, and cross country ski
It’s been years since I’ve been cross country skiing. So much fun (and tons safer than downhill!). And when you’re done you definitely want something hot and warming, like this terrific looking chili. How did you manage to pack so much flavor in this?! It looks wonderful – thanks.
The chili looks fabulous and what beautiful photos! I like to use cocoa, cinnamon and maple syrup in my chili sometimes…sooo good!
we really do live on opposite ends of the earth. Those beautiful cold pictures, just gorgeous Barbara. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 43C here….hot, damn hot. I’ll swap you a little cross country skiing in pristine snow capped woods.
Wow, that I call winter … and winter comfort food. Stunning photos .. just like I expect for find Canada this time of year. Never done cross country skiing – only alpine. That first photo with the deep blue sky .. could you send some over to me – so sick of all the rain.
Right. Part of the beauty of x-country skiing is the muffled sound in the quiet of the woods. Beautiful photos.
Your staging photography is just beautiful!!! Keep up the great work.
A wonderfully hearty dish for apés ski, Barbara. And a beer sounds great with this dish. How nice that you were able to spend such a lovely time with your children. The photos are incredible, would make a beautiful Christmas card next year.
Spectacular pictures and fabulous winter warmers, Smidge. Thanks for a really exuberant post! Glad you had such a great time!
Canada really is amazingly picturesque. Just so beautiful and white. I also agree, nothing makes you as hungry as the cold, being out doors and exercising, and a winter ale chili would be the perfect ending to that!
What an absolutely perfect chili for a day of cross-country skiing! The road you skied looks perfect and the scenery breathtaking! I’ll never forget skiing under a full moon at 2 am and seeing a huge elk clumping through the snow. Can’t see a sight like that any other way. Love the chili and the choice of ale!
Wow! the views you had were magnificent! What a sight! – beautiful blue sky over the snow-capped trees.
the recipe sounds delicious and I would imagine it to be really hearty and good on a cold winter’s day, especially after all that skiing! Love the addition of bittersweet chocolate. I can imagine the depth it adds to the dish!
Winter…when the world rests, awaiting spring’s touch. You bring beauty to our community.
Oh what a glorious day! Thank you for sharing it with us. It is many many years since I went cross country skiing and I remember it vividly, your beautiful photos have brought those memories back. xx
Perfect for a cold winter day. Love the addition of cinnamon and chocolate!
Great family shots and gorgeous snow! You have the perfect environment for family ski outings! And this recipe makes me warm just to read it. I love the addition of the ale, and although I’ve heard of beer in chili, I’ve never done it, but the bacon really surprised me! This is a must! We have a big Super Bowl family gathering in early February where everyone but me watches football…ha! I’ll volunteer to bring chili this year!
Now although I do like your creamy cake recipes it’s these meaty numbers that really attract my attention – and the photography that goes with it – you need to get a book published.
Lovely, creative, heartwarming chili and lovely winter pictures! I miss the snow here in Singapore.
Smidge, you are such a poet! I loved this! And the chili with beer and chocolate (two of my favorite things ) sounds delish and so comforting. Great photos, too!
Sounds like a wonderful and delicious way to warm up after a day of skiing.
The Chili looks fantastic! I wish I could experience skiing someday!!
Can’t decide whether the chili or the image of going up the road to the mountain is better Barbara.
Happy New Year!
Beautiful new blog/laylout! Love the poems, photos, and of course recipes. Hope all is well with you in the new year!
It’s all here – your wonderful poem, images and such a great recipe…love it
Beautiful photos as always, Barbara! Hope you’re having a great start in this new year , take care!
GORGEOUS photos!!! I love the recipe – and the new blog layout. It feels like a complete winter wonderland here. Happy Belated New Year Barb, I hope you have a fantastic 2013.
I’ve missed your beautiful picture and writing (and recipes, too!) That chili sounds amazing on a cold winter day.
lovely poem !!! wonderful photographs
Gorgeous photos of the trail and the trees!! I’m going Cross Country Skiing this afternoon and can only hope the trails look as beautiful here.
A fire.. friends.. music.. and earthy nourishment surfeits the heart’s own hunger… To begin.. To continue… The main… And to finish.. It would be remiss of me not to thank my fellow bloggers for the wonderful blogging awards they’ve passed on to me. Although I can’t seem to get around to playing by the…
Barbara, thank you so much – honored – by the way you will be nominated by my tomorrow – so keep out for my post. That mushroom toast I will do – you’re the biggest temptress I know and the most lovely one too. Your soup is very close our yellow split soup that is our national dish every Thursday. You would love that.
Will send the shortlink.
Your poem is beautiful and touching. Just the love the word – snow-crusted. Thanks for being my friend.
Scrumptious tartines!
Jimini criminis Batman! That looks delicious. And lovely as usual
Lovely post Smidge. The food looks sooooo delicious.
Regards Florence x
beautiful, where do you find the time for such sumptuousness .. have a glorious day, now i shall poddle off and see a few of your other friends! c
Awwwwwwww thank you so much for the shout out, Smidgey Poo! But you had me at Tartine. Yummmmmmmm xo
Oh Barbara, the sumptuosness of your posts bowls me over every time! I know exactly what you mean because I was midway through responding to a challenge post when the little speech bubble appeared in my top corner. I never can resist seeing who’s there, and here you are, in all your glory. Fabulous! (if only I could cook)
Seriously, I am thrilled to be mentioned in one of your posts, and I shall pop this in my favourites so I can visit all your lovely friends. (but not before I’ve completed my post- there’s a deadline, for goodness sake!) Thank you so much, Smidge. I love your work.
Lovely poem and beautiful post, as always, Barbara. The meal looks wonderful and I especially like the tartine.
What a beautiful post, Barbara! The first image with the poem is like a greeting card. You should print it and use it this Christmas.
Thank you very much for your words about me and my blog, I’m content knowing that people read it and enjoy it, despite the limitations expressing myself in English.
I too enjoy so much reading other blogs, and sometimes I can’t do it in the same day, so don’t be surprise to recieve a comment a week later… but better late than never
Have a wonderful day Oh! Almost forgot, congratulations for the award, you deserve it
I always appreciate kind and grateful gestures towards fellow bloggers. Funny! I saw that Anthropologie bowl last year and I was tempted to buy it. Now, that I see how it photographs, I regret I didn’t Congrats on your award.
Really loved the poem.. quiet filling of feeders – watching… very nice… That’s some feast! All wonderfully done.
Mmmm! Perfect for the fast approaching colder winter season. Thank you
Nice shots and very cleverly balanced menu. Very sexy tastes.
Firstly, the soup looks delicious well done on being an amazing blogger!
Okay, now I am really hungry… Love the crostini!
Your poem is wonderful!
You are so welcome, it is fun to recognize bloggers that have been great conversationalists:) I’m happy to be your friend.. xx
My french is so weak.. I thought tartines were desert:D
Thanks, Sue.. and thank you for your last blog post shout-out:) xx
Thanks, Florence:)
I love your invented words.. “poddle” that is invented isn’t it? I hope your writing goes well today! xx
A deadline.. where does this deadline come from? You’re so welcome:) xx
You’re welcome
That’s a great idea, I’ve not decided on what cards to do this year, so thanks for the idea! You do a great job.. I can’t imagine speaking and writing in another language as well as you do!
They have so many cute bowls, don’t they? xx
Yes.. quiet is me:) It’s how I love to spend my days.. Thanks!
I’d like to think so ;D
Oh, Tandy, you’re a sweetie.. these little awards had accumulated over about half a year.. or more:) xx
That crostini.. was much better than I thought, I blame the wine:) xx
I suppose that was a compliment *laughing.
What a beautiful poem dear Barbara, you pictured so beautifully as your camera. Should be all so delicious they are all. Thank you, love, nia
Congrats on your awards!
Congratulations to you and your awards! You deserve every last one of them. The way you feel about Sue’s blog is the way I feel about yours! So gorgeous and delicious! YUM to that dessert!!
What a lovely poem, Barbara. And the line up of fall gourmet goodies is just beautiful. You know how I love split pea soup too, the crème fraiche is a beautiful addition, I’ll have to remember that.
Your post is making my hungry – that pie is amazing! Have a Great One:)
It’s a competition, to win a book voucher. I won’t win but don’t want to let the person down who nominated me, and it’s fun to do.
I’ve been back and forth now (half the morning it seems!) between here and some of your friends places and been filled to brimming. (Thank you for the introductions! I’m a soon-to-be-fan for the reasons you’ve stated!) I love the way you feed us here Smidge. Such goodness! Your poem (and the way you’ve presented it!) so Beautiful; your crostini (sumptuous earthiness we crave this time of year!), and that pie of yours (man!) – I go back to where I started…How very well you feed us here! xx
I need to read this again when it snows here. It will remind me of all the good things about winter – which sometimes is hard to do. Beautiful poem. And this meal looks delicious. I could fill up on starters alone! Congrats on all the awards. It’s a joy stopping in your kitchen/home/world every time Smidge.
I love stopping by for a visit! You always have interesting company – the comments are an extraordiny testament to a community that shares knowledge and encourages creativity. In a world that is fast losing the ability to have face to face connections, you have created a space to celebrate accomplishments and nurture friendships. By the way, did you change your blog look? Looks fantastic!
I love mushrooms on any sort of toasted bread – this recipe sounds yummy I especially like the sound of cream cheese. Beautiful poem and equally beautiful picture behind the words.
Beautiful post, Barb, I was oohing and aahing as each dish scrolled onto the page. Just the crostini and soup would have been enough for me, and then there was the beautiful chicken and dessert! Stay warm in this cold weather! xx
Another beautiful poem Smidge with wonderful words and I love the background behind it. I love the crostini with the cremini mushrooms. I think I could eat more than a few of those. Thanks for promoting some new blogs for me. I’ll be sure to hop on over and take a look xx
A beautiful poem, so evocative of the turn of the seasons. Such lovely looking comfort food for the cold wintertime, too. xx
Lovely post…from beginning to end.
Oooh…lovely mouthwatering food…love the mushroom tartines, yummy…the poem is beautiful and touching, Barbara:) Thank you for your wonderful words for Peri’s Spice Ladle. xx Peri.
Nice menu – I especially like the tartines!
What a beautiful post…I was transported into the cold, brisk air and snow, could hear the birds and could touch the ice on the limbs of the hawthorne. Then taken inside where it’s welcoming and warm to have some of those wonderful tartines and split pea soup. Thanks for taking me along!
It was a great meal, nia:)
I will be right over to enjoy this feast made for a king. Am I too late? Thanks for introducing us to your friends and looking forward to giving them a visit. Take care, BAM
The Snowbird Hawthorne is wonnnnnnderful, Barb. I love it. What a beautiful poem.
You guys are making my week with these recipes. Thank you so much! I love both of these. Between you and John, I can officially stop complaining about not having something good to eat (and something I’ll actually eat) at lunch time. Hubby will be so happy
Barb, where do you find the time? That is such an impressive line up of dishes. I especially like the Soupe aux Pois et Jambon. We just had this soup tonight for dinner — it is hardy, delicious and always very popular with the ponytails. I hadn’t thought of adding a little creme fraiche. Great idea! (And it sounds so much nicer en Franciase.)
Thank you from Down Under: such a delightful post to follow . . .
My ponytail is 21.. and my son is 19.. that’s how I find more time:D Although they still require a fair bit of supervision these days, lol! xx
Such a beautiful post, Barb. Here, we are so busy dreading the onset of Winter that we forget that, like all Seasons, it has it beauty. Your poem is a gentle reminder of that. Now this is some feast you set before us, made all the more enticing by your photography. The tartines would be the perfect appetizers. The spilt pea soup is a favorite, with the creme fraiche a very nice touch. And love the idea of bringing puttanesca flavors to baked chicken. Can there be a better way to end this fabulous meal than with a slice of your heavenly pie? I think not. This is one sumptuous meal, Barb. You spoil us.
Other than because I live in Singapore and there is no winter, I couldn’t have put it better than John ! Another gorgeous post Barb !
Because you are a true star … have I nominated you to “ ‘Blog of the Year 2012’ – http://wp.me/p293Pw-4c9
Lovely post Barbara! You are very kind, your dishes are gorgeous and I love your photography and poems!
Heavenly, from beginning to end.
Mandy xo
A feast for the eys and ears! Am having a bit of a love affair with mushrooms at the moment so loved the crostini!
First, that lovely, lovely poem. Then the mushroom tartines that immediately made me think of including them in the holiday open house I’m planning. I own Laura Calder’s cookbook and love it, but sometimes I need to see one of the recipes on a beautiful blog like yours or Spree’s to really wake up to it. And after that, the split pea soup with the surprise of cloves. Cloves? Now I’m intrigued… And throughout your post, tantalizingly beautiful photos. Then finally, the jolt of delighted surprise when I saw my blog mentioned and your generous comments. Thank you! What an amazing post this has been!
I love mushrooms, I love split pea soup, I love pie…what’s not to love in this post?!!
By the way, two questions: could I use lentils instead of split peas? Just curious if they’re interchangable. Also, I can’t ever get creme fraiche here – is sour cream the best alternative?
I’m not sure if you can substitute lentils.. Yellow split peas for sure. The soaking overnight process helps the thin skins to pop when they cook the next day. Then the soup almost becomes a puree all on it’s own. I’m not 100% sure, but maybe check a few lentil soups to see the texture? You could always use an immersion blender, but I don’t think it would be as creamy? Green split-peas are a little different.. All with a caveat.. I think:)
Thanks, Barbara!
This all looks absolutely delicious. Right now, I’d love to have some of that soup! X
Oh, and maybe just a swirl of heavy cream? I think sour cream could work as well, it’s not even necessary, just a garnish:)
Thanks again. I have attempted to make creme Fraiche, but haven’t succeeded in my two attempts…
I am in awe of your prose, young lady. Thank you.
Une bonne soupe aux pois et jambon… Quel bonheur! Reminds me of my Grand-maman… what a nice memory. Your delightful spread is surpassed only by the lyricism in your poetry Smidge. And I have to say, I just love the design, layout and feel of your blog. There is so much originality and beauty here.
Wonderful bountiful feast for friends.
Thanks Kelly.. I love the creative side of blogging.. Wish I could change it often, but then no one would recognize my blog:D
Wow.. I haven’t ever tried making that.. I should ask ChgoJohn.. he’s adept at making cheese.. maybe he could teach us how to make creme fraiche?
Oh, do ask, that would be so great!
Can I come for dinner at your house? It all looks amazing! (I love that soup bowl!)
There is no stopping by here for a quick visit. You’re definitely a destination and after consuming this entire post I have all sorts of new people to visit!
What a beautiful poem, Barbara. I love the way you introduce a calming tone and then invite us in to sample your delicious recipes! You have a hospitable blog site that represents you so beautifully. Each recipe is incredible, but right now I would just love some of that soup! And I read as many blogs as possible, too, for the pure enjoyment of experiencing life from new vistas. But I haven’t yet admitted just how many to anyone…It’s hard to explain to anyone not already a committed blogger, isn’t it? oxo
Firstly what a beautiful poem, secondly what a fest, thirdly I adore that bowl, did I say ADORE clearly enough? And what a lovely way to respond to awards, gently you.
I know what you mean about reading blogs – so many tales an dsights to be told and sahred. As Debra says above, its hard to explain… x
Thanks for reminding me of the beauty of winter through your poem, I am feeling wamer already. Did you make all those dishes for one meal? I am coming over right now.
beautiful words and beautiful food Barbara. (and like Claire said, the little bowl is gorgeous!)
Beautiful poem Barbara. You must have a beautiful heart to be able to write this way.
The line up of recipes are beautiful as well…and I have to say those little bowls are cute. Dishes are my weakness besides other things.
When I read your posts it makes me want to crash your house for dinner. (And then breakfast the next day.) (And possibly lunch.)
I love your mushroom tartines! I love that kind of food. That puttanesca chicken looks really sumptuous too! Your poem is really beautiful. Now I have this beautiful winter scene in my head.
The joys of reading food blogs, its travel and cuisine in your desk.
First of all congrats to the awards!
I enjoyed reading through your poem, lots of soul in it. But then I dont only know you as a great food blogger but also as a great writer and player with words. Please never stop any of these 2!
The Tartines make me feel hungry and the pea and ham soup reminds me of my grandmother.
I can taste those mushrooms though that image. Delish!
Lovely in every way, Smidge!
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
WOW Smidge! What a fantastic recipe! I love all the flavours and it’s healthy so that’s a double bonus!
Mandy xo
Mandy – The Complete Cook Book recently posted…Our Whale Bone
so healthy and so yum!
Andy recently posted…Improved Menus, Autosave, Revision Tracking, and Post Locking, FTW!
One of my favorite dips, although I cannot remember now if the one I make has avocado in it… great addition if it doesn’t
Indeed, a perfect springtime appetizer!
That sounds very good – I wonder how much sriracha I could get in there
Mad Dog recently posted…Linguiça Calabresa
Smidge! I’ve mentioned several times the past two days how i adore the many greens of spring…and now, with this, yet another green to swallow and savor! This looks gorgeous, and sounds scrumptious, and I’m pinning it and making it this weekend! (Several I know will want this too!) Love! (And, I suppose it doesn’t hurt that your photo is stunning!) I’ve missed you these past few weeks and will try to catch up! This was a beautiful place to start, my friend! xxx
Barb you were not kidding when you said Emerald green dip lol. It’s so bright and delicious looking.. that I think I’d have a smile on my face while enjoying this
Pure Complex recently posted…Design / Patrik Lönn
I love the combo of edamame and avocado in this dip….creamy and smooth! I love those crackers too.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted…Gluten Free Green Pea Muffins with Poppy and Mozzarella
Beautiful color and wonderful recipe. I usually gobble up edamames before I can put them to any use. I must restrain myself to try this.
never tried this beans. the combo of flavors must be out of this world… bookmarked! (and what lovely pictures)
Endamame AND avocado! What a great combination, Smidge! It sounds absolutely delicious..
celia recently posted…Three Cheese Biscuits
That looks really good and yes, it’s a very pretty colour. I can tell from the list of ingredients that this is a dip with great flavour. I would like to try and make this – perfect to have with drinks xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted…Cooking with Sunbeam
I really loved this suggestion. Absolutely amazing and mouth-watering.
Alex recently posted…Say CHEESE! appetizer // Aperitivo Para QUEIJO!
Yummy and healthy looking!
I never knew you could make edamame into a dip. If it’s anywhere near as good as the beans themselves it must be delicious!
This looks yum, I need to try it. I love edamame but never have good ideas of how to use it other than in curry or rice.
Yay, your posts are finally turning up in my WordPress reader again! And yay again for this wonderfully vibrant and no doubt delicious dip! Thank you also for sharing news of this new oil with your readers; i hadn’t heard of it before.
Marlene recently posted…Tomato Soup with Red Lentils and a Cookware Review
Hello Smidge, I have not heard of this oil so thanks for the preview. I love this little edamame and avocado dip. My favorite color is green so I guess this is going to be a great year. A great dip for entertaining. Have a super weekend. BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted…Diakon Salad with Sesame Dressing
This looks just delicious Smidge! And so absolutely trendy too.
My kiddos would eat this dip up in no time…if they could beat me to it that is.
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Thanks, Andy!
Edamame makes a great dip.. we both agree on that! xx
If you want the truth, Mad Dog, my daughter tasted it.. then just squirted a whole bunch in, so I underestimated for the recipe:D Wouldn’t want to make it screamin’ hot for some people, lol, but we love things really spicy!
You must be getting all sorts of lovely greens for spring in your parts, spree.. so close to the ocean and all! And that much further south of us. We’re desperate for a little more green here, but all we get is brown, yucky brown and snow. So the only green is in our kitchen, lol! Thanks for stopping in, I’ve missed you.. but I know you’re up to something fantastical! xx
It turned out so vibrant.. I guess it was the edamame being boiled? Even avocado doesn’t go that bright.. it was yummy for sure:D
We thought of it for that exact reason, it needed a little creaminess in it, without avocado it’s a bit drier for sure. I was thinking plain greek yogurt, but we didn’t have any at the time. Thanks for stopping by Angie! xx
My daughter only gave us this little taste.. for 3 of us, lol! So we were forced into restraint:D xx
I love that gorgeous green color!
Tessa recently posted…Mexican Style Pickled Vegetables
Thanks, Barbara.. but your pictures take things to the next level, I’m still working on mine!
Great sounding dip Smidge xxx
Tandy recently posted…Pickled Ginger Recipe
What a fantastic recipe! The color of the dip is brilliant and I bet it taste great, too!
daisy
daisy recently posted…strawberry-rhubarb sorbet
I just love learning about something completely new (or ancient:) And I have never ever heard of this oil. I’ve been going balistic on the smoothies and spring health kick – except for in this moment of brownie with a bit of real ice cream- loads of flax, chia and hemp!
This looks like a great recipe and I love the contrasting colors in the photos. Well done.
xx wendy
wendy@chezchloe recently posted…Celebrating spring and mid life!
This dip looks amazing! I love the color, and I really love the ingredients. I’m intrigued by this oil, thanks for sharing!
That looks amazing – I think our local health food store sells these beans. And those crackers look good too!
Chica Andaluza recently posted…The Kitchen’s Nearly In…
This looks fantastic! I’d have to restrain myself from eating them raw and whole though, love a good edamame bean
Lisa the Gourmet Wog recently posted…Easy Peasy Gozleme!
I love the recipe and the photo! Always looking for a great healthy dip!
Wonderful recipe and the love the fresh spring color!
Such a clever and unique way to use edamame, love it. Never heard of camelina oil, shall look for it when I go shopping.
Norma Chang recently posted sugar snap peas & chayote stir-fry:
http://gardentowok.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/sugar-snap-peas-chayote-stir-fry/
This has such a nice list of ingredients and I can only imagine the flavors this dip brings together. And it’s all so fashionable, too! Thanks for the tip about Camelina oil. I’ve never heard of it and will look for it around here.
ChgoJohn recently posted…Sauce in the Style of Bologna
I love edamame! This is definitely a healthier alternative than normal dips.
Great item to bring to a party for sure.
Amy Tong recently posted…Vanilla Dream Cake Recipe and a Giveaway
I love that you call in a dip not a hummus…great color, flavor/aromatics, and presentation!!
The Squishy Monster recently posted…Weekend Bits
I love the photo – the edamame just pops! Love the look and feel
Danny recently posted…Creamy Sausage, Mushrooms and Peppers with Linguine
Thanks Danny, looking back, my experimenting with photography has made that dip look a little too “artsy” I think, lol. I guess it’s back to the drawing board. xx
That dip looks gorgeous, I love the ingredients in there pine nuts, edamame and avocado this would be so nutty and creamy
Raymund recently posted…Cabbage and Cannellini Bean Stew
Thanks Raymund, I think the avocado made the real difference here for sure!
lovely picture!the dip sounds healthy and delicious all at once! Brilliant idea Smidge!
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