The Spring Festivus worked! { Even my blog seems to have imported without a hitch! } Warm temperatures have begun melting snow, streets are becoming a slushy mess.. and everyone is basking in the welcome sunshine! Not that I have anything against the color white. White is a calm, clean, warm color, one that reminds…
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…
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.
my parents had the family over for dinner last night { before they headed out to the lake.. thankfully flooding has subsided } i was asked to bring “a salad” i’ve been making salads for my mom since i was old enough to stand on a chair and whack out a few carrots on her…
Good looking salad!
Love prawns. I bet they tasted delicious in this salad.
Oh Smidge! I adore every single word in this post. What a fun read! I just love your new bike!!!! And of course, that salad could not be any more perfect for this time of year. I have got to try it. Thanks so much for this!
I love the photo of your graduation. Love the hair! What a great bike. And that salad – so many yummy ingredients and that dressing must be delicious. I’ve never candied nuts. I’ll have to try that. xx
Fair warning, Smidge, I’m kopying your bike! And maybe even your skirt, and for sure your salad! (…or, wait, did i already?? crimeny, I can’t keep us straight, except you make way prettier cakes!!) xoxo
Love this and your fab photo! Wow Smidge you must have given all the boys a run for their money! Beautiful!
Hahaha you can make anything you want spree… You’re my foodie hero and it would turn out so pretty!! And much more gourmet!! I’d love to see you do a makeover:) xoxoxo
Sent from my iPhone
I love Earls (we just got one here) an this salad looks great! Congrats on the new bike, it looks like fun. I recently got a basket for my bike, and it makes those trips I the grocery store and library that much easier!
Hi, Sarah.. I’m glad you enjoyed.. I can’t wait to go zooming around the neighborhood.. Baguette in the basket as they say:D
Hahaha.. We had fun with our Farrah Fawcett hairdos:D
Excellent grad photo! I’m just getting ready for a high school reunion and have been doing some things with grad photos – such great hairstyles! Looking forward to making this salad! Thanks!
Your new bike is super cool just the thing for whizzing to the shops on. I like the sound of this salad and it its so healthy – I am going to make it this weekend. xo
Loving the sound of those candied pecans – what a delicious addition to an otherwise wonderful sounding salad! Great idea – thanks for sharing Smidge
This was a really fun post my friend (she copied… Flattered you by wearing the same gown )
Stunning salad of course!
Cheers
CCU
I’m with Spree! I wanna be just like you!! Though I haven’t been on a bike since I was about 12 years old…
That’s the way I choose to think as well:D Thanks CCU!
They’re my favorite part:)
Cool bike and you were rocking that Farrah Fawcett hair style
Hahaha.. We just loved to flip our hair back then!
I seem to run out for one last ingredient all the time, so this will be handier.. Unless it’s raining.. Like it has almost every day so far:P
Hahaha.. It’s funny looking back now, eh?!
What a lovely summer salad, Smidge. I hope your weather has come around and is a bit warmer, if not, let me know and I’ll send some of our hot and humid weather round to you! The bike is adorable. I had fenders put on my bike so I don’t get the splash up on my back. When you get a basket, make sure it’s not too heavy; I got a very sturdy one, but it puts about 10lbs onto my bike which makes it tough to carry up stairs.
It’s funny, I had Farrah hair too…very funny.
I have a bike quite like that — with a basket in the front! Lovely salad. Must try it soon.
Oh.. So there are lighter baskets.. I’ll take a closer look at those. I will also look at getting fenders put on, that’s a great idea! Yes, the Farrah Flip.. We thought we were so stylin’:D
So I’m copying you;) We could go for a ride… with a salad packed up front:D
I haven’t been on it this year. Truth told, I fell off it last year and made rather a mess of myself. I must work up the nerve to try again.
Yep, I think I might have to copy that bike – love it!! And the recipe, it sounds delicious. (And I adore your blast from the past picture, too.)
I have nightmares of sleeping with curlers in all night – great BIG curlers!
Definitely a blast!!
Beautiful Post and that salad looks delicious – YUM:) Have a Wonderful Day!
You too
Sent from my iPhone
Awesome bike, Barb! Please get streamers. You must have streamers!
This salad sounds like a winner, too. That dressing is definitely going to make an appearance here — and soon. And I’ll be making those candied pecans, too. I just don’t think many will make it to the salad bowl. Who am I kidding? None of them will.
Hahaha.. For some reason I knew you’d tell me to get streamers!!
The salad looks delicious, but I love the graduation photo most of all! Matching Farrah Fawcett hair!
Nice photo, Smidge! Fantastic, hehe. Also, great salad Love strawberries in unusual places
I’d love to ‘copy’ this salad – sounds like a wonderful summertime treat. And I love the throwback picture, you look fabulous!
Excellent salad and nice bicycle too
This looks bright and pretty, with plenty of protein from the feta, pecans and optional prawns. I know you will enjoy your new bike. My particular vehicle fantasy is an adult tricycle, but, if I have to choose, I’d rather go back to France next year.
There used to be a TV show called “Dinner and a movie” where the hosts would share a recipe and, if I am not mistaken, suggest the most enjoyable movies to watch while eating the meal, or actually show a movie with a few interludes for cooking. I am not sure which anymore, but now I am thinking “Salad and a Bicycle,” a new show by Smidge. Doesn;t it sound good?
I would love that! A video of someone (you and I?) going down a dirt path with a picnic in our bike baskets:D Ah.. It’s good to dream! xoxo
Oh… I saw one of those when I was out scouting for a bike! They are really cool.. And much more practical than mine.. I was worried it wouldn’t get on my bike rack to take to the lake or I would’ve chosen that one for sure! But France… Hands down that’s the best choice:)
This is definitely my kind of salad. I might just have to copy you copying someone else now. It looks delicious. Love the pecans!
Ring ring… Ring Ring… Smidge is passing through. A basket is a must so that you can bring your yummy treats to the neighbors. What a fun post and a yummy interesting salad.
I’m in! You do the cooking though… we would not want to scare anyone with mine.
This is for sure how recipes get around.. And then someone else will copy you.. And on and on:)
I’m looking at which basket to get.. Some are wicker, but I think they’d fall apart in this rain!
Yum, this sounds delicious! I love candied pecans and feta in salad. Enjoy your new bike!
Love the bike, adore the hair, and I want to make this salad (except we don´t have pecans so will have to make do with walnuts)! And yes, imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery (as long as credit is due)
…as long as credit is given…but you knew I meant to say that
You make me want to eat salads !!!
What a perfect salad for a warm summer day like today. That looks delicious! And your bike looks like the opportunity for such wonderful, spontaneous fun…enjoy it, Smidge!
OMG I want your bike!
That grad picture – I think was the most sincerest form of flattery, hair and dress and shoes and all, and why not! Are we gonna see a picture of the bike with the basket for grocery? I hope so. It sounds good enough to want one!
Salad will be copied.
I just got my bike on Friday.. It took a while to pick out the right sized basket and attach it. Then I had to buy a lock.. Then a bell.. Hahaha.. I forgot about all of those things. Next.. It will just be groceries, but then I might need a back bumper basket:D
This salad sounds wonderful. I love the bike. Congrats!
That bike will suit black tie too *smile – really like the model. Can I replace quinoa with couscous in the salad? We don’t have quinoa in Sweden. Love everything about this salad. Especially with prawns or chicken ….
[...] on November 25, 2012, by admin in Lifestyle a. b. There’s nothing more charming than a pedal pusher. I love the banana seat bicycles [...]
“When you are so busy working outside of your home, it’s truly important to have the right people to support you. It’s not that you’re too busy, it’s that you need the right resources around you to help you out.” I won’t ever forget that advice, (given along with a plumber’s phone number). Sue had…
This looks absolutely delicious. I still have a few poms on hand too! In fact, I have everything but the lettuce…looks like I know what’s going on my grocery list today.
How wonderful to have such special friends and I do love Sue’s advice about a picnic and your salad is just perfect for the occasion.
Mandy
Sue’s advice is really quite sound. Concentrate your efforts and let others, when possible, pick up the slack. This salad works on so many levels, Beautiful to look at and the combo of pomegranate with feta and a touch of maple syrup must taste great!
I love everything in this salad and have about half of it in the house, including the pomegranate. We’d probably eat it with walnuts, though (our usual stand-in for pine nuts since we live in California and walnuts are a local crop). Sue sounds like a wonderful friend.
Loved your post today (not that that’s a new thing!) Liked a lot what Sue had to say. When we’ve been fortunate enough to develop close enduring friendships, why would we ever go trading them in on new ones? Keep and nurture them. Much good stuff to chew on in this post, Smidge! And then there’s the salad. Oh my! Gorgeous!
I have seen so many recipes using pomegranate seeds, and I really must try this one to test our adventurous tongues. Did you use dried oregano?
That looks wonderful! I love the pairing with feta. Great photos too.
Looks beautiful! I like the combination of the sweet tartness of pomegranate with the feta, great idea.
Yum! Feta & pomegranate!
That salad is stunning and your photo superb. I would love to eat this anytime but especially on a picnic.
So pretty – we are being given plentu of pomegranates at the moment by lovely neighbours and it´s good to have a new way to use them!
How beautiful and festive!!
What a beautiful salad! Great for the holiday table!
Delicious *and* picture-perfect salad. Accompanied by that most ideal of main courses, deep friendship. Wonderful!
I love it’s nickname.. “pom” sounds so fun:) Hope it turns out as you’d imagined!
So true… I haven’t done the “indoors” picnic yet, I wish I had done this when my kids were little!
It worked in our favor as well this week.. had a tow-truck recommendation and the guy was so great. It made the process so easy. (If only it made things a little less $$$:)
You know, I was thinking I should have tried candied walnut pieces… in any event, it’s a good thing I didn’t because I’ve been eating a wee too much sugar lately (a girl has to test the product, don’t you know).
Likewise.. always a pleasure to stop by your website… Gotta nurture our fellow bloggers as well;)
I had some dried “more leafy” oregano here that worked so quickly… but I think fresh would be so much more fragrant!
I guess it’s that sweet (maple syrup) salty combo that makes it so good… Thanks as always:)
It is a great combination… and it is getting closer to Christmas:)
it is a great blend of flavors… espec the salty feta…
What a beautifully festive salad! I love pomegranates!
Sigh.. it’s tough looking at photos when the dish is already eaten.. now I’m wishing I had just a bit more tonight for supper…
Seriously!!?? You get them from your neighbors.. just handed to you in large amounts?? Now I truly am jealous… You’re so very fortunate!
Thanks Melanie and Stefanie:)
Hmmm, yup, that’s what life’s all about food, wine, friends… er friends, wine, food..;)
just divine, such a lovely balance and you are so lucky to have such wonderful old friends.. especially wonderful old friends who throw such great parties! c
That is a darned goodlookin’ salad, and the awesome salad servers don’t hurt the eyes either. Beautiful!
Hey… careful with the “old” bit;) Heehee!
I love those servers.. pretty but not too functional, they’re sooo heavy!! I think it was Pottery Barn years ago…
We’re Jonesing for sugar around here, Smidge — we eat a plain Thanksgiving meal with only pies in the dessert category (We make up for this at Christmas, however). But we also crave green things as they get scarce in the winter. If I have pine nuts, I use them: what we normally have are almonds and walnuts.
This salad looks really, really amazing and so festive, too! Perfect for the holiday season.
So glad you liked it:)
Oh this Pomegranate and Feta Salad looks absolutely amazing. And may I say, the table decor and the plate and utensils for the salad are amazing as well. Very nice
Beautiful, Smidge, the seeds do look like rubies
Thanks Christina… me too:)
I sure enjoy setting up for photos…and then eating:)
I never thought of it that way… they do!
I made the salad last night! It was fantastic. The dressing was particularly good. I did end up using walnuts though…burned the pine nuts. You were kidding about keeping an eye on them. LOL.
What a nice memories and also to have a special friends… This salad seems so delicious… and beautiful photographs too. I will try as soon as… But the list will be without maple syrup! On the other hand, last night we had a salad with pomegranate molasses (tomatos, cucumbers, walnuts, green onions, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil and green pepper)… We like to use pomegrante in our food culture. But this Sue’s salad is new for me. Thank you dear Barbara, with my love, nia
This is such a beautiful festive salad! I love the combination of feta and the tarness of the pomagrante! I so agree that friends are so very important in a woman’s life. I cherish each and every one of my sisters!
Lovely post. And that salad looks and sounds divine.
You are counted as one of the special friends:) I don’t know what you could substitute maple syrup with? It’s a sweetener, so maybe agave or any other sweet syrup? Thanks as always for your lovely comments…. xo Barb
Yes, a great message for our kids… choose these people wisely and keep them close! Glad to have met you through blogging:)
Thanks so much! Now I shall go off to explore your website:) Take care.
What a colorful share!
I love this recipe! I have been browsing through your posts and you have such a fantastic personality that really shines through in your blog. Keep up the good work!
Well, thanks:)
Thanks so much, I love to have new readers:)
There are so many “firsts” in our lives. First time ever meeting someone who becomes a special someone…a friend or even more significant. And of course there are plenty of firsts to be praised, clapped for and duly noted when you have a child or a pet. It feels like it might be time for…
first time leaving a comment..! I envy you for having your grandmothers handwritten recipes!
I like the salad too!
Have a nice day!
I love this post! It tugged on my heart strings! The salad looks amazing and one I’m going to try. :O)
An entertaining list of “Firsts” + an incredible salad = 1 great post!
Thanks, Eri:) Just about to visit your website… glad you came by. It almost makes me cry when I look at her handwriting and read her notes…
Marvelous! A great-sounding recipe and a wonderful recital of Firsts. The fudge recipe and reminiscences of kitchen fiascoes remind me of an aunt trying the recipe for Can’t-Fail Fudge and having it go south on her. How cruel to set up your acolytes for emotional self-flagellation if your recipe doesn’t work for them! But it made mighty tasty ice-cream sauce in the event, so my auntie and we all forgave the recipe perpetrator eventually.
What a great post. Now I’m thinking of my firsts!
Awww, thanks Rhoda:)
I can only imagine your list… growing up in such an interesting family:)
Too funny… I always recheck my ingredients for that very reason. I hope someone would be so kind to let me know if they didn’t work! I love that you used it for ice cream sauce:)
Thanks! I’d love to hear yours, everyone’s are so different!
I adore salads as you know, and am always looking for new dressings, this really is lovely smidge.. Loved your Always list! c
How precious to have your Gran’s box of recipe cards. That is something to treasure for sure.
Sounds scrumptious! I especially love though the whole notion of your post! Really wonderful!
Thanks so much, c:) It’s been a lot of work catching up on everyone’s blogs. Funny how being away you can miss people from these pages:)
Guarded treasure for sure! I’m trying to figure out a way to make copies for my brothers and cousin!
Thanks so much!
I loved this post. I can think of the first bowl I licked and that was when my mom made homemade brownies lol. I couldn’t stop eating them. You brought back such wonderful memories.. Thanks
This is a wonderful sharing dear Smidgen! How beautiful these precious handwriting recipes of your grandmothers. I felt as you in my heart… How I wished my grandmother’s recipes would have been written in somewhere else… And never I asked her and she never taught me too. Maybe because of this, I love to share and to write everything, I don’t want anything to be forgotten. It touches me… And about your firsts! You are amazing, I enjoyed to read them. But to be honest I haven’t thought of this before and you made me to think now… Maybe I can make some of list as yours… If I can remember And yessssssss, this is delicious salad! I loved it. Also the photographs too! You did a great article, it was so enjoyable, Thank you, Have a nice and enjoyable weekend, with my love, nia
Here is the link dear Smidgen… Thanks and Love, nia
http://acupofteawithnia.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/first-things-about-my-kitchen/
I’m thinking of making brownies and mailing them to my son… they’re one of his favorites. I’m glad you have wonderful memories, I’d love to hear about them:)
I have my great grandmother’s box of recipes too! It’s one of my most prized possessions!!
I’m so happy you decided to post your list of firsts. I’ve commented over at your other blog… what an interesting and very different life it must be living in your country. I loved reading your stories! xo Barb
It was so awesome and sweet to read what you’ve written. Isn’t it interesting and exciting getting to know other bloggers from different parts of the world! I’m honored that you wrote a blog after mine:)
How wonderful to have a box of your grandmother’s recipes!
This salad sounds wonderful, too. I’m always looking for new salad recipes, especially with an Asian twist. Thanks!
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Loving the new look and the clean bill of health! xox
PS That salmon looks next level awesome.
Hello Smidge,
Your new site is absolutely gorgeous, just like you. Very easy to navigate and it loaded very quickly as well. I am very delighted to hear that you have been given a clean bill of health and thank goodness you do not have to eat that bland diet for more than 4 days. Thank you very much for the kind mention and am so glad we can help each other out any way we can. John and Spree always have delicious recipes and so glad you have incorporated them into one healthy and colorful meal.
It takes a bit of time to get everything settled with the move. If questions let me know.
Take care,
BAM
Movita!! You’re the first person to comment on my new blog:D I should have had a prize for that! xx Thanks so much!
Thanks, Bam! I’m glad to hear it loaded easily, I found out there was a “jetpack” that interfered with the template photo loader.. so the support team changed that for me.. and voila:) You are the second person to visit.. now I get to sit back and visit everyone’s blog and forget mine for a while:D xx
The salmon with pecans sounds wonderful and the new blog looks great Barb! I’m thinking about taking the plunge myself at some point so I may take you up on “paying it forward”.
Your “new” blog looks great! So does the salmon!
Great to be in the clear: go out and take a few deep breaths! Been there!! Love the new look to the blog AND the lovely recipe: yep, have made and enjoyed John’s salsa verde already also – cheated: snuck some homegrown mint in . . .Southern Italian methinks he said . . . well . . .
Firstly, congratulations! My RSS reader is amazing and here you are. Thank you for the link love
Congratulations, Barb! Your new home looks fantastic! A perfect place to showcase your wonderful prose & poetry, as well as to frame your beautiful photography. And you picked the perfect post to inaugurate your site. The food is all delicious and the presentation flawless. Well done, all ’round!
Thank you, too, for the kind words about my salsa verde. I’m so glad you tried and liked it.
You are definitely an artist my friend, this is so beautiful! I am definitely coming to you for remodelling advice!
And it is so springy as well
Cheers
CCU
So glad to hear the transfer went well! The flavors in this salmon recipe are perfect for me, it sounds delightful for spring. Well done, Barb, have a great weekend.
Congratulations on the successful blog move! And much more important, on getting an A+ on your health tests!
I am totally on top of this type of stuff, as my goal is to try to be as healthy as possible for the longest time possible… a lot of it is luck, one never knows, but we must do our best, and prevention and screening is the key
great post, Barbara! (I will be away from the net for a week or so, might miss some of your posts but will catch up later)
Hi Barbara, I’m not sure I’ve mentioned this before but I really love the look of the presentation of the recipes and photos, very nice. I’ve had the same look since 2007, I guess I should think about changing it up.
It had warmed up last weekend and we enjoyed 12°C but it has been cooling down all week and today we’re expecting flurries all day. It’s also very grey, which is very depressing.
That low-fibre diet sounds strange, I think I would get all bogged up and that is not pretty! Glad your tests came out with flying colours.
The salmon sounds fantastic, I’ll have to bookmark it because I’ve just read Charles (Five Euro Food) stuffed salmon recipe and I’m totally smitten. We’ll definitely try this one next week but like Charle’s salmon, I’m going to sub out the salmon with another fish since I’m not sure what’s going on with the Salmon fisheries in Canada at this time (they are said to be infected with an influenza virus and the CFIA has approved sales for human consumption, claiming it won’t affect us. I’d just rather not take a chance).
Oh Smidge, how pretty this new site of yours!! So lovely, so you! I’d so like to do something different but am not sure I’m up for the challenge. When I am, may I come knocking?
(Just for the record, I would too! 
) So happy you liked the kale salad, and isn’t (John’) salsa verde a fabulous condiment?! This pecan encrusted salmon of yours sounds quite wonderful…we’re coming up on salmon season again so am always happy for a new & delicious twist on something we eat quite a bit of in season.
I was a bit concerned when you said you were off for a medical “test” ! Am relieved and grateful to hear that all is better than well with you! And I must say, you girl know how to celebrate the end of a fast!!
Congratulations on such a beautiful transition to your new digs here! xoxo
Beautiful healthy food! I love everything about it.
I’m not sure I’ll be ready for salad until summer, but that does sound good
This is one for this weekend … love it and I found Panko breadcrumbs that I want to try too. Salmon is the big think we eat for Easter, beside the herrings .. and a couple of frozen snaps/shots to go with them. Will have some spinach mash with mine.
Thanks a million, Barbara and I wish you a great weekend.
CONGRATS on passing that test with flying colors. Pecan crusted salmon sounds fabulous. Starting my kale seedlings soon and hopefully harvesting will not be too far behind.
Your new look looks great and it is nice that it went smoothly. I’m always looking for new ways to cook salmon and adding nuts sounds very interesting.
Glad the tests were all good and the changeover went well…you deserved that gorgeous salmon after all that stress!
Barbara, the site looks fantastic! Congrats on the big move! It definitely can be unnerving but everything is beautiful as only you can do! The salmon looks delicious as well!!!!!! Love the simplicity and flavors.
New site looks great, Smidge !
The salmon looks delicious! And the site looks fabulous. Congrats on going self-hosted.
Barbara, I love the new look! Gorgeous elegance!
Your salmon looks divine. Love it. And it is perfect with a kale salad! Delicious!
Wow, your site looks fantastic, Barb and so light and airy…so pretty, as always, like a breath of fresh air! Exactly as I would expect from you and congrats. Also a big congrats on the good health report. If you have health you have it all. And this salmon certainly looks like a big and tasty part of keeping that good health, and good taste going.
Here I am! LOL! It took a few steps to be able to comment once again, so I’ve been slow to get back to you, but your blog looks just gorgeous! Good for you! And it’s excellent to hear that your medical screenings were purposeful and proved to give you a good report! oxo
Any salmon dish will be a champion for me, Love this recipe
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New site looks great Barbara and I can taste the crunchy pecan on the salmon right now.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton) recently posted…Monday Morning Humor
First, so glad to hear all of your tests are good. Second, as others have noted I just love your new site design. It feels light and effervescent and just pretty. I have got to try the kale salad. I just know that’s something I’d love for lunch. My hubby would love that salmon for dinner.
Allison @ Main St. Cuisine recently posted…Pan-Fried Cauliflower
Thanks so very much, Allison! I’m so glad you’ve popped by.. I’m still trying to catch up on bloggers I haven’t visited for a while! I’ll be over shortly! xx
[...] I got the idea from Barbara@justasmidgen – and she called her dish,“Jane’s Crunchy Pecan Salmon”. Don’t have clue who Jane is – and I can’t figure it out from her post neither. I [...]
You brave person! I hadn’t realised you’d switched because you seldom appear in my WP reader. I guess you definitely won’t now, so I need to subscribe?