The following is an excerpt from a post I made one year ago… The Field of Crosses “As my daughter quietly steered our vehicle home along Memorial Drive and the banks of the Bow River, we saw floodlights shining in the distance and the figures of people, photographers took shape and appeared out of the darkness….
♥ Disclaimer: I should mention now that these poems and ramblings of mine are not always a reflection of recent occurrences in my life.. but words that arise from a feeling I “get” from the weather, the mood of the day, I guess, stray thoughts like a dog that wanders. Rest assured that I am…
With this weather languishing in bed with a good cup of something and a snack sounds perfect 
Great poetic post today. xx
You have some good looking children! Love the quinoa dish! And the pecan design of the potato dish is brilliant idea…
Deeply inspiring for autumn thinking, life, photography and eating.
Smidge, loved your poem, and love the Moroccan spiced winter squash & quinoa – and could the photo be any more warmly luscious? (Hint: NO!) And wouldn’t you know it? Even your Thanksgiving sweet potatoes are adorned with flowers! I’m so excited to read the news that Just a Smidgen has been named Calgary’s top blog…any day now! (It was what we all knew all along anyway, but occasionally good news doesn’t spread quickly enough.) Have missed you Smidge and am glad to be back in your sweet company!
Oh boy these recipes look so yummy. Thanks 
Smidge, there is always so much love in your posts and what fabulous photos of your boy and the yam/sweet potato dish sounds heavenly!
Mandy xo
You have such a wonderful way of presenting your dishes. Magnifique!
What wonderfully fall recipes you’ve given us Smidge; and that boy of yours is very photogenic indeed! I love the flavours you’ve combined in the Moroccan dish.
You had us fooled, we all thought you were lounging in bed all day, longing for that lost love
Your poem is stunning my friend and its so nice to spend some time with your son 
Love the recipes and as always everything
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
The photos of your son are just amazing! You can almost sense his personality through them. Just lovely. I hope if I keep practicing, I’ll be able to capture my kiddos just as well. Wonderful recipes. I love fall and winter foods. They are so comforting, warming and full of flavor. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I’m sorry I haven’t been popping in as much. We’ll be back soon and I’ll get caught up. I love your poem too Smidge – beautiful. I always leave your site feeling serene and smiling.
Your poem is very good but I am glad to hear that you are enjoying comfort food for breakfast and that your heart is not crushed. I love the way you have arranged the nuts into flower shapes on the sweet potato dish.
Loving your post – going to have to try out the sweet potato dish – YUM! Have a Beautiful Day:)
Thanks, Sue!
Ahhh.. no rest for the wicked. I’m working from home today:D
Haha.. thanks.. it’s all my genes (just kidding).. maybe the food they eat?? xx
Hahaha.. any day would be perfect, spree!! You’re home!! I’ve missed you.. and I know you’ll have some amazing stories and foodie stuff to share with us!! Gasp, maybe you already have, I’m on my way over to you!! Wait for meeee!
Thank you!
xx Thank you Mandy
Well.. thanks so much Susie!!
Hahahaha.. lounging, well that is non existent for me:D You??
Well.. I will sure let him know:D
Funny, photographing still life/food has made me a better people photographer:) Don’t worry.. catching up is done whenever, right? xx
Well.. it has been crushed, I admit, but in a very distant past
You too!!! I hope you have better weather than us!! More snow and rain here today!! Blech!!
How funny, I have a giant bag of squash that I forgot to cook at Thanksgiving and I was just wondering what the heck to do with it all! And those sweet potatoes sound delicious – definitely a step up from marshmallows on top
Not so much…
Your posts, Barb, aways contain such beautiful photos but none so much as when your subjects are your children. Well done, Barb.
And as if that wouldn’t be enough, you go and give us a bit o’ verse and, get this, 2 recipes! Slow down! I’ve a hard enough time getting out 1 post a week and here you are blogging 4 posts in 1! Worse yet, I enjoyed the verse and want to try both recipes.
I understand that blogging is not a competition but you sure do set the bar awfully high. Do you think you could slack off a bit? Maybe posting an entry with a few typos would be a good way to start.
Where did my reply go to? I might be repeating myself, but I did want to thank you for your beautifully written posts, Barb. They always put a warm smile on my face. Loving that quinoa recipe!
Oh wow, that quinoa recipe looks sooooooooo comforting right now. I’ll be needing some of THAT.
Smidge, I love your poem. It’s perfect for me right now. Is there a way for us just to print the poem, like the recipes? I’m sorry if that’s a dumb question :0
Thank you for the recipes and the fabulous photographs too. I’m shocked you have a 19 year old son….he’s such a handsome guy!
Hahaha.. you got your wish.. apparently I left out what to do with the squash in the recipe:D I’m so busy these days.. my blogging is down to maybe twice a week so I try to cram in the recipes or I’ll be so far behind! I’m off to read everyone’s blogs.. my nightly cuppa tea!! Thanks for your kind words, glad you liked my poetry:D
I’d like to say I started young.. but I didn’t:) I didn’t even think about the poems like that.. I’m going to format them, starting with this one and I’ll work my way back. Thanks so much Sarah for an excellent idea:D xx I hope you’re not languishing:) xx
I don’t think so? WordPress has been “acting up”. I updated some formatting errors on earlier posts and it sent them off to Facebook as though they were new. Everyone thought I was really cooking up a storm, lol! Thanks so much for your kind words:) xx
I LOVE that marshmallow recipe! My girlfriend in high school (Joy) used to make it and it was my all time fav! I hope you make some up for us so I can get that recipe:D xx
Your words did make me think of lost loves from a long time ago. So beautifully written and such evocative words, Smidge. And you son is like a GQ model. So lovely to see photos of him. I wonder if he would get along with my Archie. They look like they would be great mates. I love his jumper – so big and thick and heavy looking – we don’t have jumpers like that in Sydney as it just doesn’t get cold enough xx
The Moroccan dish looks so exotic and delicious, not to mention healthful. And I love the design of the pecans on the yam dish. Taking a little time to arrange the pecans in a pleasing pattern adds such pleasure to the plate! It was great to see the photo shoot of your son (handsome fellow). Hmm, wonder if I could persuade mine to do that? Probably some type of bribery would be required
Hope you don’t mind me jumping in here (I know WordPress wants us to respond to other people’s comments, but it somehow feels a bit rude to me, like I’m interrupting someone else’s conversation; at any rate, I may as well finish what I started
Wonderful post overall!
Well I have quietly and peacefully loved your verse and admired the photos of a very handsome young man . . . now to get busy, as that Moroccan quinoa dish is absolutely calling out to be made – and THAT I can do here !
What a handsome son! The Moroccan quinoa sounds fabulous, and of course it’s gorgeous as are all of your dishes!
I don’t think it’s rude at all.. it’s interesting and kind of like a conversation.. closest to “Messenger” on Facebook, lol! I love reading everyone’s blogs. Every day I get to read something new and it definitely influences how my day goes.. and the added bonus.. it almost always gives me ideas for supper:D Have a wonderful week!! xx
Trust me.. I think a video would have been more entertaining than the photos.. the eye-rolling, muttering and frowning that went on was hilarious (at least to me!). I am a strong believer in bribery or whatever it takes!! xx
Your poem as usual is very moving! Have a lovely day
From what I read of Archie.. they would be instant “Bros” (I think that’s what they call it these days!)! If I told him he had a jumper on I would have gotten into even more trouble.. jumpers in Canada are skirts with a little bib top
Thanks!xx
Thanks, Tandy!
I don’t know if this will work.. I’ve made the last two a jpeg.. you could click on the poem/photo and then print?? Let me know if that works:) xx Night!!
Great post Barbara! The poem, your son’s pictures, breakfast, quinoa and yams… I loved it and now I have 2 more fantastic recipes in my list. Thanks for sharing!
It’s always a pleasure reading your posts
This dish looks as cozy as that sweater:) so lovely and bright too x
WOW! What a great post, handsome young man, delicious foods, and beautiful poem… You are amazing dear, Thanks and Love, nia
You have shared so much in this post, Barbara. Lovely! Your poetry is so beautiful and really compliments the mood of the delicious recipes. I am particularly eager to try the quinoa and butternut squash! I love the spice combination! Your son is a photogenic as your daughter!
I hope you enjoy the squash dish.. it was yummy!!
Amazing photos as always Barb! Your son seems very natural in front of the camera — does this mean that no bribery was required? I’m tucking away the yam recipe as it looks like simple delicious fare for fall …which is just the kind I like. Btw, we’re you having troubles with your site last night? Tried to visit several times last night but the screen was blank.
Beautiful photos Barbara and the Quinoa stew looks divine, great dish for autumn
Beautiful – and varied – post! You really covered all the bases with this one…
Oh my goodness! These are just beautiful, Barb! They both printed fine here. Thank you so much for this, wow. They’re perfect!
Great!! I’m glad it worked:D xx
Oh, yum! You make that stew look and sound simply irresistible, Barbara!
I thought this cover photo of your son was from a magazine, what a handsome young man!! I love the sweater he has on. These recipes make me swoon for fall!!
What a good looking and thoughtful young man your son is. He looks like a deep thinker.
Love your recipes, waiting for things to slow down a bit so I can start working with my butternuts.
Smidge what a handsome boy you’ve grown there! I think it’s lovely to have photos like that to look back on. Being 19 (from vague memories) was a bit of an awesome age to be.
What a great round up of fall goodness! You are moving fluidly into people photos. Lovely subjects you have.
Barb, what a gorgeous boy you have! My Big Boy is nearly 20 – it’s such a wonderful time for them! May he have a happy and blessed adulthood! xx
And the same to yours!! It is a wonderful time!!
Beautiful poem. You have this beautiful way with your words, they are so mellow at times yet strong.
What is it with boys not wanting to be photographed?
Gorgeous recipe, gorgeous boy!! Both filled with love.
A little bit of everything wonderful in this post (especially those sweet potatoes…I love sweet potatoes )
my little bambina is a downtown working girl for the summer… she’s learning to be frugal, so she brings her own lunch ♥ it’s always a challenge for me.. er, her to come up with a something new that isn’t { ugh } a sandwich or { again! } a salad ♥ sometimes you just…
I like all of the Italian flavors you have used in these, Smidge.
Yummy looking little cakes to have with salad! I’ll have to give them a try.
Thanks Smidge for the quinoa recipe! The look so delicious I would have difficulty stopping at one.
Very nice take on quinoa… I love this type of “portable lunch” that stays in the fridge patiently waiting… I confess that once I tried to do something along those lines using couscous – didn’t work. I ended up with stir fried couscous (sigh)
Hope you are having a great weekend, Smidge…
They sounds excellent!
These look like the perfect lunch, smidge! A nice alternative to a salad or sandwich and healthy too. Your daughter is lucky that you make these for her so she can, ahem, make her own lunch.
These sound lovely and I am gathering ideas for “portable” foods to pack for our 2 day drive to the UK next week…so if I can get hold of some quinoa I´ll be giving them a go!
Your bambina is a lucky downtown working girl.
Looks delicious – so creative when it comes to cooking – I need to find that:) Happy Saturday!
These parties look and sound delicious – burger time anyone?
Another beautiful post!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This honestly looks amazing. I just bookmarked the recipe…thanks for sharing!
How exciting! (on both counts). These look delicious.
Such a nice use of quinoa! You know, I only ever just boil it and then mix it into a salad or something. It’s so fun to see other uses…. really inspirational. I bet the parmesan is absolutely awesome in this as well!
Awwwww! What a good mommy
Oh I like this recipe a lot! Thank you for sharing Smidge, these are perfect!
Have just finished lunch and remember having to move my quinoa packets twice to get to other ingredients 
! Somehow have not used for a week or so: what a wonderful recipe to try now! I have used the grain in lots of forms, but never made patties. I may work from home and not need a ‘portable’ lunch, but, oh boy am I looking forward to these !
These look so cute! I have yet to make quinoa patties, your recipe looks really good for those
Always looking for ways to use quinoa, this is a great idea! Wonder if I can bake them instead of skillet cooking, I guess they may not brown so well:)
I love these! They are great with such variety of add-ins and they actually hold together really well–great portable lunch idea! Maybe with a smoky peach salsa….?
I have only cooked quinoa a few times and always in a boring salad. I like your spin on a portable lunch. Tomorrow of course she will be putting in her requests for all of her work buddies as well for more quinoa patties.
I eat a lot of quinoa, but only as a fluffy salad or side dish. I just love the sound of these patties, Smidge! I would love to make these for a tasty portable work lunch, but if I do, I’ll need to bring more to share, I just know! Debra
Hi Smidge, I know exactly what you mean. Trying to help these young adults with their lunch considerations isn’t easy. These quinoa patties look gorgeous and would be utterly delicious and obviously, these are very good for you. Wonderful that you go to the trouble to make something so fabulous for your daughter. xx
I have yet to taste quinoa… Your patties looks delicious Smidge.
Mandy
Awe you’re such a good mom, Smidge. These patties are awesome; I’d eat them with a Lively fresh pesto or even a creamy blue cheese dressing.
You refer to your daughter as una Bambina and then you fix patties that include organo, basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. If you’d have used beef instead of quinoa, I’d have suggested we get DNA tests before trying to figure out how you got separated from the rest of us Bartolini.
I’ve only just bought quinoa for the 1st time last week, so, I’ve got some experimenting to do before I start making patties. Still, I can definitely see myself making these in the not to distant future. I’ll probably be ready to give ‘em a try about the time our DNA tests come back.
We’re at the lake.. and so far so good, Sally! I hope you are too:D
Hahaha.. yes, open the fridge door and remove lunch and pack:D
I hope you like these as much as we did:D
I was thinking they’d make good burgers:) xx
Ahhh… yes, the “Mediterranean Connection”, there is one in fact:D However, my family is Irish (alas.. that makes me just a “lass”) but my husband’s mom was born and raised in Malta… a wee island not far from your much larger country. I guess they make ‘em “piccolo” in Malta… Dave’s mom is a petite 4foot “something” and my daughter is tinier than me.. ringing in at 5’2″ Having said that.. one should never mess with a tiny girl with “Maltese Connections”..
Yum! I have not heard of these creations. They do sound delish!
They look so light – perfect for a lunch as you won’t want to take a nap afterwards! Lucky daughter I say
I understand how it feels, trying to come up with new lunchbox ideas. These are great! I would love to have them with some melted cheese over the top. Do you think I could attempt this with broken wheat or semolina? I love the name piccolo patties, by the way.
I was thinking of adding some farrow.. I think the key is to have the eggs so it would be worth a try. The cheese sounds heavenly:D
Cute and sweet !!!! Those patties I could have a couple just now. Like your new look of your blog. Something has changed here … it was always been stunning, but it’s looks more “naked” now and I like it..
Looks so adorable AND tasty. Not to mention healthy! Nice work!
Yum! I can’t wait to try these! I just ran across a coconut breakfast quinoa, as well. I will let you know how that one turns out.
Your wee lass is a lucky one! These look light and positively delicious. I’m wondering about forming the patties and then freezing, uncooked so to have them on hand for one of those occasions when inspiration goes missing. A good fresh salad and these patties of yours would always be good!
Great twist on the traditional seafood patty!
These look right up my alley – and I always get in the lunch rut, too!
I’ve never seen anything quite like these Smidge, but they look absolutely delicious.
thank you for stopping by. what a lovely blog you have… and this recipe sounds awesome. only one problem… I could not stop eating these, making their healthiness vanish
Wow, I can’t help drooling. I just love patties
Well done Barbara !
If you submitted your piccolo quinoa patties photos to Food Photography , I’ll bet this will make you on the featured home page.
Gosh, you have made me sooo hungry !
Love Quinoa and these look fantastic! I love the idea of pairing them with a salad. What a lovely summer lunch or even light dinner. And as always, your photography is beautiful!
jeez… missed these in July too. These are a great idea. My daughter loves quinoa. I’m thinking I might also try cutting in a little ground turkey. We are always looking for new basics. She’s only eating poultry these days.
I started out with “good intentions”.. I really did, honest! But that’s life isn’t it? We design the best-laid plans ever, set off down one path and then we… stray ♥
Oh hot diggity dog!!!!! Two of my fave things to eat – fish tacos and salsa, especially the salsa! Happy happy joy joy
Wonderful … for me next week. Always use beer in my batter too – but I use rice corn – so it get that tempura thinness – looking real good. Thought you where going to put the fish into taco’s – hate them !!!! Tortillas goes down with me. Check out my fish & chips – or us. Have done tons in my life – http://wp.me/p293Pw-WY – thanks for this.
Oh dear.. We call these tacos at home.. I guess they are tortillas?! Lol!
I LOVE fish tacos! We haven’t had them in a while, so I must rectify that. I make a salsa similar to yours with cubes of mango and thinly sliced fresh red chillis sprinkled with a good squeeze of lemon (or lime) juice. As you say, Nom, nom.
This is a great idea..I’ve done both but honestly hadn’t put them together. Maybe some lime for garnish? And is that a tomatillo salsa too?
This looks sinfully delicious! Nothing wrong with a good ol’ beer batter fried fish every now and again. Life is too short after all. My mom used to always say waste not, want not too. LOL. I’m loving the peach salsa. Would you believe I actually just took some peaches out of the freezer to make a salsa today?! And I have to say I just always love your staging – the different plates that you use and showcase are so fun and gorgeous!
I had fish tacos yesterday, but at a restaurant, and they were made with grilled fish – I bet yours were MUCH MUCH better, and if you had to go for an extra lap around the park, no harm done!
We love fish tacos and go to Rubio’s in Denver every chance we get. Peach salsa would be great over grilled fish this summer too–I am so ready for the farmers markets to start up again!
Oh my dear Barbara, you did again, they seem so beautiful and makes me to eat all of them… Thank you, with my love, nia
Yum…they are my favorite…but might need to stick with the salsa right now as I’m trying to lose a few pounds…will keep it in mind for a special treat…:)
These look so delicious Barbara, the colours of the salsa is really offset by the amazing bowls you presented it in. So colourful!
Those pictures!! Stunning!! I really have to make the peach salsa, pronto. You’re right, it would be perfect with a few tortilla chips. It looks amazing Smidge. Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve never had fish tacos. I know! Insane, right? Yours look and sound delicious though.
Your Mom sounds like my kind of gal! I love that she’s memorized those great quotes that we all look for these days.
Have a wonderful Thursday dear! xoxo
didn’t try to be smart … *smile When I read taco’s – better have a look .. very happy when I saw that it was tortillas. Does it have to be cooked fish????
Nom nom! I love that expression (it’s a new one for me ) and yes to beer batter, fish, and oh for a fresh summer peach, the scent of summer!!!
“Healthy” is about the experience too, not just about the ingredients (but you know this)… and I bet your trainer asked for the recipe.
You got me good, Barb. I do love a good fish taco and I was duly impressed with your use of left-over halibut. They really do sound delicious. BUT, that peach salsa actually has me salivating. I’ll make it now and I’ll make it again when fresh peaches are in season. Best of all, I’ll make it next Winter when I need a little bit o’ Summer to cheer me up. Thanks for sharing 2 great recipes!
That’s super healthy (I would have deep fried those little fishy suckers without a second’s thought!!!!)
OOO fish tacos. Always a favorite. I like to make beer batter with Red Hook Ale. Great way to add flavor to boring tilapia fish. Love the quotes. Very nice and enjoyable post!
I think I’m more excited about the peach salsa than the tacos….and yum! How great do those look!
Your battered fish looks incredibly fluffy and crispy, Smidge; and the photos are lovely as usual. The peach salsa is a wonderful twist to the traditional accompanyment to this type of taco. I also love that you used soft tortilla shells to offset the deep fried fish. Nice one.
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
PS. For a couple of weeks now, I’ve noticed that wordpress forces you to use your account when commenting on another WP user blog; by doing this it no longer links to my blog, which is annoying. So until I decide to spend the $24 to make my domain name my own, I shall have to sign like I did above. Grrrrrrrr.
Tortillas are the wrapping for tacos. You can make soft tacos with soft flour or corn tortillas or crisp tacos (usually made with corn tortillas). Your fish tacos with peach salsa look fabulous and tasty.
What wonderful combinations. These really look good! And I’m going to say they’re still on the healthy list…if I could stop at one or two they’d be even better for me, but I don’t think it would be all that often we’d have a lot of halibut on hand. So go for it when you can! The salsa is really special, too, and I think when fresh peaches arrive this would be a crowd pleaser! I love all the quotes from your mom (or Plato/Shakespeare…). Debra
I ADORE this combination, Smidge. It’s really rather wonderful. Peach or mango salads always look rather incredible too.
I totally meant salsa…
Fish tacos are one of my most favorite things!! I love your flavor combinations here too.
Nom Nom Nom … hmmm.. sorry, I can’t speak with my mouth full! These are absolutely so delicous! You’re making me fat you know! hehehehe
Stunning photo’s, post and recipe! Thanks for sharing hon.
*big hugs*
While I’m sure the fish tacos were divine, I’m sorry I cannot sample them. More than happy to take your entire bowl of peach salsa with me and um… Go check something outside
Gorgeous recipes and post my friend!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Nom Nom Nom indeed dear Smidge! Scrumptious!
Mandy
Beer battered halibut is my favorite!! We get lots of fresh halibut around here – and rarely go the battered way since it’s not so good for you, but when we do, I am in heaven!! I love the idea of pairing it with some peach salsa, too.
Your original recipes are always the BEST Smidge. And your leftovers seem a lot more interesting than mine. What a gorgeous looking peach salsa. And of course everything is better coated in beer batter. Lovely how the dog was able to dine on this feast too. And this combination must have been incredible all bound up in a taco – I hope your kids told you how wonderful you are! xx
Into every life a little fried goodies must fall…and your tacos look like they were worth the calories, Smidge! I’m the same way about over cooking for company and live in fear of not having enough food when folks come over. Your solution to leftovers looks delicious.
Now I am salivating just think about fish in beer batter – yummy.
Nom Nom Nom indeed! What a glorious mix of flavours! Food for the eyes AND the tastebuds!
Hi Barbara!
Everything looks delicious. I have to try that peach salsa… Yummy!
I’m not a fish taco kind of guy, but you make them sound appealing. Good job!
THAT’s what leftovers look like at YOUR house, Smidge??? I hope my guy never learns of that! You put the rest of us to shame, tsk tsk tsk, and nom nom nom!!
(ps…must have your peach salsa! Come summer come!) xox
This makes me long for fresh peaches, just not the heat that comes with them. (Yes, I saw you used tin.) We had fish tacos just the other day and so did Geni. We all must have been on the same foodlength. Your recipe is great. So are the photos.
Peach salsa? YES please! I started adding fruits in my homemade salsa last year, and I absolutely love it… the tacos also look so mouth-watering B!!
This recipe sounds great, especially the peach salsa. What a lovely counterpoint to the deep fried fish. Don’t you love these little cooking projects that just take on a life of their own, leaving you to follow in their wake (with a big mess to clean up afterwards?
A smidge of oil never hurt anyone I’ve been craving pub food like crazy the past few days and now all I can think of is fish and chips hehehehe. I like the peach salsa, much cheaper than mango and just as tasty! ~Ruth
Hahaha.. happy joy to you:) xoxo
I’d try raw.. but maybe thin so it cooks through faster?? without overly browning the outside… A deep fryer would solve all of this, wouldn’t it? I just can’t bring myself to buying one.. I’d be tempted to bring it out all the time!!!
Now mango and chili’s sounds like the Hugh Carpenter one I modified. I’ll post it some day and we can compare notes:)
I believe it is.. that’s why it’s green, but I’ll double check:) I think lime should have been there.. absolutely, that’s a great idea!
Too funny.. must have been the thing to say for our parents! Along with the “starving children” admonishment!! Peaches.. were they fresh frozen?? If so.. I’m totally jealous!!
Oh, my goodness.. my trainer made us do much more than a lap!! I have a heating pad on as we speak.. er, type!
I’m going to remember that.. we do grill fish a ton in the summer out at the lake, this would be good.. with fresh peaches by then:)
You’re welcome, nia:)
I think you’d best then.. maybe grilled fish with the salsa:)
Thanks, Rhoda.. I’ve used those bowls over and over on my blog.. they must be the right colors for lots of different food!
I hadn’t had fish tacos for ages and finally did about 3 months ago. I don’t know why I was reluctant, I think it just didn’t seem “right” to have fish in a taco, lol! But once I tried them.. I love them now. Grilled is definitely the way most restaurants serve them.. much healthier;) Yup, my mom is awesome:) Aren’t all our moms? xoxxo
Hahaha, it’s a teenaged boy sort of expression!! Ahhh… beer at the lake, now I’m dreaming again!
You’re absolutely correct, how could I have forgotten!!!
I’m glad I got you today.. I’d love to see your peach salsa.. it would be amazing. I made a lemon chicken today and wondered if you’ve made and blogged Lemon Piccata yet.. I saw it and thought of you..
I agree!! So there!!
Now.. I think you’re right, different beer would add new dimensions of flavor.. I’ll remember that for next time!!
It is good.. especially with the extra bit of heat in it!
That’s not happening to me?? I have my own domain name, though.. Your photo, etc are showing as if you’d signed in?? I know if I log out I click on a little WordPress icon and it lets me sign in before I comment. But never a problem within wordpress once I’ve signed in? Is it a money grab, do you think??
Thanks, Sharyn.. for clarifying this, I’ve not made much mexican food:)
Two seemed to be enough.. probably because I piled so much salsa on, lol! They were filling then! Glad you liked the quotes!
But I bet salads are awesome as well..
I’m glad you like it:)
Oh, Sonel.. what would my mom say if she saw you talking with your mouth full like that;) I’m trying to make you fat, Sonel!! jk!! *hugs* back!
Haha, your comment made me imagine a drive-through window.. and me handing you a little box filled with tacos and a container full of salsa and chips:) What would that restaurant be called, I wonder?? Lol!
Thanks, Mandy:) Nom Nom to you too:)
We always order battered halibut when we go out for fish and chips too:) My favorite fish!
Trust me.. they’re usually not, just feeling awfully frugal these days, not sure what’s got into me! But I can’t stand throwing out a great meal two days later!! And.. the kids did:) Thanks!! xoxo
I love that.. it’s a wee poem, I think!
Ooops, sorry about that!!
Thanks Celia.. I loved photographing it.. bright colors in food are always so much easier!!
Thank you!! I hope you do some day!
I wasn’t before either.. but now, well, it’s the darn beer batter that I crave I think:)
Shhh.. don’t let GGP see this one then. But.. left-overs generally are, well, just left-overs. I had just spent so much on the halibut I really had to do something about it!! So no need to tsk tsk.. the reality here is probably much like the reality there:) xoxoxo
How did I miss these.. I’ll add a link:) We must be longing for comfort food these days! I can’t wait for fresh peaches.. the heat we get is nothing like yours.. it’s just, well, probably like one of your cooler days!
Now you’ve got me thinking about other fruit salsa combinations:)
Trust me.. I had a big mess after this one!! Batter and splatter everywhere, but I think it added to the enjoyment somehow!! Lol!
Now.. you’ve got ME thinking about the pub.. tomorrow’s Friday, right??!! Yay!!
hehehehe, she would most probably take the food away! LOL!
Yeah, I am picking up calories by the minute! hehehehehe
Have a great day hon!
*hugs*
Barb you have just made me crave fish tacos so badly…
I love them and now I am thinking why it has been so long since I have had them????
I love the peach salsa… You know costco used to carry peach salsa, I really liked it… But this is far far better so delicious and fresh and homemade…Yum….
This is a kind of food which can make anyone happy … ANYTIME!!!
I just love this post! Nom nom indeed
Have a fryer don’t use it very often, but it makes life easier when I use it. Very old and simple model, but it does the business. Forgotten to ask you what the green sauce is .. in the little bowl is.
Nom! Nom! Nom! and Yum! Yum! Yum! Sidge these fish tacos are a winner all the way. And with that salsa… Absolutely droolsome
I just searched Misk Cooks, and I can’t believe that I haven’t posted my mango salsa recipe. I’ll have to wait for some good mangos to appear in the shop though.
Ooh these are clearly popular – it took me ages to get right down here to leave a comment! Can you believe I have never eaten a fish taco?! Shame on me and I need to sort that out soon. And nothing wrong with frying every so often…will have to wait a while for peaches here but in the meantime I could adapt. And I am sure Big Man would be happy to finish off any beer left over from making the batter
Yours look positively decadent Smidge! Frying was truly brilliant with your leftovers to wake ‘em up and make them stand up tall. I think the four of us should have a fish taco party. Greg and Katherine can bring one of their amazing drinks too. You and I can add some dessert to the taco party. Thank you so much for the very sweet mention. It is truly appreciated. I am behind on my blog reading. Spent 5 hours on the freeway yesterday getting from L.A. to San Diego and back again. Need coffee.
Costco?? Maybe we need to make our own and market it to them:) Glad you enjoyed this post today!! Have a happy day!
Thanks:)
You’re so cute.. yum, yum, yum I’ll have to write up a post using that one! Lol!
I usually grill my fish for fish tacos, but using this batter sounds delicious. Great idea!
It took me ages as well:) Worth the wait sometimes to have new surprises in life.. Yes.. the leftover beer was delicious and perfectly compatible with the dish;)
Yay! Taco Party! I wonder if they would make their Drunken Pinto’s for us:) Glad to link up.. yours are the healthier version by far! And so pretty! What an awful flight.. why such a long delay??
I will have to try the grilled version soon:)
I sense that it is, Barbara, as I don’t own my domain name. I’ve been thinking about it though. Chgo John was kind enough to walk me through with some help, but we did discover that it is indeed the domain name. Perhaps wordpress will be $24 richer and I will be $24 dollars poorer this weekend.
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com
[...] We then tossed everything together, seasoned it with salt and a bit of agave. Once combined, we covered it and set in the fridge to marinate overnight. (For another delicious peach salsa recipe, make sure to check out Just a Smidgen’s here.) [...]
I didn’t think that many of us have our own domain name.. I did it because it was easier to tell people what my website was… Good luck! That seems like an unfair thing to do.. Doesn’t it?
My dad used to tell me that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I never appreciated that too much! I LOVE fish tacos but have never made them…am I brave enough? cooking fish scares me. But…maybe…yes!
it’s wonderful to have a trainer who pushes us beyond the comfy zone… even if it makes us feel a bit miserable for a couple of days…
Hope you are feeling better now, and ready for MORE!
I think the fruit in the salsa equalled out the fat from the fried fish. Most certainly. I think you should make your self 2.
Hahaha.. Sounds like you and I have the same sort of “dietary” rules going on:)
I love fish tacos and these look AMAZING.
This will be the last snow photo from me for a while.. “Aaargh not another Bloody Bleak snow picture!!” Yay! With only a one hour delay we made it through the Roger’s Pass (a snow-filled high point between Revelstoke and Golden, B.C.) and home, only to find (aside from those few gorgeous hefty dumps of snow in…
Well, I tried to go to your Facebook page, but I might be missing something, could not arrive there, although I clicked on the “like” at the bottom of your post
was there a clickable link in your post that I missed?
back to cooking: lovely salad, although I had to smile imagining that what you say is unseasonably warm in Calgary would probably freeze my Brazilian bones
Thanks for letting me know!! I’ll take a look!
Sent from my iPhone
Ok… I’ve added a link:) Thanks so much for the heads-up:) Sally!
The top image of the snowy mountain is so lovely. I feel serene and peaceful just looking at. What a good idea to buy a big bunch of flowers when the Christmas decorations come down . Your friend sounds like the very best type of friend to have and her salad looks good too.
I am having such trouble with my server and cannot download pics, but I am also NOT going to moan about the weather, just because it is warmer!! have fun.. c
It really lifts the spirits those flowers:) Yes… she is an awesome friend!!
Delightful post!
Yum; that looks so good!
Oh… Computers can be so frustrating!!!! Yes!! Cheers with beers to the warm weather!
Sent from my iPhone
Thanks:)
It is so good:) Thanks for stopping by!
After last Winter’s fury, maybe the weather gods are giving us a break this year — or just playing with us. Either way, I’m enjoying this! Your salad sounds wonderful and I love the use of the grated swiss.
It may be winter, but it certainly does look like spring at your place!
I found you on Facebook, woo hoo!
Beautiful salad and oh so beautiful peonies. Have never seen them here in Spain so will have to content myself with your photos. It seems to be spring here too – all very confusing for the plants and animals!
Ahhh… Salad + Nature, are kidding me! I loved it.
Hahaha, I like the way you think.. they must be toying with us and I’m happy to keep the snow up in the mountains where it belongs:) Thanks for adding me on Facebook! It’s fun to meet up on different sites, eh?
I’m workin’ on it… working very hard in fact… Tree is down and flowers are up. Not sure what the next step will be?
Yes!! Very fun to be connecting on another site isn’t it?? It means I get more “mail” than just the regular posts from you… awesome!
I didn’t know they were a local flower… but every region has their favorites. Peonies grow quite easily in the gardens here… but cost a fortune out of season at the florist. She gave me a smokin’ deal and I just had to have them:) Yes… the poor plants and animals? What must they think??
Well, that’s just awesome… so glad you came by and liked it all:)
Looks delicious! I love a loaded-up salad.
Some of your most beautiful ‘vignette’ shots yet, my darling. Spectacular! Such lovely objects (and yes, peonies are so explosively sweet), so truly artfully arranged. Heaven! Capped with a magnificent snowy peak, followed by glorious Goethe, a crisp and refreshing salad (oh yes, pears! pears!). Woman, you have gone right over the top! Love it. *Love* it.
xoxo!
Kathryn
So technically, how many more months of winter will you have to endure, Smidge? Your beautiful photos and poems will help us make it to spring. Take Care, BAM
Great post, yet again.
Smidge, You have been awarded the 7 x 7 Award – Congratulations! Find out more at http://theemeraldgarden.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/7-x-7-award/
Inviting photographs. A lovely post and delicious recipe!
Today it was in the 60s and felt like Spring. Strange.
I’m never tired of looking at your snow photos – we are very snow deprived over here. I’ll click on your FB link.
Is there a reason why the poppy seeds shouldn’t be added to the salad if you want to hold some over for the next day?
The Facebook Page is a great idea and it’s a lovely page. As always I love your evocative photos and the choice of recipe and poem are lovely, too.
What a beautiful post… Photographs fascinated me so much… Have a wonderful romantic touches… You are amazing dear Barbara. And sure, the poem is another beautiful touches throught the poetical words… Then once again you fascinated me with your delicious and nice salad recipe and photographs… This is the beautiful world you created that I can stay forever in there… Thank you, with my love, nia
I love your peonies!!!! They are one of my favorites as well. They remind me of playing with my grandma in the spring at her house. She loved peonies and had several bushes. She would let me pick them and arrange bouquets. Thank you for those memories this morning. And I know what you mean about the geese being confused – it’s more spring like here than winter. (Not that I’m complaining.) And I noticed yesterday that my daffodils are beginning to come up. I don’t think they realize it’s still January either. And of course the salad looks phenomenal!
Smidge, happy to have you on facebook!
Lovely post! As for the peonies – I think my very favorite flower – there are times when absolutely nothing should stand in the way of plunking down big money for them. Amazing what a bouquet of peonies does for a room and for the spirits! Icy winter to fragrant spring!
As for the salad – which look delicious – I’ve counted twice and I’m 2 shy on the poppy seeds. What would you do?
Beautiful series of images, beautiful words, and one really yummy looking salad. What more could anyone want in a blog post?
The snow pictures are never dreary Smidge. Never.As a So. Cal. girl, I never, ever get to see beautiful snow capped mountains like THAT. This spring salad looks incredible. Cashews? I have not used them in a salad before. Bad, bad me. Because that sounds excellent. Love the combinations of fresh ingredients for a healthy start to our new year.
Very nice! Can’t wait to try it…
I’m just counting down the days until spring, too. It’s my favorite season – though here we generally have winter, then another fall, and then a short spring before summer. Love the peonies!! And the salad recipe.
What a beautiful spring salad! Bouquet is definitely the right word.
I just LOVE all of your photos of the classic mirrors and the flowers. I am in such aww of the classic white/cream mirror above. And this spring salad.. amazing. Love the recipe.. I just love salad any day of the week
Glad to help!
Thanks so much! They’re a favorite of mine after Christmas!
Love to you, Kathryn, xoxoxo Smidge xoxoxo
That’s an excellent question, I think I always try to plant my garden after the May long weekend, but we can get a big snowstorm at any point in June… So?? I shouldn’t think this will last forever:)
I think you’re away at the moment.. at a spa I believe?? Anyway, when you get back I shall comply:) Thanks so much!! What a great surprise!!
Interesting, eh? I’ve been reading similar stories everywhere.. and our blogging sites cover a lot of countries!
That’s so awesome of you! Well, as you’ve read we would like a little snow here as well… I did hear from my daughter we’re getting snow in the mountains tonight!! Yay!!
I might be wrong, but pretty sure I read somewhere not to keep them in?? Not sure why, perhaps you do? I think something happens to their texture would be my guess:) But perhaps one day wouldn’t make a difference?
Thanks so much! It’s fun and I can post food related updates that don’t involve a whole post of writing… I can include extra photos as well… I’m glad you liked that poem:)
You’re very welcome, nia, it’s always so great to write when it’s you who is reading:) xoxo Smidge
I’m glad my post brought back great memories like that.. you never know what will trigger one of those and it’s sure great when it happens. I can just imagine you picking them with your grandma…
I wonder if the daffodils will just bloom and then be done early??
Thanks, Spree!! For all of your lovely comments… I laughed out loud, thank goodness for you and your sharp eyes.. I’ll change this back tomorrow, but think I should leave it there to see if anyone else notices!! Hilarious!
Oh, I think some of your beautiful photos would do;) Thanks so much, this is a real compliment coming from you!
Well.. it’s never too late, I hope you get the chance for a winter holiday one day.. go skiing, tobogganing, snowmen, snow angels… it’s so much fun! Cashew are one of my favorite in a salad, I hope you like them if you try!
Such pretty photos, Smidge, happy new year xxx
I always love the variety on your blog.
by Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
Lovely post and beautiful dish.
I call it Israeli Couscous – which is another way of showing that we are all one and the same. Lovely post.
Thank you for your lovely tribute…”The larks, still bravely singing, fly…Scarce heard amid the guns below…”
Have visit quite a few of the war cemeteries in Normandy, France .. far too many of them.
And still every day men and women die for wars that isn’t even theirs. A beautiful tribute.
Love the photos – very respectfully.
I will do you’re couscous this week coming – and add some chicken to it. Will come back with verdict.
This looks lovely! I can’t wait to try this! Your photography is fantastic too.
Lovely heartfelt post my friend. Thank you.
Hugs
Uru
Very lovely post. Thanks.
Beautiful tribute, touching photos, and a great recipe to tie it all together “a la Smidge”
I am also fascinated by different ingredients, and methods of cooking – sometimes I fall on foreign blogs and do my best to extract the “essence” using google translate – not easy, but it does give a tiny window to peek into a different world. Still, so many bloggers all over the world blog in English, those who speak the language are very luck!
Beautiful tribute, beautiful photos, lovely recipe. Thank you!
Linda
We are very fortunate indeed Barb. We had our minute of silence with the girls and paid tribute all who lost their lives all those years ago…. Just love israeli coucous and your salad looks full of flavour. Lovely post.
A beautiful post, Barb, and heartfelt tribute. We owe so much to the generations that fought before us. Imagine the World had they failed.
This time of year, there aren’t many salads that appeal to me — the veggies just aren’t at their peak anymore. This one, though, is perfect. The flavors are bright and the salad colorful — just what’s needed on these now gray-skied days.
That’s a lovely tribute Smidge and so true! I love that kind of couscous and with the ingredients you’ve put with it, it looks very pretty xx
Beautiful post Smidge. You have such a way with words – which is especially difficult when sometimes it seems as though words are not enough, yet you find a way. You have a gift.
Am an army brat, born and bred . . .veneration of those who paid the price was ingrained with baby milk . . .beautiful remembrance photos . . . I too am used yo calling this Israeli couscous: we speak of the same – beautiful recipe!
The field of crosses is so moving. Lest we forget.
The salad you posted is lovely and sounds delicious.
Very nice post. Thanks!
Such a great reminder and the dish looks so tasty!
Thanks for the lovely tribute Barbara! The veggies at the market have been looking very sad and dismal as they are no longer in season. So this is a great way to have a salad in the winter. Take care, BAM
A beautiful tribute Smidge! I have only ever used the small grain couscous – I will definitely be looking out for this big ball variety.
Mandy
There is tiny country cemetery near Godalming in Surrey, England which is filled with Canadian war dead from WWII. I know it because my Godparents are buried there, overlooking the cottage that they lived in. Remembrance Sunday is made even sadder by the continual addition of wounded young men to the procession of old soldiers remembering wars which have taught us nothing.
Very moving words. There is something about seeing fields filled white crosses (I have seen them in France) that really, really gives pause for thought and reflection. xx
Wonderful and meaningful post dear Barbara, I am impressed so much. And your recipe and photographs are amazing too. Thank you, love, nia
I just love the texture of the large pearl couscous. Such a fresh and lovely recipe.
The photo of the crosses is humbling; we are indeed very fortunate to live in such a generous and wonderful country.
Lovely post Smidge.
In the past have tried and failed to locate giant couscous, but I imagine plain cous cous or orzo pasta would work well with this recipe also.
A lovely post, and remembrence. The salad is attractive as well. I love salads like these in the warmer weather.
What a lovely colorful salad!
Beautiful post Smidge.
One of the reason I love all the bloggers is that they’re so willing to share things from their world. I’m SO grateful for that. It’s a great way to travel when, well, you can’t travel. I’m so excited about this recipe – one, because I’m desperate for some new things to have for lunch, two because it’s couscous and I’ve never tried it (shameful) and three, because of its ethnicity. I just love trying new things from new places! Thanks, Smidge
What a beautiful post my dear.
When googling to get a better handle on this Couscous, it was referred to as a pasta. I think the orzo would be amazing and would have the right “weight” to support the tomatoes and olives:)xx
That field of crosses is gorgeous. What a place to stumble upon. Your photographs capture it perfectly. And this recipe? Oh boy..you had me at cous cous. YUM!
A very touching and poignant post. xx
Wonderful tribute post.
Smidge, you touched me deeply with this one. And your field of poppies couldn’t be more perfect I think. Nothing but goodness. So grateful for you I am. xx
What beautiful and symbolic colors. The tomatoes do remind me of the red poppies people wear on Veteran’s Day. It’s mind boggling to see a peaceful field(s) of flowers and imagine the horrors that took place there. Here’s to the veterans of our countries!
Does this every look absolutely delicious! What a compelling read! Good luck with the Canadian Blogger contest!!
V
I think I would just dissolve in tears if I came upon the field of crosses! How do we ever comprehend the sacrifice of so many. Thank you so much for sharing this. And the couscous recipe is particularly nice, too. I do love couscous and could use a good recipe!
a humble dish for a humble post
Now chicken would be a great addition.. thank you for stopping by, as always. xx
I love Google Translate.. I rely on it, even though I believe it does wonky things to semantics.. it’s fun to use:)
Thank you, Barb xx
I hope you like it as much as we did. We’ve had a fair bit of sun recently, I will try to send some your way!!
My husband often refers to himself as a navy brat.. thank you for stopping here. xx
*sigh.. I miss those summer markets.. You take care as well! xx
I want to dig my spoon into the screen! It looks scrumptious
That is truly heartbreaking…
I hope you like it, Sarah.. I think many different ingredients could be added to it..
As I you.. xx
Will do it this weekend coming … *smile If I can find the right couscous!
Such a colorful dish, it just brightened our rainy, dreary morning. Never worked with Lebanese Couscous, need to get some, I could have a bowl of the salad right now.
This couscous salad looks so tasty! I love couscous (all forms of it!) and all the fresh herbs in this salad sound so delicious with it, especially with the light lemon dressing
Wow, that is beautiful. I have seen similar fields near D.C and Virginia but never that close.
This is such a beautiful post with a beautiful dish to tie it all together =)
Beautiful post and I’ve got all the ingredients in my pantry, including moghrabieh so I’m making this today. It’s perfect.
Indeed a breathtaking view, shocking in the same time…
It seems like ages ago, but then the last war is still in the air some parts of the world.
The couscous in Lebanon is so huge, like the one from Israel. I have never cooked or indulged in this type, we are used to the small Moroccan type.
I agree, we can estimate ourselves lucky to live in a almost peaceful century, in a world where we can share and communicate with each other, nearly without borders.
A beautiful post Barbara. Let’s not forget
What a beautiful, vibrant and healthful dish Barb. What a striking and sad photo. Thank you for helping us to remember and find grace and humility when thinking of our fallen soldiers.
I haven’t come across this kind of couscous before, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it
And a lovely set of photos and gentle words, a good reminder to us all Smidge
touching. and regarding the food… this looks so delicious and healthy! I love Libanese cooking and this dish sounds just made for my tastebuds. thank you for sharing!
Thats a nice salad, I need to buy those type couscous. Looks so delicious!
Seriously I need to eat everything on your site.
http://wearyourvitamins.com
As a historian I never forget….wonderful post.
Barbara, this is a beautiful tribute!! Very moving.
Your couscous looks delicious. I love the recipe!!
Beautiful, beautiful post. Thank you for sharing!
[...] About 8 weeks ago Barbara@ justasmidgen posted this fantastic recipe – on Remembrance Day, 11-11, “Vegan Lebanese Couscous with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives” [...]
That is a very tasty couscous recipe!!!
[...] about 3 hours out in ambient temperature. For the couscous I decide to got back to Barbara’s – Lebanese Couscous (borrowed) – that I really like, but didn’t have all the [...]