Our Retirement In Idaho

Sunshine On The Boise Front

2012-01-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

The mountains - the Boise Front - looks so much different today. Full sun. Pure white snow, where it belongs in the mountains. Now we know why we live here. Here are some other photos of the mountains that I took today. The one to the left is of Shafer Butte. Look for the antennas. These photos were taken from the Boise Depot - Union Pacific Station.

Bogus Basin Ski Area in the background. About 20 minutes from our house and a climb of almost 5000 feet. Downtown Boise is in the foreground.

Here you can really see the "basin". Depending on the amount of Spring rain we get, the brown hills should be green in the late spring and early summer. Look at the size of the homes in the bottom left of the photo and now you get some perspective of the size of the mountains. No it's not Iron Hill. Delaware!

Stormy Skies and Waterfalls

2012-01-26T17:12:00.003-07:00

Creating a Black and White photo really enhances the mood of the photo. If you can, let the "photo" create the "mood". Look into the photo; Look deep into the photo and the mood will come into the present. Too deep? Just enjoy whatever you see or conjure up.

This photo looks old. It's not.
("We have a water fall like this here in Ga, its bigger, lots more "steps", its called Minnehaha waterfalls...means laughing waters. Its beautiful and about 2 miles from the road...its was a nice hike in to see it." - Joyce Mitar Morgan)

This, too, looks old. It's not.

Boise River Construction Part 6

2012-01-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

They finally finished most of the construction on the Boise River Rapids. They are starting their "clean-up" and this truck has just delivered a load of rock and dirt to re-build the Greenbelt. The other photos below show the construction as it was a month ago and then today. The river water is now flowing in the river bed and not through Quinn's Pond. The first two photos below show how the river was completely diverted and what it looks like today. The pictures were taken in almost the same spot. Enjoy!

Here is the "road" that the construction vehicles use. Eventually, the Greenbelt will be back in shape so it can be used to walk, run or bike on. It should be nice.

Re-building the Quinn's Pond bank.

The next two photos don't look to exciting. But, there are hydraulics in place (see the first photo) that will control the "look" of the river and the rapids for kayakers.

The "dam" here is all hydraulically controlled.

This is the artists conception of the finished product. This really looks interesting and it will be an exciting spring this year when it opens!

The Mergansers are still in the area.

Brown Shuga Soul Food Menu

2012-01-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

Check out the menu that Yvonne has for you today!! Let her know you saw the menu here.

BBQ Spare Ribs
Seafood Creole with Rice
Sides
Mac and Cheese
Baked Beans
Coleslaw

Barbara Herrick Starts Her Blog

2012-01-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

Congrats, Barbara, on your new blog, Barbara Herrick. I will link it in the sidebar. Do look at her work. Here is a little of what she writes about herself. "I'm a writer in the Northwest, have written The Blackberry Tea Club, published by Conari Press. I'm enamored with great families, yours and mine both." Do pay her blog a visit!

Preservation Idaho and other Adventures

2012-01-21T15:10:00.002-07:00

The river diversion and construction is going along fine. I hear that the project will be completed this spring. This is an overall view.

The Quinn's Pond side of the dam. East side of the river.

The center of the project.

The Garden City side. West side of the river.

This is an artists' conception of the finished project. It should really be interesting and fun for the kayakers. Quinn's Pond is on the top of this graphic, but not listed.

Then, besides looking at how the Boise River Construction is going, we also attended the Preservation Idaho yearly meeting. Good to keep in touch with these folks trying their best to preserve the historic properties in Boise. They do an awesome job!

Some of the food - (Back L-R) Kiwi Salad, Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce, Bean Salad, Spinach in Puff Paste Rolls and Vegetable Tortilla Rolls.

More of the food. In the pot, Chicken, Shrimp Bruschetta,Quinoa Salad, Egg Salad Rolls and Salami, Cheese and Olive Spears.

Desserts were also available along with a generous supply of donated wines. Only there were no Idaho wines, and they would have been just as good as the ones served. I know that if they had asked some of the Idaho wineries, they would have donated wines for the project. Maybe next year. But it really was a good affair and we look forward to next year.

Boise's First Snow! 17 Jan 2012

2012-01-18T10:20:00.001-07:00

The snow finally came to Boise! Yea. Now maybe the ski area at Bogus Basin, 20 minutes from us, can open. I hope so. In the meantime, the birds still need to eat and have water. Remember to keep the water thawed. Here is a House Wren. Enjoy! Got to go shovel!!

Backyard Junko

Our house in the snow storm. See the snow falling? The blue tint comes from the sunlight filtering through the snow and filtering through the ice crystals in the snow. Ever see a blue glacier? Same principle.

Gen and Frank's house next door.

Winter Wine Dinner, Boise

2012-01-15T15:54:00.002-07:00

This looks like it will be an great evening. The menu looks awesome! Winter Wine Dinner at the Castle Ranch Steakhouse in the Boise Hotel on Vista. Maybe make reservations and then spend the night in the hotel. Heated pool. Spa. We have had their steaks and they are wonderful. Have you ever been to Burns Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida? This is the Idaho version. We might even be there. The menu alone is worth the price. Cheer!

Correction: 20 Jan 2012 - The date of this event is February 18!! Sorry for any inconvenience.

Brown Shuga Soul Food, Boise

2012-01-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

Need and want something different for dinner tonight? Kook at this menu:

Brown Shuga Soul Food is having BBq chicken and pulled pork for lunch today will only be on Chinden til 2pm today. Then moving to the Red lion downtown this evening from 5 till 9pm for our monthly food truck rally tonight. The menu for dinner will be bacon and potato soup, mac and cheese, black eyed peas and bbq chicken with peach cobbler for dessert.

Let Yvonne know you saw the menu here on this blog. If she sends the menus, I'll post it! Cheers and enjoy the food!

Mediterranean Cruise Night With The Treasure Valley Wine Society!

2012-01-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

What a super way to start the new season! Awesome program, food and wines from around the Mediterranean. Robin spent many, many hours on this program and it showed. Super job, Rob!
Thanks must also go to Bonnie Pedlow, Project Manager U.S., Sud de France Développement, Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon, 10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 Branch who sent Robin a box of brochures, wine pouring disks and cork screws.
The map shown here is one Robin made with our ports-of-call for the evening. The program for the evening incorporated all of the new Board Members who presented at least one wine. Here is Robin's report and her program.

TVWS Mediterranean Cruise : Ports of Call
Welcome with Idaho Wines – Meet the New Board

Fly from Boise to NYC to Sevilla, Spain. Bus to Jerez. Board Ship
1. Jerez de Frontera, Spain Gerald and Pamela [past pres.] C0-0P $ 12.00
17% Alc.Varietals: Palomino, Xarel-Lo Toasted Almonds
Pass thru Straits of Gibraltar Salad, Shrimp, Bread, Cheeses and Fruit
Cruise up the East Coast of Spain; optional visits to Barcelona & Ibizia.
Overland optional excursion from Perpignan to the Camargue and Carcassone.

2. Sud de France Bridgette G.Hull [V.P] and Cheryl Gibson [ AL] $13.99
2010 L’Oustal Blanc K10 St.-Chinian Propietary Blend* Boise Co-op Wine Shop
15 % Alc. Varietals: Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, Bourboulanc, Roussane, Counoise, Picpoul Noir, Picpoul de Pinet, Muscardin, Picardin, Vaccarese. *

3. Languedoc, Sud de France Robin [Cruise Director/Menu] K&L Wines $17.99
2009 Prestige from Chateau Puech-Haut, Saint Drezery Coteaux du Languedoc
15 % Alc. Varietals: Syrah, Alicante Bouchet, Carignan, Clairette, Pelut, Lladoner. *
Side excursion re-board at Marseille and visit Count de Monte Cristo’s prison island. Visit the Plage at Bandol [suntan or swim] Riviera Native Dress Code fashion show. (Robin and Bridgette did a great job modelling the fashions!)

4. Provence Carl Abrahamson [Treasurer] $13.95
2009 Mas De Gourgonnier from Les Baux de Provence
14 % Alc. Varietals: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah
Organic and Biodynamic Wines and Vineyards Boise Co-op Wine Shop
Side excursions to Grasse Perfumeries and Monaco Casinos and SHOPPING !

5. Sicily Tom [President-elect] and Karen [AtLarge] Birch $15.99
Cantina Colosi Nero d’Avola - grown in a 10 Hectare VY in Salina; bottled in Messina
14 % Alc. Nero d’ Avola Bueno Cheapo Vino
Disembark at Tirana, Albania for overland bus tour to Budapest,then Eger, Hungary

6. Eger, Hungary – 2008 Eszterbauer “Tuke” Szekszardi Bikaver (Bull’s Blood)
Bob Young, [Captain, Century Club List] K&L Wines $21.99
14 % Alc. Varietals: 26% Kekfrankos, 24% Kadarka, 22% Merlot, 10% Pinot Noir,
8% Cabernet Franc. Hungarian Goulash with noodles, cooked celery & carrots
Load up on the bus after Hungarian Goulash – thank you Jake!
NE towards the Carpathian Mountains for dessert. Blonde Caramel Bars

7. Tokay, Tokai, Tokaj 5P Toni Smith [AL] Boise Co-op Wine Shop $36.50 / 500ml
10%Alc. V: 60% Furmint, Birsalmás grapes, which are mainly Harslevelü, Yellow Muscat Lunel, Zeta [previously called Oremus) , Koverszolo, Kabar. .
King of Wines; Wine of Kings & Queens +Thomas Jefferson: “Once in a lifetime you should experience Tokay” 1-6 Puttonyos – 25 kg baskets ->fermenting cask of 136L.
Oxidative aging with deliberate air contact for 3 up to 8 years; stable for decades.
After Cruise Photos ….. Fly home safely.

(L-R) Karen and Tom Birch, Carl Abrahamson, Howard Reid, Bridgette Hull, Gail McClellan Parker

The Cruise Chef, Jake, and Crew.

Some of the wines we had.

Cheese and Fruit Plate

Salad Bar - Make your own!

Hot Vegies: Carrots and Celery

Fresh Noodles and Hungarian Goulash

Our ship!

Next Month: Zinfandel and Chocolate with Kathy Johnston. This will be another great event so we hope to see you there. It should be a lot of fun, a lot of Zin and a whole lot of chocolate in many different forms. Cooking a main dish with chocolate can be a real treat and lots of fun. Cheers!

Marnie, Mac and Murphy - The Three M's

2012-01-02T22:30:00.001-07:00

A 35 second video of Marnie and Murphy.

This is the first time that Robin and I have seen Marnie and Mac with Murphy - at least Marnie riding him and he all decked out in saddle (thanks, Gail), bridle and the other equipment needed. Look above for a short, 35 seconds, video that I took with my phone! The phone is smarter than me, at times. And here are some photos that I took today. The one to the left is Murphy, Marnie and Mac - The Three M's! Enjoy!

Marnie and Murphy "communicating".

Marnie riding Murphy. That's my girl!

New Years Eve at Le Café de Paris in Boise

2012-01-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

There are probably 100 different ways to celebrate the New Year. We chose to celebrate it here at the Le Café de Paris, one of our great restaurants here in Boise. It's worth a trip to Boise just to eat here. Especially, on a special dinner night. I have been known to drive several hundred miles for dinner, then return home and go to work. That was on the East coast and I would probably do the same here. Look at the dinner that we had. It Was Awesome! Sorry you missed it! Happy New Year everyone!

Robin

2005 Château Peyros Madiran
went very well with most of the meal. It did not pair well with the lobster.

Huîtres Sur La Demi-Coquille
oysters on the half shell with green apple-champagne mignonette

Veloute d'Asperges
creamy asparagus soup with red pepper coulis

Ficelle de Homard
baked lobster mousse stuffed baguette

Carre d'Agneau
herb encrusted lamb chops
Sauce Choron
Bleu Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pave Potato
Fresh Roasted Asparagus

Gâteau de Kir Royal
berry jus and crème anglais

What a delightful way to start the New Year! Can it get any better? Not in Boise! Thanks so very much to the entire staff at Le Café de Paris for this delightful meal, your hospitality and your friendship. We hope your 2012 is a great one for you. Cheers! And if you are wondering what a Sauce Choron is, here is the definition:

A Béarnaise or Hollandaise sauce made pink with tomato puree. Created by Alexander Etienne Choron, a French chef. Sauce Choron is a variation of béarnaise without tarragon or chervil, plus added tomato purée.

The Sauce Choron is a variation on one of the Mother Sauces. Try it sometime. So there you have our New Years Eve dinner. It was superb!

Day Trip - Owyhee Mountain Fiddle Shop

2011-12-30T17:00:00.001-07:00

A wonderful, although somewhat stormy, trip to the Owyhee Mountain Fiddle Shop run by Ken Pollard in Nampa. (See their business card in the side bar) Great information, especially about the design and the construction of a violin. The violin by Ken's right shoulder is one he made, and then played for us. We went with Ethan and Rachel Levitch because Ethan has been budding violinist for 10 years. Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Ken and Robin

The work shop area where Ken repairs the string instruments and makes violins.

Ken shows Ethan and Rachel some instruments.

Wagner

Awesome carving of Wagner.

Ethan on the guitar. No! That's a fiddle [same instrument as a violin]!

Ethan draws a bow! He played a very sweet classic on his violin.

Robin and I brought a picnic lunch. Fresh sliced home roasted beef, bread, Cougar Gold cheese, wine and Criterion apples. Here Robin and Monica set the lunch table.

Then when we got home, a five car accident right down the road from us at 17th and State Streets. It may have blocked the streets for a while. We were not involved, but took some photos.

Murphy Arrives!!!

2011-12-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

Murphy, the 3-year old Paint, finally made it to Boise and to Marnie! He came to her from Oregon and his transport was delayed by a snow storm. He has never been away from his birth corral until now. And no, that is not Marnie. It is Robin. She has this habit ........... Even when Chris was born she would not give him to the nurses until she confirmed that all was well and she started the bonding process. It was over an hour before she let the nurses have him. So it is with Murphy! It's the RN thing. I just love the picture presented here.

We are not even out of town! Look at these Wild Turkeys. Thanksgiving is far away and Christmas has past. They are safe.

Murphy checks out the exercise pen. Marnie will have to post his full name.

He looks majestic. Remember Little Joe? The Ponderosa? This was his horse.

Nice lines. I think he is proud. He should be.

Marnie feeds him and the bonding begins.

Robin has her turn with him. Again!

Murphy likes a little scratching and patting on his neck.

Murphy on the lunge line. Marnie works with him.

Murphy, Marnie and Mac. It used to be "M and M", sweet as candy. Now it's "M and M and M".

Latke Cook-Off In Boise

2011-12-27T13:01:00.001-07:00

What a great event! The Second Annual Latke Cook-Off! And with such good friends. Add this evening to the foods that we have tried over the past several days, and we have been treated so well. And Joe Levitch made this wine bottle holder by laminating three different types of wood. Beautiful Joe, and thank you.

The main theme of tonight is the Second Annual Latke Cook-Off! Here is a very basic recipe for Latkes. They are a traditional Hanukkah fare along with sour cream and apple sauce. Usually, too, there is a green salad. So much fun. Thanks to Joe and Rachael Levitch for opening their home and kitchen for this event. And thanks also to Jodi Peterson for agreeing to challenge Joe to the cook-off.

In this corner ..... The Challenger, Jodi Peterson!!!

And in this corner ..... The Teacher, Joe Levitch!

The fruits of their labors. The Latkes are cooking.

Add a couple of glasses of wine, a great green salad, sour cream and apple sauce and you have made your very own Latke Party!

So now, the BIG question: Who Won? Actually it was a draw and here is why. Jodi's Latkes were light and the Matza flour gave them a unique flavor. Really good. Joe's Latkes had a unique, back palate onion flavor that was very enjoyable. Both were excellent! Both were winners. Then they combined the two and that was awesome. Thank you both for inviting Robin and I to enjoy these Latkes! Here are some of the other folks who were there. Cheers!

Athena and Ethan Levitch. Look at Ethan's eyes. Classic!

Jodi, Athena and Rachael.

Curtis Stigers

The Dreidel Faces in the Hanukkah Candles. (Enlarge this photo by Left-Clicking)

The rules of the Dreidel Game and the story of Hanukkah.

As for Robin and I? We have had an extremely enjoyable Christmas Season. Much food! A little wine! Great friends! And a great family. Thank-You each and everyone for making this a delightful season. Cheers!

Murphy Has Arrived

2011-12-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

At Christmas, this is why Marnie and Mac made a trip to central Oregon in mid-December, Marnie gave herself - with Mac's blessing I am sure - a present of a new horse. His name is Murphy. He was delivered this morning after what was probably a cold and snowy trip from Oregon. Glad he made it OK and I know Marnie is both happy and relieved. We will go see him this afternoon. In the meantime, here is a photo. Cheers!

But wait! There's more!!

2011-12-26T13:57:00.002-07:00

Yes, there's more!

It was the day after Christmas and all through the house,
Not a critter was stirring, not even a mouse.
I'm at the 'puter, writing this blog,

I think I caught all the mice ... I moved the bird feeder so that the seeds that fall are in the alley!!
And Robin is taking a nap, and Buddy is holding his new favorite toy/pillow Teddy Bear - see the photo below!
And Sophia is trying to get her hair untangled from putting on the sweater that we gave her. It is a very thick warm natural wool burr sweater made in Ecuador. All is normal.

Here is Buddy with Teddy Bear. Margaret and Cricket, Buddy's girlfriends, gave this to him for Christmas. Thank-You!

The dinner table that Marnie and Mac set for all of us.
In the photo,
Robin, Margaret, Mac, Marnie and Chris. I'm taking the photo and Sophia is ..........

.. filling some stockings!

Prime Rib Roast beef
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (two of them!)
Fresh Breads
Brussels Sprouts
Dried Corn
Celery Root Salad
Berry Pie
Yule Log Cake
Fresh Whipped Cream
And as the saying goes - at least my Dad used to say this, "Eat, drink and be Merry for tomorrow you will be dieting!"

Margaret and Chris are verbally sparring. See Chris' look? Interesting.

Sophia is modelling her sweater.

Such a beaming smile. It is itchy and full of burrs. It may win the ugly sweater contest next year, but Robin thinks it looks really nice on her.

We are getting close to going back to normal, or something like that. Tonight we've been invited to a Latke Cook-Off at Joe and Rachael Levitch's! Sounds like more wonderful food. Then a couple of days to re-group. A field trip to Nampa Owyhee Fiddle Shop Friday. Saturday, a New Year's Eve Dinner at La Cafe de Paris in Boise. Happy Holidays everyone! Wonder if my Doctor reads this blog.

Christmas Festivities At Our House ............

2011-12-25T14:16:00.002-07:00

and other places!
There's nothing better than a warm fire in the fireplace - either a real one or a virtual one - and being surrounded by family and friends at Christmas. And some of the festivities that we were privileged to attend. Here are some photos of the fun. Enjoy!

4th day of Hanukkah at the Jewish Temple here in Boise. We were guests of Joe and Rachel Levitch. (Robin, Ethan, Rachael, Joe) joined by Brian, Sarah and little Sam.
Thank-You so much for the opportunity to celebrate the season with you.

The dinner line at the Temple. ark from SLRMC OR in front of Robin.
Awesome salad bar and Latke's!

Saturday, December 24th, found us at our friends Tom and Leanne Felzien celebrating the season with their family of 20+. It was a great time. Thank-You for including us. Cheers!

The pets didn't know what to think with all the commotion.

The Felzien Clan in motion!

Here is the dinner plated:
Brussels Sprouts
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Celery Root Salad
(Wonderful!)
Curried Pea Salad
(Delicious!)
Roast Beef

Then on Christmas Morning, the family all met at our house. Robin had made Saffron Bread, Sticky pistachio Sweet Rolls with Marmalade, bread with Duck Fois Gras, Tea, Cookies, and Marnie and Mac brought Fresh Baked Sweet Cinnamon Rolls. We had some of the Rye Bread given to us by our neighbors, Ben and Brook. Ben works at Gascon's bakery.

Here we all are - except for Sophia.
(L-R) Marnie, Mac, Madison, Robin and Chris

These are the Ravenswood shirts Robin got everyone. Except for Mac - He received a Ravenswood Bike Shirt. Colorful.

So now, we are waiting to go to Marnie and Mac's for our Christmas dinner. Sophia (Mac's daughter) will be there with us along with our dear friend, Margaret. More eating! More wine! More activity! Maybe some Whisky! (No. That's not misspelled!) But definitely more fun!! Wish us luck.

Extreme Holiday Extravaganza

2011-12-21T10:47:00.001-07:00

On the evening of December 20, Robin and I went to the Egyptian Theater here in Boise, pictured to the left, to listen to a musical treat of Extreme Holiday Extravaganza hosted by Curtis Stigers and The Fool Squad. Such a treat! The talent that lives and works in Boise is exciting and awesome. All of the time and talent of the performers is donated. All funds raised go to support the Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter here in Boise. From their website, "Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services is a collaboration of people of faith and people of conscience who have joined together to shelter and serve individuals experiencing homelessness. Sanctuary provides overnight shelter for men, women, and children and provides supportive services that promote greater self-sufficiency, improved well-being, and permanent housing acquisition." This is the 6th year for this event and if you have not been to see one, you are missing a big part of the Boise Scene! Please note, I took these photos with my Android. I need practice, but the effects are there.

Curtis Stigers

Curtis Stigers and Leta Neustaedter perform.

Irish music.

If you have a smart phone, here is the scan code, or QR code, for the Interfaith Sanctuary Homeless Shelter.

Waiting

2011-12-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just could not help it. These two were actually resting with their eyes closed ..... Until I stopped and pointed a camera at them. But they never moved. They did not even "talked" to me. They just laid there! I think they are waiting for Santa. They are precious in this photo. They belong to our neighbor.

2012 Calendars By Bob Young

2011-12-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know - I have had some questions. I still have a few 2012 Calendars of photos that I have taken over the past year. Some landscape photos and photos mainly of birds - raptors. The above scan is of the actual calendar. They will make great Christmas presents or get one for yourself. They are $20.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling each. Just let me know and send your check to me and I will see that you get one. Cheers!

German Christmas Dinner

2011-12-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

On December 11, the German Club held their Christmas Dinner. And what a treat this was. Thank-You Sigi for opening your delightful home to us. And thank-You to all the wonderful cooks! Enjoy these photos!

(First Row L-R) Robin, Ingrid, Kay
(Second Row L-R) Sigi (Hostess), Barbara, Fritz, Jane

Kay and Ingrid

Fritz, Ron and Frank

Jane, Janet and Robin

The company and the conversation were great! Thanks to everyone. But then .... There was the food! The delicious (köstlich) food! Just look at this.

Here is the table beautifully set. And below, is the food! Das Essen waschen lecker und köstlich! (Thank-You Google translator) In other words, and as Rachael would say, "YUM-O!"

The kitchen was busy.

Rouladen in the pan.

Rouladen gravy.

Rouladen plated.

Celery Root Salad

Brussels Sprouts

Spätzle, Celery Root Salad and Red Cabbage

Can't have a meal without Bread.

Cakes

The Plate
Celery Root Salad
Red Cabbage
Brussels Sprouts
Rouladen
Spätzle with Gravy

Now I know someone is going to ask, "What is Rouladen?" Here is at least one definition from Wikipedia.

Rouladen (or Rinderroulade, singular: roulade) are a German meat roulade usually consisting of bacon, onions, mustard and pickles wrapped in thinly sliced beef which is then cooked. In some countries, the roulade is also known as "beef olive".

Beef or veal is used as meat though some food scholars tend to believe that the original version was probably venison or pork, and pork is still popular in some areas. The beef rouladen as we know them today have become popular over the last century. The cut is usually Topside Beef or Silverside since this is the cheaper cut. The more expensive version would be the round steak, also known as rump steak. The meat is cut into large, thin slices.

The filling is a mixture of smoked and cooked pork belly (Danish bacon), chopped onions and chopped pickles (gherkins) which is at times varied by adding minced meat, sausage meat and pine nuts. The mixture varies from region to region. Rouladen are traditionally served for dinner. Red wine is often served with this dish.

How it is made
In preparation, in the simplest of terms, hot mustard is spread onto the thin slices of meat and the prepared filling mixture is added on top. The meat and filling is then rolled up to a traditional elongated shape similar to a cigar. A thread (traditional), toothpick (modern), or a specialized clamp (also modern) is used to hold the roll together. The rouladen are first seared in a roasting dish together with carrots, celery, onions and bacon until they are nicely browned and the vegetables are somewhat caramelized. Red wine or beer and chicken or vegetable stock is then added, then slowly braised until the meat is tender. The braising takes between one and two hours depending on the meat and preferences.

Traditionally the pan was covered and placed on a raised iron mount in front of an open fireplace for the braising period. The height of the iron mount and the distance from the fire determined the temperature of the braise.

Today you either put the dish into an oven with the lid on at 175 °C (350 °F) or leave the dish on the stove at low temperatures and gently simmer until the meat is tender.

The Rouladen are then removed and some more beer, red wine or vegetable stock is added to the liquid. When the liquid is added, it lifts the flavor from the bottom of the dish to make a sauce for the meat. This liquid is reduced and then thickened to a gravy. The rouladen are then returned to the gravy and gently reheated.

How it is eaten
Rouladen are usually served with either Spätzle, potato dumplings or boiled potatoes and red cabbage. Roasted winter vegetables are another common side dish. The gravy is an absolute requirement to round off the dish and is usually poured over the meat. The Spätzle are a good complement to the dish since they soak up the gravy well.

This dish was considered a dish for common people; however, it is nowadays enjoyed by many as a festive dish.

Neighborhood Christmas Party

2011-12-11T12:29:00.001-07:00

On December 10, we went to the home of Ruby, Jake and Ginger Steele, for a neighborhood pot-luck Christmas Party. Their home is a 1913 Frank Lloyd Wright designed Craftsman house sold as a kit from Sears Roebuck. Robin's great grand-parents in Oakley, Idaho had the two story model built in 1912 - the Oakley Haight family had 8 children. The Steeles will be in Australia with Ruby's family for Christmas. Many thanks to the Steeles for opening and sharing their eclectic home with the neighborhood. Enjoy these photos.

Here are some of the food selections spread on the table.

Vivian Tagg

Some of the crowd that was there. It was a very sunny day and the children enjoyed playing on the porch and in the front yard, while the adults got acquainted.

Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos I took of the Lunar Eclipse we had. The photos were taken about one-half block away from our house. Taken with a Nikon D40X on a tripod. Lens: VR 55-200mm F/4-5.6 G, Focal Length: 110mm, Exposure Mode: Manual - 2.60 sec - F/16, Center-Weighted Metering. Enjoy!

Lunar Eclipse at Boise, Idaho at about 0632 MST

0637 MST

0642 MST

0647 MST

Neighborhood Christmas Lights

2011-12-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Tree in front of the Idaho Capitol Building. The following photos Robin and I took tonight as we traveled around town. I think I need a remote on the shutter. But the settings look OK, though.

Decorated palm trees. Yea! Right!

Idaho Power loves these houses. Plug in some more lights.

This house is for sale. Any takers?

Santa Claus is coming to town.

Santa wave, "Hello!" There's a helicopter on the roof, but hard to capture on "film".
Holiday Greetings to everyone.