I love cucumbers. I do. With tzatziki, hummus, avocados. Recently, I have discovered many ways to utilize them. There is a craze on IG all of the different recipes to utilize cucumbers. I had tagged a few different ideas--Thai, Korean and Asian. I settled for the Asian version. Mostly since I had all of the ingredients and felt like the peanuts would add good texture.
Rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey (I don't have maple syrup), salt, pepper and peanuts. This was incredible and such a great addition to the happy hour last night. Today, it was even better. I guess that is why I enjoy hosting happy hours. The leftovers that I benefit from. And, no, I am not weird about utilizing leftovers. There are times at caterings where I cringe when people choose to take cheese/charcuterie boards home.
Consider how long these boards have set out being exposed to people breathing, touching, drying out? That stuff freaks me out. I think I have some OCD when it comes to it. I cannot/will not eat off of a buffet after it has been out for a few hours. Tom was disappointed in me a few years ago when he suggested we could eat at a trade tasting for wine and chile. I was like---what???? Absolutely not.
As noted, I have some hard-core beliefs when it comes to food, preparation, etc. Back to the cucumber salad, it is amazing. I believe I will curate some next week while visiting Tom's family in Texas. We need some healthier snacks, too. I love parts of Thanksgiving fare but enjoy other offerings. I think I will make the charcuterie in a mason jar and cucumber salad. I want to see how it does with his family.
Last year, Tom made the turkey and mashed potatoes. So good. I know it will be similar this year and the Kerp dip. Always a tradition and one that I love. One of his sisters or sisters-in-law will make it this year. My clients like my version of it but I am not prepared to suggest that I tackle it with his family. Instead, I will make the Asian cucumber salad. I am excited to share it with his family.
There will be wine. Plenty of wine, some football, yoga and time in Texas. It might be last visit for a while. I am making choices of travel based on commonalities and kindness. No more supporting, financial or otherwise, places that are restrictive to women, minorities, others. Perhaps only a small thing but effective.
Find your own way to resist. And to support what you believe in. One of my friends is crocheting scarves for the refugees that will be deported. I am committed to writing. I enjoy it and it is my way of participating and providing truths. Getting out of the nonsense of being gaslit or lied to.
I will comment on food, travel, yoga and community. Join me if you are able.