Tea for two

Or coffee for one.  Either way it's incredibly easy. 

Easy is good but less acidic is even better.  A substantial sixty-seven percent less.  Superior for sensitive stomachs.

How did I find this alternative?  I like a good cup of coffee.  I'm not a fan of using industrial-sized coffee makers for meetings/the flavor is more Vending Machine than Home Brewed. 

So for fall FP workshops I ordered what I thought would be a compact/cute/cardboard box from a local/great coffee shop.  I had no idea how many women would be coffee drinkers.  To be safe, I planned for twice the number of women attending.  Bad idea/the bill was astronomical. 

Here’s what I ultimately found to be a far Superior Solution:  The Toddy Cold Brew System.  And it's a system that I continue to use for my daily dose.  The concentrate stays fresh in the fridge for weeks.

Read the reviews.   I have Peet's coffee ground to "12"/very coarse. 

Boil some water.  Set out the cups.  Teach the first person who arrives how to concoct a cup.  That person instructs others who, in turn, tutor the following takers.  It’s a prize-winning, participatory combination.  Check it out, particularly if you're a fan of iced coffee.  Summer's coming.

Toddy Cold Brew System

Sweet and savory

 "A surprise in every bite!" 

"Pretty, incredibly easy and different in such a delightful way." 

Bolani.  Simply the best.  One of those terrific products that works perfectly as an appetizer and could easily become a light meal with just a few additions.  I found this lightly-stuffed pastry at Whole Foods.  If you live in the SF Bay Area, you'll find Bolani vendors handing out generous samples every Sunday at the California Avenue Farmer’s Market in Palo Alto. Otherwise, Whole Food's your best bet.

Today's recipe: Spinach Bolani with a dab of cilantro pesto, garlic mint cheese and topped with their sweet jalapeno sauce.  Simple, wholesome ingredients.  It couldn't be easier to produce something so soul satisfying. 

We served the lightly stuffed bread at room temperature/which was excellent/the Bolani Guy recommended a brief toasting it in the oven until crisp/350 degrees 10-15 minutes? Cut or tear the "pie" into bite-sized pieces and serve with one or more of their delicious spreads.

Many thumbs up around our table tonight. A simple arugula, basil and fresh tomato salad from our tiny garden rounded out the meal.  Basil flowers scattered over the top of the appetizer added interest and color.

Here’s to you, Kathi.

2010-03-22

Helium-depleted balloons still hanging on from Stasia's shower.  Vibrant, incredibly colorful violas, Pellegrino, limes, fresh mint from our garden, pomegranate juice and/or do-it-yourself, far-less-acidic coffee.  Cost Plus critters.  Wonderful women sharing resources, laughter, ideas, questions and answers.  Things yet to be discussed.  And conquered, such as HOW THE HECK DID SHE MAKE THAT MONTAGE OF PICTURES/MIX OF MUSIC INTO THAT WONDERFUL YOUTUBE THING?  I'm sure it's very easy.  Yeah, right.  Tutorials next time.  Gifts of information and wonderful, wholesome creams to spread on our skin/thank you.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something.  I'll remember tomorrow.  Or not.  The last day to enjoy this year’s unbelievable crop of tulips, thanks to Don, The Gardening Guy/he'll be here next time, promise.  Hands helping others create a project that could go in so many different directions/send photos of where it went, OK?  Good.  All thanks to Ninon who shared this bit of brillance last week.  Side conversations which need to be continued.  Emails to and from Kathi regarding our upcoming pilgrimage to healing spots on the island.  A spring-time celebration.  Definitely a day to remember.  Thank you, everyone.  Jack Johnson, on Pandora as I type.  OMG/Better turn him off before I'm awake humming his tunes all night again.  Finally, The Most Wonderful Dessert, literally lapped up from Nacole's plate/you HAVE to HAVE this recipe/all from our garden.  Aunt Lil and Uncle Mont would be so proud!  How lucky am I?  Incredibly so.  Sweet, spring-infused dreams, all. 

Edible petals defined the difference

Driver or passenger. Chauffeur or being chauffeured.  With or without/alcohol. 

Pomegranate juice, a squeeze of lime, fresh mint and sparkling water or champagne (with violas/pansies).  Your choice.  Both were excellent!  Here are a few of the details from today's celebration. A new child is being born into this world. Cheers!