Monthly Archives: March 2011

Fresh from the Canby Asparagus Farm, is a plate of deep fried onions, zucchini and asparagus; photo by Jan Jackson.

… Well it was  highly prized in ancient Rome, Egypt, Greece and Europe, but in Oregon you can find it growing wild along the roadsides and in the every man’s garden (in fact, about 35 or so farmers grow it commercially). Forget that asparagus is a member of the Lily family, that it is related to onions and garlic and that female stalks are plumper than the male stalks. It is important to remember however, that size isn’t as important as color. The greener (or whiter) stalks are the most tender.

As farmers markets start opening up,  start looking for is deep-fried asparagus. If  you can’t wait for the markets, try this:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut to desired size
• 1/2 cup canola oil for frying
• 1 egg
• 1 cup  crushed plain or seasoned bread crumbs

Directions

• Bring about 2 inches of water to boil in a saucepan. Add the asparagus, and cook for about 3 minutes. Drain, and pat dry.
• Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a large heavy skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Whisk the egg in a small bowl, and place the bread crumbs in a separate bowl.
• Dip the asparagus pieces into the egg, and then coat with bread crumbs. Fry in the hot oil until golden. Turn frequently for even cooking. If they are browning too quickly, reduce the heat a little. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

You’ll thank me for this – smile.

Luv,

Sissy

Learn from Backyard Chickens 101 at Small Farm Trade Fair April 13 - 16 in Madras; photo by Jan Jackson... and it's the Small Farm Trade Fair at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Madras, Oregon. This is one of those events that begs for a camera and paper for note taking.

… and it’s taking place at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Where else can you learn how to feed a horse, take care of your backyard chickens or play games with your pony? Dancing Cow Farms will be there with heritage breeds of poultry and livestock, there is the 2nd annual Jethro Tull Draft Horse & Mule Plowing Competition  and the old time music can’t be beat.

Visit the website to see the schedule so you’ll know which day has what, then pack up the family (or just wander in by yourself) and head for Madras sometime between April 13 – 16, 2011.

You can get the details at 1-800-876-2392 or 541-549-2064 or by visiting  http://smallfarmersjournal.com/

It’s not every day you get a chance like this – I say, take it.

Luv,

Sissy

Steve Einhorn and Kate Power of The Ukulaliens® fame; photo courtesy Lincoln City Visitors Bureau website.

… Can you imagine going to the beach for a couple of days and coming back a virtuoso? Well, here’s your chance – and what’s more, you save yourself the time it takes to travel the 2500 + miles to get to Hawaii (you knew I’m sure, that the ukulele was based on the Portuguese instrument called the machete and was first made about 1879 in Hawaii).

Steve Einhorn & Kate Power created a guide called The Ukalaliens® which is a method for the uke-curious that uses a simple number system and the elements of music.

It’s a walk-in class held from 3PM-4PM on April 9 & 10, 2011 at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Cost: $10 per person. Ukuleles will be provided, unless you would like to bring your own.

You can find out more at 503-331-1994 or by visiting www.oregoncoast.org. (And, if you want to find out more about the Ukulaliens, go to http://www.qualityfolk.com/)

If you think you want to do it, I would get right on it. And, start getting used to being a hit at parties ’cause once you are a virtuoso, the old wallflower days are going to be over – smile. You heard it from me – right away, right now, right here – smile.

Luv,

Sissy

Lan Su Chinese Garden in old town Portlland; photo by Jan Jackson.

… is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China.

It started in 1985, when Portland went looking for the perfect sister city and picked Suzhou, Jiangsu Province (China’s second largest).  Suzhou, often called the Venice of the East or the Venice of China, is known for stone bridges, pagodas and meticulously designed gardens.

Once everyone got to know everyone, the Portland delegation, enlisted more than 65 Chinese workers to come here and construct Portland’s garden buildings and pathways (and by the way, we went there later and helped them make a rose garden – smile).

The Garden, which officially opened in 2000,  is a one block square that provides a haven for residents and visitors in the middle of old town Portland. It gives a magnificent window through which to see authentic Chinese culture, history and a way of thinking. Translated, Lan means orchid, Su means awakening and Yuan means garden.

You can find out more at http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/.

Oh, and did I mention that visiting the Garden is soothing for your soul? Well, it is.

Luv

Sissy

Making jelly from Oregon wine, is quick and easy; photo by Jan Jackson

… how about trying it on your toast? If you think Oregon wine taste good by the glass, how about trying this:

Wine Jelly (good with red or white)

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups wine
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 (2 ounce) package dry pectin
• 4 1/2 cups white sugar

Directions

• Combine wine, lemon juice, and pectin in a large saucepot. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Add sugar, stirring until dissolved. Return to a rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam off top, if necessary.
• Ladle hot jelly into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Tighten 2 piece lids. Process for 5 minutes in boiling water bath.

Try some of that with crackers and cream cheese. Oh so tasty – smile.

Luv,

Sissy