I can't remember where I found this recipe but have a feeling it was from Stefano Faita's cooking show. James and I watch it on the days he's with me - for some reason he loves the show (although when asked he often says he wouldn't eat any of the recipes) and I must admit Stefano is an amusing character. His approach to cooking is quite casual and he does produce healthy, interesting dishes, and makes it look super easy.
I love pickled onions and have tried several recipes with mixed success. However, this one is so easy, and the end result so tasty, that they don't stay around long. Instead of leaving the onions whole, they are finely sliced and suitable for spreading on barbecued meats as a condiment. Although the recipe recommends using them within 1 week, I have eaten them after a longer time and they are still good. Instead of the suggested seasonings, I substitute about 1 tsp. of pickling spices.
Pickled Red Onions
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. peppercorns
2 large red onions, thinly sliced
Bring vinegar, water, sugar and seasonings to a boil. Add red onions and remove from heat. Let cool and keep in fridge for up to one week.
I am having a quiet day at home today after a late night - out dancing my feet off at the White Heather Ball - got home after midnight, very unusual for me. Then had trouble unwinding and heard the birds beginning to chirp before I finally fell asleep!
As a result of the late night I slept in until 10:00 a.m., also unusual for me, and sprang from bed (well, not literally, as my feet were still sore) because the men's final at the French Open was already underway. I watched the last two exciting sets (Nadal won, not unexpectedly) and then a replay of the Women's Final from Saturday which I had missed. I finally got dressed around 12:30, did some light housework, then went back to bed for a nap. Talk about the easy life!
This afternoon has been easy too. I picked some more rhubarb and used it in a cake which I will now have to try to stuff into my already overcrowded freezer, but will try a slice first. I had a very lucky buy yesterday at a Bake Sale. I had spotted a yummy looking Key Lime cheesecake, but decided it was too expensive at $12.00 However, just as I was leaving, all baked goods were reduced to half price and it was still unsold, so I grabbed it joyfully as I knew it was a real steal at $6.00. It is also in my freezer for the next time I have company. Plus the proceeds from the bake sale were going to charity which made it doubly blessed.
Cut the front grass later in the afternoon then retired to the lounger to relax with a glass of juice (not really) and my favourite cheese and chutney on crackers. Dinner is in the crock pot and will be ready whenever I decide to eat. Such is life, my way!
Trimmed the hedges in front this aftenoon, now you can walk up the path without brushing against wet bushes. It wasn't as big a job as I had expected and the satisfaction of having it done is tremendous. There's still a bit to do. One of the bushes is still in flower and as the blossoms have a heavenly scent, I was reluctant to cut them back. So that will happen once they have finished blooming. I can't decide if the clippings can go in the composter but since it is half empty, here's my chance to see how well they degrade.
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| Before |
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| After - so tidy! |
Got in some tennis this morning - it has stayed dry - but my bones are aching today so, after one set, I was quite happy to join the crowd in front of the TV in the clubhouse. A marvellous match between Nadal and Djokovic - we were all but one rooting for Nadal who won after 5 exciting sets. The last one went to 10-8 as there is no tie-break in the final set of Grand Slams.
Need to start trimming the bushes by my front steps as they are all but meeting over the path, but they are still a bit too wet. Will get to it tomorrow or Sunday. Tonight I am going to a reunion of teachers from a school I taught at almost 20 years ago. I'm not expecting to remember too many of the others as I was only there for one year but, what the heck, you never know who will show up at an event like that.
