My apologies for the slide show that is about to follow…
I don’t have any deep or meaningful thoughts to share tonight. However, I’ve been away for so long I thought you might like to see what I’ve been up to. I had an incredibly busy summer. The photos below are a quick snapshot of what I’ve been up to, but they don’t even begin to tell the whole story. For example, I’m only including photos from one of the 3 trips I took to Boston this summer (ah yes, it has been good to be back on the East Coast). Also not included: Busch Gardens (finally), 4th of July in Vermont (sadly, I didn’t really take any pictures), my first Nationals game (only noteworthy because they were playing, you guessed it, the Red Sox), and oh so many more awesome moments with family and friends.
Day trip to Philadelphia with Hillary and M for the Cezanne exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Hillary and M at our favorite breakfast spot in Philadelphia.
View of downtown from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Regan came for a visit in May. We went to Busch Gardens and Manassas and we saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. We had a great time, and we’re already planning our visit to Kings Dominion next summer to try out the new Dale Earnhardt roller coaster they are building.
Regan and Hillary at Manassas National Battlefield Park
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Memorial Day weekend: Road trip to Newport, RI and Boston with Hillary, M, and T.
On the Freedom Trail in Boston
Boston: How could you not love this city?
Goofing around in Boston's Public Garden
Lobster Tails from Modern Pastry. This picture so does not do justice to how big these babies are.
In June Sara came down to DC for a weekend for a visit. We had a blast, and I was finally able to go to the Marine Corps Museum. I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in the area. If you are wondering why you should go, let me give you one reason: Marines! In their dress uniforms! Need I say more.
The Marine Corps Museum
Sara at the Marine Corps Museum
Also in June, I went home to Utah for a week. It was a very busy week because, as usual, I tried to fit too much in. But I had a great time, and as always, it was wonderful to spend time with family and friends in the Beehive State.
Home
Bison on Antelope Island State Park (Utah)
Sometime in June I dragged T to an Orioles/Red Sox game because Beckett was pitching and I knew I’d be able to get good seats at a decent price. I can’t speak for T, but I at least had a great time… even if Beckett’s pitching wasn’t so great.
Finally, I get to see Beckett pitch... and in the best seats I've ever had at a baseball game, no less.
The same day as the Red Sox game in Baltimore, T and I sped back down to Virginia in time to meet M and go for an evening hike at Great Falls park. Its one of those places I have always meant to go, but somehow, have never gotten around to actually visiting. It was beautiful. Loved it. And we even got to watch a crazy kayaker go over the falls.
Great Falls Park (Virginia)
And finally, I wrapped up my summer with a delightful little (ha!) hike at Harpers Ferry. Truth be told, the hike totally kicked mine and M’s butts. But it was a good workout and we were rewarded at the end with this gorgeous view.
View of Harpers Ferry from the Maryland side of the river. I was tempted to include pictures of how sweaty M and I became on our hike, but thought better of it. Needless to say, it was a little more strenuous than we expected.
With summer winding down, I find myself thinking more and more about slowing life down this fall and taking things a little easier. To that end, I present this lovely little breakfast dish. Its a little different than your typical American breakfast, but so tasty. I love making it on lazy Sunday mornings when I want to pamper myself and I have a little extra time to relax and read the paper (ie. look at the Sunday ads).
I hope your summer was as enjoyable and as memorable as mine. Its good to be back. I’ve missed my little blog and can’t wait to get cooking again.
Warm Breakfast Polenta with Chocolate, Marscarpone, Chocolate, and Almonds from The Authentic Cafe
1 c. water
2 1/4 c. milk
3 T. Sugar
½ t. kosher salt
3/4 c. fine yellow corn meal
Topping:
2 T. Marscarpone cheese
Finely grated good quality bittersweet chocolate
lightly toasted, chopped almonds
ground cinnamon
Bring the water, milk, sugar, and salt to a boil in a medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and add the cornmeal in a thin stream, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cook the cornmeal, pressing out any lumps with the spoon and stirring constantly until it thickens and all the grains seem cooked and slightly swollen, about 10 minutes. Taste the polenta. It should be soft, not gritty. The polenta should be thick, but not stiff.
Ladle the polenta into soup bowls. Drop 1 ½ t. of marscapone cheese into a well in the center and garnish with almonds, cinnamon, and chocolate.