Monday, August 4, 2014

Creative pursuits...OOTD

Whitewater Cooks Runaway Train Wraps...

This recipe serves 6 and is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken.

3 boneless chicken breasts cooked and sliced
6 tortillas
2 caramelized onions (recipe follows)
BBQ sauce
1 cup roasted Corn Salsa (recipe follows)
1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped fresh cilantro

Spread tortillas with BBQ sauce top with chicken, onion, salsa and cilantro (or lettuce).
Wrap up and cut in half.



To caramelize onions...place cut onions in a heavy skillet and saute in oil until translucent.
Add 1 tbsp of brown sugar and 1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar per onion and cook on low heat for another 15-20 minutes until syrupy looking. Season with salt and pepper.



Corn Salsa

2 cups frozen corn
1 cup roasted red pepper diced
1/2 cup red onion diced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
juice and zest of 2 limes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp brown sugar

In a baking dish toss corn in olive oil and brown sugar. Roast at 350 degrees until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and add remaining ingredients. Mix well, place in a bowl, cover and put into the fridge.
Great with fish especially halibut.



I own three of the Whitewater Cooks books...the recipes are healthy and everyone that I have served them to have commented on how delicious, tasty and colourful the meals have been.

                                                                        ~ ~ ~

If you have been following my blog for some time you might remember that on occasion I dabble in acrylics...
roses are my muse and when inspired I find myself standing at the easel with a brush in hand waiting to see where it will take me.

Oddly I have not felt inspired to paint since retiring last year.

Last week I had an overpowering urge, almost an urgent voice beckoning me to paint something.
I had a full list of things on my "to do" list but the insistent voice would not be silenced.
I did as I was told.


July 2014


2013


2013



I have had this navy and white striped dress for over a year and have not yet worn it.
I now know why!
I thought when I bought it that it looked OK but it is actually a very unflattering dress.
It's very "mumsy" and it makes me look wider than a barge!
It will be donated next time I pass by the WIN thrift shop.

Do you ever make mistakes when it comes to clothing purchases?


I've been living in this Gilmour of Vancouver Bamboo dress and keeping cool in our recent heat wave.
Called a ballet dress, it is available in a variety of colours but I much prefer it in the black.
(no surprise)


I found a picture of the Eiffel Tower and Mr. HB hung it downstairs to inspire me...

I've a weekend of boat photos to share with you 
but there is a mountain of laundry that needs to be tended to before I can sit down and upload them all.

Until next time...
Be Well and Be Kind.


"Paris is always a good idea."

~ Audrey Hepburn ~


25 comments:

Lynne said...

And when are you tripping off to Paris . . .
Black is wonderful for travel . . ., add a few scarves to change up the look!
I am sure you know that will work . . .

Susan B said...

That recipe looks delicious! I've learned that if I have to make myself wear something, it isn't meant for me. The black dress is cute, especially with the hat.

Pondside said...

That recipe looks like a keeper, and we have a roast chicken often enough for there always be leftovers in the fridge.
The Gilmour dress is waaaaaay more you than the stripes! It's a great choice.

La Vie Quotidienne said...

I often bring things home for what I call a little visit and then end up taking them back to the store. I agree with you, the black dress is much more flattering, and far more sophisticated. The wraps look delicious, I will have to look for the cook books!

Susan ~ Southern Fascinations said...

The recipe looks yummy. The black dress is perfection and the stripes will sail away to a new home. Painting isn't something to be forced..you waited and the result is lovely!

Madame Là-bas said...

Your black dress has so many possibilities and the stripes will please someone else. I have been enjoying your recipes. Merci. Your rose paintings are beautiful!

Ann G said...

I don't mind the striped dress, maybe with a little black cardi. I know what you mean about purchasing 'mistakes.' I have a lime green one in my closet that was quite expensive and never worn. I have a feeling it will get donated one of these days.

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Lesley,

Although we do prefer the little black dress, the striped one looks fun. Could it not be given a stay of execution, perhaps tried with a plain coloured cardigan or jacket to minimise the stripey effect?

Your wraps look totally delicious. As one 'eats' with the eyes so often, these are the perfect feast.

No Sacrifice Bags said...

I love caramelised onions,and always keep a jar or two in my pantry. I never even thought of making them myself.
I've had many fashion "What the France"was I thinking?
My latest was a bright yellow Kate Spade caftan. Bright yellow is my least favourite colour, and it looks dreadful on me; but some madness drew me to it.
When I wore it my best friend told me I looked like Big Bird. I immediately put it in my donation hamper.

Susan said...

I think it is the pleats rather than the stripes which are the culprit here! I think you can wear stripes with a more streamlined style. The black knit dress is great on you. I have quite a few black knit dresses of different styles. I love them.

Your painting is lovely. Do you ever frame and hang your work in your house? This one is certainly worthy of that.

Bonnie said...

Oh I can't count the number of mistakes I've brought home from shopping. I always want to step out of my comfort zone, but it never works. My comfort zone is me.....

The cook book sounds wonderful. I love reading cookbooks. Have a wonderful week. Bonnie

kristieinbc said...

Your recipes look so yummy! I love the Whitewater cookbooks, and like you I own all three of them. I was in Nelson a few weeks ago, and was told there is another one in the works. :-)

Share my Garden said...

How about a big red belt and navy crop leggings with the striped dress? My biggest clothing disasters are with shoes. Why are they so comfortable in the shop and so unwearable once I've got them home?!

Jennifer said...

I still make mistakes with clothing purchases and if I'm lucky, figure it out before I remove the price tags. I do like that black dress on you. Fabulous hat too!

A Lovely Inconsequence said...

I like the striped dress on you! I really do...

Thank you for the recipes...trying them out this coming weekend.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Black is the basic travel plan and yes to those scarves that add a punch of colour...I also plan to purchase a new Hermes scarf when I am in Paris!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I took a few items off to the WIN thrift shop...women in need is a great agency here in our town which helps women so it is a cause near and dear to my heart. Someone will enjoy my mistake dress!

Vagabonde said...

I like stripes, but mostly in tee-shirts or sweaters. You know what I would do with your dress? Quite simple and easy - I would cut it at the waist and make a small hem, then I would wear it with a pair of white linen trousers or a small navy skirt, with a scarf around the neck, hanging down a bit to give a vertical and slimming effect, or even use the skirt part to make a slim scarf on the bias, to make it an “ensemble” – and it would be rejuvenated and chic. I like your rose paintings – you have a bold stroke.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Your ideas are clever and would be worth a try but the dress has flown out the door as it was a grim reminder of my mistake...
someone else will look much better in it and I will keep to the simple styles that are better suited to my frame.
The wraps are truly tasty.
I think cookbooks with pictures are ones that I gravitate toward and use more frequently than those with plain text.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yikes...your friend's big bird comment is a rather harsh...
but if you respect her opinion which obviously you must, I just hope it was delivered with TLC.
I can see you in a blue caftan with your beautiful complexion and blonde hair.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have several paintings in our bungalow...I do not frame them I just sit them on a plate rail. A few hang in the laundry and guest bathroom walls.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh that's great news...if it is out by Xmas I'll probably buy a few as gifts.

Deborah Montgomery said...

Love the paintings, beautiful! I think the biggest thing about mistakes is that they cost so much, and it's hard to feel like you're "wasting" money by not wearing them. but better to face the truth and let someone else enjoy it. It's a cute dress, but not really you; the black is much better.

Janice said...

And where does one find the Gilmour dress?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I found mine at Mercedes Lane on Cook Street in Victoria near where I live. I think you could google Gilmour for others shops that might carry their lines.
Good luck on your search.