Southern Sonoma Country Life

It's A Small World..

Word detectives were out in full force for Family Literature Night and the first Community Book Read Celebration at the boys' elementary school.

Terrific idea to encourage a love for lit by dedicated librarian Jackie, who is best described for the purpose of this international blog, as everybody's favorite auntie-type. You know, the one who always has a smile and a hug at the ready, and a great, big, bulging bookcase in her warm, cozy sitting room, packed full of the wonders of the world!

Every child in the school was given the same book to read over the past few weeks and to share with their family. Colorful stations were set up in the multi-purpose room at the school with all sorts of fun and creative word search and crafting projects at the ready for young readers and their siblings, Moms, Dads, and many grandparents, too!

Of course, the prospect of ice-cream sundaes for attending in after-school hours didn't go amiss. A highlight of the evening for me was meeting for the first time a long-term reader of my blog, even as it has migrated from the local newspaper's on-line site to my very own platform here at Typepad.

Deborah and I have communicated several times via email in regards to her families excellent SchoolHouse Kitchen gourmet products, but neither of us had any idea that we had kids in the same school.

Recognizing me from my mug shots on the various blogs, Deborah came over to say hi and introduced herself to me in person. One of the best examples of why school social function have a very important role in the fabric of our family lives. Community connection is the best aspect of living in a city as open and friendly as Petaluma.

It's funny that we should have met this week, as I had been meaning to make mention of Deborah's family biz in my blog once again. SchoolHouse Kitchen (which returns profits to education) just won a Gold Medal at the famed Napa Valley Mustard Festival this month for its Balsamic Vinaigrette Basico.

Get yourself down to the Petaluma Market (or Dean and Deluca if you're not a local reader) and pick up a bottle of this best in the 'mustard-based salad dressing category of the festival's popular 12th annual competition. Growing Food, Growing Knowledge is the mantra of Deborah's family business and what better way to bump into her than at the Community Book Read Evening?

 

Bachelor's Day

Leap Day, February 28th, falling on a Friday is by scholarly account, an extremely rare occasion, and one which is unlikely to happen again in our lifetimes.

For surprisingly, the Gregorian calendar's strange and complicated calculation system statistically makes for Leap Day being most likely to fall on a Monday or Wednesday, with a freaky Friday being the least likely day of the week for Feb 28th to fall.

This factual tidbit makes for some intriguingly novel 'theme' possibilities in the party department. For those celebrating Leap Year birthdays only once every four years, a celebratory knees-up is definitely called for, and what better time of the week for such a festive affair than a Friday night.

And what about the wedding proposal? Wonder how many long-suffering girlfriends are biting their nails today in anticipation of a big night out at some fancy restaurant, silk cushion at the ready for an on the knees proposal to the guy who has refused to commit?

For a tradition was introduced many centuries ago to allow women to propose to men only during a leap year. The great 'privilege' of breaking ancient lore and proposing was strictly restricted to leap day in some parts of Britain.

Thus, Leap day was also known as “Bachelors’ Day”. Men were to suffer a penalty, such as a new frock or stash of cash, if they refused such a daring marriage proposal.

The tradition’s origin is believed to have emerged from an ancient Irish tale relating to St Bridget striking a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men in Leap Years, thus balancing the traditional roles of men and women, just as leap day balances the calendar.

According to common lore, It was deemed to be unlucky to be born on a leap day in Scotland and for Greek couples to marry not only on a leap day, but any time that year. Leap day is also known as St Oswald’s Day in the UK, after a 10th century archbishop of York who died on February 29, 992.

Fancy a n impromptu proposal, girls? Just don't plan a big, fat Greek wedding this year!

Three Cups of Tea

Slated by Tom Brokaw as 'one of the most remarkable adventure stories of our time' Three Cups of Tea by author Greg Mortenson was the March pick for last night's rather rambunctious book group gathering around Charene's perky, pink, Spring-inspired table pictured in this post.

Now don't be thinking that this is a group of demure, literary over forties, intent on out-doing one another with outlandish table settings, carefully and precisely styled to suit the theme of the latest book choice.

Quite the contrary, as we have been known to hunker down to some serious literary grilling alongside burgers on a backyard bbq, dissect a story or two in the middle of simple salad suppers in the shade of a Black Point rose garden and occasionally disrupt the orderly mid-week diners in a neighborhood taco shop!

It doesn't matter how elaborate or basic the setting, it's the extraordinary energy omitted by a consortium of colorful, lit-loving personalities which packs the punch at our six weekly suppers.

Last night's discussion on Irene Nemirovski's historical Suite Francaise opened up an entirely new perspective on the French persecution from the Germans in World War II. All the more poignant and ultimately painful after reading copies of handwritten notes printed in the back of the book, pertaining to the former Jewish author's capture by the Nazis and fateful incarceration in Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
The novel was well worth reading from an historical standpoint, and for the astonishing fact that its original handwritten manuscript was carried from hiding place to hiding place during the war, by Irene's quick thinking oldest daughter. Untouched for sixty years, Suite Francaise eventually came to receive enormous critical acclaim, despite the fact that it was clear to us as readers that Irene wasn't nearly finished with her intricate character plot at the time of her arrest. Definitely recommend it.

Although we passed around a bunch of possible picks for the next read, Three Cups of Tea was a unanimous selection from so many word of mouth recommendations. Mortenson's quest to build schools in the remotest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan will take us back to the stomping grounds of so many of the most popular literary offerings of the past two or three years.

Note: Whilst on the subject of Auschwitz, my wonderful, globe-wandering sixty-something Mum is back on her feet after a troublesome tryst with pneumonia and planning the latest in a long line of frequent flyer/mini-breaks to outlandish spots on her must-see list. A trip to Krakow, Poland is on the calendar on the cabinet in her orderly English kitchen, with a guided tour of Auschwitz the highlight of this three day, historical adventure. If you are reading this, Mum, send pics. I'd like a full report.   

Adobe Bread For A Home Town Girl

The big question on my mind this morning, is can Hillary cook? Do you suppose that she finds the time, even if the inclination occasionally enters that tiny space left in her super-charged brain for such a simple, domestic task.

I did read somewhere that Hills does like to whip up a batch of breakfast pancakes for Chelsea and Bill whenever she's home on a weekend. Don't suppose that there's been much call for Aunt Jemima in the Clinton kitchen of late.

Still, if she makes it to Democratic candidacy and all the way back to the White House, wouldn't it be a kick to picture the President whipping up a celebratory feast at her Viking range in Washington?

Likewise, I am sure Obama's just as likely to be comfortable in charge of family dinner. Don't somehow think that the same can be assumed of McCain. Although one never knows, he was a marine, and may be a dab hand at outdoor grilling and the occasional roast!

It is good to hear that closer to home, our politicians are as popular at the family dinner table as they are in the precincts!

Take Petaluma's energetic Vice Mayor, Karen Nau for instance. Karen's a dedicated Mom indeed and has many strings to her bow. Aside from her commitment to civic duties, she's a full-time children's program coordinator and a whiz in her culinary escapades at home in her east-side haven.

The Vice Mayor is always happy to share her top tips for healthy, happy family life and has recently contributed several recipes (along with Mayor, Pamela Torliatt) to a fun new 150th anniversary River Town cookbook.

"I have been making this recipe since I was 15 years old," Karen tells me. " I used to bake it in the outdoor oven (Hornos) at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic park.  I still make it and I freeze portions for home made pizza crust. I would love to own an outdoor oven, but I don't!" 

Vice Mayor Karen Nau's Recipe For:Petaluma Adobe Bread

2pkgs. dry yeast
1/2c. warm water
3 eggs (Peterson's farm fresh of course!)
1T. local honey (of course!)
4 T. oil
2 tsp. salt
10 c. flour (4c. whole-wheat, 6 c. white)
2c. water

Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Add eggs, oil and salt.  Alternately, add flour and water.  Batter will be stiff and should be kneaded.  Allow to rise until doubled.  Punch down and knead for 10 minutes.  Form into 6-8 round loaves and cover with a moist cloth.  Allow to rise in a warm spot 1 1/2 hours.  Bake at 375 for 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Karen's recipe appears on Page 136 of River Town Recipes, produced as a fundraiser by Petaluma Senior Center -  located at 211 Novak Dr. River Town Recipes costs $15.00 - proceeds are for the Petaluma Senior Center Kitchen Renovation Fund. Also available at Petaluma Community Center.

Earthquake in Lincolnshire

"Blimey, there was an earthquake in Lincolnshire," said the Italian husband, as he read this morning's Press Democrat at the breakfast table.

"You've go to be kidding," I managed to retort, given that I'd a mouthful of raisin bran at the time. Finished munching and made a quick phone call to Mum and Dad in the UK, seeings as they happen to live right on the border of the bleak and beautiful, remote Lincolnshire /Cambridgeshire Fens.

"About one o'clock this morning, it was," reported my ever-punctual pater. " Radiators were rattling and making one hell of a racket."

"We couldn't think for the life of us what was going on," said Mum. According to UK reports, a 5.0 quake centered at Market Rasen, not far from the quaint market town of Bourne, Lincolnshire (fifteen miles or so from my parent's home) and was felt as far away as Scotland and... wait for it...Amsterdam! That's how close the plates are in that part of the world - similar in distance to a quake felt throughout Northern California.

"Flat as a pancake," my sister Lindsey said during this morning's baby update (just want to slide that bouncing little British bundle of joy along the transcontinental phone lines for a cuddle) "Surprising that there are any major fault lines running through that neck of the woods." Mother and babe did not, by her account, feel the quake as far away as Twickenham, Middlesex, as both slept silently through from a late-night feed.

As far as the folks thave heard on radio and television reports throughout East Anglia, little damage has been reported. Must be thanks to those sturdy,thick-walled brick houses they've built over there for centuries.

The photo in this post was taken on my trip back to the Fens in early Feb. It shows three-sided Trinity Bridge, which dates back to the 14th Century and sits in the center of the tiny market town of Crowland, birthplace of at least five or six generations of my Dad's family. The Bridge was built in local stone by monks from the Abbey close by, in order to traverse the convergence of three ancient rivers.

These rivers were long-since re-rooted, likely during the Dutch draining the peat-rich Fens in the mid-1600s (until that time, human habitation of the area was confined to a smattering of hillocks in the boggy expanses of wildfowl waters). Although the stone bridge was built in the 1300s, it replaced a wooden structure believed to have been built by Ethelbald of Mercia, back in 716.

This monument to the trials of time withstood this morning's earthquake as it will likely withstand whatever storms Mother Nature has in store for the future. A frequent gathering spot for generations of the town's fair share of vandals and wayward youth, Trinity Bridge is a beacon in a sometimes shaky world. Probably the best spot to stand under in an earthquake, too!

Late February in the Vineyard

Sitting beside the open sliding doors in the kitchen this afternoon,  an invisible, magnetic pull lures me over the threshold and up the stone stairs into the hillside and the still sleeping vines.

Syrah is one of the very last varietals to go about the annual business of budding and blossoming. I like to think of Syrah as the dark horse of Sonoma County's cool climate grapes, keeping a gregarious personality under a cover of dormancy until all risk of frost has passed.

There is still much to do in a sleeping vineyard in the late winter months. Having pruned for the coming Spring, tidy rows of vines snooze peacefully amidst a carpet of protective yellow. A cheery sight for a hillside stroll.

"Stay outside, Mom," the boys call over as I duck back into the kitchen to switch off a buzzing oven timer. Another round of cornbread baked for left-over Oscar-night Chili. The cats are curled up on a lawn chair, bathed in a temperate pool of late February sunshine. By the doorstep the dog snores and snuffles.

Oh, to be back outdoors again. I'm starting to take notice of empty herb planters, pots which could do with an overhaul of something vibrantly colorful and robust. Who hacked the Spanish lavender so far down to the roots? Where are the songbirds nesting?

If today's weather is any indication of things to come, I for one am happy that we're heading for an early Spring Break. Time to uncover the gardening tools for pottering time amidst the rosemary, olive trees and rose garden.

It is 5.30pm and not a single son has hung his head over the stove to see what's cooking for dinner. This is the first miracle of approaching spring in our house. Add a dash of daylight savings to the mix and that extra hour a day is pure gold dust to a home-based writer.....

Laura's Caesar Salad Dressing

Laura's Caesar Salad is a staple in the vineyard kitchen. No messing around with raw eggs or anything potentially dodgy. All you need to do is stock up on the following ingredients and store them in the pantry for at least three or four different dressing dates! Laura's a whiz with salads and soups and I've used this recipe for Caesar Salad ever since she demonstrated the exact amounts to toss into the blender (with her unmistakable element of panache) in her sunny Petaluma River meets San Francisco Bay view kitchen several years ago....

Laura's Caesar Salad Dressing

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tin star anchovies (in oil, not capers)
1 large Meyer lemon
handful of Parmesan
3 to 4 crushed garlic cloves
1 heaping tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
2 -3 large tablespoons of seasoned rice vinegar
5 drops of tobasco
salt & pepper

Blend all of the ingredients for a couple of minutes until nice and smooth and creamy. Pour over chopped Romaine lettuce. Add homemade croutons for extra tasty treat (chop day old Italian bread into chunks, season with a little olive oil and herbs, bake on a low oven temperature for about 20 minutes. Let cool for a little while before tossing them into the salad.

Daniel's Day

OK, enough about the Oscars after this wee post. It's impossible for me not to comment briefly about the big award night, as it so very nearly didn't happen. The question is, would it have mattered so very much if the fleet of little golden men had been sent out via UPS and proud, pontificating recipients merely listed in the morning papers?

What is it about the Oscars which has us gripped to the living room armchair for four solid hours, glued to the screen for the next outrageous hair do and dress to take the stage? Is it me, or is it getting old? Has the glamorama of traditional Oscar night finally had its day?

And isn't it interesting to see who doesn't show up? Justice prevailed in best leading man and best leading woman categories with my predictions of Daniel Day Lewis and Marion Cottilard in their respective, unrivaled roles. And Johnny D was left out in the cold yet again. Why not have an award just for Johnny Depp? He's certainly in a class and a continual series of outstandingly quirky roles all of his own.

No Country For Old Men is clearly the one movie to see for all of us who missed out on its opening on the big screen. Having read the original story in author Cormac McCarthy's original novel last summer, I
wasn' t convinced I actually required a second helping in all of its technicolor glory on the big screen, though I'll likely brace myself for a late viewing seeings as how it swept best film of the year.

If nothing else, Oscar night is always a grand excuse for a cozy little get-together with the kids and a handful of pals. Last of the winter comfort-food suppers in front of the tv, a bottle of vino or two to top off the evening nicely! Thanks Hollywood.

Footnote: Haven't I been plugging the soundtrack for the Irish Indie movie Once for weeks. So, so glad it won for best original song and probably the best speeches of the night.

Cramming for the Oscars

Movie theaters all across the country will be jammed tonight, as Oscar watchers cram the last of their year-long film studies into the final few hours before awards are given out!

And for those of us who are holed up at home with the fire stoked and a stack of warm blankets at the ready to ride out this latest Northern Cal rainstorm, the DVD player has never been so popular.

For me it was La Vie En Rose, a last-ditch attempt to view a significant new player in this much anticipated, on and off again and finally on again 2008 Oscar award ceremony.

This is the incredible life story of legendary, formidable, yet at the same time fairy-like, street waif to world star, French singer Edith Piaf. Presented in sub-titles and the universal language of her pitch-perfect Parisian music and performed heartbreakingly and completely impeccably by the magnifique French actress Marion Cottilard.

George Clooney was quoted in Time Magazine as describing Marion's performance as 'stunning'. There's really no better way to say it than this, and who better to heap much-earned praise on one of the leading female Oscar nominees than one of the year's leading males?

And although I have to hand it to Marion that she has now officially usurped the divine Julie Christie (hauntingly beautiful Away from Her)as my previous favorite for this year's Oscar, I don't think George has much of a chance against the dashingly dastardly Daniel Day Lewis.

In fact, the contenders for Best Film, Best Leads and Best Supporting actors and actresses for 2008 is a refreshing line-up for international talent of a broad spectrum of styles and outstanding quality. Don't you agree? I can't quite decide which film I would honestly say was my personal favorite over the past 12 months.

Seeing Johnny Depp on the list again for the umpteenth time as best male lead is just downright heartbreaking. Of course he won't win. I think we're due for a Johnny Depp honorary award for most nominated actor in a blockbuster lead role. At least I hope he shows, I do love a devil-may-care Johnny moment on the red carpet.

Wouldn't it be nice if a big old heap of praise goes out to the talented script writers and scribes of so many of our favorite shows in the midst of tomorrow night's  glam and glitz. For without the writer's of this world, there would be no Hollywood most certainly no Oscar in sight.

Daily Bread

Flat, delicious Ciabatta bread is undoubtedly one of the all-time favorite loaves of my bread-loving famiglia. And seeings as hot lunches are still so utterly lousy in California public schools (where's our Jamie Oliver, knight in shining kitchen utensils to come to the rescue of American students? - J.O. revolutionized national standards of school hot lunches in the UK and for that, I think he should be knighted!)fresh,tasty, sandwiches are a major staple in the daily diet of my three school-aged sons.

This equates to a lot of dough. Both in the physical form and substantial monetary stash needed to come up with the daily bread. Another top ten loaf in the Rivetti vineyard kitchen is Della Fattoria's fantastic Meyer lemon bread, which is retailing nowadays for around $5.50. That's a lot of dosh for a mere six hearty sandwich slices and a little left over to mop up the sauce at dinner.

Don't get me wrong, I am well aware of the rising costs of flour and yeast and all of the essential ingredients that go into a loaf of artisan bread. It's a tricky time for independent bakeries to be able to balance inflation with what their regulars will reasonably pay per loaf.

With this in mind, I took a notion to knock out a batch of ciabatta loaves myself this week. Taking the bull by the horns, three birds in one, each old cliche applied to my noble aspiration of attempting to produce the daily bread in the humble home kitchen. Like they did in the old days! Yeah right, not in my mother's day, or her mother's day for that matter. I don't suppose that bread has been this expensive in several generations. Maybe during the war. I will have to ask my Dad about that, as his parents were grocery shop owners and he may well remember who came up with the dough for their meager world war II daily bread.

Recalling a lovely photo spread in a past issue of Martha Stewart Magazine (which I like to peruse for the pics and rarely bother reading for reasonable fear of the typically intimidating  uber-domestic content), I searched on-line for Martha's recipe for Ciabatta. Gorgeous, puffy pillows of dough on a perfect wooden baker's board. An all's well with the world shot and a shortish looking recipe.

Taking stock of my dwindling baking supplies (all those cakes I baked last week), I scribbled down yeast and bread flour on my shopping list, balking at the price of three little packets of rapid-rise at the market later that morning. At $3 for a strip of 3, with the recipe calling for the whole lot, this was not the thrifty project I'd originally had in mind.

By the time I'd invested oh, roughly 24 hours of my life to the kneading, rising, prodding, turning, kneading, rising, prodding, turning, tucking in for the evening with gently caressed cling-film, laced with extra virgin olive oil, I was starting to see the error of my ways.

And once my kitchen had to be evacuated due to extreme smoke inhalation danger from the 'steam bath' of the three ensuing long loaves over greaseproof paper at 450, I was vowing never again to resist the urge to splurge at the supermarket bakery shelves. $5.50 a load. Count me in. I'll just slice it thinner.

For anyone mad enough to attempt Martha's recipe even after reading this, I'm including the link for posterity. I know at least three pals who have no problem with the kneading, rising, prodding process of bread baking. Be assured I'll not be joining your ranks anytime soon. Although, I should end with the note that it did taste pretty decent. yet, one pasta dinner and one brown bag session later, there's little evidence it ever happened.