JBug's Kitchen Antics: Dear Auntie Gert

Just a note to let you know we arrived at the beach without mishap and have been so busy relaxing, I haven’t had time to drop you a line. I ‘ve been waiting (and waiting) for a rainy day so I’d get caught up on my correspondence but so far we’ve had nothing but clear and beautiful sunny days with temps in the mid 60’s. Cross your fingers along with your knitting needles OK – I’d love a storm to hit and sock us in for a few days so I’ve an excuse to try that cinnamon bun recipe you sent me. I just know we’re going to love ‘em.

You must be wondering how the boys are. Max and Finnigan are both catching a few zzz’s at the moment because they’re a little worn out. As you know, the beach trips are old hat to Max, but it’s Finn’s first trip and he’s mesmerized by the waves, loves to try and catch sandpipers and has already been initiated into the joys of racing through tide pools at full bore. Wish you could have seen his face when he came through one and out the other side. They love taking walks in the neighborhood and neither fur kid’s complaining over parking their little butts in the grass to poop either – I hope my saying that hasn’t made you blush. Talk about doggie heaven!

Big Guy sends his love. He’s been clamming a couple of times, successfully of course, so we’ve already enjoyed a huge pot of Blush Clam Chowder from some cockles and gaper clams, and have some meat in the freezer for other clammy things in the near future. He’s hoping for some success in digging Razor Clams during the next minus tide and plans on trying his hand at surf fishing as well. He’s in hog heaven.

He cooked up some bacon, eggs and biscuits on the gas barbecue this morning for breakfast which is a good thing because I haven’t exactly spent much time cooking myself as you’ve likely gathered.

After breakfast, we hit the Farmer’s Market in Newport and what you see is just a small sample of the glorious fresh locally grown produce we found there so I promise to get off my lazy butt and get cookin’. We darn near bought the place out, didn’t we.

I’ve something special in mind for that gorgeous little cabbage you see hiding in the bowl, and I’m planning on making some of your favorite creamy dilled potatoes to go with tonight’s braised pork. Of course, I’ll have to make a berry pie or two though I won’t be making anything with rhubarb if the rhubarb we saw’s any example. You’d no doubt have a hissy fit as it was green as grass so I didn’t buy any. I mean, who wants a green pie unless it’s a green tomato pie. Now there’s an idea!

Well my dear Auntie, I must fly. It’s almost time for our afternoon nap and heaven knows I wouldn’t want to miss it and face the chance of wearing myself out during the first week of vacation. We think of you often. Hugs from Bug 'n the Boys!