Sunday, November 11, 2012

To the Mountains


On Friday morning Renee and I jumped into Black Beauty (my truck)
and headed for the hills.....the hills of Maine (and New Hampshire)
to see Nanci Griffith at Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield


Neither of us had ever been before and were a little giddy with the
change of scenery
 and playing hooky on a Friday

Renee had bought a package deal that included an overnight
stay at the Inn on Crystal Lake in NH with dinner, a shuttle bus to
the concert and back and unbeknownst to us, front row seats!!


We pulled up in the dark to this big barn with lights twinkling from inside

We walked into a big empty room filled with tables and a bar, 
and I thought maybe we were early.

But then we were escorted thru a secret breezeway,

where a door opened us into
this beautiful post and beam barn
 filled with 200 people
Eating, Drinking and Chatting up a storm, waiting for the show.

The Kennedy's opened for Nancy with warm voices and an amazing
message of warmth and gratitude about Maine's passing, on popular vote,
the right for Gay Marriage

 The audience's pride and enthusiasm was emotionally overwhelming
and really hit home to me what a life changing event has just occurred

Nancy joined them, frail and birdlike, three songs in
and I was a bit taken aback as she came onto stage,
 I had no idea she has been
 battling an illness

But let me tell you, her voice and spirit, filled the room - to the 
stars and mountains surrounding us. 
 I feel like she sewed a little
bit of her spirit into my pocket
of which I will always take good care.


We meandered back roads coming home Saturday,
and of course stopped at Chase's Daily in Belfast
where I stocked up on farm fresh produce


Here is a recipe for a cauliflower puree I made
last night to accompany some braised country ribs -

A wonderful substitute for mashed potatoes

CAULIFLOWER PUREE

2 small heads of cauliflower, or 1 large
3 T butter or Olive oil, or a little of both!
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
A few T of fresh chopped parsley

Core the cauliflower and cut into florets
Steam until tender

Place hot steamed cauliflower into the bowl of
a food processor, add the butter or whatever you are using
and the salt and pepper to start

Puree until smooth and creamy,
taste for salt and pepper and add a touch more
oil if needed

Stir the fresh parsley in last

Serve hot in place of mashed potatoes

Enjoy!

And thank you so much.
Kyra

1 comment:

  1. What a wonderful trip! Your words touch my heart, dear Kyra!
    I can't wait to try your recipe. Thank you for sharing.
    ~Shaina

    ReplyDelete