August Recess

For all you outside the beltway folks, August recess might as well be like a European "holiday."  Not like PTO or sick leave, more like a looooong lunch (those of you who've been abroad know exactly what I mean).  In DC, during the month of August you hear less car horns, are able to score seats at the bar - or maybe even an outside spot! - during happy hour and can look around and appreciate the true beauty and history of our nation's capital.  In this respect, for many, it literally is a recess from daily life.

 

But, do you remember your childhood days when recess was all you looked forward to?  That thrilling millisecond when you'd hear the bell ring or the whistle blow and you were FREE?  Free to play with classmates, possibly get in a quick game of four square or whatever suited your soul.  In a very different, adult kind of way, I miss those days.  I miss having fewer obligations and more free time.  These days, I live (for my friend, Mara :) for mornings where I can start my day with a walk in the park, followed by coffee on the Canal at Baked and Wired to then catch a quick snooze with Mr. Cuddles and the Fin man.  You guessed it!  Nowadays, "these days" are few and far between. 

 

Do you ever feel like there's not enough time in a day?  Like no matter how kempt you keep your schedule, it's virtually impossible to keep everything straight?  If it wasn't for Microsoft Outlook, I would probably be one of those crazy people you see walking around rambling to themself.  Regardless of the context, we've all been told "make time for yourself."  How?  When? 
When you don't have a built-in recess period (I find) it's difficult to make time for you...or us...or them.  Then I read the following:

We are
so busy
watching out
for what
is ahead of us
that we don't
take time
to enjoy
where we are

 

-Calvin E. Hobbes

 

***

 

Take Time

 

Take time to think: it is the source of power.

Take time to read: it is the foundation of wisdom.

Take time to play: it is the secret of staying young.

Take time to be quiet: it is the moment to seek God.

Take time to be aware: it is the opportunity to help others.

Take time to love and be loved: it is God's greatest gift.

Take time to laugh: it is the music of the soul.

Take time to be friendly: it is the road to happiness.

Take time to dream: it is what the future is made of.

Take time to pray: it is the greatest power on earth.

 

-Author Unknown

 

Time is of the essence.  But, is it?  We spend so much time overthinking things that we forget about what's really important. What's really important.  We should all gift ourselves a recess.  A period to vacate.  Maybe it's five minutes a day, perhaps only once a week.  Whenever it is, make it count!



~

 

S U M M E R   S A L S A

While I may be the hostess with the mostess, Mr. Cuddles has the green thumb in our family.  We are currently growing jalapeno and bell peppers and LOTS of cherry tomatoes.  Side note: I prefer cherry tomatoes over grape tomatoes as cherries have just the right amount of sweet without being too overpowering. 

Before I get to the recipe, I must give you a little background on Mr. Cuddles's love for Mexican food.  HE'S OBSESSED.  I make taco salads or beef/chicken/shrimp/steak soft tacos at least once a week.  It's not just Mexican food he likes, it's also the beer and margaritas.  For those of you who don't know Mr. Cuddles as well as others, he gets really tan.  Like ethnic.  So much so that when we were at an event a few years ago, the girls were gabbing in one corner while the guys were waiting on drinks.  After hearing a random roar of laughter we mosied over to see what was up.  The guys could barely catch a breath and proceed to tell us that while they were all offered beers, Mr. Cuddles was asked if he'd care for a "cerveza."  Mr. Cuddles, being the smart apple that he is, carried on about this for some time joking that the wait staff "were clearly racist."

Needless to say, a key component of Mexican food is salsa.  Nothing, and I mean (virtually) nothing, is better than home made salsa.  You can top a fresh fish fillet with it, pile it high on nachos, load a baked potato, use in lieu of salad dressing, etc. 

You'll need
*Hopefully home grown* cherry tomatoes
1 whole jalapeno pepper (you could substitute sweet peppers if you can't take the heat!)
1/4 cup chopped onion (white if you prefer mild, red if you want to spice it up)
1 clove minced garlic
juice of half a lime
1/4 cup cilantro (omit if you are like me and aren't crazy about it)
salt and pepper to taste

How-to
Break out the food processor!  Combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, garlic, sugar, lime juice, cilantro  and salt and pepper.  Pulse until you get the ingredients to the consistency you like - I'd say about 10 to 12 pulses.  Taste test with your favorite tortilla chip (Garden of Eatin' "Red Hot Blues" are where it's at!) and refrigerate salsa for at least an hour before serving.

~

Seasonal Serving
I know this is repetitive but white, white, white and white.  Without fail, anything with color looks crisp and fresh on, that's right, white (or clear/glass) serve ware.  If you're craving more color you can always incorporate patterned napkins, place mats or pitchers but let the food speak for itself.  Crate and Barrel has several chip & dip options (the Marin collection is marvelous) and we love our Arthur Court combo.

You could also go all out and bring in Spanish influence.  It doesn't have to be authentic.  I'm quite confident you can find Spanish inspired pieces at local antique stores, flea markets or - when all else fails - Home Goods. 

Cakes' Commentary
During the month of August, among literal vacations, I'm going to allow myself to take a mental vacation - a vacation from my PROBLEMS! 

Comments for Cakes? Please submit comments, feedback, questions, or things you'd like to see posted!s