Not Just Plain Quiche

The quiche I made for a Thanksgiving appetizer turned out well. It was so nice to cook on a cloudy, Fall day and contributing something to the special pre-dinner. I've had quiche so many times, but never once made it myself. There are variations to it, but all with the neccessary ingredients to make it taste and look like quiche:)

Just before going into the oven

Sometimes holidays such as Thanksgiving can bring nostalgia. Remebering Thanksgivings past, the memories, the company, the laughs and the happenings, all bound together. This year was new and refreshing, with a sense of calm, and comfort- making all the difference because I wasn't part of the hosting crew, and could enjoy all the hard work my sister and husband did in making a very special and thoughtful Thanksgiving meal.

I loved this recipe, not only because it was my first time trying it, but also because it had a variety of parts to it that made it more enjoyable to create. Mixing all of the ingredients together was fun, and seeing the texture come together was interesting, and making the dough in order for it to have a crust was a little time consuming, but also relaxing at the same time. I'm not used to rolling dough, and using flour and having it cling to my hands and clothes like it were sticky candy. I do want to get better at baking. I feel that I've become so comfortable with cooking, it's almost like there's no need to learn how to bake. But that's not true, I don't want to believe it either. I'm always up for an enticing challenge, and growing more comfortable in my skin which can feel like it has limits, but inside it denies that boxy category.

Pretty soon, I'll need to start making a (long) list of 2017 goals and challenges and ideas that I want to leap forward to do and create. And I think baking will be one of those items ready to make the mark. Of course, the race to finish my reading list/goal is still in the air, as well as a Winter chill and holiday cheer.The start of something new is about to come underway, It's coming quickly, but softly. It's not plain, or bland, but with lots of exotic and rich flavor. I'm excited for a new season to begin, a new year, and new ideas, goals, dreams and people. I hope you're excited as well, and join in with me!

November Reflections

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, for many reasons. It is a time for reflection, to give thanks to God and to others and a day to enjoy family, right before the rush of the holidays come into view. I think it's also a nice time to reflect on this year alone, and all that there is to be thankful for. I have fond memories of past Thanksgivings, getting together with family and having lots of people over at the house. But this year will be a little bit different. My sister and her husband are hosting at their place, and it will be a smaller and more intimate celebration and feast. Personally, that is more of my style. It can be easier to reflect and voice what and who you're thankful for. I remember last year, with all of the people we had- equal to three different tables, we had namecards and a question per card to make it easier for conversation. I remember my question was about cooking memoirs and why I like to read them so much. Some things haven't changed. Ha

This year, my goal for Fall was to contribute something for Thanksgiving dinner. I will be cooking an appetizer, Quiche. I think quiche is always great for almost any occassion, and a nice way to start out a hearty and delicious meal. I feel that this Thanksgiving has a different feel to it, perhaps a more reflective and melancholy tone, due to the happenings and challenges of this year. I think trials and challenges are another thing to be thankful for this year, a blessing in diguise.

Last year's dinner table. Elisabeth and I were conversing in a few languages at once - Italian, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. We should recreate it again soon!:)

I'm looking forward to putting my quiche together, reading a good book (getting closer to my goal for this Autumn), and going on a nice, Fall walk, and later sharing a nice and warm meal with the people I love most. In a way, it's weird to think that another Thanksgiving is here, and another liturgical year ending, and a new one soon beginning. The feeling in the air is slowly changing, a brisk, chilly air is coming in, and all things Fall are becoming more of the past. Winter and all things Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings (which I particulary am not a fan of) are part of the hustle and bustle of the holiday cheer, and all that glitters. I'm just trying to enjoy the Thanksgiving season, and take it all in- the memories, the food, the company and the love. Happy Thanksgiving!

Anthropologie and Anthropology

This is my first time taking Anthropology. I wasn't even sure what it was about, and would consider myself someone who probably wouldn't be very interested in the subject either until this class. Anthropology of the Middle East. Like I mentioned in a post written a while ago, the Middle East interests me and with any region or country in the world, there is so much to learn about. I think that's what makes me excited and inspired to keep learning more. I would say Arabic is still an underlying and behind the scenes type of interest, but I know that Chinese and Hindi are more in the picture, and are the main actors on the stage- at least for now ;)

For this Anthro class, I've really enjoyed my Professor's lectures. Not only has it helped me learn in this particular field, but I've also come to understand more of this culture, the dominant religion in the region- Islam, as well as among other customs. My mind has been opened, and I alsways feel inspired after leaving this class, even with a smile that I recieved a good, hard laugh after another one of my Professor's humorous jokes. Although this class and the quarter aren't over yet, I know that I will remember this particular class for a while and how much I enjoyed it, aiting for it after my 4 hour breaks, ready to listen to an exciting lecture!

Anthropologie is a clothing store that I've been to a few times. I can recall visitng this store last November, on a rainy day in a fancy part of a city and feeling the warmth of inspiration and creativity around me, soaking me up and taking my mind to a different place. Some things are just better on a rainy day, like the library, a cafe, and anthropologie:).

The displays in this store are always fun to look at, with green soda cans hanging by the window- (with the backdrop of the pounding rain outside, so cool!), or a strew of paintbrushes hanging upsidedown in the middle part of the ceiling, capturing the eyes of all the new customers. Just like my Anthropology class, I feel that I also learn  while in this creative and inticing store. I learn about myself, and what I need and what I crave at times, and even how I recieve and regain my energy. The feeling of possibility, even randomness, and eclectic taste are all wrapped up in this store, and making it special and exciting each time.

My sister used to work for Anthropologie- kept the associate's handbook, and had the perk of a discount!

I hope to go back to this neat store soon, especially on a chilly Fall day. There are some other stores and places that give me this special feel and enjoyment. Maybe I'll write about them sometime, and also find some new places in the mean time:)

Turkish Recipe and Remainings of the Year

This weekend I made time to make a Turkish dish. This was a recipe and cookbook that I've been interested in for a while. I really liked the pages and the layout of it, and making the two recipes that I chose was also enjoyable as well.

Thus was a different type of beef, one that I hadn't cooked before. I also never used shallots, as the recipe called for. Personally, I didn't like cutting them, but in some ways they were easier than regualr onions.

The side dish, was fairly simple- with eggs, tomatoes and green peppers. I liked cooking this one since it was cool seeing the transfomration of it all. I wasn't too sure on how it was supposed to look at the end, but I think it turned out well!

The final product.

I feel that this scrambled eggs recipe can go along with many other dishes, I just picked it becasue I wanted to try it, not neccesssarily because it was meant to go with the beef dish. 

What a busy, yet enjoyable and hard laughing weekend! Spent with friends and familar faces as well as some new ones. An early thanksgiving dinner shared together, and a fun night of swing and gelato eating. Reflecting back on this weekend, also makes me delve back into this year as well and thinking and remembering all that happened. Today marks the end of the year of mercy and this week also is the end of this liturgical year. Wow, so much change happening at once, yet also so much to be thankful for. I'm looking forward to contributing some dishes this Thanksgiving, and also to just have a break from a busy and sometimes hectic schedule. Cheers to this year, and everything around just corner!

Raining Sunday. Had to caprture this goregeous golden sky!

Something Golden

The cold, brisk air is telling me that winter is coming soon. I wish Fall could last longer. The Fall I admire is the one where there are always sunny, and warm days with the trees glowing with golden and reddish leaves. There is always a bench to sit at and read a good book, or observe your surrondings. And it's always good weather for a long walk or a spontenous run. But sometimes unfortunately, Winter is the next season that carries over into the New Year- so maybe it's not all bad after all.

The flowers have fallen, just like the leaves

Hard to believe that it's already the middle of November. There are still so many things that I would like to accomplish, even this month alone. Still working on my reading regime as well as my Hindi- self taught lessons! If I could give myself a grade, I would say right now I deserve a B. I need and want to put in more time and effort as well as retaining the language. Although languages are time consuming and in full need of the regaining strength of perserverance, it always enjoyable and exciting to where it can lead you! I have a few phrases down, but by the end of the year, I am aiming to speak a couple of sentences well! I will have my list of things I want to do/accomplish before this year of 2016 is over, soon! And since it's still November, I want to write about my favorite saints, and even the ones that I want to have more devotion to. Wow, too many things....sometimes I wonder how will it be when I am a post grad with no job-yet, will I have enough things to do to keep me active, and busy and inspired? I would say most likely, since I always wanted more time to do them as a student. :)

This weekend I got to spend some nice, quality time with my sisters- a huge blessing in my life. I've tried counting my blessings when things seem to go array or when I'm down, and sometimes I don't know where to begin or even feel overwhelmed by it all. Being with my sisters is always a joy, and lifts me up since I know that they know me the best.

I would say we all look fairly different, but our chins are alike!

I love this time of day. You probably already know that by now since I have a good amount of sunset photos on here! But sometimes I really dislike it when I can't enjoy it  (I  just want to go on a nice long walk or run- or short, since it gets dark so fast) because I have to be somewhere. But thought I would take a picture of it anyway:)

The end of the year is quickly approaching. I am thinking about all that happened this year, and of course what will still happen for the rest of it. Processing what I learned, gained, hoped for and expereinced, my favorite moments and even my least favorite ones are all in there somewhere and brought me to where I am now, in this present moment, writing on Plum Tree, a blog that I never knew I would start or even keep up with. Cheers! And to many great moment to come!:)

Reading By The Minute

This week...hmm should I say eventful, busy, reflective, and even peaceful at times. I try to savor the little moments, like reading a book for 15 minutes, or even learning Hindi or going for run- since these things can be hard to do at times with the rest of my schedule somewhat packed and tight. I've learned that this is just the beginning, since there will always be busy times in life, it's just how you use the time (perhaps minutes) you've got.

I became concerned that I wasn't finishing as many books as I wanted this Fall. Yes, I have a pretty busy schedule, but it wasn't impossible. I also had a difficult time actually sticking to a book. I have an easy time finding some but once I flip some pages, I no longer feel that this book is for me. But I recently did stick to a book, till the end and made time to do so. I figured I didn't have to rush home with all the traffic. I could sit on a nice, inviting bench and read for about 10 or 15 minutes. I don't have to rush from activity to activity, instead I can slowly transition which will lead to less heart pounding, minute ticking in my head and just lead to more peace all around. I found that by reading on this nice bench at school, I was able to observe more- to enjoy my surrondings, not rush through life without appreciating all the things that are around me. I was able to watch passerbys and hear some of their conversations (such as the Presidency), and live in the moment, catch my breath. I noticed how much reading I could do in that short yet productive amount of time! It's all about being innovative with what you have, whether that be tangible or intagible goods.

The cherries behind me. I wouldn't have notcied them if I walked right by them and didn't stop and sit on that bench.

I saw this tree, and I my mind immediatley thought of these long branches, and so many of them- of all of the ideas and inspirations that our minds can imagine. This was inspiring to me, and so I decided to stop at this nice bench:)

I am excited to share the books I have finished this Fall. At this point, I still have at least 5 to finish before December 21st, which is the first day of Winter. There are also still many things I would like to do and accomplish, and crazy to think that this year of 2016 is fastly approaching to an end. Some of these include finishing the sewing project that is soon to be done! I also want to get back into knitting again, keep up with my language studies, organize my tutoring materials/notes, and try out more new recipes to post on Plum Tree, as well as my own cookbook archive:)

While on my run, had to capture this beautiful pink undertone sky!

Nice snack while tutoring! I gave my student a cupcake for an early birthday (homemade by my mom from wedding reception), and I got two in return! Ha

It's November! Which means Family, Turkey and Cooking! Had to get some new recipes from this cooking food magaize:)

Coming up: I am planning to make a Turkish dish, just want enough people to enjoy it, and Friday night can leave people to scatter. Also, favorite books from 2016, favorite words from all the languages I have and am studying and some creative projects!! Till next time..

Making Kafta For A Not So Formal Goodbye

I've finally made time to make a recipe from one of the nice and invititng cookbooks from the library. The cookbooks section is one of my favorites, so many ideas and inspiration that it makes me excited looking at all of the options. This time I picked a recipe from a Middle Eastern Cookbook.

This cookbook is interesting to look at and seeing all of the possibilities. I decided to make a similar dish to what I made before, Kafta but a different version than before. I wanted to make a nice dish for my sister's last night, since she moved out today with her husband to a place not too faraway, which is good. :) It will be a good deal different without her here everyday, I've gained so much and we've had so much amazing and enjoyable times these past 5 years especially. Life is truly a journey, and I would say an unpredictable one, so many twists and turns, times where it feels like a big, long tunnel and others when it feels like it's a sunny day all day. I've seen all of these avenues, and although have expereinced them from time to time, not as powerful as my sister has. Those 5 years have been mighty, meaningful and full of discovery. I had my close sister by my side, while she was figuring everything out while I was by her. Our best support system that didn't stop, but only grew and grew made our friendship and bond stronger and closer than ever. I realized more and more that sisters are a blessing but the ones who become really good friends are an extra blessing. What a blessing she has been in my life- in my young adult expereince, college days and in creating new ideas and hobbies. 

So many memories that at times feel like a blur, yet at other times  I can remember every word, occurence and detail in a given moment, I think that's what can make it hard, remembering almost everything and focusing too much on the past. I look at the past more than looking forward to the future, but I think that it's important to do both. These days wont be easy, nor these months but it's going to make me stronger. I know I am ready for this, but sometimes saying a not so formal goodbye until later can be difficult and emotional just as much as a formal one. But as soul sisters, I don't think many things will change, and I need to keep looking toward the future even though it can feel  foreign to me, but it's also exciting!

Now for the recipe...

This recipe is fun to make, you get to use your hands and mash all of the ingredients together- it's easier that way. The aroma is pretty stronger with the spices involved, but people will compliment you and you will shortly have their mouth watering. It's an overall easy recipe, it just takes sometime to put all together and cook- that takes the longest. I didn't put potatos in my dish, since it probvably would have taken twice as long, but I'm sure it would have tasted nice with the addition of them. I will keep this one in my cookbook archives since it will be a keeper! Until next time...

A Week in Photos

So much has happened since I last wrote. The weeks get busy, and I often find myself scrambling for extra time; time to rejuvinate, reflect and lay low for a while. Plum Tree helps me do that. :) With the non ending speed of school going at a fast momentum among my tutoring job, the weeks just seem to wizz on by. Some days I crave to go on a nice fall walk or run, with or without the rain. This time of year, like all the rest, comes only once a year and how fast it truly goes. Hello November, and all that you bring! October is my go to, by November isn't too bad either, maybe perhaps the onset of Winter gets me nostalgic of all things Autumn.

Here is the past week or so in photos, including beautiful red leaves, tutoring, my Sister's and Brother-in-Law's Wedding reception, Halloween costume..

recreating Frida Kalho for Halloween

Bridesmaids

Giving my Toast! Everything turned out well, the tears came after...

With the family

My sister, the photographer

Love these red leaves, with the back drop of the sky!

Tutoring my student

The beautiful wedding cake, my Mom made it!

My toast to my dear sister

October has been a world wind. Busy, fast paced and a lot of emotion. I think Autumn usually brings about strong emotion, melancholy and nostalgic feelings can come easily, and change is never easy, but a necessity- a fact if life. October has brought change in various ways, and although it can be hard, it is beautiful as well. I feel that it's ironic that I consider myself really bad at change and transition, yet Fall is my favorite season, the Queen of change. But all good things come in due season. I can't get the wedding recepetion out of my mind. So many beautiful emotions, it was such a special day to celebrate with friends and family, many of whom I hadn't seen in a while. This day will always hold a very special place in my heart, and feel that most words could not descibe everything that I was feeling and expereincing. Joy was one of them, yet still it cannot thoroughly do justice. I have so much to be grateful for, and the elegant and radiant day showed me just that. Salvador and Elisabeth were glowing and showed me so much about things that my heart had not yet unraveled. Their love is so strong for eachother, it makes me only want to grow a bigger heart for others.

I am still trying my best with my Autumn list, not forgetting it or tossing it to the wayside, but doing my best to achieve small goals. Finishing books is slow, and picking up Hindi is a process, but I think it's not all about checking things off, but instead of enjoying it all, and see where it leads.

Today is the first day of November, a beautiful and meaningful month. And today is all Saints Day, remembering and praying to those whose lives were great examples. I have a few of my favorites, but I think that will be for another post. Happy November!