Savoring Sunday Memories

Quila

What excitement we had at home last week with 4 forever puppies At times it was like being Mother Goose with the gaggle following closely. While our 2 "grand puppy" house guests were here for their extended play date with our own brood, there was not shortage of health- giving laughter. Of course, there were brief bursts where little Quila was the fuse to the "3 sticks of dynamite" ):-. Always, it was refreshing. A good summer memory.

The summer sun makes me appreciate succulents anew. With a drip line connected to the topiary "tree" - after languishing so long-  the foliage now is quickly coming to need a trim.

  In planning the summer suppers- like wardrobe- the goal should be to keep things light. 

Years ago, a food broker raised awareness that the rice I normally whipped side dishes from was common cloth. Good; but not great. There is a whole world of grains out there which deserve a place at the table. Basmati rice is an instant improvement to most recipes calling for white rice. 

Lime-Cilantro White Rice is quite simple and sublime. One of those uncommon dishes to satisfied innocent children through sophisticated gourmets. 

Begin with your standard pattern for white rice. Insist on Basmati.

Over a gentle fire, pour the grains into our favorite saucepan, which you coated ever so lightly with olive oil and butter, barely melted. 

 Stir long enough to coat and add just a touch of toastiness. 

When you add the water, also add the juice squeezed from a lime from which you have set aside the  zest.

When your recipe suggests the rice will be done- lift the lid long enough to fluff and add not quite enough  real butter to clog the arteries):- 

The lid back on will hold the heat: finish whatever else you plan to serve. 

When ready, stir one last time to even the buttery goodness throughout.

Mound on a platter. Sprinkle with the lime zest.

The Pièce de résistance- shower shavings of deep green cilantro leaves across the white mountain.

It wouldn't be the Sunday Sabbath without words of wisdom. Coming of Age in the cusp of the '60's and 70's- my generation needed to have children to grasp the lesson. From this perch in life- I hope this is a battle the culture war fights, the winning side, be it the State of  Grace. I leave you with these pearls strung by Paul. 

"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not grieve God's Holy Spirit by the way you live . . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

"Ephesians 4:29–32.

Quila is an awesome Chihuahua. True story- she hailed from Beverly Hills.  Not quite like that movie. But "mom "works there and I swear that dog's wardrobe comes in bags better than my clothing!

The succulents were born in Pasadena. Where the cross, at time of writing, resides at the  California Cactus Center.