Ever since I went snowboarding in Wisconsin Saturday in 5 degree F. temps, I've been suffering with a cold and fever. But today I feel on the mend. Still weak but the worst is over. Anyway, hot oatmeal seemed like a nutritious energizing option on this cold winter morning.
I just took what I had in the kitchen, some carrots, ginger, brown sugar, and steel-cut oats. I also sliced some oranges on the side and added raisins, cardamom, and milk, to the hot oatmeal.
I have to admit, it really hit the spot! I feel good now. :D
Today was the last day of our summer Farmer's Market with farmers from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Also, French nuns residing in Chicago who sell their pastries and breads. I really can't think of much better than local grown foods, and seeing foods in their more natural states, like these brussel sprouts. My mother said when she was young, grocers always sold brussels sprouts this way and bananas on the stalk, just like I saw them selling bananas in Costa Rica recently. Anyway, I really like getting out and talking to the producers and getting fresh high quality foods. They often inspired some of my paintings. You may have seen some of my farmer's market finds in a...
This evening I made this delicious watermelon and cucumber salad from the cookbook Kale and Caramel. So delicious with pumpkin seed and Thai basil lime dressing on top and scattered toasted pumpkin seeds.
I took a trip to the Field Museum in Chicago this week. Always entertaining and educational. One of the best parts for me as an artist who paints a lot of birds, is the hall of birds exhibit. People often ask me where I get all the information for rare birds I may paint or birds that are not found where I live. Sometimes I get photos through my own global travels. But these specimen are a wonderful tool for me as a bird artist. The birds are so perfectly preserved and the expressions and poses are so well displayed that their personality and habits are taken into consideration. I also feel glad knowing they were not harvested or...
