Mussels in a Dijon & Saffron Sauce

A Musing Recipe # 4







1-cup Pinot Gris white wine (250 ml)
1 medium sized shallot, finely diced
2 teaspoons garlic, finely chopped (10 ml)
5 saffron threads
¾ cup 35% cream ( 180 ml)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (15ml)
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 lb. Live mussels, scrubbed and de bearded (1kg.)
Pinch of fresh Thyme

Prep:
1. Set a large deep skillet over high heat. Add Pinot Gris, shallots, garlic, saffron, and thyme to pan. Allow ingredients to heat through but not boil.
2. Using a whisk to combine and add the cream and Dijon to the moisture. Continue to whisk for 30 seconds. Season the broth to taste with salt and pepper
3. Add the mussels to skillet and gently toss with the sauce.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid and continue to cook over high heat for approximately 3 – 4 minutes or until all mussels have opened. Discard and unopened mussels.
5. Ladle mussels into blows with the sauce

Serve with crusty bread for dipping into this fabulous sauce.

The Pinot Gris works well with the mussels because the texture is full enough to stand up to those sweet, buttery mussels, and the fruity flavours contrast with the saffron and the Dijon without being overpowered. It also has just enough acidity to refresh your palate after the cream in the sauce. It is all about balance.

My personal favourite

Life can be complicated

Life can be complicated
Originally uploaded by Suzanne Williams*

Life can be complicated

This is boxelder (Acer negundo); I believe those developing leaves will be 3- or 5-compound, and there is a hint of the whitish bloom on the twig which is characteristic of the species..or a large Maple Tree..

In life as in nature life can be complicated, or just as simple as a tree..trying to keep it simple

Spirit

Spirit
Originally uploaded by Suzanne Williams*

Springtime in Mississauga, when you touch the earth this spring in your planting let its energy heal you....And calm your spirit!

Profusion of Colour

Profusion of Colour
Originally uploaded by Suzanne Williams*

Spring tulips are always a favorite to take and receive

Gob Stopping Gerber

Gob Stopping Gerber
Originally uploaded by Suzanne Williams*

In Celebration of Spring, flowers, glorious flowers.

A Musing Receipe # 3 Broccoli & Cheese Whiz Souffle

A Musing Recipe # 3


BROCCOLI & Cheese Whiz SOUFFLÉ

Cheese, broccoli, eggs are a match made in heaven. Even young children love this recipe. With these yummy ingredients, broccoli, cheese, eggs, it is easy to see why it is a family and personal favourite. Light and fluffy, yet creamy and pleasing, this broccoli soufflé is a real crowd-pleaser.

I generally only make this recipe to take with me for a family gathering, or special occasions. As it is not exactly low calorie. Nevertheless, you have to splurge occasionally. The best part is that this soufflé recipe only looks complicated. It is really quite easy. You do not even have to thaw the frozen broccoli florets in advance. I know you’re wondering why Cheese Whiz and not just grated cheese, well Cheese Whiz adds a bit of a zing to this dish! You can keep that part a secret!

The key to a successful soufflé lies in the egg whites. First, it is crucial that you use a clean glass or stainless steel bowl to whip the egg whites. In addition, the egg whites must be at room temperature 30 minutes prior to using.
Also, be sure that you have no yolks in your egg whites. Even a tiny speck of yolk will prevent the whites from whipping properly. It is a good idea to separate each egg white into a small bowl first, and then transfer it to a larger bowl for beating. That way, if any yolk gets in, you only have to throw out one egg white, not the whole batch.
The best way to check for soft peaks is to pull the beaters straight up out of the egg white mixture. If you see little, triangular peaks on the end of the beaters, you have soft peaks.

Ingredients:

¼ cup chopped onions
6 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. flour
½-cup water
1 - 8 oz. Jar cheese whiz (gives a special kick)
2 pkg. Frozen chopped broccoli spears
3 eggs separated

Bread Crumb mixture:
2 tbsp butter melted in microwave
1-cup breadcrumbs combine together in a bowl and sprinkle over soufflé.

Prep:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart soufflé dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside
Cook broccoli – drain well, set aside. Sauté onions in butter. Add flour and water cook until well blended. Add cheese whiz and broccoli. In a separate bowl beat together egg yolks and add to the above mixture, until well incorporated. Beat egg whites until until stiff and soft peaks form and fold slowly and gently into mixture.
Gently pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the soufflé is puffed and golden. Do not check on the soufflé before 30 minutes.

It is generally accepted that the soufflé was an eighteenth century French creation. Soufflé literally is the French for 'puffed up'. Take care to avoid having a drafty kitchen when you make soufflé and do not open the oven until the cooking time has been reached or the soufflé’ may fall. In my opinion, all soufflés’ need to be made with love and patience but the reward is well worth it.

Be prepared to bring the recipe with you they will love it that much!

Suzanne Williams

TREE HUGGERS UNITE!!

The Healing Power of Trees!

During fall, it almost becomes a national past time to appreciate trees, especially in Canada where they fully display their glory in brilliant wild colors. Personally, I am a tree hugger year round and proud of it! There is something very special about walking in the woods, or entering the silent sanctuary of an Evergreen grove, or just sitting in the cooling shade of a Maple tree's expansive branches. I find trees both majestic yet comforting, elegant yet solid, enduring yet ever changing. When I surround myself with trees, my breathing becomes deeper, all my senses are satiated, and I feel peaceful and grounded.
Several organizations have done experiments on the healing effects of forests. The studies compared the physiological benefits of walking in the city with walking in a forest. They found concrete evidence that a forest stroll had beneficial effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and the immune system.

Tapping into the healing energies of Trees

Every tree is a powerful source of spiritual healing energy that can help your own immune system. Because trees are rooted so firmly in the earth, receive water through the roots from the rain and light from the sun, they are an enduring source of earth’s healing in the most concrete of squares in any city centre.
You can sit against a tree in a forest that may be hundreds or even thousand years old. Yews can live more than two thousand years and some oaks a thousand years old. Trees contain lot of accumulated power and wisdom. In woodlands or a local arboretum, look for a circle of trees that can become your own sacred grove.

· You may find your special tree, one that feels right for you, in your local park or in your garden. If a particular tree is not jumping out at you then just pick one that you will feel safe sitting against or hugging or simply touching every time you go past it. Any tree will help to ease your pain whether physical or emotional and will restore well-being.

· Small trees in a pot or on a balcony can create a sacred grove within your home.

· Begin by sitting against the trunk for a while, now shut your eyes, and envision going down the length of the roots into the earth, making a connection with the forest floor and then through the bark.

· Put your hands on the ground and press down with your feet, picturing any excess energies and negative feelings as a dark light sinking downwards into the earth touching the roots where they can be healed. Then release those healed energies upwards through the leaves and into the sunlight.

· When you feel calm, stand facing the tree so your fingers on both hands and your toes are lightly touching the trunk. Or if you are comfortable simply give the tree a hug!

· Ancient groves in Wales, Brittany, Ireland, and throughout various sites around the world trees are still adorned with ribbons, trinkets and requests for healing and blessings. Find your own tree or scared grove and place a little piece of yourself. Give tree hugging a try you just might like it.

Suzanne Williams