super-yummy kale chips

It's sunset and time to write again.

"What's that in the photo?" you ask.

Oh, you mean that mint tea in my favourite tea thermos?

"No," you say, "what's that stuff in the bowl?"

Oh, in the bowl. That's only my best discovery of the summer --  tahini-lemon kale chips.

I first tried kale chips made by Agate at Tao Organics. Good doesn't even start to describe these awesome chips. I even brought two bags with me to Oceanwood this summer. But those darlings were so delicious that they were gone in a finger-licking flash with no hope of more until I returned to the city in September. Since I could not wait that long for more kale heaven, I improvised my own recipe. You just HAVE TO try these for yourself. Here's how:

1) In your largest bowl, add a huge scoop of tahini, the juice of one lemon and some tamari to taste. Blend the mixture well with a large rubber scraper. Add enough water until you have the consistency of a thick gravy that still sticks to the walls of the bowl.

2) Rinse and shake off all the water from a bunch of kale (any variety). Holding on to the stem of a leaf in one hand, "zip" the leaves off with your other hand in one fast motion. Discard the ribs and stems and rip the leaves into large pieces.

3) Lightly crush some leaves into ball, then dredge the leaves through the tahini mixture. After each leaf is well-coated, lay out on dehydrator trays or cookie sheets. Dehydrate for 4-6 hours in a dehydrator or 2 hours in your oven set to the lowest setting. Store kale chips, gently packed, in air-tight jars to prevent them from grabbing moisture from the air and getting soggy. Now you are ready to enjoy your very own kale chips with a large mug of your favourite tea. Bon appetite!

**********************************************************************************************************       *******                Oceanwood Chronicles credits and links              ******* *********************************************************************************************************** Photo credits: Photos by Jessica at Oceanwood. Oceanwood Chronicles, copyright 2011 - Jessica at Oceanwood. Creative commons attribution, non-commercial sharing only (translation: feel free to quote me in context or use this entry but please always credit me for my work, thanks.) http://oceanwood.blogspot.com/

My moment of pen, paper, and peace

Even though I have been swamped with professional work, I have kept one very important date each day with my favourite fountain pen and composition school book. If, on a particular day, the sun was out, I would RUN for the chaise, writing supplies in hand, and soak up as much vitamin D and summer brightness as I could while writing before the clouds returned or my other duties pressured me to get back to work.


Every time I have a "date" with my journal, I love seeing the ink -- "concord grape" purple is my favourite colour these days -- generously spill across page after page of these cheap, cardboard covered books that I use for writing my journals. Hmmm, I am wondering, which is more lovely: cracking open a brand-new book? flipping through my journal nearly full? racing through my thoughts with pen flying across the page? daydreaming and doodling on the plain brown cover? Or adding a completed book to the stack of other similarly scribbled volumes? It's too hard for me to decide. I love it all.


I don't know what I will do with my growing collection of composition books brimming with my lived life. Will I even read them? Maybe. I DO know that the act of writing in these journals has helped me be a better observer. I see, hear, and feel more as a result of taking the time to put words to what can sometimes speed by barely reaching my awareness. Becoming aware -- writing my Self into awareness -- is my best way to practice counting my many blessings and showing gratitude for this Beautiful Life. If you are in the mood for a writing session, why not join me? Grab your pen and book -- or sit at your keyboard -- 4:00 PM (tea time) and sunset each day and we'll make it a date!


P.S. I found my "Lami" fountain pen with its 1.9 nib and Monte Blanc purple ink at The Vancouver Pen Shop (they do mail order) and my favourite eco-friendly, reclaimed sugarcane fibre (no tree pulp) paper, composition books at Staples, in case you want to give them a try.


**********************************************************************************************************         *******                       Oceanwood Chronicles credits and links               ******* *********************************************************************************************************** Photo credits: Photos by Jessica at Oceanwood. Oceanwood Chronicles, copyright 2011 - Jessica at Oceanwood. Creative commons attribution, non-commercial sharing only (translation: feel free to quote me in context or use this entry but please always credit me for my work, thanks.) http://oceanwood.blogspot.com/

Where have you been girl?

Sunset on the chaise longue, Meee-ow!

Where have I been? I've been working and working and --yes, working. But last night I finished my professional work so now I am FREE to doodle on my blog, cook up a storm, and sew some masterpieces from the greatest fabric supply store of all time -- The Free Store. Let's agree to not talk about my mountain of laundry and messy house, OK? I'll use my domestic Jedi powers and say, "These are not the chores I need to worry about..." There isn't that better? There is just me and you and some mighty delicious writing and photography ahead of us. Yum!

Oh, its good to be back in summer vacation world. I hope you have been keeping well and getting out into the sun whenever you can.

Bring on the sun!
**********************************************************************************************************                     ******* Oceanwood Chronicles credits and links ******* *********************************************************************************************************** Photo credits: Photos by Jessica at Oceanwood. Oceanwood Chronicles, copyright 2011 - Jessica at Oceanwood. Creative commons attribution, non-commercial sharing only (translation: feel free to quote me in context or use this entry but please always credit me for my work, thanks.) http://oceanwood.blogspot.com/