Running, Sewing, and Hot Stuff

Yes, I'm still here. I apologize its been over a week since I've blogged. But I've had good reason.  Theres been a lot going on.  And not all of it is related to food.

me and sister-in-law Gwen after the race all tired and sweaty

First of all, I just ran my first 10K race this past Sunday.  It was in Leesburg VA (a 10K/20K)and it was a great route through a little bit of the countryside part of Leesburg.  It was hard though. I trained for ten weeks and at times wondered how in the world was I supposed to run 6.2 miles.  I'm more of a walker/runner though so the walking helped break it up a bit.  The weather was great for an August run, starting at 7:30am, it was cloudy, not too hot or humid, and we even had a little rain which was cool and refreshing in the middle of the race! 

Gwen and Superking waiting for Matt to finish 20k

here comes Matt!

At home, I had been averaging about 15 minute miles and figured I could complete the 10K in about an hour and a half. In the actual race, I ended up doing about 13 minute miles (the first mile I even finished in 12:50) and completed the race in 1 hour, 22 minutes. I was very happy with those times!  I couldn't walk the next day because my hips and muscles were sore, but it was worth it! It was hard work but it was such a great feeling of accomplishment when it was done! It was also nice being able to run with my brother-in-law, Matt (who did the 20K part), his wife Gwen, and Gwen's sister, Erin.

even an 86 year old WWII vet finished the 10k carrying an American flag!!

The second big thing going on with me right now is that my sister-in-law Gwen and I have been trying to start our own crafting business, called Gray Kitty Boutique (check out our facebook page...).  We began our shop on Etsy earlier this year and now that fall is around the corner we're going to try our hand at some local craft shows.  So I'm sewing like crazy and trying to learn some business stuff too that will help promote our business.

here's a reversible beach bag I made using some fabric and a shower curtain!

heres the reversed side!

and an apron with a cute recipe print

So I haven't had many food adventures recently or much time for blogging but I've got a few food stories on the horizon that I can't wait to share with you. Before I go, I will leave you with a few food photos to hold you over till the next blog post...

Hot Stuff...

remember these ghost peppers we got from the farmers market?

like the hottest pepper ever

Superking about to eat one...

Don't make me do it!!

Danger!! Toxic!!

Better on a pizza with cheese and red onion

Cooking the pepper and having it with cheese and other flavors does help lessen the heat to some degree

but just in case, here's a bottle of milk for emergencies!

taking the first bite...

not as hot as expected but hot enough to need the milk!

Don't try this at home!! This stunt is only for professionals!!

August Farmers Market

Superking and I took a trip out to the Leesburg Farmers Market this morning.  The weather was a little muggy but not too hot. And the market was bustling and the produce was flowing.

Picture #1

I read this morning in the farmers market newsletter that they're having a photo contest...

              Farmers Market Photo Contest
  As part of the Farmers Market Week celebration, VDACS is sponsoring a Photo Contest in three age groups, as well as  for the most photographed market. The deadline is Wednesday, August 17, 2011, to send in an original photo taken at a local farmers market. Four winners, one child 12 or under, one teenager and one adult, will receive a prize package of Virginias Finest and Virginia Grown products worth at least $100. The farmers market with the most entries also will receive a special prize package. Complete details, contest rules and a release form are available online at www.virginiagrown.com

I was able to take a bunch of beautiful photos this morning. Do you think any of these have a chance at winning? Make your votes!!

#2. blueberries, raspberries, blackberries

#3. blackberries

#4. blackberry juice

#5. garlic

#6. grapes

#7. hot peppers-variety

#8. serranos, big bombs, anchos

#9. this is the warning label for the next picture..."when eaten is described as the equivalent to dying"

#10. ghost peppers (or bhut jolokia)

#11. yes, Superking had to buy some. let's hope we don't have to take a trip to the ER.

#12. green onion

#13. lamb fries...does anyone know what those are?? Take your guesses!

#14. little tomatoes

#15. melons

#16. peaches and plums

#17. purple peppers and green peppers

#18. more plum varieties

#19. variety of heirloom tomatoes and others

#20. tomato closeup

#21. more berries

Mon Ami Gabi

Mon Ami Gabi is one of my favorite restaurants to go to.  Especially in the winter because they have such lovely comforting foods. There are several of them located in big cities. Ours is located in the heart of Reston Town Center.  They offer classic and modern French cuisine and every bite will knock your socks off.  It doesn't really matter what you order, its all good!

Last night Superking and I went there for a much needed, long awaited date night to unwind after a stressful day. We sat outside on the patio, and while it was a little warm, the evening breeze was whistling through our hair reminding us of the beach (where we'll be in just a few short weeks!) and helping to melt our troubles away.

They always begin by serving you a crusty French baguette, warm and soft inside a paper bag, and served with this amazingly creamy butter...the perfect weight/density for spreading.

Then we have a cold appetizer of Chicken Liver Mousse.  At the thought of chicken liver, I'm sure some of you will turn up your nose.  But until you've tried it uninhibitedly (is that a word?), then you shouldn't knock it.  There's a reason rich people eat weird things like caviar and pate.  Its awesome. Its rich and decadent.  This liver mousse was smooth and creamy with a very mild flavor which was complimented nicely as we spread it on our toast.  It was topped with a burgundy red wine mustard which had a similar flavor but added just a little sweet tanginess.

served with cornichons, olives, and cocktail onions

that little dollop at the top is the red wine mustard

Superking, uncharacteristically (I don't know whats up with me and the big words today),  ordered a steak instead of his usual mussels.  The Mussels Mariniere are swimming in a white wine and herb broth and served with crispy frites! Delish!  But his Filet Mignon Merlot was no slouch to the party either! Perfectly cooked a nice rare to medium rare, not bloody but very pink and red throughout, so tender you could cut it with your fork! And it was served with a lovely boat of melted butter and red wine reduction sauce which was so smooth and rich!  The steak was served with frites, of course.  And is our tradition now when we order frites at Mon Ami Gabi, we requested their chunky blue cheese dressing on the side to accompany them.

this picture doesn't look nearly as appetizing as this tastes

I decided to stick with small plates and I ordered two...Smoked Salmon and Duck Leg Confit.  The Smoked Salmon was thinly sliced and laid next to a few slices of toasted brioche, chopped red onion, creme fraiche, and capers.  The salmon had a nice fresh flavor with just a hint of smokiness so it wasn't overpowering.  The little open-faced sandwiches I made were delicate and colorful.  Spread the creamy light creme fraiche on the crispy toast, top it with a sprinkling of red onion and a couple capers, then a few pieces of salmon.  Take a bite...yummm!!

The Warm Duck Leg Confit was awesome!  It was probably my favorite of the night.  Anything "confit" means it was cooked in its own fat which you know right away its going to be tasty.  And duck, I'm finding the more I eat it the more I love it.  All that dark juicy meat just melts in your mouth!  I never understood why when people carve the Thanksgiving turkey, the white meat was so coveted. The dark meat is where its at, baby! And duck is pretty much all dark meat! Bring it on!

This Duck Leg was served with soft warm potatoes, watercress greens, and balsamic cherries.  I'm not usually a huge fan of fruit on my meat but those cherries with the duck were amazing! They lent a beautiful sweet tartness to the savory juicy duck meat like nothing else I've ever had.  I made sure I had a cherry in every bite of duck until I finished it off!! I was in duck heaven!

We, of course, were too full for dessert.  Though the waitress did bring us a complimentary sweet treat...a profiterole...which is basically a creme puff that they've cut in half and stuffed with vanilla ice cream like a sandwich, and covered with double chocolate fudge sauce.  As full as I was, I couldn't resist taking at least a couple bites.  And I realized just now, that I must have enjoyed those couple bites so much that I forgot to take a picture of it...sorry.

That just means you'll have to go check it out for yourself! Their escargot and French onion soup are to die for as well! Also check out my recent blog post about Community Canteen which is next door to and associated with Mon Ami Gabi.  Enjoy!

The Dairy Corner

The Dairy Corner is a frozen custard stand owned by Pack's Frozen Custard.  Does this sound familiar to you at all? Probably not unless you're from the Winchester, VA area.  I grew up near there and its pretty small-town.  The biggest thing Winchester is known for is the Apple Blossom Festival it puts on every May. The whole town shuts down for the entire weekend and there are parades and carnivals and craft shows and steam engine shows. And people come from all around to see the pretty pink blossoms covering the trees like pink cotton candy.

But if you're a home-towner like I am, you've at least heard about Pack's as well.  The other day, Superking and I went for a drive out to the country to visit my parents and we ended up in Winchester, right where Rt. 81 intersects with Rt. 7 (2 major highways of the area).  And as we're crossing over 81, something glimmers in the corner of our eyes.  What could it be? Frozen custard, of course!! So we quickly made a U-turn and pulled over to get some!

I love my country background but Winchester is not exactly known for its culinary prowess, let's say.  So when you find a gem like this, it should be well noted.  The Dairy Corner has this 1950's vintage charm on the side of the road and probably some of the best frozen custard you will ever have!

You feel like you've just gone back in time and you almost expect to see some bright red 1954 cadillac coupe de ville with shiny chrome and white wall tires pulling in to the parking space next to you.  Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of information on the history of this place.  Though my family has lived in that area for over 30 years and its been there at least that long, if not back to the 1950's.

The frozen custard has such a rich creamy flavors! Apparently banana is one of their best selling flavors (though I'm not a banana fan) but they also offer other fresh flavors like peach, strawberry, and mint. Superking went simple with the chocolate vanilla swirl...simple but amazing!

This was the SMALL cone!!

I had a black raspberry shake...very berry and creamy! The perfect treat on a hot summer day!

If you're ever out that direction, you must put on your bobby socks and poodle skirts and stop to get some frozen custard!  Well, I guess you can forget the bobby socks and poodle skirts, but not the custard!!!

big old tree next to the building where they had a few picnic tables