With no grill to fire up on this Fourth of July, I am feeling a bit nostalgic for holidays from way back -- way, way back, when my extended family gathered in the grands' big backyard for barbecues. Grandpa never had a store-bought grill. He constructed one from cinderblocks and stationed it in the middle of a yard bordered by two vegetable gardens and a rear ground section shaded by a grapevine canopy.
There was also a wooden ice cream bucket with a hand crank. It took hours and hours to churn out a bucket of ice cream and for whatever reason, it was always vanilla. I wonder whether those holiday gatherings with "real" food -- some of it straight from the garden -- and beautiful, mouthwatering side dishes prepared by the aunts is where I began to develop an eye for the artfully laid out plate.
Pretty, delicious and lovingly prepared. Nothing makes me happier than having a feast for my eyes -- lovely presentation and color -- before I devour the contents of my plate.
Here are some pretty little things I've had the pleasure of feasting on or sharing in recent days.
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| Meat, cheese and grilled bread |
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| Chocolate Belgian waffle |
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Real Ramen Noodles
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Fish in Edible Basket
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| SwanCake at Paname |
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| Cheers from Turks and Caicos! |
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