A frequently asked question when we are at the beach house is how do feed such a large crew of people?  We all pitch in and everyone brings their game when it is there night to cook.  No one rides the pine at the beach.  Husbands and wives all have a dish they are known for and creating new dishes is a very important part of the beach cuisine nightly fare.  Where else can you test drive an experimental dish, but with family.

We try to pack as many veggies as we can into every meal. Brian’s latest creation with a twist of Thai.

2 heads of Bok choy, chopped into fairly large pieces

2 leeks, cleaned and chopped into fairly large pieces (1-2 inches)

1 bunch of cilantro (use about 2 cups)

1 bunch of spinach

1 bunch of basil (use about 2 tbsp)

1 red chili, finely chopped

6 limes quartered to squeeze a little zing onto the finished product

1 yellow onion

2 cloves of garlic finely chopped (or minced garlic in a jar 3 tbsp)

1-2 lbs of shrimp

1 small jar of green curry paste by taste of Thai

2 cans of coconut milk

Step One ~ 6 cups of uncooked white rice/ 12 cups of water bring to boil, place lid on top and simmer 20 minutes.  (Perfect match to pour Bok choy and shrimp)

Cover pan bottom with evoo and bring up to a sizzle when you toss a water drop onto the pan.  Begin with onion, Leeks and garlic sautéing till golden in 4 tbsp of Olive oil. Place all remaining vegetables into walk with the Coconut milk and green curry paste into the wok or electric skillet and watch closely.   After veg’s have softened and are cooked in the curry mix, add the shrimp, cilantro and basil for a few minutes until shrimp turns pink.  Be careful to not overcook the shrimp.   Server over rice….drench the rice with the curry sauce.  Yum yum.

Serves 15

We have a new restaurant in Austin.  We have stopped by three times to Niki’s Pizza at 508 N. Bell Blvd. Cedar Park, TX 78613.  

The lovely couple who own it are from Italy and make authentic Italian cuisine.  We enjoyed a calzone and pizza as we saw them stroll away hand in hand on Bell Blvd. as the sun set thursday evening. ( We traditionally have pasta every thursday evening)  The Chicken Piccata,Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Fradiavio, Linguini FruttiDi Mare, Lobster Ravioli and many other vast selections on the menu are the best we’ve ever had and Todd considers himself an authority on such matters after living in New York and New Jersey.  They toss the dough and you can peak in the kitchen just like Shakee’s when we were growing up.   My favorite part of the experience is the heavenly smell as you pull into the parking lot.  For some reason I have not gained weight eating there so often and I’m wondering if the added blessing of fresh wholesome ingredients are the  cause. 

Speaking of Italy….it shows up in the Bible in Acts 18:2, Acts 27: 1,6 and Hebrews 13:24

Greet all your leaders and all the saints.  Those who are from Italy greet you.     HSB

Grace be with all of you,

Trish

P.S.  I went back for dessert  …. we tried cannolis, cheesecake and of course the Tiramisu.  We have a new tradition in our family with Niki’s.  Prepare yourselves for a healthier, more satisfying future enjoying the art of Italian cooking!

Without Mom there are cobwebs on the stairs going down to the beach.

 Without Mom the stars seem a little more out of reach.

 Without Mom the Carolina sky is not so blue.

Without Mom I don’t know what to do.

Without Mom the smell of the ocean is not so sweet.

Without out Mom I don’t know what we’ll eat.

 Without Mom my Dad has lost his soul mate.

 Without Mom that is the thought I really hate.

Without Mom my heart begins to sink.

Without Mom Christmas will never be the same.

 Without Mom the world is a harder place to tame.

 Without Mom my life becomes a search.

 Without Mom there’s no one to make me go to church.

 Without Mom there is no one to tell me not to drink.

Without Mom the house is starting to stink.

Without Mom there are Yankees coming over the dunes.

 Without Mom there are no more piano tunes.

Without Mom my brothers have lost their Mother.

 Without Mom there will never be another.

Without Mom the world has lost a friend.

 Without Mom it looks like this is the end.

Without Mom there are no more cards to read.

Without Mom she was the only one I really did need.

 Without  Mom the sunrise is not so bright.

Without Mom I hope I don’t lose sight.

Without Mom there are no more stories to share.

Without Mom I won’t know what to wear.

Without Mom there is no one to tell me how to treat a lady.

Without Mom they all seem a little shady.

Without Mom the grand kids will have to do without.

Without Mom that makes me want to shout.

Without Mom the world is not a better place.

Without Mom there is no one up in my face.

Without Mom what will happen to Dad.

Without Mom …that is why I’m sad.

Recited at the funeral of Marilyn Southard, Thursday, October 7th, 2010