Who Is Anastasia?

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New Castle, Indiana Zone 5, United States
When I was 55, I decided to embrace the things I love and hold precious and dear, regardless of anyone else's thoughts and opinion. I am a visual folk artist who loves flowers - my own flowers, grown and/or painted by me. I love good, hearty, exotic foods, and I love to prepare them myself. I love the secret garden situated in my backyard, regardless of how overgrown and wild it gets. No longer able to afford a vacation, this will have to be it for the time being. In the winter months, I still enjoy it. Anyway, here I am sharing my art, favorite recipes, cocktails, gardening tips, and just my usual vents and bantering. After all, I'm old enough to say whatever the heck I want to now ...

JEWELS OF MY SOUL

JEWELS OF MY SOUL
My Book Available on AMAZON

December 18, 2011

Seasoned Cocktail Peanuts

On the 10th Day of Christmas, my true love came almost seven days late! This time, my treat was a bit different. Rather than just a holiday cocktail, he brought me a wonderful garnish -- tastes great in or out of a cocktail - Good for snacking on, but they do have a good kick to them. It felt like Ten Lords A Leaping all over my mouth!

Toss these in chilled vodka for a crisp, winter's eve drink.

Ingredients:


1.25 cup Peanuts
1.5 tbsp chopped red onion
2 green chillies chopped fine
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
salt and red chilly powder as per taste
Dry roast the peanuts in a pan.
Let it cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile lay some old newspapers on the sink. Transfer the peanuts in a plastic colander over the newspapers. Rub the peanuts with your fingers and shake the colander.

Some of the skin will fall through the holes and which is left can be gently blown by tilting the colander side to side. Put the peanuts in a plate. Add chopped onion, green chillies and cilantro. Season with salt and lemon juice. Gently mix it and serve with any cocktail drink.

I served it with Caesar. Typically it contains vodka, clamato and some sauces. Being gluten free I avoid bringing any sauce that has gluten in it. This is a simple Caesar with Vodka, V8 and pepper ( celery salt optional).

Recipe courtesy of balvinder, www.enpetitchef.com

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot

The Backyard --Today's Vacation Spot
A simple garden meal in the shade. No, it's not my backyard, but it looks identical to the one I grew up with at our home in Queens. Looking for an original pic of it to post soon!

Old Fashioned Tips