4th of July and Update

I am still trying to get the rest of our vacation pictures downloaded and ready to post on here, but thought I'd also give you an update of what we've been up to since then.

It's been an interesting summer for the Les Call Family.

Mitchell has moved to California to set up residency for a year so he can finish college there.  It has been a wonderful opportunity for him to get to know Les' side of the family better.  We have lived so far away, our kids haven't had that chance much.  He's having a wonderful time and my heartfelt thanks to Vicki and Darrell for letting him stay with them for a while and Andrea and Corwin (and family) and Redmond cousins for making him feel so welcome.  We know he is in the right place and the association with family will be such a positive impact on his life.  He was pretty lonely in NC.  He's still trying to find a job and is getting a reality check that it's not as easy as he thought to get a job.  Raleigh area in NC wasn't as hit by the rocky economy like many other places in the US.

Landon is a lucky guy and is spending the summer with my dad and Teri in Spokane, WA.  They were so wonderful to open their home up to him and set him to work.  They are busy redoing their home and landscape so he gets to learn some construction skills.  Love that!  He's always happier when he's working.  He's one of the best workers I know, once he sets his mind to it.  I'd pick him every time to be on my team!  He also gets to see my 3 brothers and their families and my wonderful grandma and Aunt Kim.  Like I said, lucky boy.  He's been gone a week and I'm trying hard not to be a "smother mother" by calling too much.  The international travel was interesting for him.  He did it all by himself.  He almost got on a plane to Madrid but double checked just in time and got on the right plane.  I'm sure he learned a ton on this adventure!  I didn't sleep much for 24 hours as I tracked his progress.  It's scary sending out your 14 year old across the world.  I must be mad!!!

Grayson is the Lone Ranger here at home with me.  We are going to go with Les on one of his trips to Germany soon so we will check out more fun places.  We are decorating his room into a medieval knight room.  That's fun.  We are having fun trying different recipes (he is a great helper in the kitchen and a super taster!)  It's fun to spend some one on one time with him.  Pretty weird for me to be down to 1 kid though for the summer.  I miss having all my boys.

Les was called to be the 2nd counselor in the branch here.  It was a unique experience to hear him get set apart in Italian and have them give us kind of a overview of what was said afterwards.  He loves to serve others and will make a great difference in our ward.  He's busy at work.  He's had a lot of projects he's had to do.  It's been wonderful to have him home with us every day.  What a treat we would have taken for granted if we hadn't had the years of wanting.

I am enjoying gardening, hosting a cooking club, having people come over for dinners and helping as I can those who are just moving here.  I am a bit frustrated with my lack of talent for language and just need to buckle down and really learn Italian.  I know I'll enjoy my time here more if I do.  The language barrier tends to keep me in my fear and not get out as often as I want.   I have heard of a couple horse barns near my house that a friend is going to introduce me to.  I am excited to start riding again (and they speak English!!).  I have been craving my horse and find myself looking at his picture and getting misty eyed.  I'm hoping to pick up another Spanish horse here, maybe next year if I can save enough money and then board him at one of the barns.  I am playing around with some story lines for some children's stories.  Hopefully I can let my creative energy flow and a good story will be born!

This 4th of July we had a great full house of new friends.  That is always a fun opportunity for me to try out new recipes.  I know I'm not the "normal" of using the tried and true recipes, but my kids aren't as fun to cook for since they tend to be picky, so I use friends!  I warn them ahead of time, at least just before putting that bite in their mouth.  Anyway, here's our menu.

4^th of July bbq

Appetizers

salmon and avocado open-faced sandwiches 

Toasted ravioli with marinara sauce

Watermelon stars

Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites

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Entrée

Deluxe Hamburgers

Honey Spiced Glazed Chicken

Sugar-free BBQ Chicken

Hot Dogs

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Side Dishes

Potato Salad

Corn on the Cob

Tomato Salad with Feta, Olives and Mint

Fruit Salad

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Desserts

Individual Cheese Pies with toppings

Brownies

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Beverages

Soda

Lemonade

Fruit Water

It all turned out delicious!!  Les did a great job on the outdoor grill (yes, our old Italian one you've seen pictures of!).  

The appetizers were amazing.  The salmon and avocado open sandwiches are a tired and true recipe that is one of my absolute favorites and always a huge hit.  The toasted ravioli was one I found on Pinterest and turned out yummy as well as the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Bites.  The Tomato Salad with Feta, Olive and Mint is also a favorite of mine.  Soooo good!  The individual cheese pies I made using my no-bake Cherry Cheese Pie recipe.  One of Les' favorites.  We had a grand time, our landlord was kind enough to give us a tour of his home and wine cellar.  The weather was perfect and the kids were running around playing games for hours.  It was a perfect day.  

Here's some recipes if you want to try them.  Sorry, no pictures this time, but I'll try to do better next time.

Tomato Salad with Feta, Olives, and Mint

Serves: 6

6 oz. feta cheese

1/4 c. chopped fresh mint, plus sprigs for garnish

4 lg. ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4" thick

Kosher salt

1/2 lb. cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into small dice

1/2 lb. bite-size tomatoes (cherry, pear, or grape) in assorted colors, halved

1/2 c. Kalamata olives (about 15)pitted and halved

1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. grated lemon zest

4 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Crumble feta into small bowl. Add the chopped mint and toss; set aside

Season tomato slices with salt and then arrange them, overlapping slightly, on a serving platter. Sprinkle the cucumber over the tomato slices. Season the bite-size tomatoes with salt and scatter them over the cucumber. Sprinkle the olives on top.

In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.

To serve, scatter the feta over the salad, garnish with the mint sprigs, and serve immediately.

Open-Faced Smoked Salmon and Avocado Sandwiches

Yields: 4

1-1/2 firm-ripe medium avocados, cut into medium dice

1 medium scallion, thinly sliced

3 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro; whole leaves for garnish

4 tsp. fresh lime juice

1/2 to 1 tsp. finely chopped jalapeño

Kosher salt

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp. toasted coriander seeds, coarsely ground

1/4 tsp. (scant) finely grated orange zest (I love citrus so I just throw some in)

8 oz. thinly sliced cold-smoked salmon, cut into 1-1/2 -inch-wide strips

4 slices sourdough bread (each 6-1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick), toasted very crisp

1 medium clove garlic, halved

In a medium bowl, gently mix (don’t mash) the avocado, scallion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp. salt. In another medium bowl, mix the oil, coriander, and orange zest. Toss the salmon with the oil mixture. Rub the toasts lightly with the cut sides of the garlic clove. Divide the avocado mixture among the toasts. Pile the salmon strips on top. Garnish with the cilantro leaves and serve immediately so the toast stays crispy.

From Fine Cooking 102, pp. 24, October 29, 2009

Picture of the 4th

Thanks, Elder Maughn, for taking them!

Grayson and I in my kitchen.  I have a very serious look on my face!  Lots of food to make sure is ready for consumption!  What a mess!

Feeding the missionaries!  We love sending them home with piles of leftovers.  

Part of the group.  We were spread out all over the house and outside. I really am going to have to redecorate this room.  I'm not to happy with how it looks.  I haven't done much here, but I use it so often I want to make sure it's just right.  I would love ideas!!!!  I do love that fireplace! 

This is our landlord.

His ballroom area people can rent for weddings.

Ceilings in ballroom

His veranda.  I love this space!

It's gorgeous when the wisteria is in full bloom.  Our group enjoying the views.

Outside of his winery.  LOVE the rock!!

Our couple missionaries, the Maughn's.  We are so lucky to have them here.  They have no idea of the positive impact they have made in our branch!  

Large vats for the wine.

Our group walking down the steps of the Count's garden. My house is behind those tall trees in the back.

More of his garden and villa.

Kids figuring out their game.  They had so much fun!  Have to do this again.

Ended with just having fun visiting in my fresco room.  

It's been a fun summer so far.  I am grateful for so much, especially the people in my life.  I am not the best, or even moderate, at keeping in touch as I want to, but the love in my heart for you is ever present in my life.  Thank you for those who have given me feedback to keep writing the blog, for the comments left and the love expressed.  Sending all of you much love and a happy summer.  Until next time!