Saturday Meanderings

Happy Saturday from sweltering Phoenix! We are now on our 20th day of excessive heat and we are so grateful for our air conditioners. I know many parts of the country are experiencing very high temperatures and I hope this blog post finds you cool and sipping a fabulous icy drink. It’s time for Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things.

Cutting a Jicama

There are a few vegetables that I find difficult to cut and therefore take extra care in doing so. Recently I was asked about cutting a jicama and what kind of knife I use. Having relatively small hands, I need a knife I can wield comfortably. My go-to favorite blade is the Japanese Global 8″ Chef’s knife. As described on the website, it is:

• Lightweight, precisely balanced 8-inch or 20cm chef’s knife 
• Blade made of high-tech molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel 
• Edge retains razor sharpness exceptionally well 
• Stainless-steel handle molded for Comfort, dimpled for safe grip 
• Lifetime warranty against defects and breakage

I’ve had this knife for years and it fits comfortably in my hand and is well balanced. If you are in the market for a new kitchen knife, it is currently a great price at 37% off on Amazon here. I also own the 3-piece set which includes a paring, prep and Asian chef’s 7″ knife. I paid full price for mine at William Sonoma and I believe they also stock them at Sur La Table.

It is also important to note that having a sharp knife is the safest way to cut something. We sharpen our own knives but you can also have them sharpened professionally. Injuries happen with a dull blade.

Any time I am cutting something round or oval, I look for the fastest way to create a flat edge. On the jicama, I cut off the ends and lay it flat on a cutting board. Make sure your cutting board doesn’t slide around~I work directly over the board, using my weight as leverage to help press down on the knife.

Now I can place the flat side of the jicama on the cutting board eliminating any rolling movements.

I find peeling the jicama with a paring knife is easier than using a vegetable peeler. The skin is too fibrous for my peeler to work well. I cut from the top down the sides, always with the knife pointing away from me.

With the jicama fully peeled, I cut the jicama in half, again, creating a flat side.

Laying the flat sides on the cutting board, I slice the jicama into 1/2″ circles.

Turning the jicama the other way, I slice the circles into French fry size pieces.

Storing Jicama

Since we tend to eat the jicama quickly, I store the cut pieces in a bowl of water in the refrigerator. That way I can snack on it all day. Jicama, once cut, does not turn brown. Since it is starchy, I may replace the water to keep it fresher longer. You can also dry off the jicama and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap too.

It is great plain, with lime juice and salt, dipping in humus or adding to salads. Jicama contains many important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, folate, potassium and magnesium. It’s low in calories and high in fiber and water. It also contains antioxidants, including vitamins C and E and beta-carotene.

Recent trip to Chicago

Last week at this time, our entire family gathered in Chicago to visit our son, Benjamin and his girlfriend, Delaney. The 4 days was filled with touring, great food and drinks and fun family time. The city of Chicago does an amazing job of planting in the public spaces so we are treated to beautiful flowers along our walks.

A few musts if you are visiting the Windy City is to take the architectural boat tour, visit the Art Institute of Chicago and walk to Navy Pier. It is also enjoyable to visit the University of Chicago’s campus (my son is a grad student there) which is eye candy for those who love old buildings.

Beat the Heat Meals

I don’t know about you but when it’s hot, I don’t really feel like eating much. Well, at least nothing heavy. My son sent this picture to us this week, as he is always trying new tasty salads.

The original recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking calls for peaches, but he substitutes cantaloupe. My husband whips this up shortly after seeing this delicious photo and we enjoy it for two meals.

Getting back from Chicago, it’s hot and we’re tired and not feeling up to take out food. With a nearly empty refrigerator, I cook some pasta (finishing up the bottom of two boxes of elbows and ditalini) and refrigerate it. We roast chicken in the air fryer, chop up whatever vegetables I could find (cucumber, green onions and frozen peas), dice some of my homemade preserved lemons and mix up a fresh lemon vinaigrette. I’m not sure if this is so delicious because we are hungry or the combination of flavors hit the spot. Leftovers are equally good the next day. It is definitely a clean out the fridge recipe.

What are You Reading?

As I recover from jet lag, I find myself waking up all hours of the night. Reading is at an all time high lately. I just finished Elin Hildebrand’s The Five-Star Weekend, which is a perfect summer read. There are great descriptions of a gorgeous home, delicious food and quirky personalities. Please share any good books that you are reading as this is the first summer where I haven’t done my summer reading research.

Self-imposed Blunder

I love the pot filler faucet over my stove. It is very handy and I use it frequently. However, the other night, while making some cherry sauce, I inadvertently left the faucet on, when in fact I thought I had turned it off. Thankfully my husband went into the kitchen before bed and discovered the flood. The entire gas top range filled with water, which overflowed to the two drawers below and made its way to the hardwood floor.

The faucet could not have been on very much as I didn’t hear it or see it while I was cooking the cherry sauce. Unfortunately, the hardwood floor is cupping and fortunately, we cleaned up the water before ruining the drawers. The breaker tripped preventing any electrical damage. Stupid mistake on my part.

Sigh.

Such a Pretty House

I am always inspired by photos of lovely homes and perhaps I am a house stalker. Here is one done by Rachel Halvorsen named Peacefield. Though I am drawn to homes by water, this one is perfect in the rolling green hills. See it here.

Thank you SO much for all your fabulous comments on my Enchanted Forest Dinner Table blog post. Next week I am participating in a Christmas in July blog hop that I know you will enjoy.

Cheers to a relaxing weekend! I am hoping to pick up a paint brush and just let the weekend evolve. Looking forward to getting back into a routine and really not much else. Enjoy!