Midweek Meanderings: Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, How does our garden grow update, and our new caffeine rush

Yep, it's really Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas:

Need proof?

A couple of years ago, author Natasha Yim contacted me regarding a certain recipe I had on the blog. Apparently it turned out rather well for her and she wanted to use an adapted version in a children's book she was writing. I was quite humbled, flattered in fact. A few later, her editor Alyssa Mito Pusey....who actually is an ex-pat Kama'aina as well contacted me to get the paperwork done. And so it came to pass.....

I was quite surprised to receive an rather large envelope in the mail last week. In it was a signed copy of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, which is quite a cute book, a really nice story. And at the back of the book is an adaptation of one of my recipes...and this:

You know, our little blog is a labor of love...and of well, obsession. We aren't looking for a revenue stream, advertisers, or to market ourselves. So this was such a nice touch, more than I could ever have asked for. Good luck with the book Natasha!

And if you want to get your own copy of Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas, you can get it here.

How does our garden grow - an update:

So here's an update. The Missus is really pleased with how our okra is coming along....large and quite sweet.

We've been able to roast, grill, or pan fry Padrons and Shishitos a couple of times a week.....

The serranos are fruiting quite prolifically...the Missus prefers to wait until they get red, so we're picking a mixed bunch.

I'm not sure what to think about the huge mutant scallions we got growing.....I've three patches of scallions. This one was bought during one of those 10 bunches for 99 cent things last year.....I just stuck them in a left over window box and they are going nuts!

The ghost peppers seems a bit small so far this year. A few cherry sized peppers have already ripened.

The Missus actually likes the small ripened peppers because they are just the right size for "stir frying without dying....."

Meanwhile, the Scorpion Peppers are getting ominously large.......

The Red Habaneros are finally starting to fruit....can't wait for these. In addition to this plant, I have smaller ones that will probably get going later in the season.

We're still waiting for the cucumbers to kick in. Last year we were getting 3-4 a week.

We're having so much fun with pepper that we added a few more last week......

This might end up being one spicy summer!

And for our caffeine fix:

It seemed that every apartment, B&B, and room we stayed at in Belgium had a Nespresso machine. I'd really started enjoying getting a shot of espresso on the go when in Portugal last year. We had started really getting used to having one of these....so we decided to get one of the smaller models...using points and discounts, we ended up paying less than half price for it.

In talking to folks about this....I never knew how much some people are into Nespresso.....talking to me about limited editions ...accessories......sheeesh! I just want a nice cup of espresso! Though I am finding I enjoy the Dulsao do Brasil.......uh-oh!

 

Comments

[kat]

so cool being recognized in a book! and I'm glad your garden is growing nicely :)

[Dennis]

That was really nice of hear to give you credit for the recipe Kirk. I feel many exploit the fact that recipes cannot be copyrighted and don't really give credit (as inspiration or otherwise) at all. Nice garden btw!

[caninecologne]

Congrats on the mention in the book! That's so cool! :) Love your garden plants, especially the okra and the peppers.

[Hangzhou Hero]

Kirk in a children's book? You're really moving on up. Don't forget your fans when you book your first movie!

Congrats of course. =)

[Kirk]

I was really tickled Kat!

That's very true Dennis.

Hi CC - We never expected the okra to be so large...and tasty.

You got that wrong HH! I'm your biggest fan!

[Sandy]

It's nice to be recognized in the book, which I will purchase for a gift (my household has aged out of these stories). I just bought a Keurig (love it), but I was really tempted by the Nespresso ...

[Jack]

Just more confirmation on how great of a "community" you've created here Kirk...very cool!

[Kyle]

Curious to see how the scorpiions turn out and the heat level. Have you ever thought of pickling your peppers? I pickeled some jalepenos using a simple Korean recipe. Slice peppers soak in vinegar for a day. Drain then finish pickling in shoyu. BTW, my wife got a Nespress two years ago and absolutely loves it. Saves $$ she used to buy Starbucks. Only hassle is you have to watch your coffee supply since it takes a couple of days to get your order. She likes the purple pod the most.

[Kirk]

Hi Sandy - I hope whomever receives the book enjoys it! The Missus is more of a press coffee and a shot espresso person so the Nespresso works out well for us.

Happy 4th Jack! I think that the community organically kind of sprung up....it also helps that we've been around so long.

Funny you should mention pickling Kyle....I've been playing with doing that with the serranos....I also have a couple of pickling posts coming up as well.

[Wandering Chopsticks]

Wow! Congrats! I remember your original post since I tried that recipe myself. :)

It's always nice to see multicultural books available.

I've got a dragon pepper plant. Bought it just for the name. It's supposed to be similar to cayenne.

[Kirk]

Hi WC - You remember that recipe? Geeeez, that was quite a while back! Looking forward to reading about what you make with those peppers.

[Lynnea]

that okra looks amazing! =) and I love the title of that book. so cute!! =D

[Kirk]

Hi Lynnea - The okra is amazingly sweet....quite a nice surprise.

[Natasha Yim]

I'm glad your book arrived safe and sound, Kirk! And thanks for mentioning it in your blog. I still use that turnip cake recipe every Chinese New Year.

Natasha Yim

[Kirk]

Thanks so much for thinking of us Natasha! I hope the book does well!