SpongeBob would be proud

Soren's man-training continued yesterday with lessons on grilling. Here is his jalapeno cheddar burger on whole wheat. Wow! For those of us who didn't want the artery clogging cuisine, we did cedarplank salmon. You can buy a package of 6 planks at Costco.

Soak the plank from 1-3 hrs. Soak salmon in milk to get rid of fishy taste. Rinse/pat dry with paper towel. Rub it with:

Cedarplank Dry Rub:

1 T salt

1 T black pepper

1 T garlic powder

1 T dried basil

1 T paprika

1 T dried tarragon

Place on plank. Place plank on low/med grill--close lid. Ready in about 15min.

These fun planks can be used for portobellos, potatoes and pecan, cranberry/apricot stuffed apples. M. For other grilling recipes from the plank package, look here.

Aviary Gate

Linking past and present heroines, the story follows Oxford researcher Elizabeth Staveley as she uncovers the 400-year-old story of Celia Lamprey, a sea captain's daughter engaged to merchant-turned-diplomat Paul Pindar when she's lost in a shipwreck. Celia doesn't drown, of course. She becomes a concubine-in-training in Constantinople.

Eventhough sexual politics is a cliche for historical romances, I still thought I would enjoy this book when I saw it in the Athens airport. (Sexual politics were the only kind women were allowed to play back in the day.) Just getting to it now since apparently I am supposed to have more free time now the kids are in school. Anything about Oxford intrigues me and Turkey is on my travel wish list. Come take the ride with me if you want.