Blackberry Picking with Baby

Blackberry picking is one of our little family unit's summer highlights. Every August here in the Pacific Northwest, like it or not, these purple jewels take over the landscape. To some, they are noxious weeds to be obliterated, to others it is foraging at its finest. Every year Ryan and I brave their thorny defenses to pick several pounds of delicious blackberries. To eat, to freeze, to make our one year supply of jam, to fold into crepes, pies and crisps, to toss into breakfast cereal, to whizz into assorted beverages, and to do whatever else we like with them. One year, I discovered that if I made a sort of syrup out of them, I had the makings for a wonderfully summery (but completely unconventional) Blackberry Vodka Martini. So.much.flavor.

This year, with a nine-month-old in tow, it gets trickier. Since Johann was born we've continued doing the things we enjoy, and venturing out into the brush for berry picking is no different. (So far this year we've already foraged and enjoyed several different berries including salmonberries, red huckleberries, and thimbleberries.) With Ryan's help, it's relatively easy. One of us back-carries him in the Ergo, and aims for the easiest picking, while the other one dons long pants and boldly goes forth into the brush. Easy. So, I thought, why not try going on my own and just head for the easy picking?

So last week, I front-carried Johann (I cannot yet strap him onto my back without help) and we ventured out alone. We got in thirty minutes of picking before before nap time hit. Isn't this the sweetest grumpy face, you've ever seen?

We made it out alive, relatively unscathed, armed with two pounds of ripe blackberries. Not bad for a short time and a few extra challenges.    

I've learned now that blackberry picking with a baby strapped to your chest presents several challenges.

One: you have to go where the blackberries are, which usually means off the trails and into full sun where the best berries (and the thorniest brambles, unfortunately) reside.

Two: you have to pass up several obvious precious clusters of ripe fruit, they're now out of reach because of the much more precious baby strapped to your chest.

Three: not only do you have to try a little harder to keep your balance, and stay away from the thorns, you also have to keep your baby from reaching out and grabbing thorny leaves and branches! Oye. There were tears.

Bottom line. It takes time and effort, and maybe some pain if you get stuck by thorns, but there is good fruit out there for the picking, it is free, all natural, and we take advantage.

And, at the end of the day, with the baby unit, blackberry picking is so much easier with the help of another. So we plan to carry on this family foraging tradition, and raise Johann to find joy in free and delicious fruit. But next time, I'll bring the dad unit!

Our First Backpacking Trip with Baby

We just returned from our first backpacking trip with Johann, and thought we would document a few notes for anyone who is interested. Spending time outdoors, in the heart of nature, recharges us in a way that not much else does. Not only does it provide some R & R, it lets the unimportant things and distractions of daily life fall away so we can fully appreciate God's creation all around us. For us, getting outside is a form of worship. And this is a key family value that we want to impart to our baby, Johann.

I had done some reading about backpacking with babies. We knew it was something we wanted to do as a family, and were happy to find that there are a lot of others who feel the same way. I gleaned some wisdom and got inspired by blogs and WTA trip reports I read about other families who backpacked with babies.

We chose a hike that we were familiar with and thought it would make an easy backpacking destination with baby. Barclay Lake is a small, quiet sub-alpine lake in the Mount Baker National Forest, reached by a 2.25 mile hike with an easy grade.

We had a bit of a bumpy start as Johann had a "blow out" while we were still at the trailhead, just getting our gear ready to go, forcing us to do an outfit change when we hadn't even left yet! Good timing, in hindsight.

When we reached the lake - being the only ones there - we had our pick of campsites. We chose a secluded, beautiful spot by the lake and set up camp.

Our private campsite by the lake

While hiking, Johann was happy to ride in the Ergo, either napping or enjoying the scenery. At camp he had more freedom, so it was a little more challenging with one of us watching him pretty closely at all times. He is not yet crawling, but still got into some mischief! He entertained himself with things like mugs, spoons, and dirt - of course. I was more relaxed when I realized he was going to keep finding the dirt, no matter what. He was especially fascinated by the inside of our tent.

Fascinated by the tent

But we had a few challenges.

Sleep was by far the biggest hurdle. He was content to stay up with us until 10 pm, when the light faded, and woke up EARLY, with the sunrise, ready to start the day at 5:05 am! The cold was another challenge, as overnight temps dropped into the low 40s. It was a bit warmer inside the tent and Johann was pretty bundled up inside Ryan's sleeping bag, but we were still worried. Tasks that went easier with two people, like setting up the tent and stringing up the bear bag, were also a bit of a challenge. Finding a way to keep Johann occupied was not the easiest, so we had to do things in short stretches of time.

Entertaining himself with a spoon while we cooked breakfast

Overall, he was kind to us and seemed to enjoy all facets of the experience - exploring with us (a lot!), sitting on the beach, gazing up at the mountains, stars, and the magnificent forest canopy, smiling sweetly at the few fellow backpackers who we ran into later, all the birds and various nature sounds.

Exploring with Daddy

The north face of Mt. Baring

Barclay Lake looking east

Ryan and I had distributed our pack weights so we each carried 38 lbs, including Johann whom I front-carried in the Ergo. We had definitely overpacked, but we figured that was safer than leaving an essential item behind the first time. We didn't end up needing more than half the diapers we had packed (we used disposables for the trip.) We did not skimp on diapers, clothes/extra layers, and food for ourselves. Johann is breastfed so nothing extra to carry there. We packed two thin burp cloths, but decided we can make do with our bandanas and washcloths next time. If the weather is dry, we can wash and dry them in time for reuse.

On the whole, we had a wonderful time, loved the sense of accomplishment since this was a big goal for us, and returned recharged! The lake and vistas were gorgeous, and we enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Mt. Baring at sunset

Barclay Lake at sunset

The reflection of Mt. Baring in the lake at sunrise

We are glad we did this before Johann started to crawl, and we will be doing it again soon. I'm sure a crawling baby will bring a host of new challenges so it will be interesting. We'll be sure to share anything new that we learn.

P.S.: Neither my husband nor I know anything about taking pictures, but we thought these turned out rather nicely. None of the images have been edited in any way.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

You might ask, where have I been these past few months? I might say...having a baby. This blessed event occurred last November, but only now do i feel the fog of new motherhood lifting and am once again happy to resume experimentation in the kitchen. Content as I am to do little more than care for my precious baby boy, this foodie will go crazy if she does not get her kitchen zen in daily doses.

But back to this soup.

Despite a recent spike in unseasonably warm sunny days here in Seattle we're still enjoying various winter comforts, richly fulfilling squash soups being chief among them. This one has a few tart apples tossed in, giving it a nice lift in flavor. (Cooking with apples in savory uses is highly underrated, in my humble opinion.)

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

This Butternut Squash and Apple Soup is simple to make with just a few ingredients, and has all the richness of a creamy soup without having any actual cream in it. (Two key factors to a new mother who enjoys food but has less time to devote to making it these days.) But it freezes like a dream, so make a big batch and let it feed you twice, or thrice. 

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

Serves 4 - 6

You will need:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup finely chopped white or yellow onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon allspice

optional - 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

3 packed cups mashed roasted butternut squash (Note: I roasted a medium sized butternut squash and had 2 cups leftover. Use it to make risotto or red curry!)

3 small apples, cored and roughly chopped, with skin on

4 cups vegetable broth

pinch black pepper

salt to taste

Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil in a fairly large soup pot on medium heat. 

Add the spices and stir a minute or two, until the onions are well coated and fragrant. Add the apples and roasted squash, stir well. 

Add pepper and broth, bring up to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 30 minutes. Carefully puree the soup in batches in a food processor or using an immersion blender, then return to pan and let simmer until serving. Salt to taste. 

If you like, top the soup with a little greek yogurt or roasted butternut squash seeds. (Save the seeds, rinse off any fibers, pat dry, stir in a little butter and salt, spread on a baking sheet and roast at 350 for 10 minutes or until they start to "pop.") Serve with crusty bread, or just plain ole' buttered toast. Enjoy! 

I'm back! And here's a "Welcome to Washington" recipe, too: Seared Sea Scallops with Satsuma Salsa

I am so happy to report that we are settling into life in Washington, and having a whole lot of fun exploring all that the area has to offer. Our new apartment is tiny, and we are very cozy in it with our two pups, but, the positive thing is that the location is terrific and the kitchen is fully equipped with a dishwasher. Yes, a DISHWASHER!!!! I didn't have one in the beautiful gourmet kitchen that I left behind so I will fully relish not having to wash and dry dishes by hand for at least the next ten months.

Now that my kitchen goods are about seventy-five percent unpacked, I decided that I would cook a nice meal for us to enjoy Friday night. It's been several weeks since I've really "cooked" anything and I just haven't felt like myself. So, the dish to inaugurate several things - our move to the Northwest, my new job, our new cozy little abode, new opportunities, and new adventures - Seared Sea Scallops with Satsuma Salsa. (Try saying that five times really fast.) But, really, I couldn't think of anything better to represent our (meaning my) excitement at the thought of having much better access to fresh seafood than we did in our little corner of Wisconsin - since we don't go fishing. And, who wouldn't like the idea of savoring short-lived spring goodies such as the Satsuma variety of mandarin orange? My husband picked me up a few - available aplenty in grocery stores here this week - since I had a bad cold and needed that C. Anyway, we thought it was really delicious. This is a really simple recipe for seared scallops and I urge you to give it a try.

Seared Sea Scallops with Satsuma Salsa

Serves 2

1 small shallot, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon satsuma orange (or tangerine) zest

1 tablespoon fresh satsuma orange (or tangerine) juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, divided

1 satsuma orange (or tangerines) peeled and sectioned

8 fresh sea scallops, patted thoroughly dry.

Whisk together shallots, parsley, orange zest, juice, oil, vinegar, and half the salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add sectioned oranges, and set aside.

Heat a medium sized skillet over medium-heat, and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Add scallops to skillet and cook until it gets that nice golden brown sear, about 2 minutes on each side, sprinkling with remaining salt and pepper when turning over. Do not overcook - or they will be rubbery and awful! Serve immediately, topped with the satsuma salsa. We ate this as an entree served over watercress and hot cooked jasmine rice, but it would make a terrific appetizer on its own too. Enjoy!

Hiatus

I know many of you are wondering why I haven't posted anything lately. There's a very good reason why...

Ramble On and its owners are moving! We are in the process of selling our house, packing up our belongings, and relocating to Washington state for new jobs and new adventures. I will get back to blogging regularly once we have settled in to our next abode. I have packed away most of my kitchen stuff already, but will try to squeeze out one more post before I move, within the next couple of days. I will miss the beautiful kitchen that has been my "foodie home" for the past four years, but look forward to discovering and settling into a new home and kitchen and a continued culinary journey. Thank you for reading! Until later.

Mother Daughter Goodbyes

We had a fabulous time together, my mom and I. First, a few weeks in Wisconsin, a proper mix of Southwest Wisconsin tourism and just "being" at home. And, then, over the past several days an immensely fun time in Seattle. Both, with family and friends and by ourselves, captivated by all that the western WA area has to offer. And then came goodbye. Here is the very last picture from our trip, at the Seattle airport, before the hugs and tears.

Goodbyes are difficult for most people. And they are especially difficult for me. Living nine thousand miles away from my family, and having been to or through airports several times in the past nine years, you would think that I have gotten the hang of it by now, but goodbyes just seem to get harder each time. Especially the teary-eyed ones at the airport.

This brings back memories of the first time I said goodbye to my family. My mom and grandparents were such a key part of my identity and my childhood, that I thought leaving when I first did nine years ago would be hard. But, oddly enough, it wasn't hard the first time. I think it is because, back then, I was excited to leave the people I once needed, people who made me feel comfortable, and go out into the world to make my own way, and discover my own identity. I think I've done that now. I'm still figuring out some things. And it has not exactly shaped up to be what I had in mind. But I have a unique identity, and a valuable life of my own here. And as a result, saying goodbye to my mom has become so tough. Not because I "need" her in my life, but because I want her to be a part of it. And I miss her dearly.

half-boiled egg

I had a half-boiled egg for breakfast this morning. It reminded me of when I was five years old or so, and my mother made that for my breakfast every morning before school. And now, here I am twenty years later, eating a half-boiled egg, remembering all the things my mother did for me, and really enjoying it.

escaping the ceremony

Recently, a lot of people have been talking about graduation – their grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews are all graduating – high-school, middle school, college, and even kindergarten. I heard about ceremonies at school, parties and open-houses being planned, gifts being given, and various other surprises for the graduates in their lives...and most of all, the stress that was being caused by all the activities related to these events.

All this talk of graduation made me think back to my own graduations. In India, since graduation is not something as widely celebrated, my own High School graduation was a very low-key affair. My grandparents, mom and I went out to a nice Chinese dinner. At school, a simple prayer was said for the entire 12th class, and we had the relief of knowing that we were done with those horrible government exams, and that was the extent of all celebration.

My College graduation, although still low-key on my part, was very different. There was a lot of excitement and activities put forth by the University; my peers were all very excited to walk across the stage in cap and gown and receive their diplomas from the Chancellor. I, however, was not too keen at the prospect of sweating in a polyester gown and awful scratchy cap for six hours. So, I skipped the ceremony entirely and spent the week in San Francisco with my boyfriend...which was a very smart move. I got more value out of the experiences and memories of that trip than I would have ever received from attending and participating in the graduation ceremony. I was not particularly interested in the ceremony itself, my family members weren’t here to enjoy it...so why should I have bothered?

My point is that graduating is an honor, and it should be a moment of pride, primarily for the graduate...no stress needed. It is a time to celebrate. Maybe the celebration involves walking across a stage to receive your cap and gown and having a party so your family and friends can honor you. Or maybe it comes with your own quiet recognition of knowing what you achieved, from the comfort of a cushy vacation spot far, far away.

I am glad I chose the latter.