Haft Seen

Today I am sharing an interesting tidbit of Persian culture that I learned about in the book that I just finished reading…
…as part of the Persian New Year (Norouz) in the spring, a table called “Haft Seen” is set. It is comprised of the 7 “S’s”, and the number 7 is a lucky number. At this table one can find: sprouts (sabzeh) that represent rebirth, samanu (a pudding) that represents sweetness in life, senjed (the fruit of the lotus tree) that represents love, serkeh (vinegar) that represents patience, seer (garlic) for medicinal qualities, somaq (sumac berries) for the color of the sunrise, and seeb (red apples) which are symbols of health and beauty. Each member of the family is given a candle (sofreh eid) that represents the goodness and warmth that enter life with the coming of spring.

 

Wine

Wine is… one of the most natural things of the world.
-Ernest Hemingway

I started out with Merlot…the white wines were always too sweet for my taste…but after a short while I upgraded to the Cabernet Sauvignon, and this is where I remain forever loyal.  Yet, as much as I would love to hob-knob with the wine connoisseurs of the world, I am on a budget.  It’s not shameful, just honest.  I trust that I am not alone.  At home you’ll catch me drinking Crane Lake, Rex Goliath and, sometimes, when I find a Trader Joe’s, the Two Buck Chuck.  Lately I have also added Oak Leaf’s cab to my “cheap” repertoire.  I pour a glass while I am cooking most evenings, which I strongly feel enhances my culinary skills.  I’ll enjoy a glass by the fire, with a good book, on the porch, on a bus, on a train, and even in the rain.  Yes, I like wine Sam I Am!

As a side note (and plug for my favorite vineyard), if cost were never an issue my favorite wines would always be purchased from Pindar Vineyards in Long Island, NY.  I’ve toured the winery, I’ve met the staff, and, more importantly, I love the wine!!!

 

Butter the Sky

Butter makes food taste better.  It adds flavor, it’s warm and it’s good!  SO, I started thinking about these words…flavor, warmth and goodness.  All of these things make our world better, too, so why not butter the sky?  Yummy!