Fabulous Fixings

Has anyone else noticed fluctuations in your daily appetite? Some days I’m perfectly happy with an appetizer-portioned meal versus a full-course dinner at the end of the day. I’ve never really been one to eat cereal for supper, but I suppose there are those who do it. Since moving to Florida, where the balmy weather resembles a tropical climate, I just don’t have the same food cravings I had up north. In retrospect, I don’t neglect my daily water intake since hydration is key. That takes priority, for sure. I guess if I had to self-diagnose my issues, I could blame “senioritis” for my waning appetite since I definitely expend less energy than I did when holding down two jobs and/or raising children. Make sense? Since I admit to a less robust appetite, a few of these recipes may seem normal to you, too. That’s okay. Let’s chalk it up to “less food means less fat.” That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. As you scroll through social media, you may also notice a post or two have been favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter X (Snapshotsincursive @DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram (gail _dorna). You can even find me on Pinterest at Gail Dorna. I’d love to connect with you there as well. I also met Chef Michelle Tribble of Hell’s Kitchen reality cooking show. Fun times. Experience different flavors and textures one bite at a time. Catch a glimpse of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Fabulous Fixings”. This remarkable journey of the palate is unique because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. 

Little Fish Coffee in Hanapepe, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Little Fish Coffee in Hanapepe, Kauai! Follow your nose in historic Hanapepe to the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Be transported to your “happy place” where the smiling fish on the sign invites you to sit awhile for an energetic caffeine fix. Little Fish Coffee’s quirky decor makes for a very social environment or oasis, so to speak. Take time to check social media, nibble on a bagelwich, and people watch. The outdoor seating in the courtyard may present a sunny spot for fresh air and sunshine until that hypnotic coffee aroma lures you back inside for a refill.

Kalapaki Joe’s Sports Bar in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Kalapaki Joe’s Sports Bar in Lihue, Kauai!  On the edge of nowhere sits the island’s secret for fresh salad meals, ocean fish, Happy Hour specials, ginormous burgers, cold beverages, and televised sports. Stop in for one reason or another. And if you’re hungry, go for the Big Plate Entrees. The Ahi Poke Crunch Salad was an adventure in fusion food: raw Ahi, Asian slaw, crispy tortilla strips, Oriental vinaigrette, and wasabi cream. No matter your craving, Kalapaki Joe’s brings people of the East and West closer.

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter E

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Take a Seat at the Table: Espresso Obsession! You can be a master barista in the comfort of your own kitchen. Some essential items make all the difference in the results; a good coffee bean grinder and a reliable espresso machine, for instance. Always use quality ingredients. Begin with a premium blend of whole roasted coffee beans to grind yourself. A very fine ground is necessary in order to brew classic Italian roast espresso beverages. Drink it hot or turn it into an iced coffee version. Grazie!
ESPRESSO OBSESSION 
Ingredients:

Fresh roasted espresso beans

Purified water

Whipped cream
Instructions:

After the coffee beans are ground to a consistency of sugar, use 1/4 ounce per shot, an one ounce serving. (If it is too coarse, water will run straight through it leaving the coffee lacking a robust flavor.) Pack the grinds into the espresso handle and press down with a tamper, but not too hard. You’ll know when you see the cream-like foam finish. Make sure the water is not boiling. An espresso machine will keep the temperature at 90C degrees. Perfection. Serve immediately. 

I choose a dollop of whipped cream on top making my signature coffee drink an “Espresso Con Panna”.