Front-Runner Favs

Common ingredients seem ordinary when listed on their own. In fact, most kitchen pantries are stocked with staples. It just keeps us from making daily stops at the supermarket. When familiar ingredients meet fresh ones, it increases the variety and changes them into front-runner favs. Mealtime then becomes an all-star event. And speaking of stars…Some of my posts have received a nod from the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive@DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram @gail_dorna. This continuous journey of the palate gives me time 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. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as A-B-C. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. Most recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be easily modified. Leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten later or shared with others. Seeing a smile of gratitude keeps me going. Feel free to contact me with questions. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: FRONT-RUNNER FAVS!”

Barrier Lake is for Bear Watching 

Barrier Lake is for Bear-Watching! Although this crystalline man-made lake at one time was no more than an icy glacier, today it provides a perfect vantage point for spotting the woodland creatures who live there. Barrier Lake in Kananaskis County in Alberta, Canada is visible from Highway 40 with easy accessibility. However, the posted warning signs advise hikers to “carry bear spray and be prepared to use it within 3 seconds.” With the red berries enticing them to come out into the open, one needs to “look ahead and watch for tracks, droppings, and diggings.” From personal experience, a determined bear is fast on his feet and seems to run toward a noise rather than away from it. No worries. Before long, the bears will hibernate and sleep the winter away.