Sunshine Eats!

This time of year is especially glorious when local Farmers Markets celebrate their bounty. Cooking becomes more exciting with farm-to-table ingredients, in my opinion. Tag along as we get outside, soak up the sunshine, and fill the tote bags with garden herbs, ripe fruit, rich chocolate, and French butter. Think about outdoor grilling and lazy-day picnics in the park. I’ll give you recipes to celebrate life with good food! Some of my recent posts have been favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive@DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram @gail_dorna. Come along for a glimpse of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Sunshine Eats! This remarkable journey of the palate allows 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: SUNSHINE EATS!”

Trade Winds Soothe the Soul

Perched on the edge of a blue lagoon along the Coconut Coast sits the Kauai Beach Hostel where accommodations are a little different. Bamboo doors may divide sleeping quarters and open-air communal gathering spots encourage free expression. Just beyond the bike trail in a grove of coconut palms, the ground dips enough to receive a small cluster of young bohemians. Easily recognized by their folksy clothing, beaded jewelry, long hair, and external spontaneity, the word “hippie” comes to mind. The guys often toss a hacky sac into the air or walk a tight rope stretched between two tree trunks like a balance beam. The gals may sometimes sit cross-legged on the ground in transcendental fashion facing the sea. At first glance it appears as though the feminine curve of a back seems naked and bare. A second look confirms it. Dark straight hair spills over each shoulder falling forward as this gypsy time-traveler engages the group in lively conversation. From time to time a puff of smoke is seen floating on the breeze carrying a distinct aroma slightly familiar. Clasped hands are joined in love. Radiant sunbeams pour through swaying palm fronds as heads roll back and laughter fills the air. Life is good on this peaceful tropical island where trade winds soothe the soul.