Desert, Mountains, Lakes, and the Hills of Beverly

Big Bear

 There's no place like home and after 3 weeks in Raki Raki, submerged in the Bollywood film set, it was grand to be back in LA. There were trips to the desert, a weekend cabin get away with Elaine and Sid, star gazing in Malibu (movie stars that is) amazing dinner parties (by yours truly) friends, family, food, and a lovely evening at the Hollywood Bowl watching the "Producers". Mel Brooks came out to chat with the crowd; WOW! what a treat that was. I have always wanted to see the show and it was wonderful. The rest of the trip was spent obtaining boat parts to bring back to Fiji; 6 suitcases worth!

Ron tests the waters of Big Bear Lake. COLD!

The evenings were chilly and having a roaring fire was so cozy, complete with a stag's head.

No graffiti problems here!

Saturday Market is the best market day,  in the South Pacific; always colorful, fresh and organic. All that being said, after nearly 2 years away, my eyes filled up with tears when I entered Whole Foods. There really is no place like home!

You don't know what ya got till it's gone!

In Fiji,  I have to go to 3 different markets to hopefully find Zucchini, Cauliflower, and Broccoli!

My gorgeous son and daughter-in-law, Lowell and Natalie; dinner in downtown Los Angeles. So nice to be home with family. 

Lords and ladies dine in the Hills of Beverly..

A grand affair was held at Lord and Lady Andelson's, in the kingdom of Arden, Hills of Beverly. Lady Michele's garden was spectacular, complete with organic vegetables and herbs, used to prepare the feast. We dined on a light summer fare of Spanish cuisine. The menu consisted of lime cilantro chicken skewers, roasted corn Quiche with a cheddar crust, tender filet of beef, black bean and roasted corn salad, homemade salsa, chili lime swordfish, and fresh guacamole created by Sculley maid Rosy.(Famous in all the lands for her culinary  talent with the Avocado)

Zucchini and Tomatoes  fresh from Michele's garden

Filet of beef,  lime and cilantro Chicken Skewers,  Rosa's Guacamole. 

Roasted Corn Quiche

Lime and Cilantro marinaded Swordfish

Grilled Vegetables

Black Bean and Roasted Corn Salad

Roasted Corn Quiche. (Serves 6-8)

MARINADE: 1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice, 4 cloves of crushed garlic, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tsp. red chili pepper, 2 diced jalapeno peppers, 1 Tblsp. ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup olive oil. 2 ears of sweet corn.

Whip all the ingredients together except oil. (This can be done in a food processor) Slowly whip oil into the mixture until thickened. (1 minute) taste and add more spice and salt as needed. Should be spicy and tart taste of the lime.

Pour marinade over  corn and coat evenly. Marinate 1 hour turning frequently. Grill corn on BBQ. Turn frequently and baste with the excess marinade. Corn should be browned and cooked through. (15-20 minutes) Do not burn. Cool corn and cut off the Cobb; set aside.

CRUST: 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or unbleached white, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. dry mustard, 2 sticks melted butter or 1/2 cup butter substitute Earth Balance. 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Mix all dry ingredients until blended. Add grated cheese and mix into flour. Pour melted butter into the flour-cheese  mixture and mix with your hands until moist. Add a bit of water if mixture is to dry. Do not over-mix. Push the crust out into a 9" pie plate creating a thin bottom and pushing the excess to the edge to form a fluted rim. Peirce the bottom of the shell with a fork in several places, to allow air. Pre-bake the shell in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes until shell is slightly golden. Do not over bake. Remove and cool.

VEGETABLE FILLING: 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 red pepper, 1 small yellow onion, 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tsp. red chile powder, 2 tsp. ground cumin, 1/2 tsp. salt.
Slice peppers, slice onion thin, mince garlic, slice jalapeno thin. Saute all for 4 minutes. Add roasted corn and saute 2 additional minutes. Add chili, salt, and cumin; saute 1-2 minutes more. Set aside.

EGG FILLING: 4 eggs beaten slightly, 1/2 cup light cream, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. white pepper, and dash of nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.

Grate 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of monetary jack. Mix together. Spread 1/2 the cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust. Spread the sauteed' vegetables atop the cheese and add the remaining cheese on top. Pour egg mixture over all, being careful not to overfill. Place 5-6 tomato slices on top, chopped cilantro,  and sprinkle with dash of paprika.

Bake in Pre-Heated 375 degree oven, 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the top is nicely browned and a knife comes out clean.

There were some very cute animals along the way. Elaine brought Sid for the Big Bear adventure and it was fun watching him transition from the city life to mountain life.

Sid

Dylan with his kitten. So cute.

I took a trip to Malibu to see my friend Susan who had  3 gorgeous cats. Her son Dylan picked them out at the shelter. lucky cats!

Forrest, (my youngest son) celebrated his 22 Birthday here in Fiji. Glad he came along to assist with the 6 suitcase's full of boat parts. Unfortunately, we were unable to sail to Vanautu as planned, due to mechanical problems with the boat. So, while repairs were made, Forrest headed out to Beachcomer Island for a few fun day's of diving and partying with other young folks. Forrest was the only American and tore up the dance floor with his LA  Hip Hop moves.

After Bollywood, the crew needed some R & R and it was Forrest Birthday, so we headed out to play golf at a private course with John, an Australian fellow who owns an awesome resort called Fiji Seaside. John was a member of the club and an awesome golfer. John gave us all tips during the 9 holes, which was much needed, as the course was very difficult, but very beautiful.

Forrest at LAX nervously awaiting the 10 hour flight. (Hates flying)

Crew's golf day out. We each got a cart. Best part about golf is driving the cart around. Oh yeah, and the beer.

Tiger Woods!

Forrest enjoys some Ahhh Fiji Time

Dinner with the Slow Dance Crew. From left: Elaine, Eskil, Mom, Forrest, Captain Sean, and BJ.

 And so I leave you with some tomatoes and awesome Fiji Sunsets......Next stop, Vanautu, where I hear the tribal men still wear penis wrappers. Gotta get a picture of that!