From The Shire Kitchen

During Buddy's shopping trip he bought leeks, carrots, onions, spinach, ginger . . . pretty much fresh. We brought with us coconut milk, sea salt, chicken bouillon, white miso, curry and gumbo file. He took a hike down the road to pick up some scallops. At this point total grocery bill from just what we have purchased is $24. Now, we have the dip and shrimp that we can have for the next couple of days. However, the pudding did not survive. Buddy finished it off just now! We went exploring and he had a seafood stock resting. Upon returning, he constructed an amazing Seafood chowder (pictured). At this point we are going to be way under our budget and still eating exactly what we want and need! Hopefully you are enjoying us sharing our eats and how we are creating them. More to come of this great little full kitchen we have and the beach. Take care all!!

Happy New Year to those who follow From the Shire! We left to drive to Florida Saturday the 30th. We stopped to stay overnight in Birmingham and had a great experience at Jim and Nick's BBQ. Buddy, of course, nailed our waiter as a guitar player; and he was. Those who know Buddy, know that the conversation ensued. We brought spices with us and slight kitchen staples. So our meal today was a combined effort. Buddy found a place open for fresh shrimp and clams. Boiled the shrimp with plenty of good herbs and spices, then he steamed the clams. I made a dip from a few of both, with what we had brought and crumbles from Maytag Blue Cheese. The rest of the shrimp was ready to peel and eat. While Buddy was checking what was open to shop, I began a pudding from 2 bananas from our breakfast in Birmingham, arrow root, cane sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder and some orange scones we bought on the road. A small feast can be made from so little!!

Jean came across this in her recipe suitcase and wanted to share. So easy and OH so good Apple Danish . . .

Dough
2 1/2 cups of flour
Dash of Salt
1 cup of butter
1 egg (yolk only)
Couple of splashes of buttermilk if the dough seems too dry

Filling
6-8 Apples of your choice diced or ran thru a food processor (we used red delicious this last time and they actually baked well)
1 cup of sugar (our preference is coconut or cane sugar)
1 Tsp Vanilla
Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove to taste (most will use like a tsp of each but we love the spices so we go all out)

Prep dough and divide. Roll out thin and place on a smaller cookie sheet. Add filling then top with the other rolled thin dough. Whip the egg white till foamy and brush top prior to baking. Bake for about an hour or until golden brown at 350.

Enjoy!!