Fall is one of my favorite times of the year, and for me, provides the best light and colors to take photos of the house and its surroundings. Here are some from a cloudy day in late October.
Fall at the Homestead
Basque Burnt Cheesecake
Still feeling Spain vibes, whipped up a 10” pan of Basque Burnt Cheesecake this past weekend.
Michigan Day Trip
[7 October, 2023]
Went on a day trip to Dexter and Ann Arbor with Team Satoh for cider and donuts at Dexter Cider Mill, a visit to a pumpkin patch, a stroll through U of M campus, yummy brownies from Zingerman’s Deli, and some delectable Korean dining at Miss Kim. Definitely plenty of hints of autumn in the air, with a crazy, rapid-fire weather variety of wind, rain, and sun to boot.
Fox in the Snow
The fourth Fox in the Snow branch opened in old Historic Dublin a couple of weekends ago and I got a chance to try it this morning for breakfast. It did not disappoint. The souffléd egg and bacon on ciabatta lives up to its title of ‘best breakfast sandwich in Ohio’, while the morning bun also deserved its own award.
Re-Living Spain
Been trying to re-live my recent Spain visit, one Mediterranean dish (cod en papillote) and drink (tinto de verano) at a time.
Flowering Orchid Plant
After an almost 2-year hiatus, the orchid plant occupying space on my kitchen counter started blooming again!
Spinach and Cheese Egg Soufflé
Reprising one of my favorite homemade dishes during the pandemic, it is almost nostalgic making these Panera-style baked egg soufflés once again!
Yui's Birthday
[8 August, 2023]
Yui turned 13 and it’s a lunch treat at Roosters in Polaris.
Zucchini Rose Muffins
My next-door neighbor has a vegetable garden and shared a couple of zucchini with me this past weekend. So, through the magic of pre-made frozen puff pastry, I turned them into zucchini rose muffins.
Buff, Polish, Shine
It’s that time of year: a total clean up treatment of my concrete floor. First, a buff with the Oreck orbiter. followed by a thorough vacuum, and finally, 2 coats of Zep’s High Traffic Floor Polish. For that shiny, glass-like finish!
On Elites and Counter-Elites
Current read —
New Scanner
Replaced the old ( > 10 years?) ScanSnap 300M scanner with its latest, more modern equivalent, the ScanSnap ix1300. Much faster, more versatile, and now, also wireless and wi-fi capable!
A New Computer
New MacBook Air in the house! It was time to replace the 2018 MacBook Air with the 2023 Apple silicon M2-based 15” MacBook Air in Starlight.
Kate's Birthday
[14 June, 2023]
Seafood pasta and homemade cakes for Kate on her birthday.
Ramen Night!
[June 13, 2023]
Dinner out for early celebration of my niece, Kate’s birthday. At Yokai Ramen Bistro.
Weekend Visitors from Chicago
[10 June, 2023]
More family from Chicago visited with us over the weekend. Another excuse for a food gathering and some downtown gallivanting.
Memorial Day Outing
[29 May, 2023]
Lunch at 5 Guys and sugary treats at Dragon Donuts.
Big Birthday Party
[27 May, 2023]
The Satoh’s have arrived and it’s one big get-together after another! First, a big 4th birthday party for Madeleine Kaori, complete with banners, bunting, and chocolate cake!
Berry Custard Pastries
Tried this Instagram recipe for berry custard pastries with Italian crema pasticcera and they were fantastic. Definitely Insta-worthy!
Courtyard Landscaping
Spring is underway, and so are landscaping activities in the central courtyard. The citrus plants (Meyer Lemon and Calamondin) are outside and re-containered, and the 4-yr old juniper bonsai is out of its winter hibernation and now comfortably in its new ceramic pot. I also put together a new succulent centerpiece for the outside dining table. Continuing: a season-long battle with weeds!
Overall, everything’s looking good, so here’s to a great growing season!
