Kalamata Cleopatra
Oct 1st, 2008 by Marilyn
Can it be Wednesday already? I’ve been so darn busy here at the McCain compound for like days now, learning to pronounce funny names and cramming for my debate. I tell you, there’s no time for blogging at all!
Oops – someone else’s diary. My excuse is the Jewish holidays – a different kind of cramming, as in brisket and barley and soup, a dinner last night at which the Simmer editorial board – I mean, family members – let me know they expected a new post up by noon, preferably one with funny stories about themselves. This is what it’s come to, dear readers, blog me.
I’m a little bleary and slow on the uptake today, but rest assured something good is coming, something involving meddling cousins and apples…
…sugared, dripping apples. Apples with almonds in a flaky crust. Tie on your apron and rev up your rolling pins, because I’m prepping behind the scenes and we’ll be making it, right here.
But while we’re waiting, let’s examine one of the world’s most precious mysteries – Cleo’s nose.
Does it not remind you of two black olives? Josie first pointed this out when Cleo was a puppy, and her little snout was still adorably Nicoise-size. But there’s no getting around it now…
…two giant Kalamatas. Makes me want to kiss it twice – and maybe order a Greek salad, don’t you think? Mm, now I’m hungry for lunch, which reminds me – this post, dear editorial board, is up before noon.
It’s true. There’s nothing I like more than a salty dog nose in my Greek salad.
There’s something strangely appealing about a blog post which can, without missing a beat, open with someone else’s diary and close on a dog nose that, oddly enough, does remind me of olives.
…but back to those sugared, dripping apples wrapped in a flaky crust
Shana Tova to Marilyn, Greg, Josie, and the editorial board! Looking forward to the apple-almond-something recipe.
I made matzoh balls for the first time yesterday (usually Mom’s department), and they turned out great – light and fluffy. It would be a good thing if I could replicate this in the future. My guess is that they came out that way because I treated them like hamburgers by handling them as little as possible when I made them into balls. Does that sound possible to you, o culinarily wise one?
Brisket in my house too, and an apple dessert in lieu of the horrible honey cake that I’ve never been able to stand. Happy new year.
those doggies are beautiful,truly!
I am making embarrassing kissy noises at Cleo’s picture….
As I sit here looking at the beautiful pastry, my mouth is watering, knowing how delicious it truly tasted. That is probably one of the best I have ever eaten. A true diabetic’s delight. Of course Cleo is the main hit, she is soooooooo cute, since I personally have met her. Bring her over to play with Heather. She has a brown olive nose. Once again, you have outdone yourself on holiday deserts.
Joel: I always say, nothing like a salty dog nose with the salad. Or something like that.
Sandie: yes, we will get back to those drippy apples…promise.
Robin: on the fluffy matzo balls – yes, little handling is good, and probably just the right amount of cooking, too. Too little – hard-packed snowballs, too much – exploded fluffy. Yours sound just right. Happy New Year to all of you!
Lydia: oh, I remember the little honey cake “brick” quite well. I’m sure dinner at your house is something special. Happy New Year!
Theresa: well, beauty is good, because it’s not her obedience, I can tell you that – she gets by on her sweetness and pretty nose.
Jean: perhaps the wet Cleo snout is your new wallpaper?
Cathy: glad you enjoyed it (though you’re not supposed to be eating that – shhh) Cleo will come play with Heather some time – a wet nose-fest.
I love reading this. It’s almost midnight here in NC, and the end of a long day with nothing good to eat at all (Confession: cheese hot dogs for lunch. Oh, yes, I’m embarrassed to admit it) But I see these wonderful photos and see Cleo’s nose (nothing better) and read your wise and funny words—and it doesn’t matter. I can imagine enjoying any of these fabulous treats. You just made perfect end to the day. Thanks!
I love that nose….
I will never look at a pooch’s nose the same way again! This post definitely gets the award for most kissable, close up shot.
Here’s a poem for Cleo. It’s written by America’s poet Laureate, Billy Collins. I thought you could read it to Cleo. You do read poetry to your dog – don’t you?
The way the dog trots out the front door
every morning
without a hat or an umbrella
without any money
or the keys to her doghouse
never fails to fill the saucer of my heart
with milky admiration.
Who provides a finer example
of a life without encumbrance -
Thoreau in his curtainless hut
with a single plate, a single spoon?
Ghandi with his staff and his holy diapers?
Off she goes into the material world
with nothing but her brown coat
and her modest blue collar,
following only her wet nose,
the twin portals of her steady breathing,
followed only by the plume of her tail.
Olivia: that is a sweet and kind thing to say – thanks!
Jenni – I love that nose, too, and wake up to it in my face every single day.
MB: welcome back to America, mate! Cleo sends you a wet one.
muddywaters (Mike): I love that! “Twin portals of her steady breathing” is just right.