Hot & Sunny in Gambo

We've had a couple weeks of extremely hot weather and lots of sun.  We are not at all used to this heat, but I'm not complaining.  Last night we had rain showers and it was greatly needed. 

This morning I took my camera along on my early morning walk around the trail---before it got too hot.  I got these two mushroom shots in one of my favorite shady spots on the trail.........

Last night's rain is quickly being soaked up by all the parched plants......

 
Our salmon rivers are very low and at risk of being closed if there is not a lot of rain to bring up the water levels.  The temperature of the water is much too warm as well.  We really need some help from Mother Nature now.  Here is a shot from one of the foot bridges on the Middle Brook walking trail.  hundreds of licensed salmon fishers, from all over our province, come to this area every summer to try their luck at fly-fishing a much coveted Atlantic salmon..  

The water is usually rattling through in this area, and none of the smaller  rocks are ever visible.  Just for comparison purposes, here is a shot of the same area that I took last fall.  You can certainly see the noticeable difference in the water levels........

Hope you all have a safe and happy weekend!

Cheers

:)

 

Salt Fish Cakes

One of the traditional foods of Newfoundland and Labrador is cod fish.  We cook it in many different ways.  We also preserve it in many different ways, such as fresh frozen, or salted and dried.   A favorite of ours is salt fish cakes.

First, the salted-dried fish must be soaked (usually over night) in cold water to remove most of the salt, then it can be cooked.  Once it is cooked, the skin is removed and all the bones are removed.............
 

then you boil some potatoes.......................

and fry some onions.............................

To the cleaned fish, add the strained and mashed potatoes & cooked onions........

Mix all these ingredients well, shape into desired size(like a really large meatball), then roll in flour........

Flatten balls into patty-shape, and fry in small amount of cooking oil, until golden brown on both sides.....

These golden beauties are now ready to serve, with your choice of condiment.  We usually enjoy fish cakes with homemade pickled beets....................................

Yuuuuummmmmy.......................................

What's a traditional meal in your neck of the woods???

Have a great weekend!

Cheers

:)

Crab and Shrimp Dip

Hubby recently had the opportunity priviilege to travel along with a good friend of ours, who happens to be the captain on a large crab/shrimp fishing vessel.  Wow, the stories he brought back were amazing!  He had a fabulous trip and has a whole new respect for offshore fishermen.  Needless to say, we were gifted some very precious and very delicious crab and shrimp.  I made a dip on Saturday to bring along to a friend's cottage........mmmmmm mmmmmmm, everyone enjpyed and said it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!

Here's a step-by-step...........................

Beat together 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup cream cheese.....

Prepare crab...

and shrimp.....

Spread cheese and sour cream mixture in bottom of dish of your choice, then add crab meat....

a layer of seafood sauce.......

then shrimp....

 Next, sprread diced peppers over top.......

  Then add grated cheese, set back in refrigerator until ready to serve.....

I served mine with nacho chips, but crackers, baguettes or melba toast would also be awesome. 

 It was quite a hit. 

 I'll be making another one of these next week for our daughter's 30th Birthday Bash!!!!!!

Here's the actual recipe:

Crab & Shrimp Dip

1/2 cup                  sour cream

1/2 cup                  cream cheese

1 cup                     shrimp

1 cup                     crab meat

1/2                        seafood sauce

1 cup                    diced peppers

1 cup                    grated cheese

Beat together sour cream and cream cheese until well blended.  Spread onto serving dish of your choice.  layer remaining ingredients, saving grated cheese for topping.  Serve with nacho chips or crackers.

Let me know if you try this one!!

Cheers

:)

Sandy Cove Beach

This jewel of a town is just 40 minutes drive from where we live.  We try to go there at least a couple times each summer.  Sandy Cove is so pretty and clean, it makes you want to stay there forever!  I took a drive out there today, thinking the beach wouldn't be too crowded, and I was right.  What a little piece of paradise right in our own back yard.  Take a look........................

 I even caught a glimpse of a fishing boat, off in the distance, coming back in with its catch....

Again, I realize just how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place, in this great country of ours, Canada!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone-------Cheers :)