And Now... Coming at You From the Crescent City!
Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 11:43PM 
Last Saturday, after a month in Florida, we headed "home" to Memphis.
But, wait, there's more! This week, I'm writing to you from New Orleans. Funny thing, it rained every day that we were in Florida and then, surprise, our first day here in NOLA... rain.
When Tariq and I were married in Pakistan, it rained on the day of our wedding even though it hardly ever rains in December. It was then that I learned that rain is considered auspicious and a blessing in Pakistani culture. Even if it keeps you from the beach the entire time you're in Florida or results in your having to roll up the cuffs of your jeans when you bring groceries into your brother's house in New Orleans.
Front Row on the Fourth. Also, trifles.
As a result of our escape from suburbia that landed us in a high rise, it took us approximately 45 seconds to get the best seats in the house for the Mud Island fireworks. Right before that, thought, as for me and my house, we served a blueberry and strawberry trifle that was supposed to be red, white and blue but ended up being red, white-ish and purple.
Blueberries, cream cheese filling, fresh strawberries
According to 98% of the individuals surveyed regarding the trifle, it was a success. Notable exception was my daughter who declared the blueberry filling to be something she wasn't "crazy about." My dear, anything that doesn't make you crazy is definitely something I'm committed to making again.
Once I realized that the blueberry part was going to more purple than blue, I abandoned the notion of creating a replica of the American flag. Okay. In the spirit of George Washington (recall sketchy apple tree story) and Abraham Lincoln (they called him "Honest Abe" despite lack of sketchy apple tree story), I cannot tell a lie. I got lazy and crazy with the strawberries.
If you want the recipe for a patriotically inspired dessert, just use this this one from the food network. I ditched the almond extract because I never use that and I'm not buying an ounce when all I need is a teaspoon. I also used apricot preserves and those sugary pearl things as a garnish. Sugary pearl things were left over from Eid last year.
These things don't go bad. Hopefully.
Did you make or do anything special this past week? Also, has anyone else driven over a 3500 miles with their family in the last five weeks?
New Orleans, american life, cooking, food, memphis downtown in Personal
Reader Comments (7)
Did you write this post while feverish from the heat and slightly drunk?
And I think "red, white and purple" was the original intent of Betsy Ross.
Red, white and purple makes sense, actually - aren't red and purple "royal" colors? Probably some colorblind man called it blue, so there we have it.
I think your dessert looks and sounds delicious.
I made breakfast, which doesn't sound like a lot, but it was really special and I can't wait to do it again for the next 40 or 50 years or so. :0)
I drove 2200 miles with my family in a rented car last week. Not quite as much as you, but I bet the feeling was similar. This year's 4th was kind of blah for me. I haven't been feeling patriotic much, lately, so a quiet night at home setting off cheap little fireworks in my driveway with family was all I had the umph for.
I am so excited that you were in my hometown and your brother lives there?!? (NOLA) I was there all too briefly 2 weeks ago en route to our kid-free vacation. We dropped our kids off with my family on our way to Florida. So we planned a night in NOLA on each end of the trip. It wasn't enough.
Your dessert looks divine!
3500 miles with my family in a small car might make me tear out the last few shreds of my hair, but I would probably do it because that is the kind of trip that is filled with memorable moments.
That is not as sarcastic as it sounds. As a kid my family spent lots of time on road trips so it is not foreign to me at all.
Didn't make anything for Independence Day, but I did partake of many good dishes similar to the one you showed us there.
that is a lot of miles in not a lot of time!
and your dessert seems quite tasty even considering that i am not a fan of blueberries. you need to make it for me in order for me to be certain. :D