Jealous?

Well, dear readers, the time has come for my big "Summer Vacation," where I bid you adieu for several weeks, only to resurface with an obligatory Daring Baker post that includes some discussion about "where has the summer gone, I'm no baker, blah, blah" before I set some more shit on fire and cover it with sauce for you.

I know you are all dying to know where I'm going for vacay, and to that I say: Camp Energy Nerd in Lansing, Michigan!! No, really, it's called Camp NARUC (National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners), which directly translates into "Energy Nerd."

From their brochure, Camp NARUC:

Creates a unique opportunity for total immersion in modern regulatory theory, institutions, and processes.

AND

Provides an opportunity to learn from highly skilled experts representing various disciplines and backgrounds.

Eeep! So excited. Because I love all that geeky stuff, but I also love...

Concerts on the quad at Michigan State University.... "Highly skilled experts" in camp-casual apparel (camp dress code) "totally immersing" themselves in the hula, and...Goodie bags! I've been needing some new pens and a cool canvas tote bag.... You so wish you were me.

MmmmmmBoozy Paintcan

Perhaps you have gotten the idea that Mama and Papa BaCon are the sort of folks who have their priorities in order (slow cooker ribs and chocolate cake in a mug, anyone?).

I could tell stories about mis padres that would make your eyes cross with jealousy, but rather than do that, I'll simply share the wonderful craziness that is my family.

I give you, The Paintcan. The Paintcan came into our lives thanks to the generosity of one bearded, wild-haired "neighbor" on a camping trip long ago and far away. After a long day of shouting between campsites about bugs, matches, and fishing lures, he made his way over to our site and offered my dad....a paintcan. Filled with booze.

From that moment on, The Paintcan has been solidified in the family's lore. We make it at every BBQ and on most camping trips as a nod to its originator, Mr. WildhairedBeardGuy. BaCon Bit, aka the little sister who is too cool to read my blog, even personalized a paintcan for Papa BaCon with handles for easy shaking and sipping. It's chilly, and refreshing, and just boozy enough--though I wouldn't drink a whole one yourself, or, as Papa BaCon knows from personal experience, you're liable to end up with a trash can on your head.

The Paintcan

Take 1 clean gallon paintcan, available from your friendly Paint store. Fill 3/4 way with ice.

Add:

1/2 can Frozen lemonade
1/2 can Frozen limeade
1/2 bottle of your favorite Vodka (WOOT!)

Fill the remainder of paintcan with Sprite


Gently tap the lid on TIGHT.
Wrap the can in a towel and shake vigorously until ice forms on the sides. (The towel will freeze to the can, and then you'll know it's ready.) Put the towel over the lid and use a paintcan opener to release the lid (popping with a loud fizz).

Pour and enjoy.

Impromptu Dinner Party By Candlelight...

Last night Mr. Luz, Foxy, and I received an unexpected gift, thanks to our electric utility and maybe an overzealous power-tool-operator up on H Street.

Around 4pm, our electricity went out for no apparent reason, and it was out for blocks and blocks. We'd invited some of Mr. Luz's family friends over for drinks, but it wasn't a problem. Who wouldn't love an opportunity to drink prosecco by candlelight on a random Monday evening?

Around 8pm, we still didn't have power. Mr. Luz started thinking about the rapidly melting homemade strawberry ice cream in our freezer, and our new neighbors became concerned about the halibut that they brought back from a fishing trip in Alaska. (Similarly, I was concerned about all the beer that was growing warm in our fridge, and busied myself with consuming it all before it reached room temperature...) Clearly, we had to feast, lest everything go to waste.

I set off to light a trail of candles leading to the bathroom and pull out a few more wine glasses, while Mr. Luz gathered the neighbors on either side of us for an impromptu potluck. In the end, we dined on mismatched dishes, by the light of the Weber grill and tiki torches. Our patio tables were covered with rich slices of Saint-Andre triple creme cheese and crusty french bread; the freshest grilled halibut I've ever tasted, with its own homemade tartar sauce; huge ears of grilled sweet corn; garlicky gazpacho soup;and various and sundry other leftovers from this weekend's cooking marathon.

Late into the night, Mr. Luz passed out coffee mugs filled with softened strawberry ice-cream to our 6 wonderful guests. And after we'd finished dessert, the lights came back on and our peaceful, lazy spell was broken. Everyone was a little sad as they went back to their homes to reset the alarm clocks, adjust the A/C, and settle into bed. As much as I appreciate modern conveniences, it's also nice to turn off all of the electronics, shut down the air-conditioning units, and spend some time outdoors--just enjoying the stillness and connecting with the people in our lives. Maybe I'll trip a circuit breaker or two in August (after Mr. Luz makes more ice cream) just for fun.

NOTE: I did not take the photo shown above, but rather I found it on Google Images and have been unable to find the source of it. If you know the source, please comment below so I can give credit to the photographer. Thanks!

Food Imitating Art? Or Art Imitating Food?

This is S.'s creation from our weekend in the Wilderness. It's sort of a collaboration between her and Mr. Luz; he made the fresh blueberry pancakes, and she was inspired to make this painting with the splashes of fuchsia blueberry juice on her paper plate. I would love to blow this up and hang it in our kitchen. There's something very...organic? (ba-dum-ching) about it.

S.'s painting illustrates why I love to prepare and share my food. Her painting is beautiful, but abstract enough to mean something different to everyone. Similarly, food is interactive--by its very nature it elicits a reaction in everyone, and depending on the food that reaction can be highly complex and exciting, or it can be familiar and comfortable.

Like art, food is highly personalized but also communal. I love to share my "creations" with people and watch as they mull over the colors, aromas, textures, and flavors and open themselves up to the experience. I may not have talent for painting, film, or singing, but I am content with what I am able to convey with some fresh veggies, a wooden spoon, and my favorite heavy-bottomed pot.

Shenandoah Crossing: Wish You Were Here

I just wanted to post a few of my favorite pics from this weekend. It was a whirlwind of eating, napping on the deck in the sunshine, Twister, and tetherball. (Yep, tetherball. It's amazing, you should try it sometime.) Also, we drank at least 7 bottles of wine. And I won't tell you how much beer, because you'll judge me.

I may have taken this picture from a moving convertible with my point-and-shoot camera. Our cabin was in an area off to the right, and the lake is down at the bottom of this hill. These pastures just sprawl through the middle of the property--the only way I can describe the overall effect is "majestic."
Mr. Luz's ripe blueberry pancakes, awaiting real maple syrup and whipped cream. My favorite picture of the weekend. The ripe blueberries stained our paper plates in some interesting swipes and spots. S, ever the artist, wanted to capture our impromptu "paintings" with her camera (look for more pictures later!) I want to blow one up and hang it in our kitchen.