Outlander,The Starz Series

CA and I have absolutely enjoyed the first half (8 episodes) of this series. Looking forward to April 4, 2015 for the second half of season one.

-source-

Having loved Scotland when we visited in 2007, I've decided to embrace my (fantasy) origins. (Although, CA can rightfully claim to be of Scottish ancestry.) We were graciously hosted by Bill of the Crawford Clan, and given a topnotch tour of Glasgow, Sterling, The Trassochs, Loch Lomond, Luss, St. Andrew's, and more. We also spent a full day in Edinburgh.

I want Dougal's Tam O'Shanter [TOS]. Actually, I'd like CA to wear one but that absolutely won't happen. I'll wear it myself.

Keeping Up With the Kardashians is My Secret Vice

But, I'm a bit concerned that Kim is not only crushing on Marie Antoinette, but focused on emulating her. Think about it. Even a much rumored wedding in Versailles--purportedly relocated at this point.

 

Midsomer Murders

Bored silly most of the time by network and cable TV until we finally figured out our AppleTV device and have enriched our winter evenings with movies and past PBS and BBC selections.

One of my late-night consistent choices is Midsomer Murders, which has been in-production since 1997.

While Midsomer Murders is mostly akin to Murder She Wrote (never a fan), and completely lacks any CSI attention to forensic detail, I'm a fan. Pure entertainment, with the added value of catching a view of British actors familiar from Doc Martin and Downton Abbey--in their earlier years. Mrs. Hughes from Downton was a hoot! Very late '90s and quite thin and stylish. Have also spotted Aunt Rosemund and have noted Mr. Carson will show up soon.

 

 

I'm up to Season 3, with eons more to view. I've been keeping track and there are an average of 3 murders per show. Makes one wonder why anyone still lives anywhere near a Midsomer village.

 

Naples Grape Pie, Zow-owzer

Food Network: Naples Grape Pie

 

 

Full disclosure I did not use this crust recipe. Used our normal, Martha's Pâte Brisée.

 

And, I used PJ's Canandice seedless grapes, unskinned (Same grapes I used here.). As is. Did not cook. Just mixed dry ingredients together and tossed with cleaned grapes, added lemon juice, drizzled with honey-vanilla, and sprinkled tiny bits of the butter over the top.

 

Prep described above this photo.

 

Crumble...

 

My artwork...

 

Voilà

 

 

The Grand Hotel

 

 

Missing Downton Abbey? Check out this BBC series from the late 1990s. Set in post-WWI Manchester, beautifully cast and stylized drama surrounds the fates of a family dynasty hotel buffeted by the rapidly changing culture and industrialization of the era. 18 episodes. Stream it on Netflix.

 

Rebecca Callard as Kate, the absolutely gorgeous hotel maid.

 

 

Mark McGann plays the diabolical Marcus Bannerman.

 

And, Tim Healy gives a solid performance as Jacob Collins, the head porter who sees all, knows all, and rights all wrongs.

 

 

The Carrie Diaries

AnnaSophia Robb

16-year old Carrie Bradshaw

in The Carrie Diaries

 

The Carrie Diaries is the prequel to Sex and the City, airing on the CW (Mondays at 7:00pm Central).

Sarah Jessica Parker

 

ASR

 

 

SJP

 

ASR

 

I'm going to like this show, if tonight's pilot episode is an indication of the quality of the series. Great casting and dialogue. Wouldn't want a teenage or pre-teen daughter absorbing the values (???) and morals (???) espoused.

 

Seemed to me that they've got the 80s vibe down--loving the music. Evocative. (A word I've never, ever, no never used previously.)

 

 

Dinner Tonight

We had the best meal tonight--bought 2 whole chicken breasts at Fresh Market that had been breaded with panko, cashews, and orange zest. Browned them in olive-oil and butter; then prepared angel hair pasta with a Beurre Blanc sauce--substituting orange juice for the usual lemon juice. Maybe used 3 T. Of OJ instead of 1/2 lemon=2 T. So good!

One whole chicken breast was plenty for the two of us, although the quantity of Beurre Blanc this recipe makes easily stretches to four servings.

Love finding something semi-prepared that inspires me, and we had all the ingredients on-hand.

Perfect start to an evening at home--rounded out by watching and catching up on BBC's second season of the The Hour.

 

Judi Dench

source

Just released news video highlights one of my all-time-favorite British actresses. Judi Dench is fighting Macular Degeneration.

She's such a talented lady. I imagine she's as tenacious as some of the characters she's played. There's not much better comedy than her As Time Goes By series, which ran on BBC for 67 episodes from 1992 - 2005.

I was privileged to see her perform on stage the last time I visited London.

Dench says that her vision is bad enough already that family members read her lines aloud for her as she's preparing a role.