Garlic and Limes, antidote for a bad date

Today was my first free Sunday in a very very long time. After my daughter’s father came to pick her up, I jumped back into bed with a great selection of reading, a fantastic cup of coffee, and some delicious pistachio macaroons. I love lounging and as a single parent, it is something I rarely get to enjoy. This week has been a little stressful with signing divorce papers, catching up with life, a particularly grouchy toddler, and a preoccupied ex slacking on co-parenting duties! So when my house was suddenly silent and calm, my mind started going to places it hasn’t gone in a long time. Napping, vacation, New York, Paris, dating… A dear friend has been trying to set me up on a blind date and on such a beautiful indulgent Spring day, oh why not?!

First mistake! When things are going well, enjoy the moment!  I put on my flirty Spring dress and headed to the pedicurist. My color this season is a very beautiful deep salmon color, very unusual! I left feeling like a million bucks, my feet tingly and beautifully lacquered. And off to lunch I went. My only expectations were for a nice lunch and informed conversation. Second mistake! Honestly, I don’t understand what my friend was thinking!  I smiled and tried to make the most of it. After all, I know my friend is not completely insane and she has always been an excellent source of advice and support…

Lunch was served, Duarte’s in Pescadero, and as I was about to dig into my bowl of Roasted Green Pepper Soup (yes, I eat on dates) the bomb was dropped. Apparently, I have too many interests and opinions and seem like a very independent woman. A “handful” so “I don’t think we should go out again, and I usually date women who are considered babes.”  I was really hungry and I was not about to leave my soup! I was hoping he would get up and leave, he didn’t so I decided to reveal my inner Duchess (my friends call me the Duchess after the film). Translation? I bowled him over with charm, eye contact, and humor! Then  I finished my soup, thanked him very much and walked out! 

I left feeling slightly demoralized over the male/female state of affairs, I mean this is 2009 and I live in Northern California, we are supposed to be a little more progressive here! The drive down the coast improved my mood, difficult to remain grouchy when driving down the California coast. Then I remembered the vow I made to myself upon the separation from my husband,  I WILL NEVER LET A MAN PUT ME DOWN AGAIN!  I’m fabulous!

When I arrived at my wonderful little house, I couldn’t help but smile . I am so happy and fortunate to have the life I have! And there is such a sense of satisfaction knowing that I am doing it on my own,  I made a new vow to myself. Whomever enters my life must enrich and not dilute!

To celebrate my singleness I made jars of pickled garlic and more syrup. Living alone means there is no need to worry about the scent of garlic under the skin, breath, etc… And I tackled two sacks of Ranpur limes. Again, no one to complain about the cupboards full of preserves! Ah, the pleasure and satisfaction of being a handful!

Pickled Garlic to Ward off Bores and Boors

1. Garlic
2. Brine
3. Cider vinegar
4. Rosemary
5. Black peppercorns
6. 1/2 pint Mason jars

• Make a brine. Fill your blender canister with warm water and add 3 tablespoons of salt. The warm water helps dissolve the salt quickly. Stir and gently drop in an egg, a whole egg in the shell. When the egg floats, your brine is ready. If the egg doesn’t float, add more salt.
• Fill your jars 3/4 of the way with peeled garlic
• Place a sprig of fresh rosemary and some peppercorns in the jar
• Add a tablespoon of cider vinegar and fill the remaining jar with the brine.
• Close tightly, shake and store in refrigerator. 
• Check back in a week

In Lithuania, pickled garlic is a bar snack and is served alongside fried rye bread. With beer or child vodka, what could be better?