Trips and treats
By Tamara LeeAmong my current reads is Graham Greene’s Travels with my Aunt , about a semi-retired gentleman who abandons his complacent lifestyle for adventurous travel.
On this trip east, I’ve been able to finally meet folks I’ve interacted with online for some time, but haven’t had the pleasure of meeting in person. It’s been a real treat.
One of the best things travel does for us is to take us out of our comfort zones, and force us to face who we are or who we think we are, as we interact with strangers and sometimes those we feel we know already. Often, as it was tonight, it’s as comfortable as meeting an old friend.
The bulk of our CWC writers is out here, in eastern Canada, and I am thrilled to finally get the chance to meet them. Just this evening one of our gang has generously filled me with sangria and tostados and stimulating conversation. And a delectable blackberry pie a la mode. Note to self: get recipe for this dessert.
As a result of the revelry, I have nothing sensible to say until next week, when the post I’d planned for this week will be cleaned up and edited into something (hopefully) entertaining and worth the price of admission.
In the meantime, feel free to leave your stories of first meetings: pen pals; online folks; long lost relatives.
Was it a trip? A treat? Terrifying? Easy as pie?
posted by TJL | 1:19 am
9 Comments:
Thanks, Tamara! You can come to my house and pit my jewellery against yours any time. Esme has already asked that we invite you again, ASAP. Smart kid.
Here's the recipe:
Blackberry Slump
4 cups fresh blackberries (1 1/2 lb)
1 cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Accompaniment: vanilla ice cream
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Put berries in an ungreased 5- to 6-cup gratin dish or deep-dish glass or ceramic pie plate and sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup sugar.
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup sugar into a bowl. Add milk and butter and whisk until smooth, then pour over berries (don't worry if berries are not completely covered).
Bake slump in middle of oven until top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack and cool 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Gourmet, August 2002
Sounds like you guys had fun! I wish I could have been there :) Someday, maybe...This year I met two online friends and it was exciting and little scary but in in the end incredibly comfortable. Hello out there, Heather & Ania!
(Hey T, is Anne as witty in person as she is online??)
I can answer that for you: No!
I don't believe you, Anne :)
Glad you're having fun, Tamara. Great recipe, Anne. Blackberries are a favouite of mine. As to meeting cyber pals, I've broken bread with Diane Smith, Andrew Tibbetts and Melbel. Wonderful people, all.
Can't wait to see you in Toronto!
Jen, Anne is witty as well as a wonderful hostess, blessed with an adorable family. I had a wonderful time! Thanks again, Anne. This is one slump I look forward too :)
Aha! I knew it! Must get to MTL soon :)
Alas, I've never met any of you...but hey maybe we'll have a CWC event in Hawaii one of these years. I just need a bigger house.
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