Though I often moan and groan about the trials and tribulations of being a CPA and our many demanding deadlines, one thing I'm blessed with is wonderful clients. I'm 40 years into my career and have weeded out clients that I have personality conflicts with or those that just aren't fun to deal with. The result is that I have wonderful clients, many of whom have become good friends and family. I have many multi-generational clients, one of whom is Barbara. I met Barbara through her mother and have been involved with them for at least 20 years. Barbara's mother is no longer with us but we still enjoy talking about our memories of her.
Recently, Barbara called with some tax questions. She is selling her home and downsizing. During the course of the conversation she talked of the frustration of trying to decide what to keep and give away and of heirlooms or special items that family doesn't want. She is single, with no children, and said that some things were just going in a shed and her nieces and nephews could deal with it when she dies! I asked what she had and one of the things she mentioned was a set of china that her parents had gifted to her. I thought that sad that no one in her family wanted it and I told her of the tea parties my family had. She said "I am going to send this to you!"
A few days later two HUGE boxes show up at my office from her. I thought "ah, oh, what have I gotten myself into? I don't have room for all this!" I opened one box and found the tea pot. It is so pretty! We went racing for a few weeks so the boxes sat. I am having a tea for my granddaughter and her friend this weekend and decided that I should use this china for the tea. I brought everything home and unpacked it. Much to my delight, it's a small china set, just very carefully wrapped so that it took two boxes to transport it safely! A tea pot, coffee pot, creamer, sugar, 6 cups and saucers, and 6 dessert plates make up the set. This will be much easier to find a place for!
I asked for some history on the china. Barbara said her parents bought it when her father was stationed in Germany, approximately 1963. They bought a set for each of her sisters, too, to go in the girls' hope chests (that's a tradition that's gone away!) The set is made by Winterling Finest Bavarian China, pattern 125. It's got pink and white roses, and gold scalloped edges. It's very simple and dainty! I'm honored that Barbara has entrusted me with this sentimental china set. She knows it will definitely be used!
I love apricots! I grew up in the small central California valley town of Patterson. At one time, it was the world's largest producing area of apricots. Times have changed and now almond orchards are abundant, but there are still many apricot orchards in the area. Each year I make multiple batches of apricot jam, as well as apricot pies and crisps (I currently have a box of apricots in my fridge that I am working my way through!) Apricots have a short season and I try to get in as much of the fruit into my diet as I can while they are in-season. They are a great source of nutrition, especially Vitamin A! I recently ran across a recipe for an apricot poppyseed dressing and knew I needed to try it. We loved it. Since making this grilled salad I also used the dressing on a spinach salad. It's summertime and we eat a lot of salads this time of year!
The salad is just a mish-mash of grilled ingredients; chicken, corn and apricot halves. To grill the apricots, I brush lightly with olive oil and grilled for just a few minutes, until they are just softened.
Grilled Summer Salad with Apricot Poppy Seed Dressing
3 apricots, pits removed
4 tablespoons sweet yellow onion, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons poppyseeds
In the jar of a blender, combine the apricots, onion, olive oil, vinegar and honey. Puree the ingredients until you have a smooth mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the poppy seeds until fully incorporated.
To make the salad, on a bowl or platter, arrange romaine lettuce and top it with grilled chicken, grilled corn, avocado slices, and grilled apricots. Drizzle with the apricot poppy seed dressing.
