"It’s the little things in life..." An understanding smile. A hand held. A door opened. The words, ‘thank you.’
Whenever I think of Simple Gifts, my mind first goes to the Shaker hymn tune as used in Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. It has been a favorite of mine since I first heard it in high school, though it wasn’t till college that I learned the 19th-century lyrics, as sung here by Judy Collins.
Simple gifts in our lives come from many sources and for all of them I am grateful each day. Today, as I prepare this simple meal to share on the patio with Luisa, our friend who just moved to Tucson from New York, I am grateful for these gifts from friends…
... for the loaf of bread Bill and Lee brought us on Saturday from the market (Barrio Bread)…
... for the cheese from Arch and Laura (made at Laura’s family farm - Shelburne Farms - in Vermont)…
... for the Crème d’Alhambra of Terre d'Andalousie that Susan and Towny (The Modern Trobadors) brought to us from Aix-en-Provence, so piquant on the bread with cheese...
... for the hosta spoon from Cathy and Heather - have you ever seen such an elegant one?...
... for the lettuce seedlings given by our neighbor Connie that became our salad…
... for the 'Arizona Sweets' oranges, grown at Desert Treasures, a business our friend Susie started in the 1940s in a grove planted by the Reverend George Ferguson in the 1930s. It still produces the oranges that we use in our salad…
... for the amazing juicy strawberries that came from the lovely couple from Oxnard, California – yes, even for these ‘strangers’ I am grateful, as they travel hundreds of miles to the Tucson Farmers Market each week for our pleasure.
In addition to these tangible gifts our friends have given us, there is no greater gift they give – and none simpler – than their friendship. I am old enough to know that friendships are treasures never to be taken for granted.
And I am young enough to have the time to say, ‘thank you’ each day, and to make sure my friends know how much they mean to me.
~ David
Strawberries and Grand Marnier
When simplicity is called for, this is one of the simplest and most elegant desserts one can serve.
perfectly ripe strawberries
Grand Marnier
confectioner’s sugar
Give each guest a plate of strawberries with a small glass of Grand Marnier and a little bowl of confectioner’s sugar. Dip the berries in the Grand Marnier, then into the sugar and savor the melding of flavors! (For those who cannot consume alcohol, a shot of almond – orgeat – syrup makes a nice alternative) Labels: aaron copland, arizona sweets, barrio bread, cheddar cheese, crème d'alhambra, gift of friendship, grand marnier, judy collins, shelburne farms, strawberries, terre d'andalousie
