So Many Dishes

We took a road trip! We’ve driven to northern Georgia, into the mountains, for a week at the aptly named Rest and Relaxation cabin near Helen, Georgia.

We first came to this area in 1989, when our kids were little, and have been back numerous times since. Ben was four or five when, as we were on the approach ramp to the turnpike, he exclaimed, “Mommy, Daddy, a hill.” That’s when we decided it was probably time to introduce him to real hills. This is the third time that Ken and I have rented this particular cabin. It’s small but very comfortable. It’s set into the side of the mountain, so the upper deck is in the tree canopy. I’d be happy to spend the entire week sitting on the deck with a book.

Actually, we’re usually pretty active while we’re here, because there’s a lot to do. Our plan is to hike one of the waterfall trails tomorrow, so I hope to get some good pictures to share. There are a number of wineries in the area, so I may be reporting on wine tasting in the next few days, too.

Although we’ll have a few lunches out, we’ll be cooking dinner in the cabin. This does prove to be a challenge. The kitchen is small, with less than ideal lighting. Equipment is basic. I cooked spaghetti as part of tonight’s dinner, and realized that there was no colander to drain it. But we manage.

Tonight’s dinner is a staple of our vacation menu. Years ago, I adapted a recipe for veal strips in white wine for use with chicken. It’s ridiculously simple: I thinly slice boneless chicken breast, sauté the strips in olive oil and butter, add several bay leaves, then pour in some dry white wine and serve it over spaghetti. I made a salad of spring greens and chopped tomato, using a beautiful and ridiculously cheap heirloom tomato that we found at the local supermarket. Eating on the deck made it a really special meal.

I hope you had a special place to enjoy your dinner. Happy eating!