Tag Archives: urban simplicity

Rice-and-beans (#1); a few thoughts on a very humble dish…

Rice-and-beans (yum!)…what is not to like about this dish. It’s simple to make, it is made using one single pot, it is really inexpensive to produce even large quantities, variations are seemingly endless, and it is really good for you…some say it carries complete nutrition (this is an interesting but brief article at NPR). ForContinue reading “Rice-and-beans (#1); a few thoughts on a very humble dish…”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#499)

A cardboard box (wrapped in in plastic because of the rain) containing two extra large loaves of freshly baked 100% whole wheat bread (click here for recipes). An empty dough rising bucket, and a canvas bags containing–among other things–a few books and a journal. Urban Simplicity.

A Few Things I Saw While Riding My Bike Today…

I of course do not know what part of the globe you are viewing this page from, but locally today (and yesterday and tomorrow) it was and will be hot and humid…really humid. Even the simplest actions caused incredible perspiration. The reason I mention this is that as the sun began to set I wentContinue reading “A Few Things I Saw While Riding My Bike Today…”

The Art of Carrying Things by Bike…

Well, if you’ve been to this blog before then you know that I really enjoy carrying things by bike. And I realize that I am one of multitudes…the usefulness of bikes seems to finally be catching on (in the States). Anyhow, here’s a brief but incredibly inspiring video. A few of the things that I’veContinue reading “The Art of Carrying Things by Bike…”

Onion, Pepper, and Garlic Confit

This is really a play on the classic confit d’ail, or preserved garlic (find that recipe here). It’s a simple recipe that–especially in the case of these peppers–really packs a punch. What it boils down to (yes, the pun was intended) is that you slowly poach the vegetables in olive oil until soft as butterContinue reading “Onion, Pepper, and Garlic Confit”

Chicken and Vegetable Ragout with Lebanese Seven (or Eight) Spice Seasoning

Okay, so this is good. Really good. Delicious (if I do say so my self). It’s easy to make (about 30 minutes once the vegetables are cut) and it’s likely pretty healthy, too. It’s a basic braised chicken and vegetable dish with Middle Eastern seasoning. This, like most of the recipes on this blog, isContinue reading “Chicken and Vegetable Ragout with Lebanese Seven (or Eight) Spice Seasoning”

Thoughts on the Perfect Pear, and another quick note

I had this with dinner  this evening. Perfect. Just right. But I’m also fully aware that it is likely from last fall, seeing it is not in season at present. I ate it with a large chopped salad dressed simply with virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and course sea salt. It was truly delicious.Continue reading “Thoughts on the Perfect Pear, and another quick note”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#498)

$230 (US) in groceries on a rainy rainy day. Urban Simplicity

Green Green Garden…

So it’s still early in the season but with the humidity and wet spring things are really flourishing. Because of various reasons I’ve cut way back on the amount I’m growing this year, but all of these items are growing in my teeny front yard right next to the sidewalk (pavements to my brothers andContinue reading “Green Green Garden…”

Five (or seven) Quotes from Ellen DeGeneres

Photo Credit. “Who’s to even say what’s normal or average? We’re all different people and we’re allowed to be different from on another. If someone ever says you’re weird, say thank you. And then curtsy. No, don’t curtsy. That might be too weird. Bow. And tip your imaginary hat. That’ll show them.” “Life is aboutContinue reading “Five (or seven) Quotes from Ellen DeGeneres”

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#497)

Three loaves of freshly baked oatmeal-maple bread (click here for recipe, pics, and directions), two ham-and-cheese panini, two cooked chicken breasts, two pints of raw spinach, a pint of chopped Romain lettuce, a gallon of extra virgin olive oil, a canvas bag containing a journal and a few writing implements and an iPhone, a cameraContinue reading “Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#497)”

Mulligatawny!

Before I talk about the recipe I have to make a few other comments. You may be wondering why on earth this guy would be posting  a recipe for soup in the middle of summer, or at least early summer. Nonetheless, it’s hot outside. Well, the answer to this is twofold…one is that it wasContinue reading “Mulligatawny!”

Need a Taxi?

Most cities have them, and as of the past few years so does Buffalo. I’m talking about human-powered taxis, of course. That’s Landon pictured above, owner/operator of the Allentown Pedicab Company, the newest pedal taxi company in our city. I first became aware of him when I saw an article of him and his smallContinue reading “Need a Taxi?”

This is way more fun than cutting a lawn…

It has been more than ten years since I tore up my teeny front lawn and planted a teeny vegetable garden which yields big results. And over the years it–the garden–has spread to other areas around the house; the side and rear, mainly. But this year–because of various reasons–I have only planted the front yardContinue reading “This is way more fun than cutting a lawn…”

Five (or nine) Quotes about Bicycles

Photo Credit. “Get a bicycle.  You will certainly not regret it, if you live.”~ Mark Twain “When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.”~ H.G. Wells  “When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision andContinue reading “Five (or nine) Quotes about Bicycles”

Silo City Times Ten (or, ten things I saw while riding my bike today)…

These are a few photos of a ride I took this morning with a destination in mind. I’ve been reading (on Facebook) about a flea market being held in an area of the city which is now being called Silo City, which I think is a relatively new term. It’s referring to an old waterfrontContinue reading “Silo City Times Ten (or, ten things I saw while riding my bike today)…”

Five (or seven) Quotes from Deepak Chopra

Photo Credit. “When you make a choice, you change the future.” “You will be transformed by what you read.”  “The most creative act you will ever undertake is the act of creating yourself.” “The worst curse to befall anyone is stagnation, a banal existence, the quiet desperation that comes out of a need for conformity.Continue reading “Five (or seven) Quotes from Deepak Chopra”