Tasty salmon

The weather calls for indoor activities and if you happen to be like me and listen to your ipod while cleaning, this gray weather inspires reflection. 

Isn't it funny how certain songs can conjure vivid memories of certain days or remind you of people from that time in your life? I am so grateful for everyone I have had the pleasure and displeasure to meet in this life so far, they've all played a part in who I am and the life I lead today.

Oh reflection, not always the best way to pass the time for an analytical person...

I have thoroughly enjoyed this week back at school, I feel like I have so much time for myself for once! 

We've eaten well; Monday was bratwurst and sauerkraut. Tuesday we ate this oven baked salmon with boiled potatoes and a simple salad.

I seasoned it the way my sister does: butter, dill and some salt and pepper. However, I did all Trader Joe's 21 season salute, which is a salt free seasoning mix with EVERYTHING that my husband's mom special ordered from a certain California aunt. It's a pretty good seasoning mix, I see why she likes it!

And Wednesday, the leftover fish became a salmon casserole. So easy to make, just layer salmon crumbles and potatoes with dill in between and pour some cream or whole milk...Bake and voila!

(We're also eating this for dinner tonight)

Today I went and stopped by a little thrift store on the way home and picked up the base for a Christmas door wreath. I also found some ramekins, 4 for 1.20 euros! Finally -- RAMEKINS! Lol! I see pizzookies in my future...

I also stopped by the store next to it and walked away with fuses, toothpaste, a snickers and...yarn! I can't show you or tell you what I am going to do with it though, it's going to be a Christmas present for a certain someone close to me. :) 

Now I am going to continue cleaning, make some tea, and contemplate making sugar cookies. (I think I will).

Thanks for reading!

 ("May joy come to this home, a good year to prosper, long life for the host and for the hostess a wide rear")
Finnish heritage and flea markets <3 Lol!

Blanket beginnings!

Indeed yes, I have exciting news!!! BEGINNINGS! OF A BLANKET!!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!

It's an amazing feeling! I see why they are so popular. I should have made one long ago, I'm so in looove!
 I'm on day two and thrilled! I am using up all of the old scraps and bits and ends and odds of yarn that I have in my vast collection. Color scheme is blue, green and brown. It's very organic looking, I don't have any set idea of what color I am going to use next. I am using the color till it ends or until I am tired of it and then switching to the next. I am mixing two yarns of the same color but different shade to create desired thickness. And I am not discriminating against type either, it's all in this blanket: wool, acrylic and cotton. Mixed, matched and merry. :)

My progress so far:

It's really wide, a real snuggle blanket. Well maybe I should be calling it an afghan or a throw...? I am making it for the couch, to drape over myself when I crochet. Lol! And for the hubby to watch movies under. Man, I really understand the craze for crocheted blankets now. And I completely understand the pictures on blogs of children laying under the blankets. I'll be honest, I've indulged myself a few thoughts of how wooooonderful it will be to see my little ones one day loving THE blanket, too. Ah, blanket love, blanket love indeed. 

Another reason I am in such a GOOD mood!! This dinner:

Looks tasty doesn't it. Want to know what it is and how to make it?

It's the cheapest frozen fish and cheap ready cut frozen potatoes. Starts out well, no? :D

In Finland, we call this fish "sei", according to wikipedia it is "pollock" or "saithe" in English. Cheap, but super super bland! I totally stole this idea from my last clinical training place. 

Frozen fish

200g creme fraiche 

4-5 tablespoons mustard-relish

salt and pepper

paprika spice

garlic

1 onion sliced

500g frozen potato (I think in the US they sell hashbrown potatoes like this)

pickled jalapenos sliced and diced

On the oven pan covered with parchment paper, take the frozen fish (yes, it can be frozen!) and smother it with (about half if you are making only 2 filets) creme fraiche that has been mixed with mustard-relish. Then sprinkle salt and pepper on top. I also added sliced garlic. Mix the rest of the creme fraiche with paprika to taste. Place the sliced onion next to the fish. Then on the other side of the pan, spread the bag of frozen potatoes out. Place as many sliced jalapenos as you like on the potatoes. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top. Add the rest of the paprika-creme fraiche as dollops on the potatoes. Bake at 200C/375F for about 25-30 min. 

SUPER DELICIOUS!

And at the end, I couldn't resist sharing these pictures of my critters. If you're wondering, Manta is notorious for being unphotogentic and uncooperative when the camera is around. Therefore, we have 100x more pictures of the other two. Lol!