have a schmeer!

My apologies for not posting here in a while. I have been on a semi-hiatus from this blog, but still blogging about the quilts over at Wonkyworld. In case you have not heard the great news, I am writing a book. It's about quilts, not food, but maybe it will be food for thought!

I love living in Portland, but Portlanders really don't get the whole bagel thing. First time I went in to a bagel shop was just after I moved here in 1998. There was a sign on the wall that said "We NEVER boil our bagels!" I was perplexed, so I flagged down the owner, pointed to the sign and asked "Why??"

"Because it makes them tough," she replied, in kind of a snooty little voice. I was horrified! Oregon has some of the most gorgeous salmon you will ever see. When a friend saw this photo today on Facebook, she thought maybe I had Photoshopped it. Oh no, that's its real color. I said, "Oregonians may be pale, but our salmon isn't!"

The other thing Oregonians don't seem to get is the concept of the "schmeer". There's nothing worse than getting a bagel with cream cheese applied sparingly, like butter. You have to slather it on for it to be a true schmeer. Baby capers are required if you're going to make me happy, and lightly toasted, sesame bagel please! By the way, this bagel was open faced only for the picture. You have to mash it together and eat it like a sandwich for it to be the real deal.

OK, that's all for now. I'll be back...sometime...