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    • GO To Tuesday: Deviled Eggs

      Posted at 2:48 pm by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 23, 2019

      Deviled EggsIf there ever was a controversial recipe, it would definitely be deviled eggs. Just like potato salad, the argument begins with mayonnaise versus Miracle Whip and then the choices of seasonings and condiments are across the board.

      My daughter loves them straight up traditional with no fancy seasoning, which is what these are. The basic recipe is based on my Nana’s, with my addition of the sour cream and Dijon mustard. It makes the mixture a bit more creamy with a slight tang. It’s easy to change them up depending on what flavors you love and I’ve put a few ideas in the variations below.

      All of these ingredients are stocked at our local Grocery Outlet and you probably have most of the seasonings and condiments already on hand. I particularly love their selection of eggs … all sizes, brown or white, organic, etc., and at prices far below your average grocery store.

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged AlamedaGroceryOutlet, BargainMarket, BoatingLife, Cruising, GalleyCooking, GOAlameda, GroceryOutlet, homeofWOW, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, shoplocal, Tayana, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
    • The Empty Vessel

      Posted at 4:37 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 18, 2019

      SirenThe foursome were enjoying their sundowner cocktails and pupus in the cockpit when John suddenly jumped up.

      “We’ve got company.” Everyone turned towards the pretty boat entering the narrow passageway between the reefs into the secluded cove.

      “It’s almost dark. We better help them get moored. C’mon, Tom, you drive.”

      Tom maneuvered the dinghy carefully around the reef, approaching the boat as John hailed, “Ahoy there! We’re here to give you a hand. It’s a tricky reef.”

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      Posted in Mermaid Tales, Story Shelf | 0 Comments | Tagged 2LWA, BoatingLife, GalleyCooking, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, ShortStory, Tayana, TinyKitchen, TLWA, ToLiveandWriteinAlameda, VivoOSonho
    • April 16th

      Posted at 9:42 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 16, 2019

      AJ at helmToday is a significant date. First and foremost, it is my husband’s birthday. Aaron, the Captain of my boat and my heart, was born in 1964 and is 55 today. He is the most unselfish person I have ever met, giving of his time and talent, and most of all, Love, to his friends and family. He is completely devoted to our three Grands and, with his retirement, he spends more time with them than any of the grandparents, including me! He coaches Little League, builds props for my daughter’s photography business, and shows up just to cuddle our little princess when mommy needs a break. This from a guy who never had children and became a step-father when my kids were teens! We are blessed to have him in our lives and will celebrate with the kids after he coaches a baseball game this afternoon.

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      Posted in You Live on a Boat?! | 1 Comment | Tagged BoatingLife, Cruising, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, Tayana, TLWA, ToLiveandWriteinAlameda, VivoOSonho
    • Footprints

      Posted at 6:41 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 10, 2019

      April 10th
      Dawn arrives with a familiar ache.
      One year, a decade, a lifetime
      It never changes
      You are missed so much.
      You have missed so much.
      Birthdays and graduations
      Weddings and babies
      Kids, grands, great-grands
      Your legacy.
      I feel you still.
      Whispers in the wind
      Light playing on wave crests
      The sway of my own boat.
      Sail on, Sailor.
      I’ll walk the beach
      We’ll talk
      You’ll fade away
      Until next year.
      Footprints in the sand.

      John Benson, May 9, 1942 – April 10, 1982

      30653105_10215800937277769_4162024256842042435_n

      John Benson (in orange jacket) sailing Belfast Lady on Opening Day on the Bay, circa late-1970s.

      Written for the To Live and Write in Alameda 2019 “Flash Lit February” Challenge 6. We had three days to write a poem or short story (of 500 words or less) or draw a piece of art to the theme “Footprints in the Sand” and submit. 

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      Posted in Story Shelf | 0 Comments | Tagged BoatingLife, Cruising, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, ShortStory, Tayana, VivoOSonho
    • GO To Tuesday: Kat’s Sauteed Mushrooms

      Posted at 5:06 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 9, 2019

      IMG_4446My dear friend Kat Ott Davis passed almost two years ago, but she is always in my thoughts and heart when I cook. She was an exquisite artist and designer … painting, jewelry, displays, clothing … and brought that creativity to her cooking. Anyone who had the honor of being invited to a meal or gathering at her home was treated to so much more than just “food.” It was always a journey of flavors and aromas as Kat explained the history of the ingredients and why she chose the combinations of herbs and spices in each course. 

      She taught me to make these sauteed mushrooms and they are so good that I could eat them as is, in a bowl. Usually, I smother a piece of beef with them, but they would also be absolutely delish served over sauteed greens such as baby bok choy or swiss chard for a vegan dish. They can’t be rushed … it’s all about the slow cook so the liquids thicken and the ‘shrooms carmelize.

      These simple ingredients are always available at Alameda’s Grocery Outlet and total cost is about $5.00 (not including the wine … which happens to be on sale during their huge 20% off promotion!). It should serve four, but if you love mushrooms as much as hubby and I, then it’ll barely feed two. 

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged AlamedaGroceryOutlet, BargainMarket, BoatingLife, Cruising, GalleyCooking, GOAlameda, GroceryOutlet, homeofWOW, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, shoplocal, Tayana, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
    • The Park Corner

      Posted at 3:25 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 4, 2019

      The Corner Park“Amy! Dinnertime! C’mon home!”

      “Coming, Mom!” Amy yelled from the dense bushes in the park’s far corner.

      “Gotta go. See you tomorrow. We’re having lasagna. I’ll bring you some in the morning.”

      “You don’t have to do that,” Tommy answered. “But thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

      Amy tossed in bed that night, worried about Tommy all alone in the corner park across the street. No one but she knew he was there. Four days ago he ran away from the foster family he’d been living with for the past year and no one had reported him missing. It was summer so the school wasn’t aware, and other than Amy he didn’t have any friends. He was quiet and kept to himself, learning at an early age that it was the best way to survive the foster system.

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      Posted in Story Shelf | 1 Comment | Tagged 2LWA, BoatingLife, GalleyCooking, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, ShortStory, Tayana, TinyKitchen, TLWA, ToLiveandWriteinAlameda, VivoOSonho
    • GO To Tuesday: Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf

      Posted at 3:37 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 2, 2019

      IMG_4215This ain’t my mother’s meatloaf! My mother was not a great cook, as I’ve mentioned before, and meatloaf in my childhood was dry, bland and smothered in ketchup. Not this one. My husband and father-in-law are major meatloaf connoisseurs and I’ve made many versions over the years. One of my fav’s was a recipe from my ex, who wrapped the ground meat around a sausage before baking. It was always moist and delish! But this meatloaf was absolutely the best ever, according to the men who know and love their meatloaf. I served thick slices with fresh green beans sauteed in lemon infused olive oil and sea salt and Yukon gold potatoes boiled and rustic mashed with skins on and lots of butter. Comfort food at it’s finest!

      Our local Grocery Outlet keeps all of these ingredients in stock, with a nice variety of the ground meat to choose from. Man Cave and New York Style Sausage Company both other 1 pound “tubes” of seasoned ground meat: beef, pork and a combination, with spices already mixed in. This cuts out tons of prep time. If using unseasoned ground meat, I’d add chopped onions, garlic and bell peppers. Not for this easy recipe. 

      Wrapping the loaf in bacon seals in the juices and adds a smokey flavor and also holds it together nicely for clean slicing. Don’t use thick slices as the bacon won’t cook as well.

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged AlamedaGroceryOutlet, BargainMarket, BoatingLife, Cruising, GalleyCooking, GOAlameda, GroceryOutlet, homeofWOW, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, shoplocal, Tayana, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
    • GO To Tuesday: Spiced Chickpea Stew

      Posted at 4:35 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on March 26, 2019

      IMG_4167My weekly menu always builds upon like ingredients in the meals to save space and waste. So when I buy a bag of spinach to use 2 cups for one recipe, there will be other recipes using spinach a well, until the bag is gone. This way I can buy in larger quantities for the week and save some money. (Hubby’s not so thrilled when I buy a big bag of carrots, but they add color, crunch and get hidden in most recipes.)

      Alameda’s Grocery Outlet keeps all of these ingredients regularly stocked, with the exception of the turmeric and dried ginger. The mint is in the organic veggie section, along with a nice assortment of other fresh herbs. I baked tandoori chicken thighs to go with, but it would make a full vegan main dish on its own. Total cost was $14 for just the stew; $21 with the chicken. It comes together quickly, but simmering for at least 30 minutes thickens the consistency and brings out the many exotic flavors.

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged AlamedaGroceryOutlet, BargainMarket, BoatingLife, Cruising, GalleyCooking, GOAlameda, GroceryOutlet, homeofWOW, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, shoplocal, Tayana, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
    • In a Tight Spot

      Posted at 4:21 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on March 21, 2019

      39339992-romantic-couple-kissing-silhouettes-on-white-backgroundShe didn’t know how she was going to decide. The relationships had started due to her best friend’s push to get her on a dating website.

      “C’mon, Becca. You’ve been divorced over a year. Let me create an OkCupid profile for you. That’s how I met Cliff and it turned out great for us,” Shelley begged, flashing her engagement ring once again.

      Rebecca had cringed, tired of the constant attempts from her mother and friends to set her up. “Fine. Just tell the truth and don’t make me look stupid. And I swear, if I get catfished, I’ll kill you.”

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      Posted in Story Shelf | 0 Comments | Tagged 2LWA, BoatingLife, GalleyCooking, LifeOnboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, ShortStory, TinyKitchen, TLWA, ToLiveandWriteinAlameda, VivoOSonho
    • GO To Tuesday: Chocolate Cake with Caramel Ganache for Two

      Posted at 5:39 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on March 19, 2019

      IMG_4259I love making desserts and hubby loves eating them (shhhh, I do too). Having them once or twice a weekend would be fine, but when I make a cake, brownies, bread pudding or other sweet treat, it’s a piece a night for four or five nights as neither of us likes to waste food (that’s our story and we’re sticking to it!).

      These little cakes are outrageously decadent and perfectly sized for two and so easy whip up. Make the cakes earlier in the day and then fifteen minutes before you want to serve dessert, make the ganache.

      These ingredients are always stocked at the Alameda Grocery Outlet with different flavors of chips available depending on the season. The ones I used were actually caramel flavored. If I had used white chocolate chips, I’d have added an 1/8 of a teaspoon of vanilla. And if you are a chocolate aficionado, by all means do chocolate on chocolate!

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged AlamedaGroceryOutlet, BargainMarket, BoatingLife, GalleyCooking, GOAlameda, GroceryOutlet, homeofWOW, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, shoplocal, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
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    Heidi Benson Stagg

    Heidi Benson Stagg

    I live aboard a 42 ft Tayana Vancouver sailboat, hull #5 laid in 1979, with my husband and little dog. We left our berth of 15 yeas in Alameda, California in the Fall of 2022 and now live in La Paz, Mexico. I enjoy blogging about our journey, cooking in my tiny kitchen and writing short stories.

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