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    • GO To Tuesday: Candied Ginger

      Posted at 9:13 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on May 21, 2019

      Candied GingerI needed fresh ginger for a dinner recipe and our Grocery Outlet had a 6 oz organic bag for the same price of a small piece at the big supermarkets. (This is very common at G.O. Their prices on organic items are incredible!) I figured I’d come up with something to do with the 95 percent of the bag that I had left over.

      Ginger is well-known for treating seasickness, and is also used for reducing inflammation, osteoarthritis pain and indigestion, and improving brain function. I’ve mainly used it in savory Asian dishes, but love ginger-ale and ginger-tea. I had decided to bake a rhubarb cake and thought that candied ginger would add a nice flavor compliment.

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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, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
    • Hidden Message

      Posted at 4:46 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on May 16, 2019

      Kinkade Kirby Cove“X marks the spot. Well, if that isn’t cliche,” Sarah rolled her eyes at her boyfriend as she studied the map that was poorly made to look like a pirate’s treasure map.

      “C’mon, it’ll be fun. Treasure hunts are all the rage right now. And I got a deal on GroupOn. You always say we do the same things. I wanted to shake it up.”

      “I’m sorry. This will be fun and I’m assuming there’ll be drinks and lunch at the end. Let’s do this!”

      Glenn unfolded the instructions and read Clue #1:
      It’s been said that there is no there there. But here you will find your first and last chance to sip a hot beverage. Ask Tom for your next clue.

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      Posted in Story Shelf | 4 Comments | Tagged 2LWA, BoatingLife, Cruising, GalleyCooking, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, ShortStory, Tayana, TinyKitchen, TLWA, ToLiveandWriteinAlameda, VivoOSonho
    • Abandoned Chores

      Posted at 5:41 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on May 2, 2019

      car2Heather stretched languidly in bed, inhaling the aroma of fresh coffee wafting from the kitchen. She smiled, listening to her husband singing off-key to “American Pie.” He knew every word to all 20 plus verses. Up next would be a collection of Buddy Holly hits. His playlist was as predictable as Dan himself. 

      Dan cracked the bedroom door to see if she was awake, then entered with a bed tray laden with a heaping plate, two steaming mugs and a vase with a daisy from their yard.

      “Matzah Brei?!” Heather exclaimed. “It’s not my birthday. Did you buy the Tesla? Seriously, if you bought the Tesla, you’re taking it back.”

      “Take it easy! I didn’t buy the Tesla. I just wanted to do something nice for you. Scoot over.”

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      Posted in Story Shelf | 0 Comments | Tagged 2LWA, BoatingLife, GalleyCooking, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, ShortStory, TinyKitchen, TLWA, ToLiveandWriteinAlameda, VivoOSonho
    • GO To Tuesday: Vegan White Bean Salad

      Posted at 12:37 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 30, 2019

      IMG_0080I’ve been exploring the vegan lifestyle for the past year as we’ve been spending time with Aaron’s cousin, and several of our friends are vegetarian. All of my vegan/vegetarian friends offer to bring their own food, but I’m of the belief that when you invite folks to your home for a meal you should try your best to ensure they can eat what you serve.  We hosted a dock party that included the traditional barbequed chicken and hot dogs, corn on the cob, watermelon, apple pie and chips and dip, and I wanted to add a dish that would be filling as a main course for our vegan guests and also serve as a side dish for the carnivores.

      This is really good stuffed in a pita with hummus, on crackers, or on it’s own as a main course or side. It can be served cold or at room temperature and is better the same day as it got a bit watery when I had leftovers a day later, although it was still good.

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged BoatingLife, GalleyCooking, LifeOnboard, LiveAboard, LivingTheDream, MarinaLife, Tayana, TinyKitchen, VivoOSonho
    • 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
    • GO To Tuesday: Homemade Play Dough!

      Posted at 5:59 am by Heidi Benson Stagg, on April 16, 2019

      Homemade Play DoughIf I knew that making Play Dough was so easy, I’d have saved a whole lot of money when my kids were little! For a few dollars you can make gobs of this classic creation with simple ingredients that you most likely already have on hand and are always available at Alameda’s Grocery Outlet.

      This is a “recipe” that’s not meant to be eaten, but it is non-toxic and edible, if you don’t mind a whole lot of salt. It takes about 10 minutes start to finish and my Grands (ages four and almost seven) basically made it themselves, with a bit of direction on the amounts and assisting with the stirring on the stovetop. I laid the ingredients and measuring utensils out in the order of adding so they could be in charge. What fun!

      This would be a fun project for a child to make for a birthday or holiday gift for a friend. You could buy containers for the play dough, a rolling pin, mini-sized chef’s hat and apron, and cookie cutters at a dollar/discount store and arrange in a basket. There is nothing like seeing the joy and pride in a child’s eyes when they have created something all by themselves!

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      Posted in In the Galley | 0 Comments | Tagged BargainMarket, GalleyCooking, GroceryOutlet, LifeOnboard, LivingTheDream, shoplocal, Tayana, TinyKitchen, 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
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  • Vivo O Sonho

    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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