Project.12: Doors and Windows

I didn’t think I was going to make the deadline for my Project.12 submission this month. It’s been a busy month, and life just got in the way. But I love deadlines and one thing I’ve learned about myself is that they truly motivate me, and I’ve done some of my best work with a deadline breathing down my neck. And I’m not even a procrastinator. I guess it’s just the way I’m wired.

This month’s Project.12 theme is “Doors and Windows” and I love this theme because I use only natural light in my photographs and the only way you can get natural light indoors is through a door or window. Plus, I love the metaphors that this theme brings to mind…change, new beginnings (or endings), glimpses into someone’s life or soul. But from a practical perspective, I was a little challenged by this theme because, while our house is beautiful and pretty energy-efficient, it does not let in a ton of natural light. Most of the windows are small, and the largest windows face north or south and don’t let in a lot of light. We also have an enormous oak tree that shades most of our house. It’s great for our electricity bill, but not so great for photos. But one of my favorite windows in the house is the small window in our kids’ bathroom. It has textured glass and allows the most beautiful morning light to spill into the house. I spend a lot of time on that side of the house in the morning, getting my kiddos out of bed, dressed, and ready for the day, and the light from that window really jumpstarts our morning routine.

Taking pictures in the bathroom is a little weird, but my son Lincoln is 20 months old and is just starting to be interested in the potty. Actually, he’s interested in anything he can do himself. He’s an independent little bugger and I love him for it. I decided to take some photos of him in the light from that favorite window, doing some things “all by himself.” I sometimes forget to photograph my kids’ milestones, especially something as simple as washing their own hands. But this seemed like a good opportunity to remedy that. Kids change so rapidly their first few years of life, and Lincoln is really in the throes of that right now…starting to speak, climbing in and out of his bed and chairs, trying to use the potty, trying to dress himself, even trying to swim alone (yikes!) and I’m glad I could document some images of him in the business of growing up.

 

 

 

 

 

Thai Peanut Sauce

I love ethnic food but I’m not very adventurous when it comes to cooking it in my own kitchen. I have made some pretty good take-out “fake-out,” and I make a lot of Tex-Mex, but I would never have thought to attempt Thai food if not for my friend Liz, several years ago. Liz was the daughter of a missionary and grew up in Asia, and she is a great cook. We haven’t kept in close contact the past few years but I think of her every time I make this recipe (which is often). I ate it several times at her house when we lived in Alaska, and begged her for the recipe. She never used a recipe for this peanut sauce so she jotted down her best estimation at the ingredients and amounts, and it is fantastic. I have adapted it only slightly over the years. My kids love it (they call it peanut butter sauce) and you can add chicken, like I do, or just leave it meatless and serve it over your favorite grain, with stir-fried veggies (sugar snap peas are my husband’s favorite). It’s hearty and delicious and I make it at least twice a month.

Thai Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (coconut oil would be great in this)
• 1/2 of a large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (13 oz.) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• dash cinnamon
• about 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)

Heat oil in a wok or similar pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and onions to the pan and saute until the onions are soft. Turn the heat to low and slowly add the water, coconut milk, and peanut butter to the pan, stirring well until combined. If the mixture starts to boil, remove it from the heat. You don’t want it to boil, or even bubble, so keep the heat low. Slowly add all remaining ingredients (save the chicken for last if you’re using it), stirring well after each addition. Serve immediately over your favorite rice (or other grain).

This reheats well for leftovers. I garnished mine with cilantro for the photo, because I’m obsessed with cilantro, and served it over jasmine rice with stir-fried asparagus.  This is probably one of our family’s top ten favorite meals, and it’s a perfect weeknight meal because it’ so fast and easy.