The Lazy Days of Summer - Spiced Cauliflower

Summer rules! The lazy days of summer are finally here after a long and soggy spring. Indiana weather is fickle, and this year was no exception. With days of pouring rain, a few promising days of heat, and then a freeze. I've learned to enjoy the beautiful days as they come.

We headed to Bloomington to check out the classic college town. I can't think what college will be like for Poet and Flower. What seems like eons away, but will be here sooner than G and I would like. Bloomington is the quintessential college town, a big sprawling campus with big green space and classic college buildings.

We started with lunch at Mama Bears, a classic pizza spot. Dark lighting, tiffany stained glass lamps, and cozy booths brought back memories. I grew up with Pizza Hut, and it is the pizza that I love. On the other hand, G loves thin crust pizza lightly topped. I have always searched for the perfect pan pizza to no avail. Why are the things we remember from childhood hard to find again? I love the black cast iron pan with the thick crust and big, melty cheese filled with green peppers, onions, and lots of meat. Poet finished an entire slice that was probably bigger than him. And Flower loved her old-fashioned vanilla soda (a sometimes drink).

We then headed to campus and checked out the art museum and the big rolling greens. Both G and I missed out on the campus town experience. We both went to school in the city, with all the hustle and bustle that goes along with it. I grew up in suburbia, and when I visited Boston as a high school senior, I was enamored by the city. There is something peaceful and calming about a sprawling college campus with its heartbeat and center. It is like a city within a city. What will Poet and Flower pick when they are older? I don't know, but it will be right for them nonetheless.

We ended the day with ice cream and G's favorite, a visit to the comic book shop. Their signature flavor was lemon pound cake, which indeed tasted like a slice of cake. Poet had his favorite with a lot of gummy bears on top. And Flower loves coffee ice cream with gummy bears. It's definitely an acquired taste. They were thrilled with their free comics and a nice chat with the owner.

Summer days and the adventures that come with them are endless. They come in all sizes, big and small.

Spiced Cauliflower

This cauliflower dish is spicy and delicious. Coriander powder, cumin and garam masala add heat and spice to cauliflower, peas and potatoes. It's the perfect side dish or vegetarian main.

Serves 4

• 1 potato (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 1/2 head cauliflower (cut into 1 inch florets)
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 medium onion (coarsely chopped)
• 1 medium tomato (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 inch ginger (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 4 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onions until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and ginger and saute until it just begins to stick.
2. Add the tomatoes and cook until soft.
3. Add the chili powder, coriander powder, and turmeric. Saute for 1 minute.
4. Add the cauliflower, cumin powder, garam masala and salt. Give it a few good stirs.
5. Add 1/2 cup water and peas. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15 minutes, until cauliflower is tender.