A year end review a bit differently.....

Nana and Morgan

This is the last day of the year. Normally I would review the year in a way that highlights my fishing related days. This year was different in many ways and so the last post of the year shall be different. On Christmas day while enjoying the company of my family who had gathered at my daughters home I was asked something that really stuck with me in a special way. The question came from a conversation with our grand daughter Morgan. In that talk I found out that she liked red roasted peppers. I suggested she make her own at home. Most of you know that fresh home made is most times far superior to store bought. So I thought I would share my way of making red roasted peppers.
 

 

Start out with peppers that are firm. super markets have these on special through out the year. Our local Price Rite has them this week for a 1.49 a pound. When you compare that to maybe 3.50 a jar for peppers which contain maybe 1 to 1 and a half peppers you can see the value.
 

The peppers are then roasted on the grill until they are well charred. This can take about 10 minutes or so. Just keep monitoring them turning them to get an even charred pepper.
 

Remove from grill and allow to cool. When they are cool enough to handle you can remove the blistered skins and seeds.
 

The peppers are then placed in a bowl and seasoned with olive oil, oregano, and  garlic. Salt and pepper to taste. The smell of these delights is hard to describe....
 

This is one of the ways I enjoy them...fresh crusty Italian bread, some cheese and then stand back. Served this way will also help you to a good start of the day when eaten at breakfast.
 

For lunch how about fried eggplant with roasted red peppers and provolone on a nice grinder roll?

Morgan I hope you like "papa's" recipe for roasted red peppers....

Happy New Year all
 

 

Simplicity, revisited

From day one of this blog my concept was to bring to you the beauty and simplicity of life in all forms. In fact it has been the sub title of Small Stream Reflections. I live a simple life, not that I don't splurge a bit but I prefer simple and uncluttered. Most of the gear I own and fish with is generally within practical norms, not expensive by any means. The flies I tie and fish with are for the most part simple. While some have numerous materials they can be tied by most fly tyers, all that is required is your ability to keep trying. I'd like to add something here, never throw out a fly you have tied because it looks funny. Fish it man. Let the fish decide what's funny, you'll be surprised.
 

 

A Rangeley streamer fly. Is it complicated, no...after tying a few you'll be be doing just fine.
 

A North Country spider...two materials, that's simplicity.

What I'm saying is use the best materials you have, the finest bamboo rod. A classic Catskill fly from a vintage Wheatley fly box. But if you use a Cabelas fiberglass rod, a ragged Haystack from a plastic pin container it will work .
 

 Simple food...flour,water onions and butter, salt and pepper.

 

The winners are.

The winners are.

Steve from down under...the Streamer Fly

Hollen M Groff....The book River Flowers

John V....The Fly Box

Art Urban....The Fly Box

 

Please email me your addresses   uppahdam@aol.com

Thank you all

Alan 

We all could use some....

The power of pure clean water is something we all need. The strength of such waters are especially important to me at this time....the weather this morning is a cold 33 degrees with a wind. As I look at the leaves being swept up off the ground I catch the beautiful sun breaking over the land. I need the sun to help move me to fish. I have to get out today and even if I don't catch a fish the effort and the attempt will do wonders for me.
 

 

The beautiful colors of the wild brookie are a god sent. To hold one is to be revitalized beyond words.
 

 

The "Stayner Ducktail"....perhaps this streamer will entice one today......