Where have I been, you might have wondered. On one hand, I feel like I’ve missed so much–blogging has become such a big part of my life over the last year that I’ve found myself immersed in some aspect of it everyday. On the other, the last few weeks have been so fun that each day I was away from it I felt less and less guilty for my break from the blog. I had to ponder this for a moment before sharing with you. I hope this doesn’t make me a bad blogger; I think it was time to unwind and let go–just for a bit–of my competitive tendencies about blog stats and minimum number of posts per week. Besides, I haven’t cooked for a few weeks. This is perhaps the most practical reason for my absence.
I’m happy to say, however, that I missed my interaction with my readers and the blogging community. My cooking mojo has also returned in the last couple of days so I’m once again excited to jump into blogging which I enjoy so much!
My last post left you with some highlights from Sun Valley, Idaho. A few days after returning from that trip, my husband and I flew to Telluride, Colorado for an annual visit with another set of good friends. We’ve been visiting nearly every year, this, one of my favorite places in the world, for almost 10 years. The mountains surrounding the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are beautiful beyond words. I’ve been fortunate to visit many beautiful places but Telluride takes my breath away each time I visit. The airport sits at over 9000 feet, it takes a couple of days to get acclimated to the altitude but the time spent there is always well worth it. There’s no shortage of summer activities to participate in–summer jazz concerts, film festivals, river rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, jeep tours, hiking–there is truly something for everyone. And have I mentioned the views? It’s worth a visit just for this. Here are just a few images from my phone to show you what I mean.
Since returning home a week ago, my time has been spent trying to return to my normal routine (including catching up at work) but I haven’t had much time in the kitchen. From mountain activities to a coastal excursion, this past Sunday was spent mountain biking along one of my favorite spots closer to home, the ocean.
In short, I’m back and more excited to blog than ever. A couple more adventures are in store before we see the end of summer but I promise not to be absent so long. To seal this promise, here’s a plate of tri tips that I prepared when my family came to visit a few weeks ago. I threw together some of my favorite spices to create a loose paste and marinated overnight. The pieces were grilled to tender, flavorful (near) perfection the next day. I’m no grilling expert; I left the meat on the grill about 3-4 minutes longer than I should have (distractions) but you don’t have to make this same mistake. I was also experimenting so my proportions below are approximate. You can’t go wrong, though. There’s plenty left of summer to try this marinated tri tip.
Marinated Tri Tip
* Approximate measurements only. Adjust according to your preferences
- 4 tri tip pieces
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons sumac
- 2-3 tablespoons onion flakes
- 2-3 tablespoons granulated garlic (or use a few cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup no-salt seasoning blend
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- cayenne powder, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons kosher salt
- Several grinds black pepper
- 1/4 cup sugar
Sommer J says
Welcome back!! What beautiful scenery!! My husband loves Colorado. I wouldn’t mind living there if/when we move stateside, no doubt! You’re amazing rock climbing! I love your active lifestyle, it’s so inspiring.
My grill is gone 🙁 but those steaks really looks incredible and juicy from the photo. I miss grilled good in the summer. I hope your adventures continue and the blogging break was great for you! Have a fabulous evening.
lemonsandanchovies says
Hi Sommer! Colorado is a beautiful place, so many beautiful areas. Rock climbing is so fun–not saying I’m good at it but definitely worth doing. 🙂
Lisa { AuthenticSuburbanGourmet } says
Welcome back Jean! Love, love, love your photos of your trip. What a beautiful place on this earth. Must go someday. One of my bucket list items is to visit all 50 states. I have about a third done thus far. This Tri Tip looks amazing and I bet it tasted even better. Glad that you got to have a break from blogging – we all need to check out once in a while. But have to say that I am excited your mojo is back. Missed your posts! Hope your week is going well! 🙂
lemonsandanchovies says
Thanks, Lisa! Wow, I would love to see all 50 states, too. You’re well ahead of me in that achieving that goal.
Yes, the break was very nice. Now I have so many dishes I want to try I don’t know what to make first! Gotta catch up on our posts. Missed visiting. 🙂
Judy says
Everyone deserves a blogging break! 🙂 I take tons of them all the time. LOL. Glad you are enjoying your summer! 🙂 Tri tip looks fantastic! Cheers!
lemonsandanchovies says
Judy, you’re too funny! It was weird not to be posting a few times a week but I have to say it was nice to take the break. I get just mildly obsessive about things sometimes. Now I’m happy to be back. Hope your summer is great so far. 🙂
Liren says
Welcome home, Jean! So glad to see you back in your cyber home as well 🙂 The photos are amazing, and clearly, you’ve been having a wonderful time. I must chat with you about rock climbing one day. I used to be an avid *indoor* climber, always hoped to take it outdoors. Even planned a climbing trip once to Oregon, solo, bought new climbing shoes…but had to cancel the trip. So one day…
Love the glistening tri tip, they look perfect for me!
lemonsandanchovies says
Liren, you would love Telluride–so many things to do with the family. So cool to hear that rock climbing is a mutual interest. With your background in indoor climbing, the outdoor version would be a cinch for you. We should talk about doing it together sometime, that would be fun! But definitely I need to work on the upper body strength first. So much easier a few years ago!
Hope you’re having a great week!
karenmarley says
What a gorgeous getaway for you!
Love the asparagus tri tip combo. Speaking from experience…that’s a tasty meal. It felt like it took forever for tri tip to migrate over to the East. I grew up with it in San Luis Obispo. When you crave a meat meal—tri tip is it. So delicious with roasted, seasoned vegetables.
Isabelle @ Crumb says
Welcome back! I can totally understand not feeling the desire to blog when you’re surrounded by such breathtaking scenery… when there’s all that gorgeous wilderness to hike and climb in, I wouldn’t want to spend my time indoors typing up a blog post, either. 🙂
Love this recipe for tri-tip. It’s a fairly uncommon cut of meat up here in Canada, which is too bad, because I find it’s very flavourful and juicy… plus it’s fabulous on the grill. May have to hunt some down so I can try your recipe, because I’ve got a major steak craving all of a sudden. 🙂
lemonsandanchovies says
Thanks, Isabelle! It was definitely hard to sit in front of a computer when beauty awaited outdoors.
I overcooked my tri tip a bit but the marinade is worth a try. Hope you find some in your neck of the woods. 🙂
foodwanderings says
Hey Jean, Your summer sounds spectacular. We miss you but it’s more important to experience life in the moment without technology constatntly in the picture. That way you notice things, so good for you girl!! Love the scenery in both posts as I have never been to either place. The tri tip looks like the perfect summer meal.
lemonsandanchovies says
Shulie, my summer has certainly been wonderful so far, though I’m not ready to see it end. Hopefully, there’s room for one or two more trips. 🙂
http://passthesushi.com says
What beautiful photographs! Looks like you had an awesome trip!
We don’t see tri-tip too often where Im from but this looks like its worth the hunt.
Kate@Diethood says
Rock climbing?! Girrrrrrl, you so adventurous! 😉 That is awesome! But, I’m glad you’re back… missed ya!
lemonsandanchovies says
Kate, if I can rock climb then anyone can! You should have seen the bruises on my knees. Guess I hugged the wall too much! 🙂 Missed ya, too! 🙂
Krista {Budget Gourmet Mom} says
What a fun trip! There is something to be said about a routine though…I’m slowly getting back into one around here. I’m excited you are back, the tri-tip looks delicious!
Elizabeth @ Saffron Lane says
Welcome home! Your photos are just beautiful and make me want to immediately jump on a plane. I’ve found my best blog posts come when I’ve been home for a week or two after a trip. Those little memories trickle in and inspire when you least expect it.
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
Yay, welcome back! It sounds like you’ve had some fabulous trips over the last little while. And really, since I just returned from a major blogging hiatus, I fully support your break 🙂
lemonsandanchovies says
Thanks, Azmina. Hope all is well with you!
Adora's Box says
Hey, you’re back. And cooking so soon. Now I won’t feel so guilty if I ever have the urge to disappear. Lovely, lovely photos. It is good to immerse yourself in all these wonderful activities sometimes. Your tri tip is cooked to perfection.
lemonsandanchovies says
Hi Adora. Don’t feel guilty for taking a break like I did for the first week. It actually never went away completely but I was still able to enjoy my time away from the blog. I recommend it. 🙂
Vijitha Shyam says
Welcome back Jean. Awesome pictures and you make me plan a trip to Colorado.Lovely recipe.
I am having a summer drink giveaway in my blog. Do check it out when you get a chance.
sippitysup says
You deserve a break. But I sure am glad to see that tri-tip. GREG
PS “… mycompetitive tendencies about blog stats and minimum number of posts per week…” Have you been reading my journal??
lemonsandanchovies says
Hi Greg! Glad you understand. I overcooked the tri-tip a bit but it was still great. 🙂
So you mean you keep a journal, too, AND ruminate about your blog? Like two peas in a pod we are…
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
Welcome back!!! Don’t feel bad about the break, everyone deserves a vacation every now and then! These Tri Tips look delicious. I have never bought that cut of meat before, but will have to look for it soon!
Roxana GreenGirl says
Welcome back Jean. what a beautiful place to visit and your photos are amazing.
Don’t feel guilty, from time to time a break is well deserved. I’m glad you are back in your blogging moon and soon you’ll share amazing recipes with us.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Everyone deserves a break from blogging and it looks like you were thoroughly enjoying yours!
Carolyn says
It’s okay to take a blogging break! We all need it sometimes. Can’t wait to see what you cook up now that you are back, though!
Cookin' Canuck says
It sounds as though you had a wonderful, well-deserved break. Glad to see you back!
stephchows says
That vacation looks amazing!! And now I want some of that meat!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen says
What beautiful pictures…wow!! My aunt lives in Denver, but I’ve never been to CO. Would love to go someday. Glad you enjoyed your blogging break. Life is such a great adventure and meant to be lived…so no guilt allowed 🙂
Evan @swEEts says
Looks like you’re having a wonderful summer! I think all of us feel that way sometimes about blogging (at least I do..) every once and a while you have to take a step back and remember why you started it in the first place! I cant wait to try this marinade.. we’re always looking for something to mix it up a bit!
magicofspice says
Looks like a worthy break to me…lovely photos and looks like an amazing trip!
Priscilla - She's Cookin' says
Welcome back, Jean! Glad to hear you’ve got your mojo back after a much-needed break! Such beautiful vistas and with all your adventures, I’m surprised you missed blogging for more than a day 😉 I’ve been AOL recently, too – thus, my tardy comment. Your tri-tip is making me hungry – I love the sumac in the marinade and will have to try it!
Stephanie Russell says
What gorgeous scenery. Let me tell you, whenever I’m on vacation it’s easy to scoot blog responsibilities to the side in exchange for some well-needed r & r. 🙂 I’ve always wanted to rock climb — but I think maybe I should start on one of those beginner faux rock climbing walls before diving into a real rock. lol. The tri-tip steak looks sumptuous! That cut of meat definitely reminds of the central coast…did you know I used to live in SLO? Miss that sleepy little town. And the beach….Pismo…and being so close to Santa Barbara…ahh… 🙂
Lemon says
Wow, georgeous mountain pictures, I love them. In fact, it looks very much like the Alps around Gemany, Switzerland and Austria. Thanks for the pictures, looks like you had a great time!
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide says
Those photos are simply amazing. Love the tritip too.
Monet says
Glad to see you…and to see some of the beautiful pictures of your trip! Wow! What amazing views! And thank you for sharing another inspired eat. I hope you had a good Friday…and are staying cool! I’m looking forward to a weekend of baking and relaxing. Much love!
rsmacaalay says
That beef looks perfect!
Cooks&Books&Recipes (@Cooks_Books) says
I so love Telluride in the summer. We’d hoped to get back there this year but couldn’t make it. 🙁 Thanks for the photos!
Vianney Rodriguez (@sweetlifebake) says
A blog recharge is sometimes good for you!! With that scenery I’m glad you came back..I would have stayed!! lol..take care and love the trip tip
Megan Hile (@foodalution) says
Glad to see you have been having such a good time – beautiful pics. Glad you have taken time for yourself!
Megan