What’s the best thing in my kitchen for May? ME!! I’m home from the hospital with a fully mended back (l2-3, l3-4) and no pain in my legs. My back hurts like crazy but what back wouldn’t that had been hacked open? I know that every day it’s going to get better and better.
This won’t be a long post because I have been told that I have exactly 30 minutes to shoot, crop, write and edit this post. I live with a tyrant or a backward tyrant. “Don’t lift that fork,” and “You are supposed to be lying down.” I can stand I tell him but that seems to go through one ear and out the other. I can’t sit for very long at all.
One thing I do have to say though, even with the pain of surgery, I’m in less pain than before. If you’re putting it off, find a good surgeon and go for it. I’m glad I did.
Our friends Hristo and Emiliya were in my kitchen a few weeks ago and they brought these nifty spices from Bulgaria along with what looks like Turkish delight but never call it that to a Bulgarian. Hristo quickly made a piece of toast and slathered it with butter and sprinkled one of the spices on top. It’s got cumin and something else but the writing was very small and I don’t read Bulgarian anyway.
He cut the toast into fingers and we ate it as we drank some white wine. I would never have thought of doing this but I’ve tried it since and it’s very good.
Anyone else spending too much time at aliexpress? This was my first purchase – all leather and free shipping. I was hooked a little bit.
I was scrolling through one day a few weeks ago and I found these Russian piping tips. I paid less than $10. I’d seen them at a local shop here on the Sunshine Coast and the owner had a full set for $195. You color the icing and squiggle some colour on the side of the disposable piping bag and squeeze and a full flower comes out.
That’s what the video says anyway. I was going to try it yesterday on some cupcakes before my neighbours came to welcome me home from the hospital and John raised his voice and said, “ARE YOU NUTS?”
“You have to have something when people come and I could try those tips,” I said and then he said something about me being useless and not following directions and how he’s trying to help me because I can’t climb stairs, etc. He didn’t offer to mix the cupcakes!
You’ll have to wait for the testing on the Russian tips but here’s how it’s supposed to look:
If you’ve got things to share in your kitchen, write a post on your blog and leave me a comment with the link and I’ll add you to the sidebar list of all bloggers participating this month. If I can do it, you can too. 🙂 All I ask is a link to orgasmicchef.com in your post somewhere.
Finally, Charlie was really happy to see mummy. Waiting by the front door was getting old.
Forgive any errors, my time is up. 🙂
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Maureen! So happy that things went well and, of course, your hacked up back hurts, but hopefully once you are past that you will have a lot less pain! You have very kind friends which I am sure is a comfort. Sounds like John is being over protective which is understandable (but still annoying to you). Gary is the same way. 🙂
Sandra says
So glad surgery has fixed your back problem, here’s to a speedy recovery. Those Russian piping tips look the goods, I look forward to seeing your endeavours. My contribution to May is up http://wp.me/p2frs2-29a
Louise says
Welcome back Maureen!!! Delighted to hear you are on the mend and you have someone “keeping you in line,” lol…Here’s to a speedy recovery!!!
I love those piping tips. They look waaaay cool. I’ll be looking forward to you actually being able to use them. It will be a glorious day in more ways than one:)
I had such fun joining IMK last month, I’m hoping to do it again this month. Everyone was so kind in welcoming me in their kitchens. Thank you so much for hosting such a neighborly event Maureen.
Feel better soon, Maureen and thanks for sharing…
Louise says
Hi Maureen,
Hope you’re doing great and on the mend!!!
I just posted my IMK post for this month. I hope I did it right and I hope I’m not too late:) Thank you so much for hosting this event Maureen. It’s such fun and I have “met” so many wonderful bloggers:)
http://www.monthsofediblecelebrations.com/2016/05/cookbook-wednesday-in-my-kitchen-goodies.html
Gourmet Getaways says
I am so pleased you’re feeling better Maureen! Hopefully this will be the end of all your difficulties.
Those piping tips look fabulous, I can’t wait to see how they work for you on cupcakes.
I have also written an In My Kitchen. So pleased to be sharing with you. http://www.gourmetgetaways.com.au/kitchen-may-2016/
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
My Kitchen Stories says
Oh wow. So happy for you xxx. Charlie does look bemused and i would love some of those piping tubes although i do have enough cooking stuff by world standards ….but still……
Nancy | Plus Ate Six says
Welcome home and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery. It must have been lovely to walk through the door and see Charlie there waiting for you. Now pour yourself a glass of wine and see you back in the kitchen soon.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Wonderful news and welcome home! You have been missed so much. Your flowers are lovely, the bag is perfect, your fur baby is gorgeous and I can’t wait to see what you make with those decorating tips. I know you must be so relieved – prayers answered!
Victoria of Flavors of the Sun says
So happy to hear your surgery went well. I wish you a speedy recovery! It is always fun to take a peak in favorite blogger’s lives–all good, but that last photo is, of course, the very best! What a cutie.
Gerlinde says
Great news Maureen, I am so happy for you. Listen to your tyrant and rest from surgery. Wishing you the best ! Charlie is such a cutie.
SallyBR says
I am very very glad that “someone” is ready to scream “ARE YOU NUTS?” 😉
in fact, I was not expecting you to come up with the IMK post so early…. naughty woman you!
seriously, wonderful that you are back and each day will be easier than the previous one!
I’ve got a big smile now…
Melissa at My Recent Favorite Books says
I’m so glad that you are doing better! I have missed your posts!
Each day will get easier. =)
A_Boleyn says
Welcome home … and LISTEN to the tyrant. At least for the first week or two. 🙂
Lovely flowers and I love the purse.
Charlie looks like a happy pup.
Maureen says
The leather purse was $40 free shipping. I love it too. It’s big enough to hold my tablet.
ann says
From someone who has had 3 lots of back surgery and has a few screws and plates holding her spine together – DO AS YOU ARE BLOODY WELL TOLD!!!! That is Australian for be a good girl. Go John!!! Yup it’s a pain right now but look after your back now and it will pay you back heaps. Just think of all the things you haven’t been able to do for months and look forward to doing again……one step at a time. Here endeth the lesson.
celia says
Best post ever!! I’m so glad the back surgery was a success! You can stand! Hooray! Heal fast, dearheart. Thank you for hosting in the midst of all of this. Much love xxx PS. those russian piping tips look wicked! 🙂
Evelyne CulturEatz says
So happy for you that you are going to be pain free! Great news. And all nice things to even if you have been out of order a bit. Russian piping tips? hry are cool!
Maureen says
Have you tried them? It looks like I’m going to have to sneak to do it around here for a while. 🙂
Roberta says
I am SO happy that you feel better. Glad to hear your back is feeling so much better.
The cupcake is so gloriously beautiful.
You take care.
Veronica (Roni) says
Oh Maureen, what wonderful news!!! So happy for you all…Charlie looks much relieved :)) xx
Maureen says
He was glad to see Mummy. He hasn’t left my side.
Rachel says
Lovely to see you back Maureen and so pleased everything has gone well – sending well thoughts and take care:-)
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Happy your surgery went well! Hope you’ll be fully recovered from it soon. Always love the pictures of Charlie! And always fun to peek into your kitchen — thanks!
Eha says
Selfishness first! Tho’ I buy about 85% on line had never heard of aliexpress – thank you, guess who has subscribed!! Hour by hour, day by day . . . a back op ain’t about to resolve in a week or a month : fully so in about six methinks 🙂 ! Wonderful you came thru’ it w’out a ‘bad bug’ infection . . . . actually the blogworld has been full of ‘backs’ and all are not as fortunate as you . . . all fingers and toes crossed!! Do listen to those who love and are there . . .,
Maureen says
Eha, I’ve been incredibly lucky. Not yet a week and paracetamol is all I need. Not much sitting. My tummy is still upset but if I lose a few kilos, that’s not going to be a bad thing 🙂
Eha says
I have just had a lovely blog gf say ‘paracetamol’ are ‘smarties’ and I do not agree. OK, I have not gone the ‘knives’ route in spite of cervical and lumbar disconnects and a couple of decades in ‘misery’ but I am infinitely glad if this will work for you!! Probably not ‘lucky’ but ‘wise’!! DearHeart – lose a few kgs . . . well, you and I both: have to keep in contact!!
Maureen says
I didn’t have a fusion. I had two Coflex titanium inserts plopped in and the arthritic corrosion sanded off. Like you, I’ve been in misery for a long time but I’m so glad I did.
Eha says
Can’t afford this on even on my top ‘cover’ BUPA but have looked up stuff I did not even know!! OK, have forever been against anything operative BUT this sounds that it just may work . . . may I swear!! About to visit a ‘back guy’ and you have given me extra ammunition!! Thanks heaps !!!
Mark says
Good to see your on the mend Maureen.
mjskitchen says
“even with the pain of surgery, I’m in less pain than before.” – My sister just went through back surgery as well and she said the same thing. So glad you’re home and doing better in spite of the pain from the surgery. Listen to the hubby. He’s there to take care of you so let him. 🙂
Maureen says
Yes, Ma’am!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
So glad to see your return. Sounds like you have a good watchdog-or two. Do what they say. I took care of my mom through back surgery and I know how important that is. Be well Maureen and be well fast. We’ve missed you!
The Ninja Baker says
Sooooooo glad to read you’re doing better, Maureen…Glad you’ve got your lovely hubby keeping you on track with well deserved rest.
Love the handbag, the Russian tips and as always, the adorable photo of Charlie…The toast sounds like it was a nice treat =)
I’ll have a link ready by tomorrow =)
Shari from GoodFoodWeek says
So glad to hear the back surgery went well. I love the look of those Russian tips – amazing. Here is my post to link up this month: http://goodfoodweek.com.au/2016/05/life-in-my-kitchen/
Veganopoulous says
Welcome home! Oooh those piping tips look amazing, my daughter and I just watched some videos on it and I marvel at how the icing stays put. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
My IMK for this months is up at http://www.veganopoulous.com/2016/05/02/in-my-kitchen-may-2016/
Judy Purcell says
So glad to hear you are on the mend! Back surgery is a major deal — I do hope your recovery is speedy! With that photo of Charlie, it looks like you are in good hands with two sets of eyes to watch you closely. 🙂
SeattleDee says
Delighted to hear the news of your successful surgery. Titanium inserts sound very high-tech, sort of a new, bionic you. Take care and follow the rules during recovery/rehab and you will be tapdancing across the kitchen and doing cartwheels soon (Ooooh, I want that video!)
My IMK post is up today at http://otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com/2016/05/in-my-kitchen-may-2016.html
Mary Frances says
So glad you are feeling better! Hoping the ordeal is over and you only continue to improve. And I can’t wait to see those piping tips in action!
The Surprised Gourmet says
Maureen, so glad you’re back at home and are doing well. Hope the pain continues to lessen. Looking forward to seeing how your piping tips work.
Laura | Tutti Dolci says
Welcome home, Maureen! Hoping you heal quickly and the pain subsides… I can only imagine how happy Charlie is to have you back :).
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Firstly, So glad to hear you are home and on the mend.
I pop over every few days to see if there is a new post from you saying how you are getting on. (Oh and I just love that pup of yours!)
Secondly!!!! Oh my goodness, that cupcakes! How darling, can’t wait to hear how you get on recreating her flowers. I want to try, but I am so un-artistic that I am sure it would just be a bit of a mess!
I will have to be on the look out for some of those tips! Do you have a link to the ones you bought?
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Oh thank you 🙂
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
I’ve ordered some too 🙂
This could be the start of amazing cakes….or one of that pinterest ‘tried it, nailed it’ fail photos 😉
Krys | Hungry Rants says
Those Russian piping tips are gorgeous. Happy to hear the surgery went well and you’re feeling better – keep your rest up!
Glenda says
Maureen, I haven’t stopped watching you tube videos of the Russian piping nozzles since I first read your post. I am addicted.
Mandy says
Wishing you a speedy recovery Maureen. I have to investigate the Russian piping tips!
Have a wonderful day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Kim | a little lunch says
Yay!!! Sooooo glad your surgery was a success and that you’re on the road to recovery, Maureen. Flowers and just-for-me-gifts and “advice” from your beloved will speed things along, but be sure to take it easier than you think you need to for awhile… was surprised to see that you forged ahead into hostessing IMK this month, but entirely tickled you did! I just got home so I’m a bit behind blog-wise, but will try to snap a photo or two in the next couple o’ days and jump back in. I’ve missed you and everybody! xo
The Ninja Baker says
As I scroll down I see once again how strong, generous and loved you are, Maureen <3
Please do take good care of you…Here is the Ninja Baker's #InMyKitchen post <3
http://ninjabaker.com/node/853
Chris Scheuer says
yay!!!!!! So happy you’ve got that behind you and even more happy to hear that the pain is better! Listen to your nurse, they know best! 🙂
Eva Taylor says
So glad that the surgery went well and that you’re well on you’re way to a pain-free back!
Those icing tips look amazing, can’t wait to see what you do with them.
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
I am so glad the surgery went well! I hope you continue to improve and are fully pain free before long.
Your new icing tips are amazing – what beautiful flowers. Enjoy experimenting with them.
I’ve just done my IMK post for this month, at http://www.bitesizedthoughts.com/2016/05/in-my-kitchen-may-2016.html 🙂
Gretchen says
So glad to hear you are home and healing well. Take your time and take it easy. I’m sure you want to do more, but your back will thank you for the rest. That being said I was a horrible patient recovering from three c-sections. My doctor would yell at me if he knew what I did days after surgery! Luckily I got older and wiser and after another abdominal surgery I really did take it easier. What good am I to everyone if I injure myself trying to recover too quickly?! Those Russian piping tips look like great fun. I can’t wait to see what you make with them.
Here’s a link to my IMK contribution this month https://feedingmy3sons.com/2016/05/04/in-my-kitchen-may-2016/
cheri says
Hi Maureen, so glad that you are feeling better. Sounds like your husband is trying to take good care of you. Love the Russian piping tips.
sherry from sherrys pickings says
so very glad to hear you have come out of the op. feeling better and now on the way up:) i thought that IMK may not happen for you this month but here you are taking it on. Thanks!
here is my contribution: http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/in-my-kitchen-may-2016.html
sherry from sherrys pickings says
oh my word! i just had a look at aliexpress as i had never heard of it and what is the first thing I see? a double G spot vibrator with masturbation in the heading!! oh my lord. my brain is still reeling…:)
Liz says
Maureen, I am so glad your surgery was a success. I hope you will be fully up and about soon. How wonderful that you have someone looking out for you, it’s so difficult to slow down if you are used to doing everything. I’m looking forward to seeing what you create with those icing tips.
I like the idea of the savory spices on a bit of toast, and easy bruschetta.
Here is my post:
https://spadesspatulasandspoons.com/2016/05/05/may-2016-in-my-kitchen/
Moni | Thoughts of a Moni says
Glad to hear you are home and a lot better! Those icing tips look amazing! I want to hunt down some for myself!
Here is my post: http://thoughtsofamoni.blogspot.in/2016/05/in-my-kitchen-may-2016.html
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
I’m so glad your surgery went well and things seem to be on the up, good luck with those Russian icing tips they look fascinating!
Clare says
I’m glad you’re home and being so well looked after. Those Russian tips look so divine!
Miss Food Fairy says
I’m so glad the surgery went well for you Maureen – you’ll be up & at ’em in now time! Listen to the taskmaster, for now you need him (I know, it’s hard to say but you know he’ll do anything for you!) Loving the Bulgarian spices, they sound interesting. And wow on the ‘flower’ piping kit – you’ll be up showing off your icing flowers in no time. Hope everyone comes to visit for #IMK – love seeing you all there, you make my day 🙂
https://missfoodfairy.com/2016/05/06/in-my-kitchen-may-2016/
Johanna @ Green Gourmet Giraffe says
Hi Maureen
So great to hear you are doing better! Well done on getting your post up in 30 minutes! Those icing tips are gorgeous and intriguing – I hope you have had a go by now at the flowers but it is always good to have fresh flowers in the house when you can’t make your own icing roses. Good luck with recuperating – hope you get lots of rest and lots of improvement and a lot less pain1
I’ve done my IMK post https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/in-my-kitchen-may-2016.html
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Maureen, I’m so happy the surgery was such a success and that you’re on the mend. John is right, though, do TRY not to overdo; we don’t want any setbacks. I’d like just one of those tips, whichever one does what’s in the photo.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Maureen I’m glad that you’re back! I’ve been thinking about you and your back surgery. I hope the recovery is fast.
A friend gave me some of those tips. Not as big a set but a small section of them. I can’t wait to play with them 🙂
Barbara Schieving says
I’m so glad your back surgery went well. I had back surgery about five years ago too, so I can sympathize. I’ll look forward to seeing some beautiful cupcakes when you’re back on your feet permanently.
shaheen says
Hi Maureen, I hope you get to feel much better with the days going by, I am glad you feel the surgery has made a difference to your back.
So funny about the Bulgarian gifts reminding you of Turkey, thats the beauty of food and how it transcends. Here is my IMK post.
http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/a-little-bit-of-cornwall-in-my-kitchen.html
Napoli Restaurant Alert says
Must be wonderful to be back on the road to recovery! Great news! Here’s my post for this month.
https://napolirestaurantalert.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/in-my-mothers-day-kitchen-may-2016/
Lisa says
So pleased to hear that you are feeling better Maureen. You’re right, if you can get a post done in 30 minutes, I should stop procrastinating and get mine done too! I have been tempted by Aliexpress but never actually gone through with a purchase. I look forward to seeing a future post about those piping tips! If you can’t have edible flowers, real ones are just as lovely! 🙂
Here’s my IMK post: http://www.withafork.com/2016/05/whats-in-my-kitchen-may-2016.html
movita beaucoup says
Late to the party, as per usual! I hope you are continuing to mend – best wishes! xox
Lori says
Hi Maureen,
Glad you are feeling better! I sent you a message yesterday but I don’t know where it went?! My IMK post is up as well.
Thanks
peregrinationgourmande says
I’m totally in love with your russian piping tips! So lucky you found those! They are amazing. For a baker like me… I’m so jealous!
Glad to know you’re feeling better.
xx cathy
http://peregrinationgourmande.com/in-my-kitchen-2/
mae says
Hi Maureen,
Wonderful to hear that you are on the mend! It’s very impressive that you are even thinking of making roses to decorate cakes.
After 2 weeks away, I’m back in my kitchen:
http://maefood.blogspot.com/2016/05/back-to-my-own-kitchen.html
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Greg @ Naked Sushi says
So glad to hear that you’re feeling better. Take care of yourself and hopefully your back will recover quickly 🙂
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers says
So glad that your back is on the mend and that the surgery was successful. Those Bulgarian seasonings look very interesting as do the Russian tips. I’m slipping in right on the 10th with my IMK post this month. Thank you for hosting especially with everything else that you have going on. http://www.boiledeggsandsoldiers.com/2016/05/kitchen-may-2016/
Anna @ shenANNAgans says
Love your dedication, and you nailed it with this post! 🙂
Russian tips, I need these in my life!
Such wonderful news that your back surgery was a success! Sending you truck loads of healing energy lovely one. xo
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
So glad you are home and that you are doing so well. Listen to “Tyrant” John… I have one of those too. 🙂
Kim | a little lunch says
Hi there, lovely lady! Finally had time to pen a late-breaking IMK post (sorry to push the International Dateline boundaries, but it’s still the 10th here in the U.S., lol.) If it makes this month’s mix, great — if not, “no worries, mate.” 😉 Here’s the link: https://alittlelunch.com/2016/05/10/in-my-kitchen-may-2016/
The VegHog says
Hi Maureen,
I’m glad you are doing better and recovering. I really like those spices and the piping tips.
Here is my In My Kitchen post for May: http://the-veghog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/in-my-kitchen-in-may.html
The VegHog
Bam's Kitchen says
I am so delighted that your back surgery was a success. Stay strong and stay positive. I am so loving those little shakers adorable. Just think if you can’t lift, you can’t possible do laundry, run the vacuum so you’ll need a manservant for a while. wink wink… maybe you can get that doctor of yours to tell him you have restrictions for the next 6 months…LOL
Manuela says
Glad to hear you are doing better! ??
Liz says
I’m SO glad you’re feeling a bit better already and have John to watch over you (I’d be itching to do too much, too!). Take good care, my friend!!!
Tara says
So glad to hear you are up and around again. Thank you for the update and for this post!! Take care of yourself!
Hafsa says
welcome back Maureen! 🙂
Chineka @ Savor The Baking says
Praying for healing and no complications. Charlie is so cute and those tips are nice. You got them for a great deal.
Kate @ Babaganosh.org says
Aww Maureen, I am so glad you are doing better and feel like you are on your way to recovery! I hope you are fully recovered in no time. I do miss your delicious recipes but enjoy reading these posts in the meantime!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Thinking about you and hoping you are feeling much better! Miss your posts 🙂
Francesca says
All the best Maureen, get well soon.
And here’s my post too.
https://almostitalian.wordpress.com/2016/06/01/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/
sheila says
You are an amazing lady! That is for sure! I pray you are healing well, and are able to take each day as it comes and not do too much. XO, Sheila
Liz Posmyk (Good Things) says
Oh darling, I am so happy to know that you are listening to John and the medicos… please, please take things gently and look after yourself. Thank you for the photo of Charlie, I miss seeing him… and, OMG WOW to those piping nozzles. Can’t wait to see what you do with them, in the fullness of time, of course. Get back to good health. Much love xxxxxx