It's a busy week for the summer festival so we're camping near Central City.  It's a beautiful place to relax
and journal between seven opera performances.  I woke up in the mountains yesterday next to my husband    with love in my heart and an idea for a journal page--an  exercise in the simplicity and complexity of love.  I pictured a simple graphic heart on a quilt block background as an exuberant symbol of love.  I nearly finished the page that morning; later in the day I re-read a section of Twyla Tharp's book, The Creative Habit.  As she discussed artists' skills Tharp says one goal is to make our work seem effortless.  But to achieve that first we must master  the basics.   It was a perfect fit for my page.

From Twyla Tharp's book, "Picasso once said, while admiring an exhibition of children's art, 'When I was their age I could draw like Raphael, but it has taken me a whole lifetime to learn to draw like them.' "

My favorite party noshes are sweet and salty.  I remember mom bringing a can of chocolate-covered potato chips to a Christmas gathering.  I wondered how anything could possibly taste that good.  Since then this flavorful duo has inspired me to whip up trays of bacon-wrapped dates and platters of figs broiled with almonds and goat cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar.  Yum!  It's a tasty match made in heaven.

I thought I'd reached the heights of this flavor combination until I saw the light.  Last week an episode of Meat and Potatoes featured a food truck in Seattle that makes amazing burgers.  What's so amazing?  The two little words that just rocked my culinary world--Bacon Jam.  I am not joking.  My previous efforts seem amateurish compared to this sweet and salty summit. 

I knew I had to try it--and soon.  Fourth of July burgers with bacon jam.  I searched the internet and found several recipes for this most excellent manna.  I settled on a gem by Not Quite Nigella which is scrumptious, decadent, even intoxicating.  Each bite is a new sensation of smokey, salty, sweet, maple flavor.  Try it; you will love this stuff.  In fact, I think I just settled on the perfect Christmas gift for my foodie friends and family members. 

NQN's recipe was quite manageable.  If you'd like to save time and effort yet still savor the flavor, order a jar from Skillet Street Food.