The wonderful FurFiles (meow!) is back from her Jamaican vacation, and it’s about time! I’ve missed her astute blogging and pithy commentary, like the many ways I can exact revenge on my tugboat man should the need arise.
No, I’m not going to put ex-lax in his food. Not this time, anyway.
Ms Fur has furrily requested the recipe for another version of carrot bread I made last night, loosely based on a recipe from my 1970s Laurel’s Kitchen cookbook.
I’m not the magnificent artist of decor and whimsy like Judy at Petit4Chocolatier nor do I possess the versatility of (bakery owner in another life) Tonette of tonettejoycefoodfriendsfamily but I have my most consistent success with everyday, homey, mom-like healthy breads, apple pies, lentil cookies, and black bean brownies.
Confession: I’ve been known to wield a mean pastry bag to build roses with tip #12 and #104 on flower nail #7 (as well as shells and garland) but I save that skill set for special occasions only.
A Schwarzwälder kirsch kuchen similar to one I made to celebrate my son’s graduation.
First the request...I’m conducting an interview of my resident mariner for a future post. In the wake of today’s ferry accident in New York and other recent vessel related incidents, it seems timely.
Anything you’d like to know?
I’ve tortured used my not inconsiderable powers of persuasion to convince my tugboat man to put up his surfboard for a moment and consent to an interview. The convincing involved all sorts of things like I need to wear nothing but a pair of six-inch heels and red lipstick and must refer to him as Most Exalted Master Seaman, but that is my cross to bear, not yours.
It was his idea to take requests from my readers in the wonderful world of blogging and Twitter and FB and I agree that’s a great idea–which should prove to doubters (and children) that hubs does have an independent thought once in a great while.
He’ll entertain queries about maritime-related stuff, what it’s like being married to me(!), technical stuff about boat handling/boat restoration, marlinspike seamanship,– ask away!
Certain things can’t be revealed of course, but he’ll do his best to answer all questions. He’s a USCG certified instructor, so you know he’s got the cred and he’s not just another pretty face.
You’ll discover the funny side to life as a seaman–they have a weird sense of humor–creating witty rhymes such as, “It’s not gay when you’re underway…” [urban dictionary]
I’ll credit the question with a link or you can remain anonymous–your choice.
Carrot Raisin Bread
It’s moist and delicious with a rich texture! The difference is in the process. Try it and let me know what you think about it. Hubs loves it!
Ingredients
One cup grated carrots
One cup raisins
3/4 cup honey (I didn’t have a lot of honey so I used 1/4 honey, 1/4 agave, 1/4 brown sugar) Maple syrup would be yummy, too.
One teaspoon each: cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
Two tablespoons vegetable oil
One egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups water
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Preheat oven to 325 degrees, not sure how to do the conversions.
In a medium saucepan, cook carrots, raisins, honey/sugar, oil, and spices in the water for about ten minutes. Let cool. When cool, add beaten egg and mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and add to wet ingredients. Pour into one or two loaf pans depending on size. I made mine in one large loaf pan. Bake for about 45 minutes but check carefully so it doesn’t over bake. Let cool before slicing.
Related articles
- New (Old) Recipe: Apple Cider Pumpkin Donuts (raw, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free) (putyourhandstowork.wordpress.com)
- Willamette Falls locks open briefly after a year of negotiation to allow Canby Ferry, tugboats through (oregonlive.com)
- Carrot Raisin Bread Sandwiches (deliciousonadollar.com)



the food is ‘too rich in calories’ to me ! Captain is lucky to have you, because he can always enjoy good food after his sea trip.
Yes, he really misses home cooked food!
On Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 10:13 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
WOW, you CAN bake pretty! That looks great…and you know I had a bakery, therefore I can make you a dame, ahem, DAME of Decorating.(Sorry,all this maritime mutter has me thinking of the song:There is Nothing Like a Dame…I mean, better than the line you gave! Why do your posts make me think of songs?)
Questions, I have a ton, but do you REALLY want him to talk about being married to you???LOL!
I have seen the nice things the Capt. made while away,so we know that he is busy with his hands and mind in good matter;(“Idle hands, mind”, etc.)
I don’t know how much he’s willing to tell about the dangers…ice, etc.Who rescues the rescuers if there is a problem?(thank God for satellite coms, GPS, etc, huh?) How far away and away from help has he been at any one time? Has he encountered pirates?What is the smallest craft he has encountered on the High Seas? Has he had to help others he has run across, or is he allowed…I guess he can always radio for them. What is the biggest drama that has taken place while on duty?(Stop me any time here!)
I bet Mine has a question or two.His father and brother were Naval officers on the High Seas,(and he was there once himself).I’ll ask when he comes out of the shower.
why don’t you hop in the shower with him?
On Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 10:16 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
That cake looks delicious. A lot of the questions I have for the Captain are like Tonette. I too was wondering what the dangers are along with the other questions. Has he ever been near a Tsunami? Have a thought in my mind of the movie “The Perfect Storm” and can picture that storm. Really good idea and should be interesting to read the response.
Very interesting questions. I never asked about that before, I want to know too!
On Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 11:02 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Will be interesting
Thank you, I hope so. We had founded and run a maritime nonprofit for years to educate and inform about maritime careers, etc and it’s still in our blood to do public awareness!
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 8:41 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
I think that’s great!
You are too kind!
On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:32 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Ok, Joe wants to know specs,if you can give them,tonnage,crew,dimensions. And,(I can’t believe I didn’t ask this before):what do they eat?
You’ve helped with lots of good questions! I’ll include them in my interview. Thank your hubs!
On Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 11:11 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
I want a slice or two of the Black Forest Cherry cake with some ruby port.
No problem. You just can’t eat for the rest of the month. Each piece is close to 800 calories.
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 5:48 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Yum
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 7:22 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
What does Tugboat man do out there at sea when he’s not working? And what does he love most about you, his lovely wife? And what is his favourite movie (just curious, I love movies).
Definitely doing that carrot/raisin bread. Looks delicious and good for you. Thanks for that!
Great questions. I’ll include them. I forgot to add chopped raw almonds to the recipe, so try that, or any nut. yum
On Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 6:26 AM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
Will do.
YUM
On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 5:24 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
You are absolutely incredible! Honestly you are the best. I have been really busy at the college this week (Spring classes began on the 7th), and am catching up. I think you can do almost anything perfectly!! And you have made my day, evening now
This cake / bread looks delicious!! WOW!! I love the addition of honey or maple syrup; yum!
Blush. My mom taught me everything. She loved to bake and cook and never really liked prepared foods. She made it all fun! You are a professor, yes?
On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 7:31 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
No, Academic Specialist.
Ahh. You have a very full background! Why has everyone accomplished so much more than I have?? I’m starting to wonder what happened to all my years…
On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 7:54 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo
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thank you for this, Ms. Fur! It’s like the arctic here in SoCal, I have a hat on in the house!! Geez, I’ll have to push all the clothes hanging off my elliptical and get the blood going to warm up!
I am so excited to read the interview, particularly given the lengths you are prepared to go to in order to have the Most Exalted Master Seaman share his wisdom! Thanks for the good laugh today!
You are welcome, most exalted deliberately delicious! I will go to great lengths to get what I want!
On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 6:35 PM, Enchanted Seashells…Confessions of a Tugbo