La Quinta Cove

Attention:  The Desert Recreation District is starting a new exercise class at the Community Center tomorrow morning (Tuesday the first) from 6-7 a.m.   Tuesdays and Thursdays for $30 per month.

Three people are needed to keep the class alive. Consult the Desert Rec catalog on page 61 for more info or call 564-9921. Bring a mat and some weights.  Let’s tone up for the fall season, ladies!

A mature driver class is taking place at the La Quinta Senior Center on 8/27/2009 from 8:30 to 4:00.  The class is designed to update skills of the 55 and older driver.  Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the class and are eligible for a discount on their car insurance.  Call the Senior Center for more details.  760-564-0096

This is a great summer recipe.  A complete meal, it tastes good, it’s nutritious and easy to prepare.

GREEN BEAN & SHRIMP SALAD

Vinaigrette:

1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon honey Dijon mustard

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 Tablespoons snipped fresh chives

Green Beans & Shrimp

1 pound green beans trimmed

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

1 ½ pounds large shrimp, shelled and deveined

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

1.        Vinaigrette: in a small bowl, whisk vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil, whisking continuously until dressing is emulsified.  Add chives and set aside.

2.       Green Beans & Shrimp:  Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.  Add beans and simmer for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.  Drain and place in a large bowl.  Toss with dressing & set aside.

3.       Heat the 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add garlic and shrimp.  Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until cooked through.

4.       To serve, toss tomatoes with the beans.  Place on a serving platter.  Scatter shrimp and feta over the top.

   

Last week it was reported that an exercise class was forming at the Community Center.  It seems that this class has been postponed due to low enrollment.  The new date will be 9-1-2009.  Please call Desert Recreation Center 760-564-9921 for details.

Our Cove has become a busy place this summer.  The new “easy to read” street signs have been installed and I think they are wonderful.  It is much easier for navigation during the day and even at night.  This will eliminate the need for street lighting and maintain our Dark Sky in the beautiful cove.

The streets at the top of the cove were slurried last week and Monday, Eisenhower is on the schedule from top to bottom.  It sure looks fresh and nice when completed.  Now if we can convince residents to keep their oil dripping cars off the road, the streets can remain clean and polished.  I must say that I take my hat off to the men and women who do this slurry work in 115 degree weather.  They certainly earn their money!!!

Also, I have noticed that the “Fresh and Easy” sign has been installed on the building on Calle Tampico.  I hope this means that the store will be open soon.  This will make a great addition and super convenient for us Cove dwellers.

The summer has been hot but for those of us who love living in this beautiful desert, it is another great summer.