tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84334338835788732162024-03-14T01:36:32.495-04:00Lele Lurves PlantsLelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.comBlogger853125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-45734998977993023242014-01-06T12:52:00.000-05:002014-01-06T12:52:00.538-05:00surprise!<p>New blog.</p> <p><a href="http://crunchyincarolina.wordpress.com">http://crunchyincarolina.wordpress.com</a></p> <p>xo, I</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-17083191104721680962013-12-03T13:19:00.001-05:002013-12-03T13:19:07.760-05:00the recovery<p>Funny story: I have been basically sick (minus a few days I chronicle in this post) for three weeks. Things I have learned, in the transition from puking stomach bug to strep throat to opportunistic virus that stepped in once good bacteria had been wiped out by antibiotics:</p> <p>- Fainting is like the sensation when you stand up too fast and everything looks black… except instead of lasting for a second, it lasts like ten seconds until you fall on the floor. It is bloody scary.</p> <p>- Dehydration makes your heart rate really fast.</p> <p>- Getting a shot in your bum is SO SO SO PAINFUL!</p> <p>- Grocery shopping hungry at Trader Joe’s is a bad idea. Everyone knows that. But grocery shopping NAUSEOUS at Trader Joe’s is even worse. I bought everything in the store that contained ginger, and several kinds of white pasta, and granola and fizzy water and so on and so forth. Expensive.</p> <p>- Though I in no way have dieted in years (thank God those wasted years of my life are over), being ill enough to not be able to stomach anything but watery gatorade and bread for four days or so does cause one to slim down a bit. But, rather than the areas that we would all LIKE to slim down (I’m looking at you, disproportionate upper arms), the only result was the complete DISAPPEARANCE of my bum. A part of me I generally like. Go figure.</p> <p>- Amoxicillin leaves an absolutely disgusting taste at the back of your throat. It’s a taste that matches the smell of cat pee. Does the “amo” in amoxicillin mean “ammonia”?</p> <p>- Strep throat doesn’t hurt as much as I remember it hurting in middle school when I last had it, until you start taking the antibiotics. Then the antibiotics make the strep ANGRY and it takes its revenge on your throat</p> <p>- I believe all this business began when I was transferred to the baby room. The babies are cute (in particular the one who can’t sit up all the way yet but likes it when I stand him up on my stomach and call him GIANT BABY!) but they also drool (or worse) on me all day and I am starting to view their classroom more as BIOHAZARD CENTRAL than any educational sort of place.</p> <p>This is a story about the first meal I made when I finally felt like my health was mostly back to normal. A meal to welcome friends back into my home, a meal to return to the joys of cooking, and a meal to try to get back some of that juicy double.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OBQqEhzI2AQ/Up4gbyNaj7I/AAAAAAAAdsI/VgkZW-SPEsE/s1600-h/DSC04053%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04053" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04053" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V7aDDtqSCi4/Up4gcp2bEFI/AAAAAAAAdsQ/sd4uj-xSvu8/DSC04053_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Dim lighting made my apartment way way way more attractive. It also set the mood because Alex and Myra had (crazily, in my opinion) opted to say yes to a dinner invitation from Steve and me despite celebrating their five year anniversary that day. I tried to create an air of romance.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o6z4JX_Ht8M/Up4gdtDhq-I/AAAAAAAAdsY/0IL-c8JDSeE/s1600-h/DSC04040%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04040" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04040" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dKWsAA0SYWI/Up4geBKJ1YI/AAAAAAAAdsg/jOqgQXs-L8g/DSC04040_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>I made some homemade ciabatta, in part because Myra had made homemade French bread for us one time when we had dinner at her place, and I am nothing if not competitive. Made in my usual fashion, with whole wheat flour and vital wheat gluten to make it tender. Making bread is a wonderfully relaxing activity.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6olKrOohuZY/Up4geh-la8I/AAAAAAAAdso/G1FeFiw8QOs/s1600-h/DSC04034%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04034" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="336" alt="DSC04034" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jg6NgTOy1JY/Up4gfTgWeiI/AAAAAAAAdsw/wHklV9iFldA/DSC04034_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I also made my favorite roasted carrots- just tossed with olive oil, salt, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Cooked for a long time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Iikr-R2oVY/Up4gf0xmRtI/AAAAAAAAds4/mG9hCDHuujU/s1600-h/DSC04038%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04038" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04038" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J_Zdj1af5b8/Up4ggdkrYRI/AAAAAAAAdtA/aBht0wOONcQ/DSC04038_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Homemade risotto. I’d roasted a chicken earlier in the week and used its bones to make homemade chicken stock. Then I was all set to make risotto, and promptly realized I was out of rice. So I grabbed a bag of quinoa and made quinoa-sotto. It was actually really good! Much better than plain ol’ quinoa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ev5FP0kxOZM/Up4ghKRHCNI/AAAAAAAAdtI/5bS8vO84Phc/s1600-h/DSC04049%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04049" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="338" alt="DSC04049" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SSBphtj1RzI/Up4ghhQshoI/AAAAAAAAdtQ/ijp7iNYEk8E/DSC04049_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" border="0"></a></p> <p>Rounded out the table with greens, which I cooked in a saute pan with some softened onions and then creamed up with some coconut milk. And tempeh and mushrooms, cooked in a vaguely fricassee way.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vE2efZs0X6o/Up4giIKjx9I/AAAAAAAAdtY/9lb312eFc0g/s1600-h/DSC04052%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04052" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04052" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U1eGbQgqoI0/Up4gi2sEBcI/AAAAAAAAdtg/aayegDYOCQ0/DSC04052_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The wine I added to the tempeh dish is pictured at left. I’ve had it before- it’s a favorite! A not heavy Malbec. The wine on the right was brought by Alex and Myra and was also delicious, in a completely different way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NQ-ROQ06JCA/Up4gjHm6pbI/AAAAAAAAdto/TxxDHo1QpNk/s1600-h/DSC04054%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04054" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC04054" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NjEOb4Tsn34/Up4gjp7SWYI/AAAAAAAAdtw/lSMY0Jd4Brg/DSC04054_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>Now, as I spend what is hopefully my last sick day for a good long while at home, occasionally pausing to cough up horrible, horrible looking things, I’m reminiscing about healthier times.</p> <p>As I requested in my last blog post, my mom sent pictures from the Sunday brunch we enjoyed together when we were visiting here.</p> <p>Crook’s Corner, in Chapel Hill, is super cute. And their eggs benedict is sublime!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z80A5DumQ3c/Up4gkHlQc_I/AAAAAAAAdt4/8d_Bohe_OUg/s1600-h/crooks%252520corner%2525202.jpg"><img title="crooks corner 2" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="340" alt="crooks corner 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bV_FYQl1Sdc/Up4gkmoUREI/AAAAAAAAduA/mTHp6ygnM7c/crooks%252520corner%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-p1xxZrezrxM/Up4glFyNmqI/AAAAAAAAduI/za2hyEGcuPc/s1600-h/crooks%252520corner%2525203.jpg"><img title="crooks corner 3" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="340" alt="crooks corner 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iORJtRDhsHo/Up4gluh_WBI/AAAAAAAAduQ/knYfNfK7rug/crooks%252520corner%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-buBoSmokC_E/Up4gmFT_E8I/AAAAAAAAduY/QL7EsYQqpEA/s1600-h/crooks%252520corner.jpg"><img title="crooks corner" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="340" alt="crooks corner" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ATZfm9KoU7M/Up4gmoelfLI/AAAAAAAAdug/jH40WNIDpyA/crooks%252520corner_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="190" border="0"></a> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-8051457208865080642013-11-18T07:46:00.000-05:002013-11-18T07:46:00.057-05:00three years<p>Two celebration posts in a row!</p> <p>I celebrated my three year anniversary with Steve on November 6th. You can see where it all began- I wrote about the food, just none of the making out (just kidding mom!)- in <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2010/11/cultured-burbs.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. </p> <p>Since our anniversary celebrations have really stretched out over a several week period, I’ll chronicle them as best I can, with the understanding that I’ve been a super slacker on the photography hunt.</p> <p>In roughly chronological order:</p> <p>The North Carolina State Fair. Also known as the first time I ate these:</p> <p><img height="378" alt="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qv02PhRQges/Tvqs5_4KEFI/AAAAAAAA1Is/H2caPL8SvNs/s800/fried-oreos-19.jpg" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qv02PhRQges/Tvqs5_4KEFI/AAAAAAAA1Is/H2caPL8SvNs/s800/fried-oreos-19.jpg" width="560"><br><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qv02PhRQges/Tvqs5_4KEFI/AAAAAAAA1Is/H2caPL8SvNs/s800/fried-oreos-19.jpg" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p>Fried oreos. On the suggestion of the Midwesterner. I spent the rest of the fair laughing at feisty goats and flaunting my awesome new cowboy boots.</p> <p>Saxapahaw. A town in North Carolina whose name is just so fun to pronounce. We saw some rockin’ live music and Steve got some rockin’ bratwursts.</p> <p>Halloween. Here is a picture of Steve and I:</p> <p><img height="273" src="http://tiger.towson.edu/%7Esharba1/calvin-and-hobbes.jpg" width="350"> <br><a href="http://tiger.towson.edu/~sharba1/calvin-and-hobbes.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="1">source</font></a></p> <p>Our friends’ costumes included:<br>- Bats! Wings made out of old umbrellas. In the manner of Martha Stewart<br>- A pinata and a blindfolded guy holding a stick (couples costume!)<br>- Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood (not a couples’ costume per se, but thematically close)<br>- A cat, with a monkey (mother/child costume)<br>- A hipster (a lazy costume)</p> <p>And here is what we ate (not including candy, OBVI):</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wvoUq7EGl9g/Uojy7pHP2JI/AAAAAAAAdqQ/GbODI9OsCJ0/s1600-h/DSC03999%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03999" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03999" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tBRbdgzMfzY/Uojy9ENkTzI/AAAAAAAAdqY/nHViLHktFN0/DSC03999_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>When Steve makes chili, he usually does chili and cheese in a 1:1 ratio.. It was delicious.</p> <p>The anniversary date (November 6th) itself.</p> <p>We saw this band!</p> <p><img alt="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molYxEpL4gs/TV8A7EEZ1ZI/AAAAAAAAFsE/tiJYKDvPOQA/s1600/members-the-band-metric-pose-for-cameras-the-red-carpet-john-newfoundland.jpg" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molYxEpL4gs/TV8A7EEZ1ZI/AAAAAAAAFsE/tiJYKDvPOQA/s1600/members-the-band-metric-pose-for-cameras-the-red-carpet-john-newfoundland.jpg"><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-molYxEpL4gs/TV8A7EEZ1ZI/AAAAAAAAFsE/tiJYKDvPOQA/s1600/members-the-band-metric-pose-for-cameras-the-red-carpet-john-newfoundland.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="1">source</font></a></p> <p>Also known as Metric! We listened to them a lot when we were falling in luuuurve. They played “our” song last, acoustic. I cried like a little sissy baby. Shut up no I didn’t.</p> <p> Here is a nice meal I made and enjoyed with Steve. Lots of farm fresh bounty, via either the CSA or the market. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-V3ntS0L_XEQ/Uojy9pCh4II/AAAAAAAAdqg/cuTz5a4dB1M/s1600-h/DSC04004%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04004" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9mMjI4El2TE/Uojy-f0sltI/AAAAAAAAdqo/gPUCJXYPXfI/DSC04004_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>The chicken I’d gotten at the farmer’s market from a vendor who I’ll likely NOT patronize again- I really prefer that my chickens not have feathers still in them… eeeurgh. I’d roasted it, then peeled off the skin (fortunately removing said feathers in the process). Then I threw together a not at all formal barbecue sauce that included vinegar, mustard, mango chutney, ketchup, soy sauce… random stuff like that. Go figure, Steve said it was like The Best Thing I’d Ever Made (which he does say about once a week but is still nice).</p> <p>Also roasted some nice CSA purple potatoes with just olive oil, salt and pepper, and the last of a jar of salsa; underneath the chicken for a little shmaltz.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gmhkhMoV-mA/Uojy_CqkmNI/AAAAAAAAdqw/W2JU7B2BFow/s1600-h/DSC04003%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04003" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PRsHy_Qo1mg/Uojy_ntb2vI/AAAAAAAAdq0/eb_zoSOci7o/DSC04003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And simple salad with vinaigrette. As I recall, I threw some chutney in there too. Farm fresh arugula is DELICIOUS but also like DOUBLE STRENGTH of the wimpy stuff from the store, so I like incorporating a little sweetness into my dressing for balance when working with such assertive greens.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w3NOrEyKwWs/UojzAb0qhBI/AAAAAAAAdrA/50EBB__9CFA/s1600-h/DSC04006%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04006" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC04006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VjLqZbT7W5s/UojzA1asr5I/AAAAAAAAdrI/TAKptKgbb9I/DSC04006_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> </p> <p>When I started making this meal, I did not yet know that Steve was coming for dinner. That is why it is so small! Fortunately, he and I had started making each of our own independent dinners before remembering that we were in luuuuuurve and wanted to eat lots of meals together. So he brought fried rice. It made for a well-rounded, colorful plate.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d0zMGEcXBR4/UojzBrGF7CI/AAAAAAAAdrQ/KdEelnyFia4/s1600-h/DSC04013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04013" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="428" alt="DSC04013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5x6XROhGfgQ/UojzCTinsGI/AAAAAAAAdrY/UOEqXDcPMmw/DSC04013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I’d also made some use-up-the-yogurt-lingering-in-the-back-of-the-fridge muffins. I’d snacked on an embarrassing number of them in the afternoon, and I gladly let Steve dispatch the rest for dinner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m0-O4gKWmaA/UojzC2q78VI/AAAAAAAAdrg/YeJFTZSnwBQ/s1600-h/DSC04010%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04010" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04010" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mw_dxOWFmeI/UojzDneALII/AAAAAAAAdro/IFJcD2fcBec/DSC04010_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>So the next few days more fun was had.</p> <p>Chiefly, seeing this guy:</p> <p><img height="299" src="http://media.salon.com/2013/06/john_oliver.jpg" width="430"><br><a href="http://media.salon.com/2013/06/john_oliver.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="1">source</font></a></p> <p>GAHHHH sweet holy heaven this man is hilarious. You knew this. But being in the same room as him while he is being hilarious is a particularly fantastic experience.</p> <p>Finally, a random breakfast Steve made me. Because of the many things I love about Steve, his breakfast making technique ranks high. A lack of fear of butter plays a prominent role in this technique.</p> <p>Here we have gently scrambled eggs and spinach with some homemade parmesan-roasted chips. Excellent mixed all together, with a good coating of hot sauce. Which, incidentally, is how Steve eats many things.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-72hIfuK8Qak/UojzEQAbnXI/AAAAAAAAdrw/L89YdQ29WGo/s1600-h/DSC04030%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC04030" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC04030" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9DBshWkoh3M/UojzFMWq2cI/AAAAAAAAdr4/wH6yDmUPjvU/DSC04030_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-52618472120911504942013-11-12T07:38:00.000-05:002013-11-12T07:38:00.521-05:00my cup runneth over<p>So I turned 25 over a month ago, but I’m only just blogging about it. This is for a few reasons</p> <p>- It seems like a really big birthday. I’ve had to change checking off “18-24” to “25-29” on surveys, surveys in which I had NO idea how frequently I participated until I moved up an age bracket. Eurgh.</p> <p>- Work has been an endless, grim, fairly crappy experience lately. I think I’m coming out on the end of that particular phase (knock on wood profusely) but I wanted to blog cheerfully about my birthday! I think I’ve been able to muster it.</p> <p>- My birthday was pleasantly prolonged by a visit from my mother the weekend after it! I was delighted to spend some much missed quality time with my mom; and didn’t feel like toting around a camera all weekend (although Mom, I just remembered that you took pictures at Sunday brunch! Send ‘em!) but it included lots of fun times and great eats: dinner at <a href="http://www.dininganddrinking.com/" target="_blank">Milltown</a>, brunch with my roomie and her mom (so cute!) at <a href="http://www.panzanella.coop/" target="_blank">Panzanella</a>, hot cocoa at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/matthews-chocolates-hillsborough" target="_blank">Matthew’s Chocolates</a>, a Greek FEAST at <a href="http://kiposchapelhill.com/" target="_blank">Kipos</a>, and the aforementioned brunch at <a href="http://www.crookscorner.com/" target="_blank">Crook’s Corner</a>. We sure packed in a lot of eating! Eating and shopping! </p> <p>But anyway, my wonderful local friends, who I feel so blessed to’ve made in my short time here, as well as my fabulous boyfriend, showed me a really great time for my birthday weekend, and it’s worth sharing.</p> <p>We begin with the Saturday before my birthday, in which Steve and I embarked on a trip to HIllsborough, opting to stop along the way at the (completely randomly located) Buddhist temple. It was gawwwwwjous.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--BhKRd1-wjc/Un_uud8Z26I/AAAAAAAAdmo/1Xd79itMmEo/s1600-h/DSC03926%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03926" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="613" alt="DSC03926" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1-oCHHp8XJk/Un_uvJONdrI/AAAAAAAAdmw/6rFa4e9Dcsc/DSC03926_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-phXh_3ypLRc/Un_uvt-TGtI/AAAAAAAAdm4/TXEFOpjflV8/s1600-h/DSC03927%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03927" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03927" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DJiLegPTFrM/Un_uwTuCoKI/AAAAAAAAdnA/hxGJPTeIEPk/DSC03927_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Cwbh4860ek/Un_uw8HON0I/AAAAAAAAdnI/0X0M-FLuLks/s1600-h/DSC03929%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03929" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03929" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pLNjzr42GUA/Un_uxk2YF4I/AAAAAAAAdnQ/pR1iAklO3Qs/DSC03929_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a></p> <p>Steve disappeared on a birthday-shopping trip, ordering me to peruse the town at my leisure. I obliged, buying myself a birthday present (and inadvertently spending more than I ever have on shoes on some craaaaaaazy awesome vintage cowboy boots- bless my auntie for sending me birthday money to make the expenditure less insane!). This happened at this fabulous store.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j_fx3SqdaXU/Un_uyQh9e2I/AAAAAAAAdnY/wTOt0N2G61M/s1600-h/DSC03930%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03930" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03930" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XvH4vJ6NBu8/Un_uzP0d8sI/AAAAAAAAdng/OqwN-fk6H2E/DSC03930_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steve hosted a birthday dinner for me at his place. Lots of great friends showed up. Alex and Myra bought me these AWESOME THINGS.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1BP8bMYmppE/Un_uzpEa_oI/AAAAAAAAdno/nTNUdK-iFqg/s1600-h/DSC03932%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03932" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="454" alt="DSC03932" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8BOa0mJ0RMI/Un_u0UopgNI/AAAAAAAAdnw/j6SesmlkCWA/DSC03932_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The pickles themselves are great (duh, they are pickles) but the sweet and tangy syrup in which they float may be even more revelatory. I’ve been mixing it with dijon to toss with my brussels sprouts and boy is that great.</p> <p>My other friends, who will be nameless because of the contents of this story, <strong>broke up the day before the birthday dinner and still came together to wish me a happy birthday</strong>. That verges on absurdity.</p> <p>Steve made portabella burgers. Oh I think he might have put a little bit of cheese on them too…? A little hard to tell…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iysZAFWFpHg/Un_u09wKQVI/AAAAAAAAdn4/fDZV2hUO9Tc/s1600-h/DSC03934%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03934" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03934" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TTP6wVYtZKI/Un_u198rv0I/AAAAAAAAdoA/SJBtKKB4lHY/DSC03934_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Dinner was eaten al fresco, by candlelight. Had to use flash for the shot above (note that the meal included additional delicious grilled vegetables that escaped the camera’s bright beam) (oh and really good wine. There was really good wine on my birthday). Managed to get a naturally lit photo of the dessert.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kkCcahkLFKA/Un_u2YsMvXI/AAAAAAAAdoI/uWKMHF-lcc8/s1600-h/DSC03940%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03940" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03940" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H7rL5VK09nA/Un_u3NZX5XI/AAAAAAAAdoQ/8Y8bq3c_Eu4/DSC03940_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>SWEET HOLY HEAVEN, THE BIRTHDAY DESSERT. From Matthew’s Chocolates, the place I have basically decided is my mother ship, came the pumpkin roll. Now tell me, like me, when you think “pumpkin roll”. do you think of fluffy pumpkin cake rolled up with some vapid, light, cool-whip-esque thing?</p> <p>Well friends, this was PERFECTLY spiced, walnut packed, moist and tender and perfect pumpkin cake rolled up with TONNNNS of CREAM CHEESE FROSTING.</p> <p>Boom. Done.</p> <p>After we concluded the birthday meal, some of us strolled to downtown Carrboro to enjoy live music at Second Wind, which had a lovely outdoor seating area I hadn’t known existed. Blurry shots, but hopefully nonetheless signifying the pleasant feel.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1lepTX5afTs/Un_u3tyhiQI/AAAAAAAAdoY/5o-j6uk30o8/s1600-h/DSC03943%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03943" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03943" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jShvOIp_ZVM/Un_u4IfzhNI/AAAAAAAAdog/PgKJ5zLchgA/DSC03943_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-90gDqFPidR0/Un_u41LrwWI/AAAAAAAAdoo/kCt6YzrhjDs/s1600-h/DSC03947%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03947" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03947" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JIGylfTKbbY/Un_u5aUXkRI/AAAAAAAAdow/QAj6rMdZR64/DSC03947_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a></p> <p>They also infuse their own spirits- this magnificence involved tequila, strawberries, and jalapeno. As sassy as my awesome new cowboy boots.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SNYO45y-8kQ/Un_u6G3Wd2I/AAAAAAAAdo4/fpsY-b8ijhY/s1600-h/DSC03950%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03950" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03950" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WxYBIMMEFM8/Un_u6newsDI/AAAAAAAAdpA/00SkhGFs9Pg/DSC03950_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The next day we strolled to downtown Chapel Hill for brunch, where I got my first proper taste of Soul Food at an establishment that is a highly reputable source for it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jhlhRedL5IU/Un_u7AcdzsI/AAAAAAAAdpI/eYmkqPqe-6c/s1600-h/DSC03955%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03955" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03955" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GfiM-j_m2Jc/Un_u79_wLII/AAAAAAAAdpQ/2p8fVT97MGQ/DSC03955_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steve and I SHARED their four-side-dishes-and-bread meal (opting for one additional side dish).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mi2q1qJutdw/Un_u8rXSilI/AAAAAAAAdpY/XA1IZkD34Mc/s1600-h/DSC03958%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03958" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="400" alt="DSC03958" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-apC7unIylPE/Un_u9NRwmNI/AAAAAAAAdpg/f73GCCIVXn8/DSC03958_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Yes, sports fans, meaning that each person’s plate- a mere HALF of an entree- looked like this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BlRXSmrLNkM/Un_u-K9t-wI/AAAAAAAAdpo/Z-wb7Oo1HhY/s1600-h/DSC03959%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03959" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03959" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JRGEDBEVVKE/Un_u-wC-KtI/AAAAAAAAdpw/UY359FijiwE/DSC03959_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I have a hard time conveying the magnificence of the rich and meaty and perfectly toothsome (not mushy) blackeyed peas, the sweet and succulent but not saccharine yams, the soft fried apples, the oh-so-creamy corn casserole, the go-ahead-and-smear-a-ton-of-butter-on-me cornbread, and the comparatively virtuous but no less tasty okra and tomato casserole.</p> <p>Suffice it to say, we ended the meal thoroughly satisfied and not a whole lot poorer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-irb9OiJtpqo/Un_u_ePZL1I/AAAAAAAAdp4/SnTdT0PY9nA/s1600-h/DSC03960%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03960" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03960" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vIIUaiKCNm4/Un_vAJxJoeI/AAAAAAAAdqA/7H7Xf3NiW80/DSC03960_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The actual birthday dinner, at <a href="http://www.foursquarerestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Foursquare</a>, was too classy and gorgeous to ruin by whipping out a camera. Let’s just say that I ended the birthday (birth week…birth month, really) feeling thoroughly spoiled, and moreover blessed with all the fabulous people in my life.</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-44711324173856873372013-11-11T07:10:00.000-05:002013-11-11T07:10:00.221-05:00life with a csa<p>(sing it to the tune of “life is a cabaret!”)</p> <p>So my roommate Alli, her boyfriend Jason, his roommate, and I, have all gone in on a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture- Google it!). Split four ways, it comes out to $5 a week per person.</p> <p>Because obviously CSA’s have their pluses and minuses (one minus being that I have gotten so much lemongrass in the past three weeks that I’ve had to turn it into a flower arrangement in the living room), I thought I’d share some of what I’ve been throwing together.</p> <p>Because I am not always the organized woman I aspire to be, some nights I end up eating haphazard leftovers directly out of a baking dish.</p> <p>These were all delicious: </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zN2epoPkrB4/Un_oVeZYXMI/AAAAAAAAdkQ/INpLaLOdwjc/s1600-h/DSC03963%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03963" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03963" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vUVXqXq51QA/Un_oWcIrNAI/AAAAAAAAdkY/3-fDTQ--DEY/DSC03963_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a></p> <p>Beginning at 12:00, behold: </p> <p>-a slice of grilled paneer with oil and balsamic. I bought paneer at <a href="http://www.aroundtheworldnc.com/" target="_blank">the most epic Indian grocery store I have ever beheld</a> and have used it to make lots. One of my favorites was making a bastardized version of grilled halloumi (Greek style): I just put some olive oil in a pan, cooked the paneer in it (on both sides) then added balsamic to deglaze the pan and add a little acidity. Brilliant, if I do say so myself.</p> <p>-socca, to which I’ve hopefully sung enough odes by now that y’all are familiar with it</p> <p>- <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/miso_butter_turnips.html" target="_blank">turnips with miso butter</a>, per Eating Well. Google it! Quite delicious.</p> <p>- finally, my apple-potato gratin</p> <p>Quite carb heavy (though I did foist some of that gratin off on my roommate, who didn’t protest all that much). But a very me-friendly meal. Local were: the turnips and their greens, the potatoes, the apples. Not bad!</p> <p>Another night I had Steve over and made:</p> <p>- Salmon (thawed frozen from Trader Joe’s. Silverbrite. Ultra fishy, wouldn’t necessarily recommend) marinated in CSA lemongrass broth (steeped lemongrass in hot water); soy sauce; watermelon rind pickle juice (!)</p> <p>- roasted radishes (watermelon radishes! So pink and pretty!)</p> <p>- rice steamed with a knob of lemongrass and finished off with CSA cilantro and butter</p> <p>- CSA green salad with homemade vinaigrette</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wV00A1htCAQ/Un_oWydFkZI/AAAAAAAAdkg/P6Dj8Y8LJ8s/s1600-h/DSC03966%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03966" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03966" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_Ffn_xNKPto/Un_oXgi67eI/AAAAAAAAdko/Pf3QdT9z5O0/DSC03966_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then I had one helllllllllllll of a week at work. Plus my car broke down. Plus I had to work Saturday. Gah gah gah.</p> <p>So Sunday I slept my face off (score) and cooked all day (double score).</p> <p>The first order of business was brunch, for which I made banana pancakes (using up an old batch of banana oatmeal and repurposing it into something more fun) and kale chips.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E2XzEXreUBY/Un_oYWsRiVI/AAAAAAAAdkw/qSzdoH9-aEc/s1600-h/DSC03975%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03975" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="382" alt="DSC03975" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GaKGOpEIujg/Un_oZAwcieI/AAAAAAAAdk4/I6U9h_AXIVs/DSC03975_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then I did my version of meal planning. None of these matched up (I subbed Wednesday’s lunch for Sunday’s dinner, ate Sunday’s dinner on Monday). My main goal in this endeavor is to make sure I have enough to eat all week so I won’t be able to lie to myself that I “need” to have ice cream for dinner.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rFI8t3FjHak/Un_oZ3qCb4I/AAAAAAAAdlA/o-CKQUkUG-I/s1600-h/DSC03982%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03982" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03982" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gwsfisHhtXE/Un_oae8O_UI/AAAAAAAAdlI/Jj-DqEIUvoc/DSC03982_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>My first step is always to make a list of what I have already made (or quick-prep ingredients). I did REALLY WELL cooking a BUNCH of stuff on Sunday, so I had a LOT premade. The CSA was really good for this.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W__aq7lSq_c/Un_obFe-IkI/AAAAAAAAdlQ/fkDQqW5q9R8/s1600-h/DSC03984%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03984" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03984" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lBmBf7eByrU/Un_obqaeH3I/AAAAAAAAdlY/Mw1lw9t8v9s/DSC03984_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I got a pumpkin NOT from the CSA but still local- my neighbor’s parents grew it! To be more specific, they grew a gazillion pumpkins and gave them all to their son, who is now earnestly trying to get rid of them.</p> <p>Happy to do my part, I threw together something sort of fun and inventive: I sliced the pumpkin into super thin slices, that looked sort of like lasagna noodles. Then I made a basic bechamel, to which I added yogurt because I like the tang, I’ve done it successfully in the past while following a Cooking Light recipe, and most importantly was worried about my plain yogurt going bad. I layered the pumpkin “noodles” and the bechamel (which I’d pepped up a bit with nutmeg and balsamic) and it was PRETTY DANG TASTY.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G91HL0567jI/Un_ocWIPKGI/AAAAAAAAdlg/hhJKQ787piw/s1600-h/DSC03981%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03981" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03981" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ylHCuCgo7IY/Un_odehS_WI/AAAAAAAAdlo/1LkkcCqgk_U/DSC03981_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>I also seasoned it, and everything else lately, with this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vmZkqm-dQfc/Un_ody3PqoI/AAAAAAAAdlw/eH2T3mZPJW4/s1600-h/DSC03978%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03978" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="426" alt="DSC03978" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J3ZaUWA9mz8/Un_oeW-iQUI/AAAAAAAAdl4/yQ44XYYnmEo/DSC03978_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0"></a></p> <p>Bought it at the DOLLAH STORE. I mean cmon guys, it’s all the same sea. </p> <p>Anyway, for the other CSA items for the week, I made the following:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pzydaw7lkBE/Un_ofC0ibeI/AAAAAAAAdmA/FQ9144hqMeU/s1600-h/DSC03986%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03986" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03986" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DIXUxj9GEWw/Un_of0ug5YI/AAAAAAAAdmI/M7WqNwY9XxY/DSC03986_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Looks kind of like hot and sour soup, doesn’t it? What it actually is is cooked yellow split peas and greens (beans and greens!), given some richness and pep with ginger and garlic (from the farmer’s market) and coconut milk (from the freezer! It freezes well, note to self, and it’s so nice because I perpetually only need a little bit when I make curry recipes), and finally more of that paneer.</p> <p>Inventive. Or weird. However you want to phrase it.</p> <p>Finally, I’ve been getting almost as many radishes as lemongrass. I combined two types of radishes (white and watermelon radishes- the watermelon radishes have beautiful pink centers!) along with purple potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and gave them a good roast.</p> <p>Beautiful colors, no?</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P96YZYW9n6o/Un_oglCJ1zI/AAAAAAAAdmQ/h0W0O8RdDfU/s1600-h/DSC03991%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03991" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03991" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yB_uzAE_rCk/Un_ohj1RFFI/AAAAAAAAdmY/NKy9XwpFRoo/DSC03991_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ultimately, I’m really glad I did the CSA experiment, and it ended up reinforcing to me all of the stereotypes about CSA’s: it’s fun and convenient and inspires creativity to get an unpredictable weekly delivery. You also get weird stuff in weird quantities and get sick of eating the same stuff over and over (I’m looking at you, absurd quantities of lemongrass that are now making up the flower arrangement in my living room).</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-27475359620033442972013-10-29T07:18:00.000-04:002013-10-29T07:18:00.232-04:00perfection weekend part 2<p>Perfection weekend continued with a mini road trip, to Pittsboro, NC. Steve, Jocelyn, Jocelyn’s kiddo Kane, and I hopped into a car and discovered the most adorable small town. Because Kane is extremely cute, when we made our first stop (at an exquisitely decorated antique store), the store’s owner, rather than paling at the thought of a five year old stampeding around, instead presented that five year old with an adorable mini pumpkin that he carried with him everywhere for the rest of the day.</p> <p>Then we were off to the most amaaaaaaaazing old fashioned ice cream parlor.</p> <p>And naturally Steve had to order one of Steve’s Super Shakes. He got a mix of I want to say Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Reese’s Cup? </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V6SOpAJB1sE/Um7w7OJ3LQI/AAAAAAAAddI/58FrZtS6-b4/s1600-h/DSC03872%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03872" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="276" alt="DSC03872" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JmZHI5wZuNU/Um7w7lUNBRI/AAAAAAAAddM/MiBwkuZurKo/DSC03872_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>I helped :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BlZ4jMig-8o/Um7w8SIo-kI/AAAAAAAAddY/91l4xZfuwUo/s1600-h/DSC03877%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03877" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="629" alt="DSC03877" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ygnuk0xivi0/Um7w82gzPfI/AAAAAAAAddg/f77Jfx_iA7k/DSC03877_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>Jocelyn and Kane split a sundae (this was their SMALLEST SIZE!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZlOGaZs4qIY/Um7w9dB0FHI/AAAAAAAAddo/GwZN7B9xjcA/s1600-h/DSC03874%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03874" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="372" alt="DSC03874" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0EJ-yq4CJfI/Um7w-KnF8_I/AAAAAAAAddw/n6Uwe-IH-I8/DSC03874_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a></p> <p>(Clearly Jocelyn and I think alike on the food photography!)</p> <p>We had lots of fun browsing the parlor and admiring their extensive collection of antiques.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0uQUst2dZR0/Um7w-05zABI/AAAAAAAAdd4/-7oUo0Sy22E/s1600-h/DSC03869%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03869" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="376" alt="DSC03869" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t5PS0_KxkvI/Um7w_jctuEI/AAAAAAAAdeA/qJAQPhGPnBc/DSC03869_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gbutra8WNsY/Um7xAaHHSQI/AAAAAAAAdeI/tTA6AslR1O4/s1600-h/DSC03870%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03870" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="333" alt="DSC03870" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CirZncGww_g/Um7xAwSNUQI/AAAAAAAAdeQ/qgC-Ui1UZTU/DSC03870_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then, after wandering a few more places, Steve decided that we hadn’t had quite enough sugar and stopped in a bakery.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UiG4LOyI8Qg/Um7xBgdxamI/AAAAAAAAdeY/EIsrUKDyvuM/s1600-h/DSC03879%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03879" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="640" alt="DSC03879" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eyQnX_u2f-g/Um7xCck9wmI/AAAAAAAAdeg/WRnfpbLoDRY/DSC03879_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a></p> <p>Jocelyn, Kane and I were busy admiring their beautiful creations.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pm4eVlzRers/Um7xC023jKI/AAAAAAAAdeo/TMHRR4KBCnY/s1600-h/DSC03880%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03880" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="448" alt="DSC03880" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LWWdGg6dZ9g/Um7xDl3sbOI/AAAAAAAAdew/hBe6uU83e78/DSC03880_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And Steve got a donut, which he forced, FORCED, us to have a few bites of.</p> <p>Our main stop of the day was here:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-srDh0iO9xyw/Um7xEihrVWI/AAAAAAAAde4/92mg4E2iGko/s1600-h/DSC03882%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03882" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03882" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H_blCwhaiQI/Um7xFRt8jSI/AAAAAAAAdfA/csZy2KxM4pU/DSC03882_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>For a brewery tour! I sometimes feel like a poser because while I love the nuances of food and appreciate the homebrewing revolution and the exciting developments in the world of beer, I just… really don’t like how beer tastes. Sad. Still, I was excited about the educational component of the brewery tour.</p> <p>Different kindsa malts:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZNHwhcruv2U/Um7xF7gZsYI/AAAAAAAAdfI/4ctlOE9WsqI/s1600-h/DSC03884%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03884" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03884" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GhJu1nLU9vs/Um7xGkhUEtI/AAAAAAAAdfQ/aERiVO1CiC4/DSC03884_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>Various machines and steps in the brewing process that I have now compleeeeetely forgotten.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gpzpnb8RqSg/Um7xHd-6v-I/AAAAAAAAdfY/vPpgbu_17kk/s1600-h/DSC03883%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03883" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="340" alt="DSC03883" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ecv5ZExRajc/Um7xIJD8nZI/AAAAAAAAdfg/HOUDI5bUI9o/DSC03883_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="255" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ICSexKTCvXU/Um7xIhvLSWI/AAAAAAAAdfo/yS0v9EydgFQ/s1600-h/DSC03885%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03885" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="232" alt="DSC03885" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DuASu_Mj2HI/Um7xJIYhLKI/AAAAAAAAdfw/Uc6thDjtFUw/DSC03885_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rbXNyo7Xs2Q/Um7xJ9pSFtI/AAAAAAAAdf4/AHwHJzYPvfA/s1600-h/DSC038882.jpg"><img title="DSC03888" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="240" alt="DSC03888" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aEjDyMW_cQ0/Um7xKXT2e_I/AAAAAAAAdgA/H3d2udq_qz0/DSC03888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PBidhLNDHSg/Um7xK88thBI/AAAAAAAAdgI/L5MzYjnQAfY/s1600-h/DSC038912.jpg"><img title="DSC03891" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="240" alt="DSC03891" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wxks1LJ0FpI/Um7xLc1gN_I/AAAAAAAAdgQ/1VqUbKe0eE8/DSC03891_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uLjsLQTZzvA/Um7xLxnEZjI/AAAAAAAAdgY/ark9A23aedY/s1600-h/DSC038892.jpg"><img title="DSC03889" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="240" alt="DSC03889" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nwoUnu3PEbw/Um7xMpa3G6I/AAAAAAAAdgg/5MHh8j-ftOc/DSC03889_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" border="0"></a></p> <p>And, most people’s favorite part, the tasting! I was largely uninterested in participating in this process, as was Kane, so we wandered around the brewery and he shouted “bubbles!” every time he saw something forming bubbles. We had fun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4MbuekVf2M8/Um7xNA_shBI/AAAAAAAAdgo/UhRCEcQ_NgY/s1600-h/DSC03892%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03892" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03892" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eQ6p5BXGgsM/Um7xNpa-DKI/AAAAAAAAdgw/qp8bvEATK90/DSC03892_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Note that the guy giving the brewery tour was adorable, and knowledgeable about beer despite appearing to be about twelve years old.</p> <p>Then we went outside to enjoy yet another evening of live music!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lp-SROWYgFw/Um7xPkxXGUI/AAAAAAAAdg4/s6EB0yEMY-0/s1600-h/DSC038932.jpg"><img title="DSC03893" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="180" alt="DSC03893" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HCpAUe_y6aQ/Um7xQGgY9cI/AAAAAAAAdhA/XD5Cx0wuuzs/DSC03893_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NwzngR2AwK0/Um7xQ_y984I/AAAAAAAAdhI/mh9SCd3giH8/s1600-h/DSC038942.jpg"><img title="DSC03894" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="180" alt="DSC03894" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_3cYFW22o6o/Um7xRTAhXpI/AAAAAAAAdhQ/I514OM_jeUk/DSC03894_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m7u9IDl-sCg/Um7xR0DBqwI/AAAAAAAAdhY/5MhYSW6ffaY/s1600-h/DSC038952.jpg"><img title="DSC03895" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="180" alt="DSC03895" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sG85PD-VBO0/Um7xStL3ClI/AAAAAAAAdhg/01wAq2WKruM/DSC03895_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vq6B-yvdBNk/Um7xTWOc_VI/AAAAAAAAdho/b8aKcHJGCjY/s1600-h/DSC038962.jpg"><img title="DSC03896" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="180" alt="DSC03896" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gtPw47KgE9s/Um7xT3stOLI/AAAAAAAAdhw/pf6XtcYvnLA/DSC03896_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Kane JAMMED. He danced unceasingly. Lots of jumping up and down. And a little flirtatious running around in circles with an adorable little girl who was dancing too. Adorable.</p> <p>Along with some food that was surprisingly good for a place named for its beer. I got the special fall burger, which was a vegan creation that involved sweet potatoes and quinoa. With fries, the first I’ve had in a long time, on the side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KgK4YhDbgk8/Um7xUm4Z_xI/AAAAAAAAdh4/vTLK7rjZpyQ/s1600-h/DSC03899%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03899" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03899" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bmSwx9e-EaQ/Um7xVJtYfpI/AAAAAAAAdiA/Lf7GCFpOZsg/DSC03899_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steve got the regular veggie burger,which came with sweet potato fries (be still my beating heart!). I stole a bunch of those, in exchange for giving him a bunch of my burger.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h_nYQNBh5iw/Um7xV5DylEI/AAAAAAAAdiI/uN5e5E_Ba_M/s1600-h/DSC03900%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03900" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03900" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TD7GWER70H0/Um7xWglyTBI/AAAAAAAAdiQ/4T5SnNfnbaI/DSC03900_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Had we had enough live music that weekend? No. No we did not.</p> <p>On Sunday, I did some volunteering sending books to prisoners (through an organization with which I’ve recently become involved. As in, I accidentally joined an anarchist group. Long story. I’m there for the prisoners).</p> <p>Then I strolled from my volunteering locale into downtown Carrboro. They are not joking about Carolina blue skies. Sometimes it’s so beautiful here my heart hurts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LJyZFzV3WzE/Um7xXSOcfRI/AAAAAAAAdiY/oTPMws0mx5o/s1600-h/DSC03901%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03901" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03901" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FUCrcnFwrHE/Um7xYDynk-I/AAAAAAAAdig/uDhX98IFY90/DSC03901_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Weaver Street, the main strip of downtown Carrboro, was closed, and hoppin’.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BzndUlKSgxQ/Um7xY8XOYUI/AAAAAAAAdio/IXx7DUfk-OM/s1600-h/DSC03902%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03902" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03902" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8CuU0p1gVQk/Um7xZRLnTNI/AAAAAAAAdiw/ztBrATEJ9YY/DSC03902_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>More fun sidewalk chalk decorations! The bike lanes were beautified.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvRknCd_Z7A/Um7xaKyzN7I/AAAAAAAAdi4/uQbhLtR6Pzw/s1600-h/DSC03904%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03904" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03904" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2zxCvxJc9-c/Um7xbIHuq1I/AAAAAAAAdjA/uHLOFqOKnfE/DSC03904_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And there were lots and lots of fun bands! I was definitely in it more for the experience than the music, but the experience was a grand one. Quality people watching, quality hippie dancing, more jamming with Kane, with whom we later reunited (along with his mama!)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uJs9NdESHzs/Um7xbvlObEI/AAAAAAAAdjI/avcBgaYJyGI/s1600-h/DSC03907%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03907" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03907" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eeORMFqHG-4/Um7xcIeSuNI/AAAAAAAAdjQ/v3ApLvNHJHM/DSC03907_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Quality lounging around looking up at more Carolina blue sky while listening to gentle riffs on the breeze.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UvPese1mbFA/Um7xc5o51ZI/AAAAAAAAdjY/GEmI4Xapiko/s1600-h/DSC03910%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03910" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="401" alt="DSC03910" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Po2AWXyWNHU/Um7xdaPuqHI/AAAAAAAAdjg/pGiGImCIZHU/DSC03910_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then, because I hadn’t quite had enough sugar (x_x) I heard the irresistible call of this food truck.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wqEPBtluqvY/Um7xd0bYRqI/AAAAAAAAdjo/NVUVMd2k_MY/s1600-h/DSC03916%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03916" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03916" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WOkqjJ8lwgI/Um7xeown7SI/AAAAAAAAdjw/LdCEDB7kNdg/DSC03916_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>And ate THE MOST AMAZING BANANA PUDDING ICE CREAM OH MY GOD GUYS.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zyLzpuL4-ZY/Um7xfNmxEsI/AAAAAAAAdj4/oeWzXgHL0XM/s1600-h/DSC03914%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03914" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03914" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z_dfUlwOHWE/Um7xfzCjroI/AAAAAAAAdkA/3U7-2_M_SEg/DSC03914_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-86847938662613637202013-10-28T06:24:00.000-04:002013-10-28T06:24:01.395-04:00perfection weekend<p> Perfection, as I define it. That is, a weekend chock full of friends, food, and music.</p> <p>It began on Friday with (can you imagine a more evocative phrase) Food Truck Rodeo.</p> <p>An exquisite outdoor space, Christmas lights aplenty, happy neighbors of all ages. Live music. Food trucks. A last really warm and lovely night of Indian summer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-51eB-FUSCcU/Um1ae50DF4I/AAAAAAAAdXQ/meXso0yyJLs/s1600-h/DSC03844%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03844" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03844" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nSYsQ5_qwHg/Um1afru0c3I/AAAAAAAAdXY/MtMC88srlX8/DSC03844_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Sidewalk bedecked with chalk (can you tell they’re raising their kids to be hippies here in the Triangle?)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sFmZ9IhFODw/Um1agNT4nJI/AAAAAAAAdXg/6QEbRmYT7zQ/s1600-h/DSC03845%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03845" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03845" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XAxAFVX7nkU/Um1aggxQBhI/AAAAAAAAdXo/MUpTWvImxsU/DSC03845_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Bluegrass! We ended up sitting right next to the bandstand to eat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mTEtgJs2q6E/Um1ahZqayzI/AAAAAAAAdXw/f7XxmQFizqo/s1600-h/DSC03846%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03846" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03846" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7-x6TukLE20/Um1aincl0zI/AAAAAAAAdX4/cZ-LzHHXk0I/DSC03846_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I’d stumbled upon the scene during setup earlier in the day. And made a note of the more whimsically named food trucks for my pun-loving boyfriend.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EsbiBx9XFaU/Um1ajb0PqMI/AAAAAAAAdYA/WspOp02a5q4/s1600-h/DSC03835%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03835" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03835" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LjGP4cnr5vQ/Um1akHFYgQI/AAAAAAAAdYI/AGri0VFM2qE/DSC03835_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-b1eA5E3_MQ8/Um1akllrLZI/AAAAAAAAdYQ/sey-U58gHXc/s1600-h/DSC03833%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03833" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03833" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dP_aqWsKGzk/Um1alVDqh_I/AAAAAAAAdYY/HEqO5tuBEnQ/DSC03833_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>(that says “baguettaboutit”!)</p> <p>Once the rodeo officially began, enormous lines formed behind said trucks. Ended up stopping at neither of those (though they, and the crepe truck, are definitely on my to-do list).</p> <p>Instead I took in the music scene and stole my friends’ baby for awhile.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ruqdf91No-A/Um1al4_TpMI/AAAAAAAAdYg/gwtHQRkw3jI/s1600-h/DSC03848%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03848" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03848" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I5kvePPKy3A/Um1amZ0YgmI/AAAAAAAAdYo/edIVMsHX3Hw/DSC03848_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then got in a much more reasonable line for pizza and salad. This pizza was boss- it had wild mushrooms, caramelized onion, and entire cloves of roasted garlic *swoon*.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1PzHtxwqU_M/Um1anN6sBkI/AAAAAAAAdYw/OPJCK-EQ3Ak/s1600-h/DSC03849%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03849" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03849" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LIJBqTRYsIw/Um1anv6QeSI/AAAAAAAAdY4/Euf3l8ZoJF8/DSC03849_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Let me note that this was the second live band of the day for me. After I got off work, I stumbled upon a New Orleans brass band that was lots of fun (particularly enjoying Saint James Infirmary, which was a depressingly themed song- about a woman discovering her beloved in a morgue- and is traditionally played at funerals, but which I found to be quite beautiful and somewhat oddly upbeat).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fjSEKUHHA5k/Um1aoSO7z0I/AAAAAAAAdZA/CIyNGDDTXes/s1600-h/DSC03839%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03839" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03839" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4BCva3v6A3s/Um1apD_FuMI/AAAAAAAAdZI/1dRZEsvgg2M/DSC03839_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The next morning, I returned to the same outdoor space for the amazing Carrboro farmer’s market. This lady is my absolute favorite- she has delicious baked goods (many of which are gluten free, FYI) and yummy drinks (mint lemonade, anyone?) and she’s also just delightfully cheerful and lets me know about fun things like when Krishna’s birthday is.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xNgol1VG2Pk/Um1aptmNtNI/AAAAAAAAdZQ/gWFBTGPScuY/s1600-h/DSC03852%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03852" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03852" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PIQKgpqvgYk/Um1aqenrFRI/AAAAAAAAdZY/LDAe8E9vwdc/DSC03852_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Some of the goodies:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WcMRE_UAqtA/Um1aq-f2SfI/AAAAAAAAdZg/7PwVl64c3vU/s1600-h/DSC03850%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03850" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03850" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9QvANGS-ypA/Um1arrlQJKI/AAAAAAAAdZo/zsG6hE4q0vg/DSC03850_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And what I opted to buy for breakfast:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xLNK80aDavI/Um1asHsCKZI/AAAAAAAAdZw/Y-tBdK0vmmQ/s1600-h/DSC03853%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03853" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="560" alt="DSC03853" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-inHt5qLUcB0/Um1asljZh2I/AAAAAAAAdZ4/kV1I_MPJ9rU/DSC03853_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then there were cheese samples from Chapel Hill Creamery. Mmm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zAy6XOxJc20/Um1atVe17tI/AAAAAAAAdaA/fu1YWjVd7vU/s1600-h/DSC03854%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03854" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03854" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j7wdKfnreYw/Um1auGdVLWI/AAAAAAAAdaI/Dq4QJPtAWHs/DSC03854_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a></p> <p>Fresh ginger- so gorgeous!- was in abundance.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NAjEF08Bfc0/Um1auuSPRLI/AAAAAAAAdaQ/-oxsC-onupg/s1600-h/DSC03855%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03855" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03855" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nYb3u68faQk/Um1avK8vV6I/AAAAAAAAdaY/zwwziOfHs50/DSC03855_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This was practically the same price as the grocery store, and farm-fresh garlic is something that is truly transcendently delicious if you can get your hands on it. I nabbed some up!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1dHd13-V-Yw/Um1av6lQWgI/AAAAAAAAdag/ghCinBdIOnE/s1600-h/DSC03856%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03856" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03856" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5dzNW9DSpHk/Um1aweU-RvI/AAAAAAAAdao/evy8N18JEtc/DSC03856_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steve selected this hilariously huge bunch of collard greens.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VoioAHyBfzE/Um1aw8A08aI/AAAAAAAAdaw/Tlf4g4oQPb0/s1600-h/DSC03857%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03857" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="466" alt="DSC03857" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6fw4WnkX0v8/Um1axQt_c4I/AAAAAAAAda4/b54z0uks7qU/DSC03857_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Someday, when I have some surplus money (so… not holding my breath on that one) I’m going to buy one of these gorgeous, wonderful-smelling, handmade cedar chests.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-awR9DvQIYo0/Um1ayP_0isI/AAAAAAAAdbA/X6t0tuk-Idc/s1600-h/DSC03858%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03858" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03858" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J3PdgyYSpa0/Um1ayj-VIrI/AAAAAAAAdbI/sCb1tYL6WXk/DSC03858_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This particular morning, we strolled from the farmer’s market to my favorite brunch destination in Carrboro: Panzanella. I’ve been a couple of times, including during Mom Weekend 2013 (as dubbed by my roommate and I- the weekend both of our mothers coincidentally were visiting us and we all hung out together!).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r7dIu02Sj7U/Um1azR8vQDI/AAAAAAAAdbQ/h5cJTdD8sNk/s1600-h/DSC03859%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03859" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03859" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QxgiX49U75U/Um1a0MH0t2I/AAAAAAAAdbY/RAeCVYCkWAc/DSC03859_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The brunch menu kind of makes your eyes roll back in your head. Even better than the sublime-sounding combinations is the fact that they’re purchased through a co-op and mostly local.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VsiWqqlB7y8/Um1a0mkUDxI/AAAAAAAAdbg/EAjEjiocwLk/s1600-h/DSC03861%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03861" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="435" alt="DSC03861" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yKWX5VTEMvc/Um1a1CWB-pI/AAAAAAAAdbo/aZPhgEMOsm8/DSC03861_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0"></a></p> <p>They serve delicious Equal Exchange tea in individual teapots.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lf1m24zRgug/Um1a1-s2xoI/AAAAAAAAdbw/2SCcFUzx0t0/s1600-h/DSC03863%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03863" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03863" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0SZnIupHNAY/Um1a2YaQXbI/AAAAAAAAdb4/qbiI3ZlcqTo/DSC03863_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>While we waited for our orders to arrive, we admired the interior. The outdoor deck is a WONDERFUL place to eat but it’s been a little too raw lately. The interior has art, a lot of it sort of fun and weird.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IhkTu4SdF1w/Um1a28S-rxI/AAAAAAAAdcA/NF-7pll3ono/s1600-h/DSC03865%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03865" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03865" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gzp49tkGUh0/Um1a3fiX8wI/AAAAAAAAdcI/Sy-4kz7SHbY/DSC03865_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Soup sounded great to me, and though I wasn’t wild about their special (tomato-cilantro) I still ordered it and ended up LOVING it. I also got some really awesome cheesy grits on the side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OguoO0MuxQo/Um1a4BaPgVI/AAAAAAAAdcQ/DWu5LkM9_Po/s1600-h/DSC03867%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03867" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03867" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Rd4o7zcFuQc/Um1a4oPREkI/AAAAAAAAdcY/hUZCQ8GyYOQ/DSC03867_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Meanwhile, Steve has become completely obsessed with their vegan wrap, which contains the most creative assortment of ingredients.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2iYSyK8sXs8/Um1a5A7c5ZI/AAAAAAAAdcg/vOWI1ihvPSM/s1600-h/DSC03860%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03860" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03860" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1oY3RiPpdcU/Um1a54vfAGI/AAAAAAAAdco/LCEcxZIVnKQ/DSC03860_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Along with being inventive, it is PRETTY and YUMMY!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sX37eL7kcng/Um1a6Wjyt4I/AAAAAAAAdcw/wgN6jKqNvsY/s1600-h/DSC03868%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03868" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="352" alt="DSC03868" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qnCQbiLFb8U/Um1a6w7QDbI/AAAAAAAAdc0/baDJKNr4u4U/DSC03868_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This post is already quite bulky and we’ve only reached midday Saturday of an epic weekend, so part 2 is forthcoming!</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-23287997115999055222013-10-14T18:41:00.001-04:002013-10-14T18:41:29.435-04:00my cool new friend<p>Living in the DC area can make you think that you are profoundly lacking in social skills. Then, when you relocate to another area, you realize that most people don’t demand to know where you work within two minutes of meeting you, don’t give a sh** where you went to college, and don’t vie to prove who has the highest stress level.</p> <p>People are FRIENDLY! Here in NC, there’s this fabulous thing called southern hospitality!</p> <p>One beautiful late summer evening, I headed out to the grocery store when I spotted my pal Jocelyn and her adorable five year old son Kane. Naturally, I commenced furiously chasing Kane around on the grass while chatting with his mama, at which point Coen, the equally adorable four year old boy who lives across the hall (who was, as always, clad in his Batman tshirt and cape) and <em>his</em> mama Roxanne showed up, and the running and the chasing and the making dinosaur noises just got funner. So we planned a cookout for the following weekend, for all of our fun neighbors to hang out.</p> <p>Gender roles divided pretty hilariously, with Steve and the other men grilling outside and discussing extreme sports…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7ahhgqClEOU/Ulxy2xKednI/AAAAAAAAdT8/I-vj2JwI5JI/s1600-h/DSC03797%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03797" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03797" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xxb4cGCcC1c/Ulxy34j-ufI/AAAAAAAAdUE/erxFvTS7O84/DSC03797_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And the ladies inside, teaching the kiddos how to play the drums on packs of plates (courtesy of my roommate Alli, the girl who will start a drum circle anytime, anywhere).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-faElh7tXJIQ/Ulxy4V3cqcI/AAAAAAAAdUM/W_M9fm3tCJM/s1600-h/DSC03798%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03798" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="392" alt="DSC03798" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9ndZcLuj3tI/Ulxy5MyjvYI/AAAAAAAAdUU/QBaeXRAZPoY/DSC03798_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I offered to bring meats for the meal, spending a small but worth-it fortune on organic ground beef for burgers as well as organic turkey and beef hot dogs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gx-dAV_WxO4/Ulxy5zUyo_I/AAAAAAAAdUc/uQFGshwUfys/s1600-h/DSC03796%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03796" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03796" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gs2HtssS2mI/Ulxy6SDwTGI/AAAAAAAAdUk/x0Kf-jGGrkw/DSC03796_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a></p> <p>Everyone else also contributed too, though I only got a few pictures. Jocelyn’s guacamole and AWESOME watermelon-basil-feta salad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kLxj12fqeTc/Ulxy7FJO8SI/AAAAAAAAdUs/li6Z0HhHybQ/s1600-h/DSC03799%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03799" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03799" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kShkKf7FAKk/Ulxy7gxaefI/AAAAAAAAdU0/cevq7drbBW0/DSC03799_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steph’s carrot cake cupcakes (uhhhhhhhhhhhhhmazing- packed with walnuts) and Charlie’s stuffed mushrooms (which I didn’t eat because I’ve recently been unable to stomach the thought of eating a pig and they were stuffed with pork… but everyone else said were very tasty!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WJbU1Gds63k/Ulxy8ZYQplI/AAAAAAAAdU8/Wf9JygAd0Dg/s1600-h/DSC03800%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XHGbjXxkqAA/Ulxy9CBfQTI/AAAAAAAAdVE/qiUtN8Je_yQ/DSC03800_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Jocelyn and I are extra tight, so we’ve had a few fun date nights with each other. Most recently on my 25th birthday (!!!) when I stayed home sick/”sick” from work and she set aside her freelancing for a few hours to gossip, eat chicken soup, and together watch Dances with Wolves. </p> <p>We are really kindred spirits- the first night we met, she ended up creating astrological charts for me and Steve. And then we excitedly gabbed about antioxidants. And psychoanalyzed the men in our lives.</p> <p>Another time we got together, Jocelyn made me the best roast chicken I’ve ever tasted (a title I can sadly no longer give the Zuni Cafe recipe). I sadly neglected to take a picture, but I’ll describe: she begins with the Martha Stewart recipe, which involves a plethora of fresh and dried herbs and an olive oil basting technique. Bringing her own delightful new age sensibilities to the proceedings, she then says several prayers over the chicken, thanking it for its sacrifices, and rubs the herbs in.</p> <p>Anyway, dessert was extra fab. Jocelyn has an impressively well-stocked pantry and a Vitamix (jealousssss). She threw together in the Vitamix some cacao powder (on which she waxed poetic for a bit regarding its health benefits)…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tzeK06eRj4M/Ulxy9hpSGpI/AAAAAAAAdVM/7a0FN6sBsAg/s1600-h/DSC03789%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03789" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03789" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-T1Jf0aqmEmQ/Ulxy-so836I/AAAAAAAAdVY/X2v3_adsYsY/DSC03789_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>… agave nectar…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7gO9GFofklQ/Ulxy_NruE4I/AAAAAAAAdVg/NyjUWirKv3A/s1600-h/DSC03790%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03790" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="440" alt="DSC03790" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vJWd3BTOiH4/Ulxy_uo9k7I/AAAAAAAAdVo/xTW_n6Xo5XA/DSC03790_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0"></a> </p> <p>… and coconut cream which, who knew, they now sell at Trader Joe’s.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JNWVBmm0Knk/UlxzAZlr9gI/AAAAAAAAdVw/ZYLa4U_-Jfw/s1600-h/DSC03791%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03791" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03791" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bkoIoZ7eAqM/UlxzA17EnmI/AAAAAAAAdV4/hRSEJysnZ0U/DSC03791_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>With strawberries dipped in it, it was pretty epic. (To be truthful, the boys focused on the brewskies and the girls focused on the dessert!). It was also vegan, gluten free, paleo, yadda yadda. None of those are necessarily my scene, but if they are yours you hafta try this dessert!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BF7R8le48u4/UlxzBQ7Mr5I/AAAAAAAAdWA/1scd8SQbMxE/s1600-h/DSC03793%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03793" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03793" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TMrt-emsbr8/UlxzCZw2ecI/AAAAAAAAdWI/hZdDVHSGjeI/DSC03793_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Then when I returned the favor, I made an oh-so-easy and oh-so-tasty soup. I roasted a chicken and used its bones to make stock. I sauteed zucchini, sweet onion, and corn in oil then cooked it with the stock and pureed it with a ton of fresh parsley. AMAZING SOUP. I took the chicken off the bone and made a Caesar salad, with Romaine lettuce and yummy cheese. And because Jocelyn’s kiddo Kane can’t have gluten (she experimented with taking it out of his diet since he was having a crazy bloated belly and not only did the belly get better, his asthma disappeared!), I made my favorite gluten free specialty: socca!</p> <p>It was quite the feast.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rLXPOUTqyoY/UlxzC4I2GHI/AAAAAAAAdWQ/n_TvZMOMN64/s1600-h/DSC03811%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03811" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="398" alt="DSC03811" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HBXPn3uqIPQ/UlxzDghawnI/AAAAAAAAdWY/O6vRLsIPhuk/DSC03811_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" border="0"></a></p> <p>The soup was particularly delicious- homemade chicken stock is SO easy and SO delicious. Kane, the five year old, got seconds, which I thought was a real vote of confidence in the recipe!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FirfN-Rzx-I/UlxzEEx6ohI/AAAAAAAAdWg/GYYuCPH2VjI/s1600-h/DSC03812%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03812" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03812" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JKoYPTSMakM/UlxzE60G0yI/AAAAAAAAdWo/i5ofVTBK2C4/DSC03812_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Funnest of all, after dinner we played blocks. Because I am currently teaching preschool, and thus there are fun toys all over my house. These are particularly cool- you can make skyscrapers out of them! Trees on the roof optional.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HrsXOv4wrv8/UlxzFHwZ2MI/AAAAAAAAdWw/zl1lIYCljCc/s1600-h/DSC03814%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03814" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="440" alt="DSC03814" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GaXftENEqBo/UlxzGNa6dzI/AAAAAAAAdW4/yZrzmN693S0/DSC03814_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Fact: when you are five, the most fun part of building with blocks is knocking them all over.</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-9395215366332160612013-10-11T06:55:00.000-04:002013-10-11T06:55:00.306-04:00one year ago<p>One year ago today I did something pretty cool, and it’s had a wider ranging impact on my life than I ever expected it to when it began, and I’d like to reflect on it for my own personal catharsis and encourage others to do this same cool thing, should they be so inclined.</p> <p>If you’d like, you can first read <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2012/08/ends-and-beginnings.html" target="_blank">some of</a> my <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2012/10/makin-some-cells.html" target="_blank">previous posts</a> about donating stem cells.</p> <p>If not, I’m going to tell the story from the beginning, starting with Once Upon a Time.</p> <p>Once upon a time I went to a blood drive. I was in college and it was in the dorm and it was all pretty simple. A friendly volunteer came up and asked me if I wanted to be in a bone marrow registry. All it would take, she assured me, was a painless swab of the inside of my cheek with a q tip. “Sure!”, I responded, and gave her a tiny piece of my inner cheek in exchange for a cute pin that said, “Will you marrow me?”</p> <p>Knowing the tiny odds of someone being a match for an unrelated stranger is exceptionally tiny (1 in 540, to be specific), I didn’t expect to hear any more from them. Somewhat surprisingly, I did, a mere six months or so later. I agreed to do the follow up blood work, where I went to a doctors office and got a few vials of blood taken out. They told me they’d test my blood, both for the quality of the match between my genes and the ones of another and for the presence of any nasty little viruses in my blood, but explained that being a preliminary match does not mean that you’ll actually end up being the one donating. Sure enough, when they next called me, they said that someone else had been a better match.</p> <p>Primed by this experience, when I got a phone call in 2012, another three years or so later, I expected that once again the nice marrow people would look at my blood and find it not quite right. After the bloodwork, I got my follow up phone call and, noticing that my phone was near death, plugged it into an outlet and sat in the floor so I could talk while it charged. This ended up being fortuitous, as the phone call was both lengthy and dramatic enough that I was glad to be sitting.</p> <p>I was a match. A woman, somewhere in the world, 33 years old, had an awful case of cancer and I was the person with the best odds of providing her with the cells she needed to rebuild her immune system and prolong her life.</p> <p>The scientific details made up the majority of the phone call. In all likelihood, this was based on my own interest. I was in (what I now know was) the last months of a crappy job and craving a return to learning about science and heath, what I envisioned in what became the grad school program of my dreams. Science: the nice person from the marrow registry explained that when a patient’s doctor entered him or her into the registry, they could rank what treatments they thought would best work for their patient’s needs. A bone marrow transplant, the older of the two procedures I’ll explain in this post, is what most people are familiar with. The donor goes to a doctor’s office, is put under local anesthesia, and has a large needle inserted into their bone, from which bone marrow is removed. However, bone marrow donation was not what this particular patient’s doctor was requesting as their first choice of treatment.</p> <p>Rather, what they requested, and what I ultimately provided, was a peripheral blood stem cell donation. A quick explanation: many people are familiar with embryonic stem cells, because they are a bit of a hot-button political issue. Embryonic stem cells can become any kind of cell- they are blank slates. The hope is that someday someone with, for example, a degenerative nerve disease could get embryonic stem cells implanted in their body, and grow new nerve cells. However, there are also other types of stem cells, which are still around when you are out of the womb, and when you grow up into adulthood. Blood stem cells are in this category. Think about it: our blood cells go through considerable wear and tear (any time you get a cut, for example). They also are made more frequently than many other types of cells.</p> <p>So, blood stem cells are used to make every kind of blood cells- red blood cells, and the different types of white blood cells that comprise your immune system. For someone with leukemia- like the woman who received my stem cell donation- those white blood cells are what aren’t working. In leukemia, the body produces enormous amounts of immature, poorly functioning white blood cells (which is why people with leukemia often learn their diagnosis because they get sick a lot- their white blood cells don’t function well enough to fight off infection).</p> <p>In a traditional bone marrow transplant, those blood stem cells are sucked out of the bone marrow. In a peripheral blood stem cell donation, you receive injections of a drug called filgrastim (which was a drug originally developed for people who had received bone marrow transplants). It causes your body to make a tonnnn of extra blood stem cells. Those extra stem cells crowd into the bone marrow and get pushed out into the bloodstream, joining the small amount of peripheral blood stem cells that are already in the bloodstream. (The number of peripheral blood stem cells in the bloodstream without getting filgrastim are too low in number to work for a transplant).</p> <p>Anyway, lots of science. What did this mean for me, and the woman who now knew she was going to receive a transplant? Hint: it was a lot easier for me.</p> <p>To prepare oneself to receive a bone marrow/peripheral blood stem cell transplant (I’m going to use the terms interchangeably from this point on, trusting y’all know the science now!), you basically have to get your immune system nuked. The woman who received my stem cells had already been through the hell of cancer (specifically <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acute-myelogenous-leukemia/DS00548" target="_blank">acute myelogenous leukemia</a>, a particularly nasty breed, that she’d been exceedingly unlikely and unlucky to get at the age of 33). She’d gone through the conventional treatments (because of the extremely high risks of a bone marrow transplant, it is a treatment of last resort) and they hadn’t worked, or she wouldn’t be on the transplant registry list. Now she received even more chemo, and likely radiation too (because of privacy laws, I don’t know the details of her treatment), in an effort to knock out her own immune system so intensely that she wouldn’t reject my cells. This of course left her incredibly vulnerable to infection, and in isolation in a hospital ward.</p> <p>While she went through that hell, I prepared myself to donate. On the registry folks’ end (incidentally, the National Marrow Donor Program is staffed by some seriously awesome people, and does some seriously great work, and is worth your interest and support), my coordinator Cathy wrangled my GAZILLIONS of doctors appointments and lab visits. My tests included but were not limited to: the most thorough physical of my life that asked gazillions of questions about my medical history and physical and mental state (the funnest part definitely being the nurse practitioner and I both sifting through the paperwork figuring out exactly how to classify my outpatient surgical procedure for removing a large chalasian from my eye); a chest X-ray; an EKG; a CBC (which told me about all the different types and numbers of blood cells, which I found FASCINATING!); urinalysis; a nutrition panel (after which I was given leave to eat as much steak as I wanted cause my iron was hella low); and roughly 10,000 pregnancy tests.</p> <p>Meanwhile, I spent a lot of time thinking about the woman who would get my cells. Praying for her, her family, her doctors. Wondering whether she had kids (being a 33 year old woman). Trying to envision where she lived, with limited success. My case was a bit unusual because the woman who received my cells lives somewhere in Europe. The registry is international, so she still got matched up with me, but the whole procedure for eventually knowing about/meeting the person who got your cells is complicated, because different countries have very different privacy laws about knowing who gave you your cells. (Which, of course, makes sense- what if someone needs an additional donation and the person who gave cells the first time opts not to do it again. What would that mean if you could track that person down?) Still, I try to picture her. My mom’s hairdresser’s friend (ha! My mom really enjoyed telling EVERYONE SHE KNEW about this procedure) said that she knew someone who’d donated bone marrow and met her recipient, and said they’d both ended up laughing upon seeing each other because they looked alike! Which makes sense given, by necessity, their genetic similarity. I think of myself as a uniquely American genetic mutt- a dad who’s half English, half South African (well, Dutch via South Africa, I spose) and a mom who’s mostly Greek with a little dash of Irish thrown in for fun. Where but America could this kind of genetic mix occur?</p> <p>I was really scared for this woman. As I said, to get bone marrow, you get your immune system NUKED. Which means that the common cold can kill you. Then, once you get the new stem cells, they can attack your own cells (graft versus host disease). This happens a lot too.</p> <p>However, the process, when successful, is pretty flabbergasting. When the transplant works, when the donor’s cells enter the recipient’s body, <strong>they know where to go</strong>. Specifically, through the blood stream, into the bone marrow, where <strong>they start building the person a brand new immune system</strong>. Truly mind boggling: if the donor and the recipient are two different blood types and the transplant is successful, <strong>the recipient will become the blood type of the donor.</strong></p> <p>Fast forward to donation week, which meant injection time. The way the process works is that there’s a cadre of people for the week- in other words, me and five other people would all get our injections on the same schedule and then all donate together on the same day. This fostered a nice sense of camaraderie. Because I lived literally five minutes away from one of the best apheresis centers in the country, I did not travel for my donation, but most other people had. The National Marrow Donor Program flew folks into town and gave them hotel rooms (they also reimbursed us for travel to and from doctor’s appointments, any medical tests we had to pay for out of pocket- in my case, none, because they arranged all of my appointments- and the meals we and our loved one we brought with us ate on the day of our donation. I ultimately opted not to submit my receipts because I thought they were such a great organization that I’d let them spend that money on better things!) Something that I found fascinating was that at LEAST fifty percent of the people in my group were in the military. I take that as a sign that there must be some sort of mandatory (or at least highly accessible and encouraged) way for military members to enroll in the registry.</p> <p>We arrived that first morning and got thoroughly briefed on the possible side effects of filgrastim. The filgrastim injections? Yeah, those hurt like a BITCH, and you had to get them in each arm. To take home, we were given our own individual containers of extra strength Tylenol, which we were told to take around the clock, before the pain started, because once it did it would be too hard to get on top of. We were also told to quit vigorous exercise, but to walk as often as possible because it helped the drug move through your bloodstream and reduced bone pain. Bone pain, especially in the large bones like your hip bones and femurs, is the most common side effect. We were told what serious side effects to look for, and asked daily questions about our side effects so that the staff could give us any medications we needed. I also received a phone call every morning from Cathy, my coordinator at the office of the National Marrow Donor program.</p> <p>For me, I experienced two main side effects from the drugs. The first was the promised bone pain. My lower back just killed me for a couple of days. Walking definitely helped, and bad weather meant that I dragged my nice boyfriend to the museums downtown with me and walked around there. Another rainy day I spent walking around the mall picking out wedding presents for a friend. My second side effect was nausea. Now, I maintain that I was lucky, because another friend I had (crazily, a friend I went to summer camp with who donated stem cells <em>at the exact same hospital a month earlier than I did</em>) had gotten absolutely awful nausea that required her to be hospitalized from so much vomiting. I did not throw up during the process. However, I now have an extraordinary sympathy and respect for women with morning sickness, because holy crap it is AWFUL being nauseous all the time! They gave me phenergen for the nausea, but with the caveat that for the drug to be most effective you should take it two hours after eating or one hour before eating. By the end, eating was awful and I wanted to avoid it as much as possible. I remember taking the phenergen, knowing I had to eat in an hour, and calling Steve crying because I didn’t want to. He very sweetly talked me down and recommended buttered noodles, which worked beautifully.</p> <p>Soon enough it was donation day. I arrived at the hospital at the crack of dawn to get my final injection, then instructed to walk around for an hour or so to let it kick in. I ate breakfast (a bagel with butter, which actually tasted pretty good), and returned to the center.</p> <p>Let me be candid: I was told that the donation process would be not dissimilar to donating blood. You’d get a needle put in one hand, have it suck out your blood and send it through an apheresis machine that would pull out the stem cells, and get the regular cells put back in your bloodstream through the other hand. While all of that is technically true, that process also <em>sucked</em>. For the blood to successfully flow out of your veins and into the machine, and to avoid clotting, you are pumped full of blood thinners and your blood must be kept extremely warm, which means that you are covered in hot heavy blankets and hot water bottles. You also watch your own blood flow out of you in enormous quantities in a lot of tubes, and it can really skeeve you out. By far the worst aspect, however, is the tourniquet. You have a tourniquet wrapped around the arm that’s getting the cells sucked out, in order to control the blood flow. Within about an hour, it literally felt as though someone was stabbing me in the arm- my nerve cells were all, “THERE IS NO BLOOD FLOW I AM GOING TO FALL OFF IF YOU CONTINUE THIS PROCESS!” I am normally pretty stoic about pain, but, particularly embarrassing in the presence of all these military folks, I started crying like a baby. Which of course happened the moment my boyfriend arrived with an also somewhat embarrassing (though of course also very sweet) balloon and teddy bear.</p> <p>The nurses were so kind to me and loosened the tourniquet and gave me a break (and also helped me with the VERY tricky business of using the bathroom during the donation. You have to keep the hand where the blood is being sucked out COMPLETELY STILL, leaving you with just one hand, which also has a needle stuck in it, to use. Zippers are a hoot, let me tell you). My mom insisted in taking the day off of work (the donation day and the next day too) and watched cheesy movies with me to distract me during the donation process (fact: I now associate Mamma Mia and Date Night with pain and discomfort and I never want to see them again). My cute boyfriend was cute. </p> <p>And, of course, the whole process was worth it, and I knew that my level of discomfort was nothing, <strong>nothing</strong>, compared to the woman with cancer who was receiving my cells.</p> <p>Still, I was glad when it was over!</p> <p>Immediately after my donation, I felt surprisingly good. RAVENOUSLY hungry, which means I got to do justice to a big Moe’s burrito, which was the first thing that had tasted good in many days. I took the following day off of work. Sidebar: I didn’t miss a ton of work for the process. The marrow registry was really good about scheduling my appointments on my lunch hour at a Labcorp near my work, or in early morning at a hospital near my house. My injections began on the Saturday of Columbus Day weekend, so the only day I had to contend with before my donation day (a Wednesday) was Tuesday, on which I think I worked mostly a full day at work. I did take the Thursday off after the donation because I basically slept all day. As in, was awake for maybe six hours of the day. It was pretty great.</p> <p>On Friday I returned to work for a full day. Food was still a little iffy, which means that it was the only day of my life where I ate <strong>two meals at Wendys</strong>. A shockingly good egg sandwich for breakfast and a baked potato for lunch. It was close to my office, cheap, and prevented me from having to think about food. Bless you Wendy’s. Over the next few weeks, I grew frustrated with not being able to work out (not for at least 14 days after the donation) but otherwise regained feeling like myself very very quickly.</p> <p>So that’s the end of the donation story. In terms of the followup, it gets really very good, though there are some blanks.</p> <p>In the life of the recipient:</p> <p>1. One month later: I had to make my nurses some delicious cookies, one to thank them for treating me so well and one because I had to bring them over along with my good news. Fact: nurses are an integral part of the donation process, but don’t get to find out about what happened to the patient! So I <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2012/11/thankful-baking.html" target="_blank">made them some macaroons and delighted with them with the news that my patient had engrafted (accepted my stem cells) and was out of the hospital.</a></p> <p>2. Six months later: I got a voicemail from Cathy, my faithful coordinator at the National Marrow Donor program. I heard the smile in her voice as she told me she had good news for me. Imagine my delight when I returned her call to learn that my patient’s health continued to improve, she’d had very few side effects, and that she was preparing to return to work part-time. I could correspond with her anonymously (something with which I’ve been struggling to figure out how to do… what do I say?!) for the next five years and upon the five year mark, if we both agreed to it, we could meet.</p> <p>In the life of the donor (aka me):</p> <p>1. One month later: I completed my last day at my crappy job! Nothing like thinking about someone with cancer to make one recognize that LIFE IS SHORT. </p> <p>2. One year later (aka now): the experience of donating stem cells was all kinds of things for me. I’d absolutely do it again, crappy side effects and all.</p> <p>One thing it made me do is appreciate my body. Our bodies are amazing, and learning about the science of the bone marrow (or stem cell) donation process really demonstrates that. It’s hard to buy into our body’s ridiculous obsession with how our bodies look on the outside when you witness that, on the inside, with just a little help from some meds, your body can make <strong>340 million blood stem cells</strong> (in my case; they need 300 million for a transplant, mine made a little extra. One guy made billions and billions!) If we just let our bodies be our bodies, they can do fearful and wonderful things, and we can quite literally give of ourselves.</p> <p>Another thing is that it is deeply, purely validating to the self to do something so unequivocally good. I do a lot of “shoulds” and self criticism in my life (an ongoing battle for me, believe me). I constantly feel that I’m not doing enough, or I’m not doing things the right way, or I’m caught up in stupid little things, or that I should just be better at my job/relationship/healthy lifestyle. But doing something purely good, something that is voluntary and purely and simply good is a feeling I highly recommend.</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-21761339663206738412013-09-29T23:43:00.001-04:002013-09-29T23:43:18.175-04:00Nesting<p>Nonsensical thoughts on the new ‘hood.</p> <p>First, admire the amazing luna moth that took up residence in the breezeway by my building for a few days. Huge! Beautiful! Makes me think of my favorite book, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--CNQ8SU2uwc/Ukjy966VLEI/AAAAAAAAdOk/HRt2W9yJm_4/s1600-h/DSC03611%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03611" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03611" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EV1EkVyHRls/Ukjy-du6t8I/AAAAAAAAdOs/rOmUNP8MfvQ/DSC03611_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6y71Pg6_EfI/Ukjy_NtOXlI/AAAAAAAAdO0/BFdXGPgmmW4/s1600-h/DSC03612%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03612" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03612" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DQFi7si5QqY/Ukjy_sdRK2I/AAAAAAAAdO8/8s2QlJMxDQs/DSC03612_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Snapshots from the first time entertaining at Steve’s place. He had over my roommate and her boyf as well as Steve’s old college friend and his girlfriend. Crazy- Steve and Alex attended school together- in Illinois, mind you, nowhere near North Carolina- and with no planning or forethought, ended up living on the same street. Crazy, right?!</p> <p>Steve’s back porch is pretty fantastic. Clearly someone just told a hilarious joke!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JtRDAwKjYbQ/UkjzALQ4izI/AAAAAAAAdPE/b-p0xdDsKQQ/s1600-h/DSC03621%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03621" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="506" alt="DSC03621" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MlHpOG1rRBg/UkjzA3VZfQI/AAAAAAAAdPM/18Z2TyKlN1Y/DSC03621_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Neglected to photograph the meal (Steve’s impeccable homemade pasta) but got a dessert shot.</p> <p>Alex’s ladyfriend Myra made this totally boss tart- puff pastry crust, dense creamy filling, fresh blueberries atop.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TEgp3e3xIz0/UkjzBZwj28I/AAAAAAAAdPU/JIjQg7UY6c0/s1600-h/DSC03623%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03623" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03623" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4PozPouvEgM/UkjzCNNJHxI/AAAAAAAAdPc/lfjyif0_zic/DSC03623_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>I made what we’ll call “deconstructed tiramisu”. It was okay. Had ricotta and bits of chocolate and things.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_eXAuhPUFm0/UkjzC0T9lLI/AAAAAAAAdPk/T0VrMEZ1y9M/s1600-h/DSC03624%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03624" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03624" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qfwraz4Byhc/UkjzDYLv8UI/AAAAAAAAdPs/Yx_EXLgtyeQ/DSC03624_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Molly takes care of plates after we dine at Steve’s. She has some irritating habits, chiefly making the home smell like her, but she also does cute things like yawning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s0RXd2fqtW0/UkjzDw4RnUI/AAAAAAAAdP0/donMgNvPLJU/s1600-h/DSC03619%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03619" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03619" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mYKMP4oXSTM/UkjzEjGLrnI/AAAAAAAAdP8/pY7lBUmJDHw/DSC03619_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> </p> <p>As for my place, I’ve (almost) got my apartment where I want it. Alli’s gotten a lot of GREAT stuff for it. She buys the cool vintage furniture at thrift stores, I buy Dolly Parton albums at the Habitat for Humanity thrift store and create a little Dolly shrine. My fabulous roommate loves Dolly Parton as much as I do AND grew up very close to her hometown.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q0G5ACaI9hs/UkjzE5Ox7VI/AAAAAAAAdQE/P_cIFUl1I_M/s1600-h/DSC03663%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03663" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03663" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f2QVm934kMs/UkjzFSD53KI/AAAAAAAAdQM/srzN6ztkUig/DSC03663_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Note Alli’s awesome homemade coasters!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_OcfNqjJ7Fk/UkjzF50vXqI/AAAAAAAAdQU/csPU5MxDHwA/s1600-h/DSC03664%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03664" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03664" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PVQDkkIR5do/UkjzGRQnrsI/AAAAAAAAdQc/himpqczm2n0/DSC03664_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>That Habitat for Humanity store is also where I got this fabulous lamp for twelve dollah:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YCrfqfI3UqA/UkjzGwdyLRI/AAAAAAAAdQg/E_FXtenoL9M/s1600-h/DSC03648%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03648" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03648" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oHIoZ6I-CMo/UkjzHX8Bv7I/AAAAAAAAdQs/3ayHE5PgJg4/DSC03648_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>The shade is really thick and sturdy and silky and high quality, too, so it’s got substance along with its style!</p> <p>Since I am surrounded by hippies, I decided it wouldn’t be too ridiculous for me to adorably decorate our trash can. (Note: when you lift up the lid, I wrote a little note that said, “Could you be recycling this?”)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yW52fNeoou4/UkjzIHqy2WI/AAAAAAAAdQ0/D9S9RIFpqK8/s1600-h/DSC03613%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03613" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03613" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-24Z69gn1ND8/UkjzImC_NDI/AAAAAAAAdQ8/1sqJh3wXBME/DSC03613_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>I’ve cultivated feelings of competence and self-worth by putting up my own curtains and then doing a repair when they fell down.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Np_B0ZEU1g/UkjzJNHfJJI/AAAAAAAAdRE/gD0KxyLDH2M/s1600-h/DSC03650%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03650" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="533" alt="DSC03650" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cl2jV-vQBWc/UkjzJtp3eTI/AAAAAAAAdRM/4hwnJPqO9RE/DSC03650_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a></p> <p>They were like $8 or something? Solid polyester, of course, but I like the texture of the fabric.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uCELLtcgKJg/UkjzKBozjpI/AAAAAAAAdRU/rw2OxbkoFV4/s1600-h/DSC03672%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03672" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03672" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qoYAjWjTF1o/UkjzKu_AiQI/AAAAAAAAdRc/Vh2TjhRyEsU/DSC03672_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>In general, I’m into fun fabrics in my room. My bedside table is in fact just one of the boxes I used to move covered with a cool piece of fabric I got in Thailand. As for that melatonin, that useless substance is evidence of something that’s <em>not</em> going so well in the move. Sigh.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rCKHNFz8RhQ/UkjzLCBH_aI/AAAAAAAAdRk/kjjP7mnNHT0/s1600-h/DSC03656%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03656" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03656" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3yd7x2EbmYA/UkjzLsMCxrI/AAAAAAAAdRs/e8RgvxhPmdM/DSC03656_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>More cool fabric patterns: the goldy stuff underneath I also got in Thailand; those pretty green containers where I keep my jewelry were a gift from my aunt, who got them in South Africa.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kNid5rgqgZY/UkjzMWVVhCI/AAAAAAAAdR0/FxGCXJwRKOg/s1600-h/DSC03676%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03676" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03676" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IGS_s8ek2VU/UkjzNLk-0KI/AAAAAAAAdR8/H-MDC4JIYw8/DSC03676_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Lest you think my room is just filled with exotica, my absolute favorite thing I bought on a day trip to Hillsborough. Isn’t this gorgey?! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KaR-hYIsAGc/UkjzNuPnNdI/AAAAAAAAdSE/_qtX-mTrDPA/s1600-h/DSC03658%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03658" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03658" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1guWT1fuqrw/UkjzOMISMQI/AAAAAAAAdSM/lt7iokYmzf0/DSC03658_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Simultaneously ceiling decor, excellent feng shui, light reflecting, and container for the only living thing (I hope) besides me in my room. I bought it at the coolest little store in Hillsborough- full of all sorts of reclaimed wood furniture and homemade soaps and fun stuff like that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4-82rKEF9Fo/UkjzOkuHEPI/AAAAAAAAdSU/87NAwpsmG4s/s1600-h/DSC03660%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03660" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03660" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XSA1G_6sugk/UkjzPIVM6XI/AAAAAAAAdSc/fFEyYaszWEk/DSC03660_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Also made a KILLING at an estate sale that we randomly stumbled upon one Saturday. There was something truly gruesome about seeing all of someone’s earthly possessions sold off to the masses for vastly less than they were worth. I feel compelled to give my Monet poster (still in the process of being flattened!) a happy second life.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E2cX_2U-x6M/UkjzP4uEPpI/AAAAAAAAdSk/BPktTRgp-eg/s1600-h/DSC03785%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03785" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03785" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MUvXC1hR8Lk/UkjzQddsx4I/AAAAAAAAdSs/RDOySWQT-p8/DSC03785_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>One of the things holding down the Monet poster is this cool lantern-type thing, which I think I’m going to give to my sailing-loving uncle for Christmas. I got a LOT of Christmas presents at this sale!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7ikRYHWzLjA/UkjzRD0Y4JI/AAAAAAAAdS0/5DLevzhTsPM/s1600-h/DSC03787%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03787" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03787" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4hOfS2-7dKY/UkjzRp3RJ4I/AAAAAAAAdS8/DmkAcy7FPSE/DSC03787_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Speaking of deals, this is way too close to my home and way too delicious and way too cheap.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1h56IVXh15o/UkjzSGywaxI/AAAAAAAAdTE/iV_LWwH4T0E/s1600-h/DSC03794%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03794" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="640" alt="DSC03794" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gUmhYmPWwBE/UkjzSq_uxlI/AAAAAAAAdTM/FREwtF1Agwg/DSC03794_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Enough said.</p> <p>A wonderful close to home place is the farmer’s market, where I got all this great loot for $14.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pe8kLkCEgOE/UkjzTTdTUrI/AAAAAAAAdTU/ml0_jnumc2w/s1600-h/DSC03816%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03816" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03816" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OznozeRiKTk/UkjzTyFWxnI/AAAAAAAAdTc/l3mlZvNN6mE/DSC03816_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Fab Tuscan kale, tomatoes that seem to be keepin’ on truckin’ right into fall; a fun new kind of pumpkin that I had to get; cute stripey summer squash; yummy corn; and SCUPPERNONG GRAPES! The most intensely scented, incredibly sweet, thoroughly seedy specimens. I love them.</p> <p>We end this nesting post with a silly comfort food dish. After having our first cookout with the neighbors (which I’ll highlight later) I had some leftover hot dogs (on which I’d spent a small fortune; for organic dontcha know). So what better than my first hot dog and bean casserole?! With liberal amounts of fresh tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, sweet onion, and worcestershire sauce, I must confess that it was delicious.</p> <p>With kale chips on the side cause it isn’t 1950 anymore!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TrTcoiPl8jo/UkjzUgrYvrI/AAAAAAAAdTk/XhKM3ve8Z5U/s1600-h/DSC03806%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03806" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03806" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FPYg36KQ8P8/UkjzVE2CxYI/AAAAAAAAdTs/8_NW4eMcORE/DSC03806_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-77199544527204201702013-09-09T23:13:00.001-04:002013-09-09T23:13:07.043-04:00exploring winston salem<p>So I’m doing another Americorps gig! Whoo!</p> <p>I don’t think it’d necessarily appropriate to give a tonnnn of details, but the short story is that I’ll be working with little (as in, pre-school) childrens who like all children deserve to arrive at school ready to learn and able to express themselves but won’t necessarily be fully equipped to do so because of challenging home situations. </p> <p>I recently traveled to Winston Salem, NC to train with my new AmeriCrew. I have very few photos of the training itself, but they make me laugh.</p> <p>The first is of a duck attacking my fellow corps member Leslie.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VH6bwtTl1PU/Ui6K0aW6UYI/AAAAAAAAdCo/QarhfiYG4Vw/s1600-h/DSC036903.jpg"><img title="DSC03690" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03690" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--rALhYnLEx0/Ui6K07QgCRI/AAAAAAAAdCw/bm7sGibkdjg/DSC03690_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Ha! Our (awesome) supervisor designated one of our training days as an outdoor day, so we did some team building type stuff in a park. We were in a picnic pavilion, where local ducks are clearly used to getting people’s tidbits. They were AGGRESSIVE.</p> <p>Another awesome thing about this new Americorps program (and there are many) is that unlike my old program, we trained in a beautiful building (not an ugly, old, smelly, crammed-with-random-crap one) and were served delicious breakfasts and lunch each day (unlike the old one, which never fed us unless you count the food bank leftovers we frantically gorged at the end of our stressful days). Our last day, we got (admittedly less than healthy but quite delicious) biscuit sandwiches from a local barbecue place. Enjoyed with delicious fruit.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UXLRuz4eu48/Ui6K1oV3GmI/AAAAAAAAdC4/WR_I5CwKklg/s1600-h/DSC037743.jpg"><img title="DSC03774" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03774" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rNducGJsl_g/Ui6K2ILNmiI/AAAAAAAAdDA/oqAKDolHVQc/DSC03774_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Because our organization was hosting a fundraiser, we spent the morning camped out on the front lawn. It was lots of fun!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RIaX3ODu-Gg/Ui6K2zzu4WI/AAAAAAAAdDI/yDGud11M7Bk/s1600-h/DSC037733.jpg"><img title="DSC03773" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03773" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7uzmmzgciUk/Ui6K3mIujCI/AAAAAAAAdDQ/9VmRep3VvWg/DSC03773_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And that’s all I have to say about my new gig for now. However, I did want to share about Winston Salem, which is a surprisingly fun city!</p> <p>I stayed at a hotel and also got a per diem. It was great for like two days (there was also a free gym, which I visited every day after lots of sitting-down-y training) and then it was like “Ugh get me some vegetables.”</p> <p>One night we went to an establishment with some saucy mermaids and fishing netting on the wall.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6abbY1SEKAI/Ui6K4d3utKI/AAAAAAAAdDY/ZtOTPlH3OeA/s1600-h/DSC036825.jpg"><img title="DSC03682" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="413" alt="DSC03682" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RTtkg7cze3U/Ui6K404IcZI/AAAAAAAAdDg/HCyOMF7cziU/DSC03682_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-njFMwQL2uYs/Ui6K5baTcJI/AAAAAAAAdDo/sGFgeJpaJn8/s1600-h/DSC036863.jpg"><img title="DSC03686" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03686" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RyNmU-1uThQ/Ui6K52XI3QI/AAAAAAAAdDw/u8m7WimDAJE/DSC03686_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GkKUkd2IkRM/Ui6K6TEGsbI/AAAAAAAAdD4/rCyWAkuRy8s/s1600-h/DSC036883.jpg"><img title="DSC03688" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03688" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eXLXj91VryM/Ui6K6_FwN2I/AAAAAAAAdEA/LaNQseVprV8/DSC03688_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>‘Cept it was Tuesday and our really really really hands-off waiter didn’t tell us it was TACO TUESDAY so we spent too much money for normal food where we could’ve spent very little money for awesome tacos! Tragic.</p> <p>My favorite day in Winston Salem was our second to last day, where they let us out of training early and we got to visit <a href="http://www.reynoldahouse.org/" target="_blank">Reynolda House</a>. No pictures were allowed inside of the awesome-robber-baron-house-turned-museum, but I went a little nuts in the gorrrrrrrrrgeous gardens.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TnpO_r5aPfQ/Ui6K7r76-dI/AAAAAAAAdEI/phn7t8YjOMw/s1600-h/DSC036913.jpg"><img title="DSC03691" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03691" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eODcNHjkt1k/Ui6K8LRZFWI/AAAAAAAAdEQ/jQVeqcenZRQ/DSC03691_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pthmvqmXcH0/Ui6K861M3aI/AAAAAAAAdEY/u52-U0nJQH0/s1600-h/DSC036923.jpg"><img title="DSC03692" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03692" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1uSPcd1OlH0/Ui6K9hFe5VI/AAAAAAAAdEg/4BYScBpsiR0/DSC03692_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This is columbine. It smells like heaven and butterflies love it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WipUTnTj_Ko/Ui6K-EO-3bI/AAAAAAAAdEo/o7eDgs2AcEQ/s1600-h/DSC036973.jpg"><img title="DSC03697" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03697" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-izksRp_aLSI/Ui6K-xywrEI/AAAAAAAAdEw/ubGnGJfMTMc/DSC03697_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eWM-q9cfTSg/Ui6K_kFYpAI/AAAAAAAAdE4/76lRQ4n9J80/s1600-h/DSC037004.jpg"><img title="DSC03700" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03700" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8EN4590HnP4/Ui6LAAZi46I/AAAAAAAAdFA/CECieC7M2uU/DSC03700_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ijkFEWpvg5I/Ui6LA91zyZI/AAAAAAAAdFI/7ApyVx31VI8/s1600-h/DSC037013.jpg"><img title="DSC03701" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03701" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qnz-ck3s4xg/Ui6LBoLW5II/AAAAAAAAdFQ/a5UrWwEKtc8/DSC03701_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The food department.</p> <p>Tomatoes and figs!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-60qekck2_Kg/Ui6LCBVA72I/AAAAAAAAdFY/eKBTr-43jc0/s1600-h/DSC037043.jpg"><img title="DSC03704" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03704" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rmmm9HEIyVY/Ui6LCnfDJII/AAAAAAAAdFg/ntVd9DAkpEg/DSC03704_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ShgGE4Y7yds/Ui6LDVdRUgI/AAAAAAAAdFo/Pu9UeQeHGW0/s1600-h/DSC037103.jpg"><img title="DSC03710" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03710" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fPQ2mJt8e6M/Ui6LDwCgN7I/AAAAAAAAdFw/QDND8JPAspM/DSC03710_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-geR584ko1pc/Ui6LEs7ZviI/AAAAAAAAdF4/JoURXHObzbA/s1600-h/DSC037114.jpg"><img title="DSC03711" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03711" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ACjEAU19rgs/Ui6LFdf_IJI/AAAAAAAAdGA/qrxvTHyfBKU/DSC03711_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CMaicZDJ1yk/Ui6LF4wV4VI/AAAAAAAAdGI/G2gg7JsSQvw/s1600-h/DSC037123.jpg"><img title="DSC03712" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="640" alt="DSC03712" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rkE8buNUN6I/Ui6LGkHbUDI/AAAAAAAAdGQ/RMn8oMrfHts/DSC03712_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yy1f2IrHwLA/Ui6LHa9ZSTI/AAAAAAAAdGY/Nil67Zkqep8/s1600-h/DSC037133.jpg"><img title="DSC03713" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03713" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EUPtGZL30Rc/Ui6LH_YT57I/AAAAAAAAdGg/5eK7Zl3xIhs/DSC03713_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--OWMH5hxeR4/Ui6LIjNx2rI/AAAAAAAAdGo/2ZnPTIdHMV4/s1600-h/DSC037143.jpg"><img title="DSC03714" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03714" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4gNs8SmcBqE/Ui6LJGMoVeI/AAAAAAAAdGw/acPr67hyqQk/DSC03714_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The rose garden! Usually I’m not that into roses but these were gorgey porgey.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EhgcR_ArZRg/Ui6LJgbA96I/AAAAAAAAdG4/UKRUTcUZXic/s1600-h/DSC037153.jpg"><img title="DSC03715" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03715" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EQyiQauVxsc/Ui6LKLE4-UI/AAAAAAAAdHA/r2gnfGbCT00/DSC03715_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wktbapwW2to/Ui6LK2lyEtI/AAAAAAAAdHI/tF7Pchrll58/s1600-h/DSC037173.jpg"><img title="DSC03717" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="393" alt="DSC03717" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5HJ11VNDNV8/Ui6LLcAgTpI/AAAAAAAAdHQ/2R2-5NxhAoQ/DSC03717_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OsdX4uENZkE/Ui6LMM08E9I/AAAAAAAAdHY/AwvUMj4Gixk/s1600-h/DSC037193.jpg"><img title="DSC03719" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03719" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DbPkT3PERGU/Ui6LMsJ58MI/AAAAAAAAdHg/Ydrz1MnT8bM/DSC03719_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tGhIYXA7LUU/Ui6LNdqGJHI/AAAAAAAAdHo/J6_FyEBDt0E/s1600-h/DSC037183.jpg"><img title="DSC03718" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03718" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xku0ypmU2wI/Ui6LNxOWNQI/AAAAAAAAdHw/79NXgDVpZ6s/DSC03718_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0iw3RjPvEzU/Ui6LOQiFqFI/AAAAAAAAdH4/E3RMA2DccwA/s1600-h/DSC037203.jpg"><img title="DSC03720" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03720" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_KDJhtVdehM/Ui6LO3_AWiI/AAAAAAAAdIA/BEy7uKxETEY/DSC03720_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a></p> <p>Natives!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e7KmQ4zQolU/Ui6LPo5kwSI/AAAAAAAAdII/DeaK7YnfrrQ/s1600-h/DSC037223.jpg"><img title="DSC03722" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03722" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wS1wR30K5x0/Ui6LQZExnXI/AAAAAAAAdIQ/0nskhNgHehs/DSC03722_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steve calls these “Jurassic Park Plants” :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HEmGY-KnmDE/Ui6LRFQqqAI/AAAAAAAAdIY/WFC1Msn1RSo/s1600-h/DSC037272.jpg"><img title="DSC03727" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="180" alt="DSC03727" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pilbEmWvsw8/Ui6LRjx9dQI/AAAAAAAAdIg/3qZckrlvkjs/DSC03727_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> </p> <p>So. Many. Grapes. It smelled like heaven, standing under the vines and inhaling.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3jKGyTykPjE/Ui6LSb1cHhI/AAAAAAAAdIo/Rteipd_GW8s/s1600-h/DSC037284.jpg"><img title="DSC03728" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="454" alt="DSC03728" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zGLtdtNnvbY/Ui6LTPSc6oI/AAAAAAAAdIw/1V_ZEWpPtJ4/DSC03728_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F5rj51eKF1M/Ui6LTnHwySI/AAAAAAAAdI4/qcQljZw2m3E/s1600-h/DSC037403.jpg"><img title="DSC03740" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="333" alt="DSC03740" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-THM586asA6A/Ui6LUOP4J_I/AAAAAAAAdJA/yz-P35YJON8/DSC03740_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rp-N1qv8fnY/Ui6LU4lIMlI/AAAAAAAAdJI/L-tSHMYHoJk/s1600-h/DSC037303.jpg"><img title="DSC03730" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03730" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-md6-wu50VHE/Ui6LVh88ifI/AAAAAAAAdJQ/rHLRjgsyf4M/DSC03730_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fMF4WG4mMag/Ui6LWK0ZvMI/AAAAAAAAdJY/c9yjQRyqJAU/s1600-h/DSC037423.jpg"><img title="DSC03742" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="427" alt="DSC03742" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BlW-bKSKMhw/Ui6LWrV526I/AAAAAAAAdJg/Njjud47662M/DSC03742_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dg54HVi7rRc/Ui6LXL0uWmI/AAAAAAAAdJo/U2k43F2tB5Y/s1600-h/DSC037353.jpg"><img title="DSC03735" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03735" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AaVmYwRmfYw/Ui6LX_fYUsI/AAAAAAAAdJw/OEAqTal_AsY/DSC03735_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="270" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Watermelon patch! Fun fact: my cousins inadvertently created a watermelon patch in their backyard by sitting on the back porch eating watermelon and spitting out the seeds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x7lABLji-6U/Ui6LYpXTXGI/AAAAAAAAdJ4/OW5nUYpAh8M/s1600-h/DSC037293.jpg"><img title="DSC03729" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03729" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pn7D6AUQI7s/Ui6LZRGKNfI/AAAAAAAAdKA/aluyZFtBtAo/DSC03729_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Went to the Biltmore estate in Asheville and they had these same funky golden leaves on display. Must’ve been a trend of the times.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pAuy7ExcHb4/Ui6LaB42caI/AAAAAAAAdKI/4W8fQTTCdGc/s1600-h/DSC03732%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03732" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03732" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vWLHKmN4zlQ/Ui6La-zWY8I/AAAAAAAAdKQ/oFykyAHE6hw/DSC03732_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Can you imagine having this in your yard?!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FTcEHLrBD4k/Ui6LbiTzJxI/AAAAAAAAdKY/CwEZOHpo7xM/s1600-h/DSC03741%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03741" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="573" alt="DSC03741" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6T-kuwCs4m8/Ui6LcMzKtuI/AAAAAAAAdKg/IRtCusZs5wQ/DSC03741_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="430" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NgeOOrQUtcA/Ui6Lc7S1DzI/AAAAAAAAdKo/uVCumcQ1C-M/s1600-h/DSC03744%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03744" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03744" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mpvi6_YMQh8/Ui6LdbWUIYI/AAAAAAAAdKw/FfhcXIVaxV0/DSC03744_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VRd2fjBfN2s/Ui6LeAysioI/AAAAAAAAdK4/5vAfskWeTDo/s1600-h/DSC03745%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03745" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03745" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G35guGrBKqw/Ui6LeulP0PI/AAAAAAAAdLA/kluIA4jmLxU/DSC03745_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lD_-dwbO_r0/Ui6Lgpti7RI/AAAAAAAAdLI/zBpQTtvUXso/s1600-h/DSC03749%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03749" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="533" alt="DSC03749" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dgJUmAT82SE/Ui6LiswEl1I/AAAAAAAAdLQ/Nwz6pE4pSus/DSC03749_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Fun fact: the Reynolda family made their own lake (…) by damming up a natural spring. Surprise surprise, nature was all “That’s cute that you think you can just manipulate me like that” and it has now almost entirely returned to its natural state and provided a beautiful environment for birdies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L2v76PTS2To/Ui6LjjQgCKI/AAAAAAAAdLY/uE3lv3gn_wU/s1600-h/DSC03755%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03755" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03755" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w3J3xNeOLOg/Ui6LkIx7PYI/AAAAAAAAdLg/-iannj8snEE/DSC03755_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Also, Mario mushrooms. Never saw red mushrooms before the move to North Carolina.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JxgWHHoa7d0/Ui6LkwzFbXI/AAAAAAAAdLo/eqdNBlXyZ5s/s1600-h/DSC03760%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03760" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03760" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-858kdx5_Ke8/Ui6LllYK1EI/AAAAAAAAdLw/ACEtiqm5Djk/DSC03760_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Th’other side of the dam.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K44hPMFpOss/Ui6LmXlTvHI/AAAAAAAAdL4/YOHpzPtpS60/s1600-h/DSC03762%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03762" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="380" alt="DSC03762" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1EmtSfOaipQ/Ui6Lm695s7I/AAAAAAAAdMA/RewsC26MowY/DSC03762_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-47mY7HIPJH4/Ui6Lnmd0LWI/AAAAAAAAdMI/25l8xjLWFYQ/s1600-h/DSC03761%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03761" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03761" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CNzK-KnzBig/Ui6LoU-z6gI/AAAAAAAAdMQ/PEh8z-lqmrs/DSC03761_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>For dinner, we went into the little “village” near the house and dined al fresco.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Y6cxr83kjY/Ui6Lo8l19OI/AAAAAAAAdMY/HrdWT2lHZSE/s1600-h/DSC03763%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03763" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="414" alt="DSC03763" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qwVCA1stLO0/Ui6Lpfr-3qI/AAAAAAAAdMg/CCOitsNy_nE/DSC03763_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IkbaprnS-9s/Ui6Lp2-opaI/AAAAAAAAdMo/thO-9ppCI9Y/s1600-h/DSC03764%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03764" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03764" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QVyBzI72gCE/Ui6LrlZsgCI/AAAAAAAAdMw/-jU_T_q02ZU/DSC03764_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a></p> <p>Wish I’d been there with more of a crowd- it would’ve been fun to go sharesies on some of those sandwiches and small plates.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nWbJnHAjx6o/Ui6LsI5ReYI/AAAAAAAAdM4/koYH2Q5NkAY/s1600-h/DSC03765%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03765" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="640" alt="DSC03765" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-53AHAVt9dJg/Ui6Ls3ggfUI/AAAAAAAAdNA/y9FHfznc2c4/DSC03765_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AJLMTJxfApg/Ui6OLm5tyMI/AAAAAAAAdNM/77fsmWKEBoM/s1600-h/DSC03766%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03766" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03766" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iCv3sCjMhWE/Ui6OMHSeG3I/AAAAAAAAdNU/JHRVUH9mr-Y/DSC03766_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Limemade! Made to order! I got mine suuuuuuuper tart, mm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RqWhv_q7Pxo/Ui6OMvPKpnI/AAAAAAAAdNc/hvBjGwxU_I4/s1600-h/DSC03767%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03767" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03767" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sk9kXv3q-tw/Ui6ONPJ7WkI/AAAAAAAAdNk/FT105PK-gHQ/DSC03767_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>For dinner, I opted for a cup of the lobster bisque…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x9hOGDOOcIo/Ui6ONn-6jOI/AAAAAAAAdNs/PGuM2g8xj-A/s1600-h/DSC03768%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03768" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03768" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-110oL0q-XHU/Ui6OOAXUoZI/AAAAAAAAdN0/VCIIRAM9sig/DSC03768_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OC50-wIKU4E/Ui6OOmNRh3I/AAAAAAAAdN8/-Y1aL3tHVRE/s1600-h/DSC03769%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03769" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03769" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KOCjN9anfvs/Ui6OPMlZAII/AAAAAAAAdOE/21QLzK-iN3U/DSC03769_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>… and some Holy Salty bruschetta type stuff with red peppers, onions, feta, etc… good but a little overwhelming on the sodium front.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yTsU1ki47qw/Ui6OP6JcDnI/AAAAAAAAdOM/b6KJs_Nn2uQ/s1600-h/DSC03770%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03770" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03770" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7HW2SNeWzAs/Ui6OQe6fevI/AAAAAAAAdOU/aKteS5IpYWY/DSC03770_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-55226483606435072202013-09-09T07:59:00.000-04:002013-09-09T07:59:00.269-04:00last party in Virginia<p>Immediately prior to my move down to NC, my mom decided that we should throw a party. I can only assume that this is because she was so excited I was leaving town. I jest, I jest. It was nice to see old family friends before I started off on the new step. And, of course, having a party at the height of summer is always fabulous because there are so many magnificent fresh produce options to put on the menu.</p> <p>I made some old favorites, as you’ll see below, but I also tried some new ones. I excitedly read the Smitten Kitchen recipe for <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2013/07/peach-and-pecan-sandy-crumble/" target="_blank">Peach and Pecan Sandy crumble</a>.</p> <p>The farmer’s market peaches were gorgeous.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NM_mHakHLSA/Uiy7JT4uiiI/AAAAAAAAc_A/lWySXLGoUTY/s1600-h/DSC03525%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03525" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03525" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xEqOw1NjyY0/Uiy7KDq8ZzI/AAAAAAAAc_I/N8n0a79fBOI/DSC03525_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And the topping, raw, was so good that I had to make more of it because I ate too much… oops!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f34ZcEXIxic/Uiy7KxBhymI/AAAAAAAAc_Q/xvLqklchYu8/s1600-h/DSC03528%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03528" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03528" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R2bNxUbzVKo/Uiy7LjgcI3I/AAAAAAAAc_Y/S2kGoYiMSw4/DSC03528_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>The finished stuff was good but mostly tasted like peach crumble… the pecan lusciousness got lost a bit. </p> <p>This recipe was an unequivocal hit. The absence of my cilantro-averse sister meant we could make these <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/green-beans-with-eggs-chiles-and-cilantro" target="_blank">Green beans with eggs, chiles and cilantro</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rhj8rngqo6c/Uiy7MlGSPYI/AAAAAAAAc_g/fdb_nGmQmNg/s1600-h/DSC03529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03529" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03529" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZP6Ntu6UcSk/Uiy7NcWXV6I/AAAAAAAAc_o/xs2nlChg0Wk/DSC03529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>WOW. These were really good! Someone said the best green beans they’d ever tasted.</p> <p>Tons of flavor, and very very fresh tasting. And a very inventive combination that I’d never have thought of on my own.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BPQuKZ5Le3E/Uiy7OZwxTFI/AAAAAAAAc_w/jYo3fhTB5tk/s1600-h/DSC03531%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03531" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03531" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mucLoX7I8bI/Uiy7PEBfKSI/AAAAAAAAc_4/KnLUuvi9ckw/DSC03531_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This may look like a simple herb and tomato and onion salad. Because it is.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZaIU7s8p4AE/Uiy7Pmlwv9I/AAAAAAAAdAA/mrnSP5gHp0Y/s1600-h/DSC03533%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03533" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03533" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kZ0Bh508U9E/Uiy7QdZzcUI/AAAAAAAAdAI/lTQfvu7bWww/DSC03533_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>But, it is the topping for this fabulous <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/falafel-stuffed-eggplant-50400000121406/" target="_blank">falafel stuffed eggplant</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B_BE7Duta1w/Uiy7Q-MTvPI/AAAAAAAAdAM/1aD2LQoPbSo/s1600-h/DSC03534%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03534" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03534" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hiPHLv9guhc/Uiy7Rgg6o6I/AAAAAAAAdAU/aO5_N8QDR8o/DSC03534_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>It, and the luuuuuuuuuuuuscious tahini sauce also included in the recipe, rounded out the flavor of the eggplant beautifully and (necessarily) gave it some color and made it considerably less homely.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izwB9fU70JE/Uiy7SLh8JZI/AAAAAAAAdAc/fI7c-uGVFNM/s1600-h/DSC03553%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03553" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="398" alt="DSC03553" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ykhheQaDV48/Uiy7SwLY6AI/AAAAAAAAdAk/6bcEkv9C55I/DSC03553_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="530" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I didn’t get any action shots but the meal also included this FABULOUS <a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2013/7/22/sweet-spicy-watermelon.html" target="_blank">sweet and spicy watermelon</a> from Edible Perspective, a blog upon which I have been hardcore crushin’.</p> <p>Basically any time I have people over in the summer, I’m going to make these <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/corn_basil_cakes.html">corn and basil cakes</a> because they are SO EASY and SO DELICIOUS and just taste of summer like nothing else.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-os7KFdAXpFE/Uiy7TZU9kvI/AAAAAAAAdAw/XhgmTDdftZ0/s1600-h/DSC03519%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03519" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03519" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XjBN0dPsX7Q/Uiy7T1YeGUI/AAAAAAAAdA4/HbX8KnaNawc/DSC03519_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Plus my mom made another classic, her signature Greek-style potato salad, which gets most of its fabulous flavor from fresh oregano and lots of olive oil.</p> <p>Plus, my sweet boyfriend (who at the time of this party had already moved down to North Carolina but came back to have fun with us and also help move some of my stuff down like a CHAMP!) also brought something. Witness the most beautiful bread in the history of bread, purchased at the epic Carrboro farmer’s market down here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-so2TBiwM5vs/Uiy7Uhtzl7I/AAAAAAAAdBA/lixMAFDwR3M/s1600-h/DSC03538%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03538" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03538" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6bqHjOX0ceo/Uiy7VIy2FpI/AAAAAAAAdBI/K4Bsdz45aIs/DSC03538_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>It was also SOOOOOOO delicious- wonderfully wheaty and chewy and crisp-crusted.</p> <p>We had QUITE the feast. Colorful, well-rounded and, somewhat incidentally, completely vegetarian. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pbR1QyaNst8/Uiy7VlpurNI/AAAAAAAAdBQ/5MLkIn9_Cps/s1600-h/DSC03548%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03548" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03548" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TM0wnpiko6o/Uiy7WRkEmDI/AAAAAAAAdBY/P9LG4dT2b1Q/DSC03548_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And let’s not forget the appetizer department, which included yummy eggplant dip (which I threw together from the eggplant “meat” scooped out of the stuffed eggplant, as well as some of the chipotle peppers I put in the watermelon salad); lots of cheese (cause we’re us); unpictured grapes; and some of my leftover homemade tomato focaccia.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FNbAe6rq8zo/Uiy7XCxnmvI/AAAAAAAAdBg/09hJK0RqWLk/s1600-h/DSC03544%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03544" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03544" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fRuLSCiZNTM/Uiy7XiDLIVI/AAAAAAAAdBo/52DTKmdoFFM/DSC03544_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And the big ol’ feast of a dinner. I was SO pleased with this. There’s something about stuffed vegetables (well, stuffed anything) that instantly makes a meal seem fancier. In truth, these were not difficult. (Well. I say that. I roasted the eggplant and made the sauce and salad toppers, but my mom did the filling and the actual stuffing of the eggplant. So I guess you’d have to consult with her. It <em>seemed</em> not difficult!)</p> <p>And garnishes impart beauty!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eCw2MhhRkPU/Uiy7YQwTd1I/AAAAAAAAdBw/8dWwEEd_gys/s1600-h/DSC03558%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03558" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03558" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0tpW7-DdChY/Uiy7Y7_vluI/AAAAAAAAdB4/ih9AcaHMc9A/DSC03558_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>My perfect plate. What a scrumptious meal for entertaining. I recommend all of these things!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TzfFebzRSDM/Uiy7ZpilNUI/AAAAAAAAdCA/MOyCdsuPN8M/s1600-h/DSC03560%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03560" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03560" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CxpEgVYjkBk/Uiy7aNQM1eI/AAAAAAAAdCI/JHfZMBO0J04/DSC03560_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ndPt8UGhJj0/Uiy7apA_03I/AAAAAAAAdCQ/DOyZcMTCC6g/s1600-h/DSC03561%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03561" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03561" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1W0_m-ll5Uw/Uiy7bZH4E3I/AAAAAAAAdCY/f2uwQJsDK58/DSC03561_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-4513130180925723822013-09-07T16:27:00.001-04:002013-09-07T16:27:45.185-04:00all new<p>Guys, I really really love North Carolina. Really, to be simultaneously more specific and vastly more melodramatic, I love my new life. I just finished up my workday by doing some child development training at a totally cool cafe, which I can walk to. I strolled home listening to crickets, and was pleasantly surprised when a stag ran across my path. I’d experienced the cool urban style cafe, with the free city of Carrboro Wifi (lovvve), then walked home under a tapestry of stars with nature all around me.</p> <p>Outdoors, if slightly less scenic, is my cute little balcony. Since I left most of my garden at home, I tried to recreate the effect of my awesome deck with a basil plant. I enjoyed looking at it (and, er, my air-drying bikini top that apparently fell into my shot) with my leftovers from the wonderful Mediterranean deli.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XCaSn3fmOW8/UiuL_SUhOTI/AAAAAAAAc7o/0rLrEqQz1Gk/s1600-h/DSC03594%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03594" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03594" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LJnLpf5xauk/UiuL_zOBOII/AAAAAAAAc7w/8Hq7cEdC_hs/DSC03594_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Which I supplemented with a salad made of farmer’s market yellow tomatoes and the deck basil.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6X1NxmIZwcQ/UiuMAmh4vHI/AAAAAAAAc74/5rDo-uVTpnQ/s1600-h/DSC03595%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03595" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03595" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KvCsoCrnFx0/UiuMBe6UCeI/AAAAAAAAc8A/K3DfZz7WvVw/DSC03595_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Despite my awkward and introverted tendencies, I’ve made friends here largely effortlessly, mostly because everyone here is so damn friendly! </p> <p>Anecdote 1: I had a friend visiting from out of town (he and his preggo wife are thinking bout moving here). We took them to the farmer’s market. Whilst there, over the course of about ten minutes we ran into six people we knew. My friend goes, “Wait, I thought you’d only lived here for two weeks…” It is a small town in the best possible way. </p> <p>Anecdote 2: Yesterday I was headed out to the grocery store (which is NEXT DOOR to my complex; so walkable!) and ended up chatting with my neighbor and her cute little boy, and then my other neighbor’s cute little boy showed up too and we ran around chasing their kids for an hour and never bought groceries and now we’re having a cookout on Saturday. There are countless adorable little places to eat. There are neighborhood cats who I visit regularly and pet intensely. Anecdote 3: Somebody I met at a party sold me a bike for $40. </p> <p>The aforementioned farmer’s market is magnificent and ENORMOUS. I’m already buddies with one lady who sells amaaaaazing samosas and told me all about Krishna’s birthday, which was last week. FYI. The aforementioned farmers market is also where my boyfriend was kind enough to buy me THIS AWESOMENESS HOLY SHIZZ GUYS.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jw9odUydJrM/UiuMBkY58UI/AAAAAAAAc8E/RQ3Guy0bX1U/s1600-h/DSC03601%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03601" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03601" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UtibdcXljwo/UiuMCUhrs1I/AAAAAAAAc8M/1FpvdfWQORE/DSC03601_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>The company:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WYdJu3K2jFE/UiuMCzg1noI/AAAAAAAAc8U/WWNUAi761iE/s1600-h/DSC03602%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03602" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03602" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aFpnSFZW7qU/UiuMDTBYv7I/AAAAAAAAc8c/UmdQLOP31rA/DSC03602_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Awesome:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XRA9vFxbX6g/UiuMEz9TMzI/AAAAAAAAc8o/0nf6UOBRuic/s1600-h/DSC03603%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03603" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03603" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gfff4Hj8gf0/UiuMFf3TZ1I/AAAAAAAAc8w/ox4rdEav4Cs/DSC03603_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a></p> <p>But let’s be real, am I even thinking about the local and wholesome street cred? FALSE. I am thinking about THIS IS THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER EVER EVER EVER.</p> <p>Another great lunch: more tomato-basil salad, scads of watermelon (which had to do with me being DYING OF THIRST as I prepared this lunch) quickly pan sizzled tempeh, and tortilla with OH MY GOD THAT PEANUT BUTTER.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Df7hRYc76po/UiuMF1QKwuI/AAAAAAAAc84/RZ03z1hURo4/s1600-h/DSC03599%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03599" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03599" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n1CVy6etB-A/UiuMGmNYvVI/AAAAAAAAc9A/_vLPCIVGjZQ/DSC03599_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I’ve been trying to eat in, and successfully putting together proper healthy meals for myself for the first time in quite awhile, but don’t worry. I’ve still been <strike>spending too much money</strike> going out to eat and exploring my new area. Neal’s Deli, an awesome place:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mWdXYB6fTh4/UiuMHKDTsRI/AAAAAAAAc9I/y_ar54KHOl0/s1600-h/DSC03614%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03614" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03614" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qRweVhm2D8A/UiuMHgo_acI/AAAAAAAAc9Q/Mi7K5jcV_jE/DSC03614_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Pimiento cheese for lunch? OH YES. Truth: I ate most of the celery (which is delicious with pimiento cheese) and carrots; and I DEMOLISHED those MAGNIFICENT pickled green tomatoes. And the homemade pretzel chips, well, I didn’t hate those. But, in my defense, I could only make a dent in the pimiento cheese, so I took it home, and accidentally left it in Steve’s fridge, and he ate it, and I was sad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-awaYIe3xAd8/UiuMIId77gI/AAAAAAAAc9Y/uUMYmwDx2pg/s1600-h/DSC03618%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03618" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03618" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gX2TMAQGgvQ/UiuMI6LHb7I/AAAAAAAAc9g/VgD_3nZ4t9w/DSC03618_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Another home meal, enjoyed on the coffee table while sitting on the fuuf.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OPZU4TIMzl0/UiuMJR6GseI/AAAAAAAAc9o/kKYtI2PIfG4/s1600-h/DSC03627%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03627" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03627" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kqGFBVfvz4M/UiuMLPJCvLI/AAAAAAAAc9w/Zj-nJ9wBg8A/DSC03627_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>I was going out of town imminently for work training (more on that in a future post!) so this was a “use up all the vegetables in the fridge’ stir fry. Corn, peppers, tomatoes, basil, yadda yadda.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QYWXNpCHk70/UiuML7iUYSI/AAAAAAAAc94/7kVDvnyfhkQ/s1600-h/DSC03630%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03630" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03630" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cHJtXa80yaQ/UiuMMYYKetI/AAAAAAAAc-A/YGD-xyIZj6Y/DSC03630_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Think I was also thirsty planning this one. More scads of watermelon and some yogurt ‘n cinnamon.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H5WvYfs7EJM/UiuMM6IT5JI/AAAAAAAAc-I/35hGbN1PpHk/s1600-h/DSC03629%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03629" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03629" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TrbpLZYTs90/UiuMNiCopSI/AAAAAAAAc-M/DP6t5i1lkHc/DSC03629_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>If you think that meal looks insubstantial, you are correct! So I ate a thousand roasted almonds afterwards. It’s all good.</p> <p>I brought my chickpea flour with me in the move, so I could make socca. Everyone knows that socca, when made correctly, is really a delivery vehicle for olive oil and salt and pepper. Was delighted to bring my AWESOME bunny shaped, magnetic, utterly delightful salt and pepper grinders out of storage.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_mHSCvNPjcI/UiuMOPlO5nI/AAAAAAAAc-Y/roq5mSsgILY/s1600-h/DSC03593%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03593" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="DSC03593" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XvIU0ifv1og/UiuMOo_MkVI/AAAAAAAAc-g/MR_JO4B0ofY/DSC03593_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a></p> <p>And fact: socca is even MORE delicious when topped with melty cheese and served with salsa. Like bar food and yet really quite respectably healthy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rbdx5ZTPH-A/UiuMPcc3MgI/AAAAAAAAc-o/TZAJSEu8SgE/s1600-h/DSC03631%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03631" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03631" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BKtdd_YBB-k/UiuMPxjIa6I/AAAAAAAAc-w/TBqCJD-6W34/DSC03631_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-79699239156030539172013-08-27T07:24:00.000-04:002013-08-27T07:24:00.738-04:00movin on in<p>Loving life in North Carolina! Too brain dead from training (which is ongoing… I’ll greatly appreciate Labor Day weekend!) to discuss a great deal, so this post is all about the eats.</p> <p>Move in weekend my cousin Stephen was nice enough to help me relocate all of my stuff. Special thanks to his parents for lending out their mega SUV, which is the only reason I have a bed right now! Naturally, we had to reward him for his help (he moved some of Steve’s things that had been loitering in my garage as well) by taking him out for fun meals. We may have been rewarding ourselves, too!</p> <p>Our first night in town (after an invigorating post-furniture-moving swim in MY NEW COMPLEX’S POOL WOO HOO!) was a restaurant onto which we simply stumbled, Milltown. Fun menu packed with local goodness. Lovely courtyard (there are soooooo many outdoor eating options in this temperate climate of ours!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1jnk20iy5ME/UhvVw1mHQcI/AAAAAAAAc4Q/ox2edN8Pc8w/s1600-h/DSC03574%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03574" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03574" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Bb0NBaRPDEo/UhvVx9T13pI/AAAAAAAAc4Y/CdcF3aQGAm8/DSC03574_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> </p> <p>We split the local goat cheese appetizer; seriously, just READ THAT!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tX7FzKxuI1g/UhvVzJjvc_I/AAAAAAAAc4g/NUEN0V7-1kc/s1600-h/DSC03575%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03575" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03575" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pd3HNsJSUnk/UhvVzwPa-oI/AAAAAAAAc4o/GLtA3pThBGk/DSC03575_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>It looked SO COOL! Did not expect black sesame seeds. Not only did they look awesome, the seeds’ texture and nuttiness worked beautifully with the tangy creamy goat cheese. And that pear salsa was also pretty boss. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9Q2REap0XFI/UhvV0rjVY6I/AAAAAAAAc4w/lFh2mWCxoK8/s1600-h/DSC03579%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03579" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03579" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O2YEkihfVXA/UhvV1e9qiyI/AAAAAAAAc44/MTQ-Yj_noYQ/DSC03579_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I opted for a special… they had me at poblano. Or heirloom tomato. Oh and crab. All of it. I wanted all of it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-l-rqKcc2-ao/UhvV2B2Z1YI/AAAAAAAAc5A/8bNNqrMGYbs/s1600-h/DSC03576%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03576" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="382" alt="DSC03576" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t5jJJ0DGkxc/UhvV24dzhJI/AAAAAAAAc5I/ysWpnfKmfR4/DSC03576_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" border="0"></a></p> <p>It was ENORMOUS! I couldn’t even finish it, so Steve took one for the team and ate some of the succulent avocado-drenched crab. He’s a sport.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZdFtngHpd5o/UhvV3bvft2I/AAAAAAAAc5Q/jB0Ywgta264/s1600-h/DSC03581%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03581" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="435" alt="DSC03581" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z71Niy1CHKQ/UhvV4NGjLHI/AAAAAAAAc5Y/PdHBrjJHdAA/DSC03581_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Meanwhile, I had to take a picture of my cousin Steven’s weird burger!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6EqCj6O-ry0/UhvV5Spcm_I/AAAAAAAAc5g/dZlOpDMOoMA/s1600-h/DSC03583%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03583" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03583" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n-yy5jwAHN8/UhvV6BFeNzI/AAAAAAAAc5o/ICRJqmSreUQ/DSC03583_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Our next stop was HOPPIN!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8WlTV4bs44w/UhvV7UOYsRI/AAAAAAAAc5w/Z4wkK4_I3K4/s1600-h/DSC03584%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03584" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03584" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c-ejHk2dnYU/UhvV8RoqKEI/AAAAAAAAc54/HXo9afIkEOM/DSC03584_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Mediterranean Deli has been recommended to me by basically everyone I have met in this area (and even people I’ve only sort-of-met, like various potential roommates I Skyped with over the spring). It did NOT disappoint.</p> <p>It helps that when you walk in you are greeted by a magnificent toppings bar.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ulkw_upbMJk/UhvV9VPAkGI/AAAAAAAAc6A/Sp0VSNt9K6Y/s1600-h/DSC03587%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03587" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03587" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fdKkVDNHo6I/UhvV-WkxohI/AAAAAAAAc6I/0oCNT5ZpF9U/DSC03587_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a></p> <p>And a big heaping pile of za’atar, some of which I definitely absconded with for my pantry.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Pz9VWGraiBw/UhvV_ns5aLI/AAAAAAAAc6Q/p43BUZvbR3w/s1600-h/DSC03585%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03585" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03585" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iKaxfWQVj1c/UhvWAhkwRmI/AAAAAAAAc6Y/KlmCtmjDqvI/DSC03585_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>We amused ourselves with toppings (little pickled turnips, wonderful whipped feta dip, olives, and so on until our entrees arrived. I got their falafel, which was impeccable.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AsBPZZgbjhs/UhvWBbwEz3I/AAAAAAAAc6g/sa4Qf9U-WaU/s1600-h/DSC03591%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03591" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03591" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C92CiuC6dvA/UhvWCIWc6lI/AAAAAAAAc6o/u3QpBDX_Zdg/DSC03591_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>See it peeking out? Tender within, crispy on the outside. Falafel is awesome.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SAGqBJZf31g/UhvWDRg-h5I/AAAAAAAAc6w/hnHO0qUaWAk/s1600-h/DSC03590%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03590" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03590" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-15FNg86fmWE/UhvWEC4gG9I/AAAAAAAAc60/gQT2sIedTbc/DSC03590_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This cauliflower was roasted with sumac, and intrigued me so much I had to get a side of it. It was fabby!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-juLY2RsKl9A/UhvWEilcC1I/AAAAAAAAc7A/5-qdNqlh-S8/s1600-h/DSC03588%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03588" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="382" alt="DSC03588" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wCvNVH1D9Rk/UhvWF2HJ_yI/AAAAAAAAc7I/o4U5T1LliXE/DSC03588_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" border="0"></a></p> <p>Steve got the two side dishes plate (from their masssssssssive deli section). He opted for the chickpeas with spinach and the leek casserole. This plate is in my future, until I have tried every single deli selection.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-A3S8EsIA50U/UhvWG1_jXYI/AAAAAAAAc7Q/44fJouQtftA/s1600-h/DSC03592%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03592" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03592" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6T76W_WWS2U/UhvWHX-jOwI/AAAAAAAAc7Y/bY8e5ZyGK5Y/DSC03592_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-37255180765299110232013-08-25T21:46:00.001-04:002013-08-25T21:46:29.906-04:00Good times on the deck<p>Oh deck. How I adore you. </p> <p>The realities of leaving home smacked me in the heart all of my last week at home. I tried to soak it all in- cuddling the crap out of my cat, staring off my deck, enjoying the witty rappeur I share with my mother. None of it felt real and yet I was either up at night, all jittery, unable to sleep (like when I began drafting this blog post) or catatonic (like in the Biochemistry class I was finishing). Anyway, I finally got the news that I’d gotten my paws on a JOB!!! (update soon) and I received the reassuring news that I was going to be able to move my bed to the INCREDIBLE KINDNESS OF FAMILY THANKS KATHY AND TOM WHO ARE READING THIS AND LENT STEPHEN YOUR BIG SUV TO MOVE MY BED THANKS THANKS.</p> <p>So I dealt with my anxiety as best I could, like reminiscing about my beloved deck. The deck is a really great place to relax and lie in the shade.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JMFY_WUROLU/Uhqy5_qkArI/AAAAAAAAcxY/xa4FPHc4qQM/s1600-h/DSC03348%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03348" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="DSC03348" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--XE7Ixyojhc/Uhqy6oQQo8I/AAAAAAAAcxg/cuzymIIK9bM/DSC03348_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a></p> <p>I also love the deck for cooking burgers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qXiSwlv7atc/Uhqy7drKbII/AAAAAAAAcxo/j0KR8FngDBc/s1600-h/DSC03078%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03078" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03078" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gHhllWlmhNw/Uhqy8JbBBBI/AAAAAAAAcxw/OnCd3fpKj0c/DSC03078_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>From a source without reproach- <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/lebanese-butcher-and-restaurant-falls-church">Lebanese Butcher</a>, a place I was sad to leave behind, which supplies halal, organic, local, and delicious meat.</p> <p>In this case, herb-packed Lamburger!</p> <p>With lettuce ‘n tomato ‘n dijon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VGn_xBu3gus/Uhqy8jvs2WI/AAAAAAAAcx4/lbwt6TqGWus/s1600-h/DSC03084%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03084" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03084" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fFGApYnEPj4/Uhqy9bEPkfI/AAAAAAAAcyA/w6iNOAJBLxQ/DSC03084_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>With burgers with a twist, one must have fries with a twist. Steamed sliced sweet potatoes, tossed ‘em with oil and cajun seasoning, plopped them on the grill. Fab.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GIENwtoD5Zk/Uhqy-KHcXGI/AAAAAAAAcyI/-6p_nmwa1zU/s1600-h/DSC03080%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03080" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03080" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hDWAnwlsd6Y/Uhqy-waoZ7I/AAAAAAAAcyQ/pF_wrCbYHRo/DSC03080_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Plus grilled asparagus. Clearly this meal occurred when asparagus was still in season.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X8X-IQGj2rQ/Uhqy_eDtBAI/AAAAAAAAcyY/ftmidvhZHSs/s1600-h/DSC03082%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03082" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03082" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rIi7NeTUAUs/Uhqy_ywxwlI/AAAAAAAAcyg/RnwYfX-RHi4/DSC03082_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The next meal we enjoyed on the deck showcased our wonderful oregano! It always winters over, and it always produces in comedically large quantities in the summer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-saPCI6lC2N4/UhqzAmnk0rI/AAAAAAAAcyo/DAxHyZbr1eE/s1600-h/DSC03247%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03247" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03247" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bpazx1d9bAI/UhqzBbkcvvI/AAAAAAAAcyw/3W5b6LvPeoM/DSC03247_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Used to season some chickennnnnn. Along with olive oil, lemon, s+p. Very Greek, very simple.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YpcoH7_P4r0/UhqzB1T6qiI/AAAAAAAAcy4/9RlgVbsfb9Q/s1600-h/DSC03257%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03257" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03257" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fYtlWp4o6OU/UhqzCsOxCVI/AAAAAAAAczA/ABNaP1KNdjQ/DSC03257_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Gorgeous, no? Sadly, slightly overcooked. My fault. It is what it is. Steve still inhaled it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RZB1lECCtfo/UhqzDL5vAwI/AAAAAAAAczI/VYXAEEKxE_8/s1600-h/DSC03260%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03260" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03260" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ncjs_Q4-mHQ/UhqzDiORZpI/AAAAAAAAczQ/dARItnqJ_5I/DSC03260_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Rounding out the meal, a fun little salad I semi got from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: quick steamed cauliflower, capers, parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and bread crumbs toasted in olive oil atop. Mm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i3Px5qIOG9E/UhqzEaHbTeI/AAAAAAAAczY/8aXAQIzyOAs/s1600-h/DSC03262%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03262" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03262" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s8hvRPpgKok/UhqzFFWNtMI/AAAAAAAAczg/DYJHjXZa8XQ/DSC03262_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>It’s very funny for me looking at the teeny plants in this earlier phase in garden development since they’re so ALARMINGLY huge now.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-peUwK1TONeo/UhqzFoJcyLI/AAAAAAAAczo/2aNAvlgwjxo/s1600-h/DSC03234%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03234" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03234" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q0uvtr7YQTs/UhqzGTf3SFI/AAAAAAAAczw/ClPxLAtfSFQ/DSC03234_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Basically, if you’re dealing with a project that involves putting in a lot of work with questionable future payoff (childrearing comes to mind…) you should plant a garden. Everything just skyrockets.</p> <p>Exhibit A: Mint.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mY8fVz5JgQA/UhqzHGzaVJI/AAAAAAAAcz4/FRxAkfM8l9M/s1600-h/DSC03241%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03241" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03241" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-knd1bwUHKoU/UhqzHr02A4I/AAAAAAAAc0A/PkgL9vP2nLY/DSC03241_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ybquV6dKlRw/UhqzIdiWs7I/AAAAAAAAc0I/DdNEnMfW1tM/s1600-h/DSC03347%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03347" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MSELjIJLtfk/UhqzI08_tHI/AAAAAAAAc0Q/0RGMpNHVdEo/DSC03347_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Also in the produce department, we have beautiful basil (left) and sage (right). The basil is a heirloom variety and both my aunt (who gave me the seeds) and I have observed that it simply doesn’t grow as large as conventional varieties. Though its leaves are no less delicious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UPrXYTSk-WA/UhqzJXHqlcI/AAAAAAAAc0Y/l2Zomib-5A0/s1600-h/DSC03236%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03236" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="293" alt="DSC03236" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-52-4e204OSs/UhqzJ1wvAeI/AAAAAAAAc0c/q1iJ6w0w3E4/DSC03236_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="220" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rt5i0HbTBxc/UhqzKmQBMBI/AAAAAAAAc0o/Nej8-XyHgtE/s1600-h/DSC03242%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03242" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="DSC03242" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BPjmoG1fT6w/UhqzLHlU1-I/AAAAAAAAc0w/aEGE-XAIcOQ/DSC03242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a></p> <p>The dill sprouted up valiantly but never seemed extraordinarily happy, truthfully. Too much sun?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mfhz0_XrgDI/UhqzLyRGLTI/AAAAAAAAc04/UWt8yGJEYY8/s1600-h/DSC03245%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03245" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="255" alt="DSC03245" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vJI8foHmW48/UhqzMYt_IeI/AAAAAAAAc1A/eNRfeB5Zpeo/DSC03245_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BaVA7Ik7IkY/UhqzNAOW-PI/AAAAAAAAc1I/1h0aPDYfUGA/s1600-h/DSC03246%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03246" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="333" alt="DSC03246" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i9HaHEc4GI4/UhqzNkVOF_I/AAAAAAAAc1Q/SsithT8oaoQ/DSC03246_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" border="0"></a></p> <p>Big pepper! I have two pepper plants and this one produced a pepper very early on in its growth and it just kept growing and growing and growing, then reddening and reddening.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7T2JW4lK4Qc/UhqzOVnWkyI/AAAAAAAAc1Y/fwi682yaaMc/s1600-h/DSC03346%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03346" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03346" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rwsKd3galyc/UhqzPI1SoPI/AAAAAAAAc1g/HZdA4onkpEE/DSC03346_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X4Vj6eclpjk/UhqzPjIAnvI/AAAAAAAAc1o/6Y4jbne6bnk/s1600-h/DSC03508%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03508" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="225" alt="DSC03508" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AkYa1QHsGVs/UhqzQC03tQI/AAAAAAAAc1w/TIoik5v1_8M/DSC03508_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" border="0"></a> </p> <p>It wasn’t 100% red when I picked it just because it had a teeny little soft spot developing, and I didn’t want it to spread!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zt_aSUHwNcQ/UhqzQ1gXPFI/AAAAAAAAc14/umzEgztx51c/s1600-h/DSC03511%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03511" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03511" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kFYn7QfPFWA/UhqzRSVWP1I/AAAAAAAAc2A/Ck_-VBOLcNk/DSC03511_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I used this to make DEE-LICIOUS homemade salmon cakes. I added:<br>- Peppers and sweet onion, chopped very fine and briefly sauteed in olive oil<br>- 1 can of salmon<br>- whole wheat breadcrumbs<br>- homemade mayonnaise (yesssss)<br>- chives and basil from the deck (also yesssss)</p> <p>Pan fried ‘em in a bit of oil and they were MONEY! Albeit unphotogenic, so you’ll just have to use your imagination.</p> <p>As for the other pepper plant, it produced WEIRD PEPPERS! Not bad, but like I’d inadvertently created a hybrid: in size, they were neither tiny (like hot peppers) nor large (like bell peppers). Instead, they were medium smallish, and as they mimiced a halfway point between the two types of peppers in size, they also did in taste. Half spicy. Very exciting!</p> <p>On the tomato front, most of my tomatoes were green when I skipped town. My mom sent an email that a less charitable person might describe as snarky telling me all the delicious things she’s been making with the tomatoes that I GREW. (No I jest, I just begged my family to water them as I pulled out of the driveway for the last time. I didn’t want all my work to be for naught!)</p> <p>I think roma tomatoes are super bizarre looking on the vine!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZNfMpxnr8Ng/UhqzRyzYUDI/AAAAAAAAc2I/Yb07hd-bkFw/s1600-h/DSC03339%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03339" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03339" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JcHycVCUCNA/UhqzSvXD9VI/AAAAAAAAc2Q/nS1bVinv8KE/DSC03339_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>They also grow like weeds! Though I did have a couple of the regular kind too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8bS4HmV0n1E/UhqzTN1OzRI/AAAAAAAAc2Y/FZNlOc8GuFA/s1600-h/DSC03343%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03343" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03343" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xksz6mDmcSk/UhqzT9C9UZI/AAAAAAAAc2g/1wyiJRFi9sM/DSC03343_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>Now, let’s talk squash. I had two squash plants: one was an heirloom zucchini variety that my aunt gave me the seed to grow. The other was a yellow squash plant that my thoughtful boyfriend got me when I was concerned that since I only had one squash plant it couldn’t have the squash plant sex necessary to make zucchini (yes, my knowledge of plant reproduction is extraordinary). Anyway, the yellow squash plant dutifully blossomed and produced two small yellow squash:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-G2ahIl977bk/UhqzWMU7fkI/AAAAAAAAc2o/wkQeRygnRz8/s1600-h/DSC03344%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03344" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="307" alt="DSC03344" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9iH203FIT6o/UhqzWnMeBfI/AAAAAAAAc2s/AQLP6Tzy4sQ/DSC03344_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="230" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0LP3w4-T8v0/UhqzXNiiSJI/AAAAAAAAc24/_KvPRTmScEw/s1600-h/DSC03239%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03239" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="255" alt="DSC03239" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QQBbSACjwqQ/UhqzX6IqpeI/AAAAAAAAc3A/Ghh4SLZzgo4/DSC03239_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And promptly never did anything again.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the zucchini blossom regularly produced beauuuuuuuuuutiful flowers.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9RSQEJ9MOVQ/UhqzYvYE8xI/AAAAAAAAc3I/r-cL_kYhG5Q/s1600-h/DSC03521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03521" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03521" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Zj4oHMwDN0/UhqzZLjy_KI/AAAAAAAAc3Q/2UKPtQaLaIU/DSC03521_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then off they’d plop, leaving a bare stem. Agh! My working hypothesis, supported by my buddy at the farmer’s market whom I’d brief with weekly updates, is that it’s a boy plant, and only produces boy blossoms (i.e. not the kind that produce squash. The USELESS kind!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yY58F_CdPvI/UhqzZ-fyM1I/AAAAAAAAc3Y/PPjRqpujEzM/s1600-h/DSC03523%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03523" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03523" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NOVNETL0t_0/UhqzaaO8zII/AAAAAAAAc3g/SEQKzkJXZL8/DSC03523_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>So, basically the only homegrown squash I ate this summer consisted of two small yellow squashies. I made a really good scramble though!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GNxyKifxtyc/UhqzbOtLxtI/AAAAAAAAc3o/c6a4z_Ci7lA/s1600-h/DSC03273%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03273" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZAQCETul3yY/UhqzbmgzvlI/AAAAAAAAc3w/XwI8k_Tx_is/DSC03273_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Farmer’s market eggs and spinach, regular old carrots, lotsa garlic and herbs, and the squashies.</p> <p>Served atop a wrap, in brilliant sunlight.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xB5fp5NoznE/UhqzcZN3RBI/AAAAAAAAc34/24-gFb2V-PI/s1600-h/DSC03275%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03275" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03275" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hyvn9wmrxzE/UhqzdLTLMEI/AAAAAAAAc4A/Vnb8mG37E-c/DSC03275_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-49675175974496412132013-08-14T23:44:00.001-04:002013-08-14T23:44:45.832-04:00the summer vegetable hit parade<p>This is one of the most beautiful pictures I have ever displayed in my blog:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tGCZcmldnDM/UgxOdYNF0CI/AAAAAAAAcuw/0LrqKcl10M8/s1600-h/DSC033814.jpg"><img title="DSC03381" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="450" alt="DSC03381" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S-RQQDTknK8/UgxOd3bajSI/AAAAAAAAcu4/NwgBQS2p1T0/DSC03381_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I feel like I have finally regained my cooking mojo, and, even more impressively, my <em>healthy</em> cooking mojo. I have several sources to thank, one of which is at last buying my own groceries and living in a wonderfully healthful place where the farmer’s market is cheap, walking everywhere is easy, and the people around me all dig health too. Believe me, many North Carolina posts to come. Life is good here!</p> <p>Let’s wind down some pictures from back when I lived in the somewhat exhausting DC suburbs. I was finding joy in soaking up my last days with the family (and CAT!) for a good long while. I was making delicious food for them. As an added bonus, when I feel like cooking delicious and healthy food, I also feel like photographing it. I feel like my cooking creativity has finally reappeared!</p> <p>So back to this layered fusion-type business:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RxG5TeVVwNg/UgxOemIUG8I/AAAAAAAAcvA/PvDKyl_eBE4/s1600-h/DSC03380.jpg"><img title="DSC03380" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03380" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-olj3b3vV9Hc/UgxOfbJd3XI/AAAAAAAAcvI/AXKXUMWaAG0/DSC03380_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a><br>(That upside down flip flop in the background of the picture is obviously a deeply meaningful postmodern symbol. I’ll let you come up with your own interpretation).</p> <p>On to the dish. Beginning with the eggplant.</p> <p>To make eggplant any good without involving extraordinary quantities of fat, you must salt it. Just slice it, spread the slices out on a cutting board, liberally salt both sides, and let ‘em sit there for awhile.</p> <p>You’ll note some condensation.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GFpGan-6TqU/UgxOgOEk3KI/AAAAAAAAcvQ/cXHwE7rdtuE/s1600-h/DSC03351.jpg"><img title="DSC03351" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03351" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_0kvtG1xlDY/UgxOg5yRVeI/AAAAAAAAcvY/xGSXK7eCL_s/DSC03351_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Once that’s happened, brush the slices with a clean kitchen towel, then wipe them with olive oil. It obviously tastes better with quite a lot of olive oil; and don’t skimp too much even if you’re fat preoccupied because they’ll just be dry and grody.</p> <p>Under the broiler with them, til they look like this:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zGPmyZhFxM8/UgxOhoQtzJI/AAAAAAAAcvg/nEoxK5dthVQ/s1600-h/DSC03370.jpg"><img title="DSC03370" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03370" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4VdPx8CSixY/UgxOiLN8_HI/AAAAAAAAcvo/sseYjNUDNtY/DSC03370_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Meanwhile, make yourself some chickpea flour batter. Any respectable socca recipe (I used Mark Bittman’s from How to Cook Everything Vegetarian but the Internet is riddled with additional ones) will do. I seasoned this less aggressively than I do when I’m serving it straight up, so the flavors wouldn’t compete too much with the other ingredients in the stack o’ goodness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ozQMlavc1co/UgxOi9YKlQI/AAAAAAAAcvw/QlS8QDKNvdM/s1600-h/DSC03354.jpg"><img title="DSC03354" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03354" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iYs9omXfW-k/UgxOjQAvlFI/AAAAAAAAcv4/PpZvR4xeSvo/DSC03354_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> </p> <p>To get tortilla-like shapes for layering with my veggies, I cooked the batter in a skillet, like you would pancakes. The chickpea flapjacks came out surprisingly adorable. I now understand much better how one could make injera at home.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O1RBvMgd3uM/UgxOkGB5_4I/AAAAAAAAcwA/LUDeb36eRMY/s1600-h/DSC03358.jpg"><img title="DSC03358" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03358" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6X6dmbrTAnE/UgxOk_d786I/AAAAAAAAcwI/qe6Mw5RnSHM/DSC03358_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Then I threw together an exceedingly quick sauce with basically just olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. And so the layering could begin.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GnnwR68uEFw/UgxOlpBCB5I/AAAAAAAAcwQ/gwFDWRrRFkU/s1600-h/DSC03373.jpg"><img title="DSC03373" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03373" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UmngN6HOGw0/UgxOmd76l4I/AAAAAAAAcwY/BZxj3E3jlME/DSC03373_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Simultaneously fancy looking, healthy, and dead easy, this is a technique that I will be incorporating into many other recipes. Chickpea flapjacks+veggie layers= boss. I think tahini sauce may be in the future, too…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sr6uGyO2YMY/UgxOnIy8L9I/AAAAAAAAcwg/5Ibugr_qyCM/s1600-h/DSC03379%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03379" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="435" alt="DSC03379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R5kHqMXvZhM/UgxOnyWiRYI/AAAAAAAAcwo/J0MgWQ7akTE/DSC03379_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Certain people named my boyfriend left an ENORMOUS bag of kale in my refrigerator when certain people left town. ENORMOUS. Like a SLEEPING BAG FULL OF KALE. </p> <p>Fortunately, I have two words for you: kale pie.</p> <p>Leftover phyllo dough? Don’t mind if I do.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BiT-9WI4EBs/UgxOoyETHDI/AAAAAAAAcww/WNpVR6C2nvM/s1600-h/DSC03329%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03329" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03329" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wbKtHfL1MC4/UgxOpj9YKdI/AAAAAAAAcw4/UxKq8ViZoSY/DSC03329_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Filling can include any of your desired combinations of:<br>- Kale (duh). At various points I reappropriated leftover kale chips and leftover steam kale into my kale pies, and both worked brilliantly<br>- Eggs (or egg yolks made into a custard with milk)<br>- Cheese (parmesan, goat, or feta would be nice; but I used cheddar one time and that was tasty too)<br>- Fresh herbs of your choice, with parsley being a very nice choice<br>- Lemon zest or juice<br>- WALNUTS! Give it a nice extra shazam</p> <p>I first used phyllo dough because it is reminiscent of classic <em>spanikopita</em> for this recipe, and had also been languishing in my fridge for quite some time. However, in a later version I made a homemade whole wheat and olive oil pie crust and it was mighty delicious too. </p> <p>I photographed this pie immediately after it came from the oven, so it was steaming quite powerfully. But you get the idea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4wYDRUXXWQ0/UgxOqVwzYmI/AAAAAAAAcxA/f6Wf5glQV4Y/s1600-h/DSC03337.jpg"><img title="DSC03337" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k6UiJVIAfqE/UgxOqxnnKPI/AAAAAAAAcxI/2sqGPrF4vuU/DSC03337_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>More summer goodness to come, from the state with Carolina blue skies!</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-60311344595781765752013-08-02T22:21:00.001-04:002013-08-02T22:22:53.099-04:00moving in steve<p>This is Molly. She’s one of Steve’s new roommates. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y-MtPBtwafo/UfxpCGaUvyI/AAAAAAAAcuY/mV6Q__kYg-I/s1600-h/DSC03393%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03393" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="290" alt="DSC03393" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iGcerof_J0A/UfxpCmotFXI/AAAAAAAAcug/ISJcHXnDYmM/DSC03393_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Doesn’t it kind of look like she’s trying to eat my leg?! Haha, oops. She isn’t. I think.</p> <p>Steve’s new place, in North Carolina, is the boooooooomb.</p> <p>Witness the stunning hardwood-floored, granite-countered kitchen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DZXmCwInQf0/UfxpDDwj8kI/AAAAAAAAcqo/g1PlaPoWhL8/s1600-h/DSC03395%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03395" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="440" alt="DSC03395" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NOdznZwDnrw/UfxpDTYD6CI/AAAAAAAAcqw/NMWs7tneS_w/DSC03395_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The sweet backyard woods and deck overlooking them.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fCqaGWkMeUo/UfxpD6PPb4I/AAAAAAAAcq0/Yeev3n7DL2o/s1600-h/DSC03396%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03396" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="DSC03396" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4eXAeqCR4ns/UfxpEVXJXCI/AAAAAAAAcrA/M5mtQzm0kz4/DSC03396_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a></p> <p>The pleasantly manly yet well organized living space.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZMtOwZraPEU/UfxpE99YIpI/AAAAAAAAcrI/nv6AjiQrcSs/s1600-h/DSC03397%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03397" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03397" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o3Emay7LNaU/UfxpFaaGfgI/AAAAAAAAcrQ/20wXfT3Pp3Q/DSC03397_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I think it’s going to go well!</p> <p>Something that thrills me: Steve’s room’s previous occupant sold him the bed. No longer will visiting my boyfriend’s feel like going to a frat house. My sweet Steve won’t sleep on an uncomfortable mattress on the floor because he has, say it with me, a beddddddddddd! Yes.</p> <p>And yes I helped assemble it, because I am an Ikea beast.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OlymfJfI-Nc/UfxpGDbnH9I/AAAAAAAAcrY/A-OV3NiB3IA/s1600-h/DSC03426%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03426" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tKY-HqAZz9c/UfxpGSMze9I/AAAAAAAAcrg/8jmnTiaYw2Y/DSC03426_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The finished bed was beautifully constructed. Molly checked by vigorously chewing her bone in it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x2xjnmjRPpM/UfxpGxRudBI/AAAAAAAAcro/m5EWH6E0FiA/s1600-h/DSC03438%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03438" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03438" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--mvt5itUOg4/UfxpHBkIjxI/AAAAAAAAcrw/UAgk3ECKTUY/DSC03438_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>What better way to break in a new home than have dinner party in it? I called Andrea to join us, and Steve’s roommate did too. And of course Molly!</p> <p>This picture shows both the enthusiasm with which the dog conveys the evening meal, knowing she’ll have leftovers; and the fact that this Ikea table has the most cunning drawers in it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vmT_rf7KbQE/UfxpHrMfUdI/AAAAAAAAcr4/a8Wl1DBtFW0/s1600-h/DSC03429%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03429" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03429" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R893hq8ZTwc/UfxpIAY-5nI/AAAAAAAAcsA/TCWQ8gJtqXk/DSC03429_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>We went to Weaver Street Market, a totally rad co-op nearby, to get dinner ingredients. They have local, cage-free eggs for $2.19 (scoooore!) so I made a frittata out of those, parsley, mushrooms, and the most exquisite sharp white cheddar they were demo-ing. I also made corn on the cob. Steve made amaaaaaazing local kale with soy sauce, lemon, garlic, olive oil, etc. etc.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O0bhEvuUTQk/UfxpIorFNZI/AAAAAAAAcsI/P_AqIfhQDbc/s1600-h/DSC03431%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03431" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03431" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZP2f-PplKvw/UfxpJAXobiI/AAAAAAAAcsQ/Uc32u3kKPEI/DSC03431_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Rounding out the meal was garlic bread and great Malbec.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8goMz8noooE/UfxpJs-yUMI/AAAAAAAAcsY/XCLUexn1OUI/s1600-h/DSC03434%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03434" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03434" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rScMAKcMnn0/UfxpKENVEJI/AAAAAAAAcsg/F20nSdcDwHo/DSC03434_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>During the meal, I was slightly bemoaning over my fears that I won’t get into UNC after all this work (my math GRE is below their average… but my verbal is above… tricky) and Steve’s roommate went, “Just send them a picture!”</p> <p>It is a rather beautiful, pretty healthy meal. (Er, though, yes, those are homemade cookies in the background).</p> <p>With Mason jar glasses, cause we live in hipster territory.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TOWmOZXep1U/UfxpKmlUh_I/AAAAAAAAcso/8uE2TSv1FpA/s1600-h/DSC03436%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03436" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03436" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pw_2LhQCUIU/UfxpK3O-jRI/AAAAAAAAcsw/pq2poRJbIrI/DSC03436_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Here’s an awesome fact: Steve and I can walk back and forth to each other’s new places. I am not 100% moved in to mine (up in VA finishing biochemistry) but I am a bit, as you’ll see in a second.</p> <p>The best thing about the walk between our places: the cat family.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gOklKgARvto/UfxpLbvhS8I/AAAAAAAAcs4/vqfyhvPeu4g/s1600-h/DSC03451%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03451" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03451" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GswWGkj9CcQ/UfxpL5e-qLI/AAAAAAAActA/SO5wvJqd-KM/DSC03451_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>There are two more, unpictured, and they are friendly and awesome. It’ll be great when I’m having withdrawal from Sheila, the best cat in the world whom I am sure I’ll miss unbearably.</p> <p>So off we scampered to my new place to get our brunch on! My new roomie, Alli, had spent much of the summer traveling, and was reuniting with her NC friends (many of whom she’d met through AMERICORPS! Holla). She was nice enough to invite Steve and I along.</p> <p>The apartment is a work in progress, so you’re only getting a few hints. Here’s the table laid (I bought Steve’s old one, which I think is so pretty). Note the dance-studio-esque horrifically shiny full length mirrors all along the dining room wall! We’re working on it…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QFhrdypDFaw/UfxpMCLppbI/AAAAAAAActI/D9xbR2wQ20U/s1600-h/DSC03453%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03453" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03453" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RreZN77UgQw/UfxpMt9z3YI/AAAAAAAActQ/buNpNTyqk-k/DSC03453_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Alli’d set up a lovely mimosa station.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y_KMGqJkjU4/UfxpNHdYueI/AAAAAAAActY/z6wiMpJWvLM/s1600-h/DSC03454%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03454" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03454" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jcBUtYE9nXk/UfxpNn5kdtI/AAAAAAAActg/Xv-g5OJt6CU/DSC03454_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And she and her mom, with the help of the grocery store NEXT DOOR TO OUR NEW COMPLEX (yes yes yes!) prepared a wonnnnnnnderful meal.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fEwJuH3F4I4/UfxpOFVzFwI/AAAAAAAActo/yMEJI1O2QeY/s1600-h/DSC03460%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03460" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03460" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I2TcE423i8Q/UfxpOuQ39WI/AAAAAAAActw/iXWU4NMeabs/DSC03460_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Homemade spinach ‘n onion ‘n cheese quiches, daintily arrayed donuts and mini muffins, and the most beautiful fruit salad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NjBQ9rHcEZ0/UfxpOx69ZsI/AAAAAAAAct4/sKV2gmXC_OA/s1600-h/DSC03461%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03461" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03461" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wca08iALuw0/UfxpPVzPYJI/AAAAAAAAcuA/6taG56fVA6A/DSC03461_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The living room is currently a bit sparse (as I’ll be bringing down the sofa next week) so we all stretched out on the carpet and broke in the new space that way.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9oGVJQV5sl4/UfxpP5I23mI/AAAAAAAAcuI/AkBJRdczWa4/s1600-h/DSC03467%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03467" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03467" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rKkZf8GiFd8/UfxpQW_UDqI/AAAAAAAAcuQ/Cs7L0LGnBEQ/DSC03467_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>Excited for the next step!</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-70282229433526037272013-07-30T14:50:00.001-04:002013-07-30T14:50:42.632-04:00welcome to nc!<p>A sleepy, tree-lined, generously sidewalked neighborhood.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I9DCBWFhqgY/UfgKmVIdqII/AAAAAAAAcjQ/0p5RXcgUWK0/s1600-h/DSC02913%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02913" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="369" alt="DSC02913" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HG9jJGhh9Hk/UfgKm9t6oRI/AAAAAAAAcjY/G6vcArlWdWc/DSC02913_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="508" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Many a garden, staked up with eco-friendly and beautiful bamboo.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f-eRSAh0xgs/UfgKnXW4k_I/AAAAAAAAcjg/Ec6Kxp0Iqb4/s1600-h/DSC02915%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02915" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02915" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z6atfnRrYio/UfgKoAgwLKI/AAAAAAAAcjo/H04S2sJ8Sag/DSC02915_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>The suspicious feeling one has entered a time warp to 1969.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-edQ84R-shq4/UfgKosdQoHI/AAAAAAAAcjw/WssJXd1p-qw/s1600-h/DSC02917%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02917" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02917" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4Uxmgd6kfeY/UfgKpImVdDI/AAAAAAAAcj4/HnTGr-9Piyo/DSC02917_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E0FDWP1OHRM/UfgKplLCIdI/AAAAAAAAckA/Zv8I6zsoapo/s1600-h/DSC02916%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02916" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02916" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zg_YEzg6Gn8/UfgKqE7PB_I/AAAAAAAAckI/D-GJtEYMdEg/DSC02916_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>(with a few modern issues)<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--DetnVyFsOc/UfgKqqXXiuI/AAAAAAAAckQ/GTAlt4gbcgk/s1600-h/DSC02914%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02914" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="456" alt="DSC02914" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w5qHCPsojmY/UfgKrGjGD9I/AAAAAAAAckY/88WHGlD75Gg/DSC02914_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Agave and soy milk for your iced coffee, simply placed on the counter like normal people add them?!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9OtbBWMGXUM/UfgKrjmVInI/AAAAAAAAckg/SDhijQdtm0c/s1600-h/DSC02919%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02919" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02919" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KGJfcUzvXnM/UfgKsKXoSGI/AAAAAAAAcko/3etNBrwO3jQ/DSC02919_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Ubiquitous adorable bikes.</p> <p> </p> <p>And my dream school. I hope. Someday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bi4cnnIk9Nk/UfgKsk0LseI/AAAAAAAAckw/qMWXw6qNxCQ/s1600-h/DSC02923%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02923" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02923" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XbolouwpjJ0/UfgKtFb_VMI/AAAAAAAAck4/7mXpp3ps3no/DSC02923_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The following is a compilation post from two separate trips to my new state (!) of North Carolina. The first time I ever went <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2012/11/carolina-and-other-good-things.html" target="_blank">I already catalogued in the blog</a> (it’s worth a read because there are LEMURS!!). Then I took another trip this past May which I just lacked the organization to post about til now.</p> <p>My missions were to:</p> <p>- Get the lay of the land (check)<br>- Get stoked to live there (check)<br>- Reconnect with a wonderful friend with whom I attended summer camp (check!)<br>- Find myself a roommate (not check, but it’s for the best since the place and person with whom I ended up are both infinitely more awesome than the respective places and roommates I encountered on the first trip)</p> <p>So the above pictures were captured during various meanders along the streets of Carrboro (my future town!)and on the UNC Campus (my future school?! PLEASE?!). Does anyone else wander neighborhoods taking pictures of eating establishments? ACTUALLY, I ended up randomly running into another camp friend at a bar on my last trip (so random and awesome!) and she said she was moving to France in October to teach English (awesome) and had opened up Google Earth to explore her hometown and make sure there were pastry shops (super awesome! And there are 4!)</p> <p>This combined a pun and wings, which made me think Steve would be all over it, but apparently he’s a vegetarian now… so it’s posted solely for your amusement.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xVdeWehuHSw/UfgKtvRxAYI/AAAAAAAAclA/c9mNffI8ONw/s1600-h/DSC02920%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02920" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="331" alt="DSC02920" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sNIw2hz9UY8/UfgKt3-nwGI/AAAAAAAAclI/wcbRqgx7FXA/DSC02920_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Yes please.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BMYhlVNaAv8/UfgKuQT9uuI/AAAAAAAAclQ/W2VUQjyniNc/s1600-h/DSC02925%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02925" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02925" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WG9n8ViPXck/UfgKu3cwgbI/AAAAAAAAclY/-mbwTyxk1i0/DSC02925_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Yes please.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uTvik-dbxSg/UfgKvcl5t1I/AAAAAAAAclg/j47JfVZCXcI/s1600-h/DSC02926%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02926" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02926" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pEC5Ywiz0hw/UfgKv_J0qEI/AAAAAAAAclo/7iJQ5-HI9nc/DSC02926_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>The most exciting dining establishment I encountered on my May trip was <a href="http://www.panzanella.coop/" target="_blank">Panzanella</a>. Its lovely courtyard:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GdIjwF4rMz4/UfgKwdq5NlI/AAAAAAAAcls/bAPqLtazLS8/s1600-h/DSC02928%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02928" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="419" alt="DSC02928" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aUrdeTFSTM0/UfgKw9YNeXI/AAAAAAAAcl4/DS-Ut2PLvDE/DSC02928_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" border="0"></a></p> <p>And its exciting and admirable mission:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--aaDOrI93jU/UfgKxYwnx-I/AAAAAAAAcl8/LmhiOZxQWYU/s1600-h/DSC02927%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02927" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="333" alt="DSC02927" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ffnnDfxSS_U/UfgKxqWf0_I/AAAAAAAAcmI/esJfZMXFZl4/DSC02927_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="580" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Meant it was obviously going to be my destination for a wonderful single lady’s lunch. So exciting to read a menu and actually know it’s of ethical origins and I can eat it! Went for the spicy spring chicken wrap:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XU5c3IH9BNQ/UfgKyJJ4yFI/AAAAAAAAcmM/vR9YWIFevwg/s1600-h/DSC02929%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02929" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02929" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JH2vAfh6WAg/UfgKyuQsDdI/AAAAAAAAcmY/sU7p5ltaHxg/DSC02929_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Aaggggggggggh it was so delicious!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-55_jWtZOvGI/UfgKzOJg0FI/AAAAAAAAcmg/g_d9xfe7Wys/s1600-h/DSC02930%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02930" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02930" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iJ-XmNqUrGA/UfgKzjMFdQI/AAAAAAAAcmo/AG6GhGtJkOo/DSC02930_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>That afternoon I met with someone about an apartment who was <em>totally</em> wrong for me and I’m <em>totally</em> better off without her and I didn’t even <em>like</em> the walk in closet (shh… yes I did). Roommate rejections. Very dramatic. It’s like dating: you meet someone on Craigslist, you send some tentative emails, then they want to Skype. You talk, you laugh, you feel a connection and then… poof. Sorry. It’s not you. I need to live with another college student.</p> <p>Anyway, I ended up with someone way better- you’ll see in the next post!</p> <p>That place I looked at that day was within walking distance of Whole Foods, which at the time thrilled me but retrospectively I can now say would have been dangerous for my wallet. With Exhibit A of why being my exciting purchases for the road trip home.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mcg5Ss6DQKo/UfgK0I-cy9I/AAAAAAAAcmw/fHurf7kb678/s1600-h/DSC02937%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02937" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02937" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w8PO3J2bkzE/UfgK0gb6k9I/AAAAAAAAcm4/nLwhdYPC2_4/DSC02937_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>BUT, you say, this is all ANCIENT HISTORY!</p> <p>How true.</p> <p>I returned to the Triangle this past weekend to help move someone in. Someone named my boyfriend, who’s joining me in the NC adventure!</p> <p>We were thrilled to be reunited and in our new town, so we hit up a bar! Slash restaurant. We’d both admired <a href="http://www.thestationcarrboro.com/" target="_blank">Southern Rail</a>’s charm on respective past trips to Carrboro, so we made our way there to spend a beautiful evening eating and drinking al fresco. </p> <p>Waited on a table, and began by people watching at the bar area.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WfXnfHlq0Cw/UfgK1MwN_iI/AAAAAAAAcnA/mbAg1b1rV2E/s1600-h/DSC03398%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03398" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="414" alt="DSC03398" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o2LmVl57aCU/UfgK1obX0EI/AAAAAAAAcnI/G_xikeHE6Xk/DSC03398_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I saw the bartender making someone something beautiful with strawberries, so I requested one of the same “but not too sweet”. Got fizzy water instead of Sprite, which is good cause otherwise it woulda been too much sugar. What I got was kind of a variation on a mojito. Yum! Steve got a fat tire.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sxBKcYcewW0/UfgK16wheFI/AAAAAAAAcnQ/k4eKpYzeAww/s1600-h/DSC03402%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03402" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03402" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-32B46_KGgAI/UfgK2eHQObI/AAAAAAAAcnY/SrlV8n_X1Dg/DSC03402_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>This is ONE drink in DC:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F2aMqrzU9uI/UfgK26l7kPI/AAAAAAAAcng/3Z0uqY518vI/s1600-h/DSC03403%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03403" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="DSC03403" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YBRhNNie-wY/UfgK3Fjx9OI/AAAAAAAAcno/OLvcfCUEI68/DSC03403_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>(Note: I tipped! It wasn’t filled in yet!)</p> <p>We ate outside in what basically felt like an enchanted forest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZbNN5GFpUh8/UfgK3su_szI/AAAAAAAAcnw/u2D61wn78NY/s1600-h/DSC03407%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03407" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03407" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HHoocy5irR8/UfgK4NikdXI/AAAAAAAAcn4/Q58cvksqPMc/DSC03407_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Steve got something beautiful with cucumbers and cilantro and basil and gin. Next time, Southern Rail. This is mine.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ltD-ZjUsgwA/UfgK4n6XBiI/AAAAAAAAcoA/6qlTSuAQV3Y/s1600-h/DSC03408%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03408" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="427" alt="DSC03408" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rk-ZUpTWT-U/UfgK5KFHBMI/AAAAAAAAcoI/HZy-nVyiwW8/DSC03408_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Southern Rail immediately earned my undying loyalty by having tater tots in the menu. One of the appetizer options was basically tater tot nachos: topped with mushrooms, onions, chili, and cheese. Mind boggling. This picture fails to convey how ENORMOUS this was. We took leftovers in a box and then fed them to my friend we ran into at the bar :) (She’d been drinking on an empty stomach. Whoo!)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O45lLuXlSqg/UfgK5gOz3HI/AAAAAAAAcoQ/jkAlq4jT1Vg/s1600-h/DSC03413%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03413" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="414" alt="DSC03413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N6YvVYA4XAU/UfgK6HAq2kI/AAAAAAAAcoU/l8o5_gMwIvE/DSC03413_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="310" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I got the black bean burger, which was delicious but I was basically already full from the appetizer, so I ate like two bites :) But the patty was clearly homemade and spicy, and the avocado spread was delightful. I ate my side salad out of duty, as I hadn’t yet had any vegetables (well unless you count the tater tots and ketchup… which I cannot do in good conscience). Steve got a fab, garlicky pasta and veggie dish.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ySfoRxV1zag/UfgK6cMXA0I/AAAAAAAAcog/XOldOc4CPAo/s1600-h/DSC03416%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03416" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03416" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bSM7fgr5gMI/UfgK68RD1oI/AAAAAAAAcoo/UaH0tNlu9dw/DSC03416_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then free concert across the street, whoo! This is where I ran into my camp friend… outside the ladies’ room. Steve said from his seat he just saw me outside the bathroom high fiving someone and was like, “Gosh, she’s really very friendly”. Heh.</p> <p>On to the next morning. </p> <p>I’d immediately called my good pal Andrea (who I’ll sometimes call Love Fern, and she me) when I knew I was going down for the weekend, and she requested a meeting for Saturday brunch. She said the best place in town for it was <a href="http://guglhupf.com/" target="_blank">Guglhupf</a>, and since I can’t imagine any place better I’ll just believe her and go here for the rest of my life.</p> <p>It is SO BEAUTIFUL!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3HEEExWZDHo/UfgK7fpNaYI/AAAAAAAAcow/RbDp31qq_uA/s1600-h/DSC03420%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03420" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9A6dnmOtaCA/UfgK7rQwsNI/AAAAAAAAco4/Zgn3CENOTfk/DSC03420_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I mean my gosh there is a fountain. There were lots of adorable families with adorable children. One little boy just wandered back and forth on this ledge, staring in wonderment at the water. Precious.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PPpSEnqoJ8Y/UfgK8MT1GGI/AAAAAAAAcpA/xZC0KN5Iyz0/s1600-h/DSC03421%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03421" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03421" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ls8ZQoRc-_I/UfgK8lc7Q4I/AAAAAAAAcpI/4k2EilabYfc/DSC03421_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>Steve and Andrea both got a scrumptious looking egg somethingorother.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BbbGa3SjMPY/UfgK86nEtTI/AAAAAAAAcpQ/1_yGYXXlntQ/s1600-h/DSC03422%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03422" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hiDv1CdTLl8/UfgK9WPvFUI/AAAAAAAAcpY/lVX3QiQDY0U/DSC03422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And this was my beautiful plate.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s5I03j3NBWk/UfgK9127dPI/AAAAAAAAcpg/2fkNlTPqdfg/s1600-h/DSC03423%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03423" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03423" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xCSym4Ln9Y8/UfgK-WGha5I/AAAAAAAAcpo/DUGT-Q_Hax8/DSC03423_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Not picture is a guzzled iced coffee after a not-so-stellar night of sleep. I also got this gazpacho, partly because gazpacho tastes like summer.. and partially because I was suffering from veggie guilt.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gH9_U7Wo0wM/UfgK-gYOPFI/AAAAAAAAcpw/JGWhvOLTBqY/s1600-h/DSC03424%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03424" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03424" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lXyYL7Yc6w0/UfgK_Wz9rzI/AAAAAAAAcp4/3LPyR5IC4vA/DSC03424_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And I got the most FANTASTIC bircher muesli! I am obsessed with this stuff, and used to try to make it at home, with very little success. This is the best American incarnation I’ve had. (My ultimate trophy, however, goes to the hotel buffet I got to enjoy in Thailand. Not likely to taste it again for awhile, though my little sister is actually there now!)</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a-IUeqzsBBE/UfgK__wIi2I/AAAAAAAAcqA/_0e71PDelQs/s1600-h/DSC03425%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03425" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oyb6Oen7ikE/UfgLAaZbzoI/AAAAAAAAcqI/iWT8_ObUTxo/DSC03425_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p>This is just part 1 of the North Carolina posts. There will of course be many parts, as it’s my new home (!) but the next installment will introduce you to Steve and my’s dope new places, dope new roommates, and dope new neighborhood.</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-63991711220770162002013-07-22T07:30:00.000-04:002013-07-22T07:30:02.546-04:00estrogenfest 2013<p>My boyfriend has been out of town. I miss him, and yet my life still ought to be fulfilling and enjoyable as he goes off adventuring with friends and family. So I’ve been living it up, girly style. Intensely girly style.</p> <p>And I now dub it Estrogenfest 2013. To give you just a small window into a current example, as I write this I am staying in with my mom on a Friday night and we are dancing in the kitchen. While the cake bakes in the oven. So there you go.</p> <p>The principles of Estrogenfest are the following: </p> <p>-<strong>Rekindle the spark in my cat lady heart</strong>. Sheila’s gotten very fond of the Foof that has temporarily taken up residence in our basement. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OgUlNAZgJw0/UetkE-7O8wI/AAAAAAAAcho/-p35zZubWGo/s1600-h/DSC03268%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03268" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="310" alt="DSC03268" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CH9nm_F_zk0/UetkFSZnGYI/AAAAAAAAchw/AgnjCpwCIBc/DSC03268_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="387" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I’ve been a particularly devoted cat parent because Sheila was acting like a bit of a psycho (she became absolutely terrified of my mother when she returned from a business trip) so I took her to the vet and they diagnosed her with a little kitten UTI aw. So we’ve been diligently giving her antibiotics wrapped in little hollow treats.</p> <p><strong>- Go on lots and lots of girly friend dates. </strong></p> <p>Obviously, I still spend time with my friends even when my boyfriend is in town (because I hope to God I am not That Girl nor will I ever be) but it’s taken on a particularly meaningful tone when I send texts requesting to hang out because I’m leaving town so soon (details forthcoming.) So I’ve tried to get while the gettin’s good with my local friends. And also eat girly food because my linebacker-appetited boyfriend is out of town.</p> <p>The dates have included the following:<br>- Getting girly salads for lunch with my high school friend Lauren and her baby<br>- Having a dinner with my middle school friend Virginia (and both of our respective families) while getting to know her one year old and chatting with her about the next kiddo she’s currently gestating<br>- Noshing on girly crepes with another friend, Patricia, in Old Town while discussing her crazy mother, cohabiting boyfriend, and so on. After our crepes, I got to meet her new beagle puppy! Then, when she was giving me a ride back into town, I noticed a bag in her car that she was taking to Goodwill. So I promptly went through it and removed a number of items of clothing.<br>- Going on a daytime friend date with my girl Emily, a buddy from community college. She’s heading off to grad school so we’re both leaving town. We shopped, and a Bloomingdale’s store credit allowed me to purchase designer jeans for the first time, oh, ever. They make my bum look pretty epic, I have to say. This can’t become a habit. Then, to keep our estrogen stores up and running, we got Pinkberry for lunch and talked about boys. And then we went tea sampling. Yep.</p> <p>So those included lots of girly food, but to be even more specific:</p> <p><strong>- Enjoy lots and lots of eggs for dinner</strong></p> <p>Because eggs for dinner will always connote singlehood to me. Not that I’m single. Not that I want to be single. Not that I’m dissing singlehood. Fact: I think it is a tremendously positive thing to be in a happy relationship and recognize that they are possible, communication is key, etc. etc. Fact: I also think it is a tremendously positive thing to be single. There is great freedom. Freedom to eat eggs, the individually packaged, nutritionally impressive, utterly easy and quick to cook, fabulously delicious food.</p> <p>I’ve made two kinds of egg pies.</p> <p>The first was absolutely AMAZING but wretchedly unphotogenic.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v_89ZPuOCYQ/UetkFvW_r9I/AAAAAAAAch4/6cbbd985pFo/s1600-h/DSC03230%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03230" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03230" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rJWbH8Hs4Wg/UetkGMqgouI/AAAAAAAAciA/NxkVF9tLc6I/DSC03230_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>The basic idea:<br>- Tomato sauce, made from fresh or canned tomatoes, slow-cooked onions, olive oil, and lotsa fresh herbs- I used oregano<br>- Eggs cracked atop<br>- Cheese atop that. Swiss cause it’s what I had.</p> <p>Dude, that’s IT! Bake it at 300 til the whites are set. </p> <p>It isn’t a pizza, but some of its flavors are reminiscent of pizza. And it’s comforting. And you can eat it hot or eat it cold. And you can bake its small pan in the toaster oven, my single serving favorite appliance.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SR_v80vMrP0/UetkGWQrA5I/AAAAAAAAciE/DuuzBLZvDkQ/s1600-h/DSC03227%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03227" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03227" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Seodto4A8zA/UetkG51ljzI/AAAAAAAAciQ/1Vn1u2U114I/DSC03227_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JT9SXQDIhaY/UetkHaJrirI/AAAAAAAAciY/HU_MCGi3VMM/s1600-h/DSC03232%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03232" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03232" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CJyq8-a7Yj8/UetkHp5oFKI/AAAAAAAAcig/ICYtpAKtlaQ/DSC03232_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And this guy, </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BfVXoomkhMo/UetkIIJeoSI/AAAAAAAAcio/hi6Lqls8tU8/s1600-h/DSC03089%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03089" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aNeLYivhnLs/UetkIi-c5fI/AAAAAAAAciw/B_fuPIutucs/DSC03089_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a></p> <p>I was all pleased with myself for making a proper quiche crust, but the recipe I used (from Eating Well) was just… not very good. So I’m not going to share it.</p> <p>But the filling was a simple and delicious mixture of mushrooms, asparagus, milk, and eggs. Topping of cheese.</p> <p>(Okay, fine, this didn’t actually happen during Estrogenfest. The out-of-season asparagus being an obvious hint, right? But it went with the egg and veggie pie theme. And it was a great deal prettier than the tomato pie. Sue me.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w8g3NCI9izQ/UetkIyoDkSI/AAAAAAAAci4/hthnHl-F12I/s1600-h/DSC03088%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03088" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03088" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XEKH6Rq1cdk/UetkJ5aO-GI/AAAAAAAAcjA/9_IShPwAlKg/DSC03088_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>- <strong>Read girly books and watch girly TV</strong></p> <p>Can we TALK about Orange is the New Black on Netflix?! It’s AMAZING. I just binge-watched the whole first season. Are they making more? Do we know? Love it for its excellent dialogue, strong female characters, and copious laughs.</p> <p>A confession: I cat-sat for my aunt and uncle the other weekend while they were out of town. It was lots of fun (their house is beautiful and a brief walk from the Mount Vernon trail so I did lots of biking and walking). That being said, I had raging PMS so in a final Estrogenfest confession, I will admit that I ate many servings of nutella while sitting on the couch watching Pitch Perfect with the cat. It was awesome.</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-51812831963799229112013-07-20T08:02:00.000-04:002013-07-20T08:02:00.482-04:00i heart summer vegetables<p>Title is self-explanatory, though ever so slightly ripped off from another blog!</p> <p>Let’s do a bit of case study here, shall we? We begin with pristine farmer’s market lima beans. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wZr0UcqRZLA/UenvyB6yftI/AAAAAAAAcfQ/nM48ELgXVFw/s1600-h/DSC03250%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03250" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="348" alt="DSC03250" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QAr3D6tSg0s/UenvyuBBgPI/AAAAAAAAcfY/SWJ02_goTRM/DSC03250_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I do as many photoshoots as possible on the deck to capture its lovely natural light. This always amuses my cat, who starts nuzzling the camera.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QuPZe-EDCrM/UenvzPvofMI/AAAAAAAAcfg/iDWavzIJq_I/s1600-h/DSC03249%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03249" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03249" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FTZO6ydFMFI/UenvziYzFUI/AAAAAAAAcfo/455o7sRViHc/DSC03249_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Being in a soup mood, as I am often inclined to be, I decided I wanted something cold, creamy, and herb-y.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-roc3G3Wwc7o/Uenv0OpSCLI/AAAAAAAAcfw/kjJErASX2uI/s1600-h/DSC03256%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03256" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03256" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KF7x3djanEY/Uenv0pTuVkI/AAAAAAAAcf4/xLiFfMena7M/DSC03256_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>This is not a recipe (though get excited, as there are two recipes- real ones!- below, but an approximation. I feel like it’s worth it to share an approximation, if it produces something wonderful with lima beans, as so many people are oddly scared of lima beans. I promise, they are good this way!)</p> <p>Basically:<br>- Cook ‘the beans til they’re tender. In whatever. I used chicken broth cause I had some languishing in the fridge.<br>- Let them cool a bit and puree them with their liquid.<br>- Add creaminess, if desired. Pureed beans, especially starchy ones like lima beans, already do a pretty good job of making a creamy soup, but since I had some buttermilk in the fridge I opted to add that too, which made it even creamier and contributed a welcome tang, which leads me to…<br>- Add flava! I added copious amounts of the wonderful fresh basil growing on my deck, lotsa salt and pepper, and lemon juice</p> <p>It. was. greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat! </p> <p>I enjoyed the soup over a course of a couple of meals but I wanted to highlight a delicious lunch I had, joined by my sister. The soup was a highlight, of course, as was an enormous bowl of guacamole, with homemade tortilla chips dunked in it. My sister, demonstrating the balance in her life, included in her lunch a plate covered of two totally crack-like substances she brought home: both chips. One bag of apple chips. One bag of kettle cooked sun-dried tomato parmesan potato chips. Gahhhh.</p> <p>Anyway, we both focused on the guacamole. Love us some avocado.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7eFENBqaC94/Uenv1EjK4yI/AAAAAAAAcgA/p8o3l6CKvA0/s1600-h/DSC03253%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03253" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NkDeaRi7bSo/Uenv1it16uI/AAAAAAAAcgI/eAwwMmpytDg/DSC03253_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And now, I have not one but TWO recipes highlighting delicious summer vegetables! It is a joy to share them, as well as somewhat of a relief that I have not completely forgotten how to be healthy. I had been inclined to believe, for awhile, that my health related to food was on an upswing, at least to the extent that my emotions connected to my eating habits. Then, blessedly summer returned and I threw myself with gusto into preparing the wonderful produce of the season. Groove=back.</p> <p>We begin with…</p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U0CH4AFKE_U/Uenv2FdK_aI/AAAAAAAAcgQ/fiHyegEvwdM/s1600-h/DSC03326%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03326" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03326" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gf6ZjZk6JwQ/Uenv2pJfdjI/AAAAAAAAcgY/gWdN3g5F32o/DSC03326_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Greek Style Green Beans</strong></p> <p>1/3 cup olive oil<br>1 small/medium onion, finely diced<br>1 clove garlic<br>1 T tomato paste<br>1 lb fresh green beans<br>1 large heirloom tomato (or 2 normal sized tomatoes), chopped<br>salt and pepper to taste<br>1/4 tsp. ground allspice<br>1/2 cup water</p> <p>Wash green beans, and with a knife or scissors, trim off the tips at both ends and any coarse strings that many remain.</p> <p>In a large dish like a Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook onion in olive oil until translucent. Stir occasionally. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, stirring often, until they are evenly distributed through the onion. Add green beans and cook for an additional minute, stirring often, until they are evenly coated with the oil.</p> <p>Then add remaining ingredients. Increase to high, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the green beans are tender, about 30-40 minutes for thick green beans like the ones shown above. If you want the sauce to be thinner, remove the lid of the pot for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.</p> <p>Notes: <br>-The olive oil is present in large quantities. It is what gives the dish the majority of its flavor, and is authentic to the Greek origin of the recipe. If you make it with less olive oil, it will be less good. And olive oil is good for you. And you’re eating green beans, for heaven’s sake, so just add the whole 1/3 cup of olive oil, okay?<br>- I used the broad green beans available at many a farmer’s market this time of year. I was filled with delight when I saw them because they looked exactly like the green beans I ate with such gusto in Greece. You are, of course, welcome to use regular green beans. They will just cook for slightly less time. I also used a heaping pound of the green beans. In other words, the proportions aren’t set in stone.<br>- The allspice is present in small quantities because it has a distinctive, strong flavor. I love it in here, but any other herb, fresh or dried, would be great, too. If you are adding fresh herbs, of course add more than 1/4 tsp.<br>- Add water based on how saucy you want your final beans to be. This is a great dish for soaking up with bread or rice, but if you’d rather have a more basic side dish without a lot of sauce, you can add a lot less water.</p> <p>This dish tastes like GREECE! Also, summer.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HwvH_tu7Dcw/Uenv3MZtZNI/AAAAAAAAcgg/gex8sioMF0Q/s1600-h/DSC03325%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03325" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03325" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t5Dj58tDQKs/Uenv3bZ0QuI/AAAAAAAAcgo/scy4PoAgVLA/DSC03325_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Since certain people’s boyfriends were leaving town, this certain person’s boyfriend left behind an ENORMOUS, almost COMICAL amount of kale in his beloved girlfriend’s kitchen. She rose to the occasion (oh, she rose. Just wait. This post is I Heart Summer Vegetables Part 1, friends), but there was just a TON, man!</p> <p>Meanwhile, another ingredient I squealed with delight to see at the farmer’s market was fresh fennel. </p> <p>I got out my <strike>scary</strike> <strike>dangerous</strike> trusty mandoline and made some thin slices of the good stuff, knowing they were destined for greatness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-da0Pvjn3YPc/Uenv3_30obI/AAAAAAAAcgs/VfikVfTfNdE/s1600-h/DSC03321%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03321" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="352" alt="DSC03321" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9QWV-YWeGIE/Uenv4ZSMRvI/AAAAAAAAcg4/S0hg6uWgGDs/DSC03321_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" border="0"></a></p> <p>A salad seemed a wise choice, and also a delicious one, combining the wonderful crunchy, licorice-y splendor of fresh fennel with the earthy bitterness of kale. I feel slightly silly writing a recipe for salad, and yet this was wonderful and I wanted it recorded so, if no other reason, I’d have it for the next time I myself wanted to make it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WEOgpa_U2Rk/Uenv46lAPZI/AAAAAAAAchA/16Vs__26fVs/s1600-h/DSC03322%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03322" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03322" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M6I3Zj9bdgk/Uenv5RpNLiI/AAAAAAAAchI/9oXE4OeK_DI/DSC03322_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p><strong>Crunchy Kale, Fennel and Apple Salad</strong></p> <p>5 cups shredded kale<br>1 large green apple, very thinly sliced<br>1 bulb fennel, very thinly sliced<br>1/2 cup walnuts<br>2 T olive oil<br>the juice of 1 large lemon<br>1/2 T honey<br>2 T apple cider vinegar<br>salt and pepper</p> <p>Combine kale, apple, fennel, and walnuts in a large salad bowl. Whisk together oil, lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the salad gently so as not to totally pulverize the apple slices!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-erpX4hx3z_I/Uenv59ISOXI/AAAAAAAAchQ/d4EgYeDZvo4/s1600-h/DSC03323%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03323" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03323" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZuR-FsPfESE/Uenv6MfTpDI/AAAAAAAAchY/bfhuE4sI_9w/DSC03323_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Bonus: unlike some kale salads, this was just as good the next day or two. It might’ve been good after that, but we just ate it so quickly…</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-83987888111395883352013-07-16T07:42:00.000-04:002013-07-16T07:42:00.963-04:00berry season!<p>Here in Virginia it has been raining like it is going out of style. It’s been a little bit of a drag for summer outings, but it has been GREAT for the wild berries that are suddenly growing absolutely everywhere! Steve, my sister, and I have been picking them like maniacs. We’ve seen neighbors out noshing, and birdies, and no doubt all sorts of nocturnal creatures are indulging in them as we sleep and STILL, there are SO MANY! Nature can be so generous!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XmVsklkvfjc/UeRs4v4Q_aI/AAAAAAAAccY/MPZnxRGiLcc/s1600-h/DSC03280%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03280" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03280" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AtyJsJnMvsk/UeRs5I4PzAI/AAAAAAAAccg/ZTv1_1jBSEw/DSC03280_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Let’s think about how overpriced berries are at the grocery store, huh? High fives all around when we can pick them in the wild! Sure, there’s a lot of sweating… and there are brambles, so you should really wear longer legs and sleeves on your clothes… which is just as well since there’s also a lot of poison ivy around. Still, it’s FREE NINETY NINE!</p> <p>Here’s the work of, oh, half an hour? (With, yknow, a little of the yield skimmed off the top in the form of snackage in the field)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nupH5k911vA/UeRs5pKpLSI/AAAAAAAAcco/ffTQr9cvk68/s1600-h/DSC03263%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03263" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03263" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fX3iRLCVD7M/UeRs6DYQvNI/AAAAAAAAccw/9IfzV2uYVic/DSC03263_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Shining like beautiful jewels! The raspberries are quite abundant and the blackberries are still coming into season. So. stoked.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-F5XU9ynOzwU/UeRs6dVImuI/AAAAAAAAcc4/kQTfYq6l4_0/s1600-h/DSC03265%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03265" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="352" alt="DSC03265" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6WJujaRtVI8/UeRs7OT3_XI/AAAAAAAAcdA/w5kAnYp2bUY/DSC03265_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Steve and I spent a really adorable afternoon walking in the sunshine picking berries and then getting hilariously soaked when the aforementioned crazy rain appeared once again. Apparently it wetted my camera, which ruined the next few pictures. Blurry though they are, I have to share this fab breakfast.</p> <p>We begin with:<br>- Wonderful farmer’s market yogurt<br>- Whole flaxseeds<br>-Rolled oats<br>-Almond butter</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QmIW9XMW36E/UeRs7b6WO2I/AAAAAAAAcdI/93cbjrkIYE4/s1600-h/DSC03304%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03304" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03304" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A89OiQ1cnu8/UeRs7yPVpaI/AAAAAAAAcdQ/fX_P8YZxMc8/DSC03304_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then atop, you guessed it, big handfuls of ripe and delicious raspberries! Note: the berries are delicious but a bit tarter than the ones you’d find at a grocery store. They’re also a little seedier. I think this makes for a wonderful texture in yogurt bowls but I found it unpleasant when I added them to a smoothie. Just FYI.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qIsDN2ehvsM/UeRs8Zw7OLI/AAAAAAAAcdY/y7s1Q2R3KVo/s1600-h/DSC03307%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03307" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03307" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VbBx9ihL7g4/UeRs8iTj9OI/AAAAAAAAcdg/ktzeNDJ6RVw/DSC03307_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Hanging out in a bowlful of dry rice restored my camera. Phew!</p> <p>Something I’ve done twice now with these beautiful berries is make a beautiful pie!</p> <p>And, shocker of shockers, I have a RECIPE! A legit RECIPE! For the first time in MONTHS! It’s adapted from Mark Bittman, natch, but I put enough tweaks on it that I can call it my own.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ltX5R53LhL8/UeRs9JQsiKI/AAAAAAAAcdo/zuUp3AVYNEc/s1600-h/DSC03317%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03317" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03317" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0I8jqh1r8oU/UeRs9sHrgsI/AAAAAAAAcdw/wPq38S1fBeg/DSC03317_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p><strong>Berry-Buttermilk Pie<br></strong>Adapted from <em>How to Cook Everything Vegetarian</em>, by Mark Bittman</p> <p>1 pie crust (I used a packaged one we had leftover, which is why it looks so BUSTED. The traditional pie crust was great, but you can also do a crumble type crust. See below for variation)<br>3/4 cup buttermilk<br>3/4 cup half and half<br>3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk<br>1/2 cup minus 2 T sugar<br>pinch of salt<br>heaping 3/4 cup of your choice of berries (I used a mix of raspberries and blackberries)</p> <p>Generously poke the bottom of the pie crust with a fork, then bake the empty pie crust at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, until just lightly golden. Let it cool a bit while you prepare the filling.<br>Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, salt and sugar in a large bowl. [Tip: my pastry chef cousin taught me something important. Don’t dump the sugar on top of the eggs, or it’ll cause the eggs to get all clotty and coagulated. Instead, whisk continuously and gradually add the sugar as you whisk.]<br>Then, in a saucepan, heat together buttermilk and half and half on low heat until they begin to steam. Remove the pan from the heat. Add a small ladleful of the hot buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the eggs and whisk vigorously until combined. Then pour the egg mixture into the pan with the rest of the buttermilk mixture.<br>Get your pie crust, and scatter the berries all around the bottom, in an even layer. Then pour the buttermilk filling on top. NOTE: you will have more of the custard mixture than you need for the pie unless you are using a deep dish pie dish. You can put this mixture into ramekins and make custard at the same time as the pie if you wish. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the pie crust, on top of the berries, only until it is about 1/2 an inch under the top of the pie crust. Do not add any more than this or it will be impossible to get the pie in the oven without spilling, plus it’ll rise over the top.<br>Carefully put the pie in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, until the middle is mostly but not quite set (it will cook a little after you remove it from the oven).<br></p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5FjOpEYbGck/UeRs-MbSGeI/AAAAAAAAcd4/1KuBX8PBjYA/s1600-h/DSC03312%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03312" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03312" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CYcbd6as7UQ/UeRs-ePZ0QI/AAAAAAAAceA/SdomGHv-78E/DSC03312_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Note that when I made this beautiful fresh pie a second time, I used only raspberries (because the particular field I was picking in that day did not yet possess ripe blackberries). For the filling, I was lazy and out of eggs so I used Bird’s custard powder to make the custard. Howeeeeeeeeever, for the crust I kicked it up a notch and made a homemade crust. I’m kicking myself for not measuring, because it was wonnnnnnderful, but it contained approximately:<br>- 2 handfuls of walnuts<br>- 1 big tablespoon of cold butter<br>- 1 tablespoon or so of white sugar, plus another 1 or so of brown<br>- say 1/3 of a cup of oats?</p> <p>I prebaked it in the same manner, then filled it, and WOW it was good. It had the texture and richness of those crumbly raspberry bars, but it wasn’t too sweet and it had the creamy custard and… mmm… Just it was good. Just trust me.</p> <p>The day I made the pie was a crazy day because I saw not one but two of my friends’ babies! And by my friends, I mean my peers! One I’ve known since 7th grade, one since 9th! First I enjoyed salads at Sweetgreen with my friend Lauren, who had a sweet little girl named Aimee about six weeks ago. Then for dinner, I joined my friend Virginia, whose wedding I posted about in this blog, and her family. She has a 15-month-old named Charlotte (who’s walking and chatting and an absolute joy to be around) and is pregnant with her second child (!!!!!!!!!)</p> <p>This is all a long way of saying that I told her to eat lots of pie because it had walnuts in them and omega-3’s are good for developing babies. </p> <p>Back to the original pie. Original piecrust. My family thoroughly approved of this goodness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zq9VBqhviW4/UeRs-6yoj9I/AAAAAAAAceI/BzJOfsLXOvw/s1600-h/DSC03319%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03319" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jX15vmD1Lss/UeRs_Wv_4MI/AAAAAAAAceQ/CyoemsbrU4w/DSC03319_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>It was delicious. Due to it being (vaguely) red, white, and blue, I brought it to the fourth of July celebration with my family. We enjoyed it after this fab dinner:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ioFK9Gy2f18/UeRs_7O3XYI/AAAAAAAAceY/moYsDIVCsMU/s1600-h/DSC03311%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03311" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03311" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cpFc6fBS8GI/UeRtAa1Y6JI/AAAAAAAAceg/1O-wT6PQ1mo/DSC03311_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a></p> <p>My once-a-year hot dog, corn on the cob, Georgian beans, a giant pickle, and the most exciting thing to the lower right hand of the plate. I’ve had <em>papas huancaina</em>, a heavenly Peruvian spicy potato and egg dish <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2011/01/france-and-peru-with-crew.html" target="_blank">at La Limena, a Peruvian restaurant in Rockville</a> and then <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2011/02/throwback-potluck.html" target="_blank">made at potluck by my Peruvian friend David</a>. Well, my aunt tried her friend’s version and loved it too, obviously. So she took a stab at it and PEOPLE OF THE WORLD: you have to try <em>papas huancaina</em>. My aunt is proof positive that one can google it and find a scrumptious recipe.</p> <p>As usual, this blog post is all over the place with its train of thought. Returning to the wild fruit with which it began, I inquire the group: are these wild grapes?</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kF2gIx_Ggow/UeRtA1hZg9I/AAAAAAAAceo/1aisPqYRqeE/s1600-h/DSC03281%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03281" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3hrQfIkjViY/UeRtBdIFtYI/AAAAAAAAcew/7Odc6NVUnOg/DSC03281_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>They were growing on the same path as the berries. We aren’t complete lunatics and didn’t eat any, but we did break them open.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3X2e2vRdb88/UeRtBmGSW5I/AAAAAAAAce4/NUZG4mRVd7Q/s1600-h/DSC03282%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03282" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="270" alt="DSC03282" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4VMYUUPla8c/UeRtCJngisI/AAAAAAAAcfA/d4pwvouSa30/DSC03282_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" border="0"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Any horticultural experts out there?</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-72926795486807380142013-07-15T12:00:00.001-04:002013-07-15T12:00:40.030-04:00summer dinners with a boy<p>My boyfriend was off climbing mountains in Colorado, and now he’s livin’ it up in chicago. I’m v. jealous (by which I’m v. sad I’m busy taking Biochemistry and couldn’t tag along) and also missing him just a bit.</p> <p>So, I thought I’d recap some of the culinary fun we’ve been up to of late. Eating meals with Steve is really great, because instead of hemming and hawing about what to order, worrying whether there’ll be too much food, and so on; or when at home instead of limiting meal plans to one or two items; I have the thoroughly impressive appetite of Steve at my disposal. There can be enormous piles of food on the table and it matters not. All will be eaten and savored. </p> <p>Steve’s second to last day in town we decided to have ourselves a proper date. First we took a looooooooooong walk along my favorite trail, stopping along the way to pick lotsa raspberries (the insane amount of raspberries appearing here in Virginia will definitely get their own post). On the outset of our walk, the sun shone brightly in the sky, but then ominous clouds began lurking across the horizon. Suffice it to say that we ended up sooooooooooaked to the skin. Drenched! Drowned rat looking!</p> <p>However, as abruptly as the rain had begun, it ended, and we made our way back into the town of Vienna, where we’d parked, to have a nice early dinner. The sun semi-dried us along the way, and we also simply wrung water out of our clothes as we could.</p> <p>We ended up at Alegria, which turned out to be an AMAZING Mexican restaurant. The area where I live is wonderfully diverse. If you fancy Korean barbecue, Peruvian chicken, or Vietnamese pho, you’re set. However, for whatever reason, likely having to do with immigration trends, Mexican restaurants are woefully lacking. This is a wonderful exception to that.</p> <p>Loved the menu:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gdG7B25Qh1E/UeQcYfwnMfI/AAAAAAAAcYA/WYWjyZ-tc5Q/s1600-h/DSC03284%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03284" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="440" alt="DSC03284" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xuY1GyPI2rs/UeQcYjvpwzI/AAAAAAAAcYI/1x83mxMME_g/DSC03284_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Loved the look of the space- dramatic arches, vaguely industrial looking yet beautiful light fixtures, neat paintings and ornaments hanging about. Pretty flowery whatsits. Bricks with character.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5pU79ftwHe8/UeQcZRos3NI/AAAAAAAAcYQ/Gqgeh7oWdYM/s1600-h/DSC03283%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03283" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03283" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EDatki-mSdE/UeQcZgohe6I/AAAAAAAAcYU/R3FX3REybWA/DSC03283_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The open kitchen made for an entertaining view as we waited for our meals to be served.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KGz9Hxh3Wvc/UeQcaH2mpII/AAAAAAAAcYg/Ov0MHSpHaaY/s1600-h/DSC03293%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03293" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03293" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0U0RaFGl_IM/UeQca5VZv_I/AAAAAAAAcYo/hE5txIENmv4/DSC03293_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>I think the caliber of a Mexican restaurant can often be determined simply by tasting its salsa. (Though Taco Bell does have that delicious fire sauce…)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8Ooe2LMU4XE/UeQcbbWm4GI/AAAAAAAAcYw/et_3VzZrp3g/s1600-h/DSC03287%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03287" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03287" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5E8LCPQ_PnE/UeQccgosmyI/AAAAAAAAcY4/uBXmSXqmOnc/DSC03287_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a></p> <p>Both of these salsas were SPLENDID. The green (<em>verde</em>) one had clearly been prepared using fresh tomatillos and burst with favor. Not too spicy, just really fresh! The one on the right had that slow-cooked, intensely flavorful chipotle fabulousness. Heavenly. And of course the chips were freshly fried.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-twvT2yGxgj0/UeQcc0kzoXI/AAAAAAAAcZA/FAL1M3xDZGQ/s1600-h/DSC03290%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03290" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03290" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mmr4Yhq4VAE/UeQcdcx4drI/AAAAAAAAcZI/FzGXL6_JUI4/DSC03290_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Alegria has a happy hour with not extraordinary deals but at least interesting options. Depending on the day of the week, you can get various flavors of margaritas (the day we went the option was <em>tamarindo</em>, and though for one semester of college I had a Mexican roommate and tried to sample the <em>tamarindo</em> candy she brought from home with gusto, I think it’s one of those flavors upon which you have to be raised to truly appreciate it). You can also get a food special each day, and this particular day there were taquitos. The boyfriend was right on that.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qAhWMJSteso/UeQcd3D7LGI/AAAAAAAAcZQ/oy_1BJNqTz0/s1600-h/DSC03296%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03296" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03296" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gMZ0-6p1BCE/UeQceeUpsQI/AAAAAAAAcZY/92W9FWQvc2g/DSC03296_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>I only had a taste because I just didn’t feel like eating anything fried (fairly shocking for me; perhaps the endless procession of deep-fried awesome in New Orleans finally satiated that urge for a bit?) but anyway, they were delicious. An impressive quantity of shredded, flavorful beef and wonderful <em>crema</em> atop.</p> <p>Then it was time to go to <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/1447" target="_blank">TACO TOOOOOOOOOOOWN!</a> (That video pretty much sums up my boyfriend. When together, we quote it at least once a day.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bo3-uh96a6Y/UeQce_w7mOI/AAAAAAAAcZg/9YGa9Xg_JYc/s1600-h/DSC03298%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03298" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="338" alt="DSC03298" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2k6ygosfavU/UeQcfUOmtEI/AAAAAAAAcZo/tqx0sTuxXNM/DSC03298_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" border="0"></a></p> <p>I was SO pleased with my order. You get three tacos for $12, which is a pretty good deal if you consider the caliber and size of these tacos. And of course the overall classiness of the restaurant :)</p> <p>Remember that thing I said about not feeling like fried food? Clearly joking. The first taco I consumed, and possibly my favorite (though all were delicious) was the fried fish taco. The PERFECTLY fried fish taco. The astonishingly crunchy beer-battered awesomeness on the outside, zippy slaw beneath perfectly balancing the flavors, lovely and tender and flavorful fish taco.</p> <p>In the center, the fish taco <em>a la plancha</em>, with the fish grilled, accompanied by the most wonderful, satisfyingly non-mushy veggies, with a zippy sauce atop.</p> <p>And the dark, poorly lit one is the grilled portabella mushroom taco, complete with caramelized onions and a delightful crunch from <em>pepitas</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22iW1tDOqfw/UeQcf43CjvI/AAAAAAAAcZw/V3blHUnUOFw/s1600-h/DSC03299%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03299" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="DSC03299" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zDlsWXVxS9U/UeQcgSMtL5I/AAAAAAAAcZ0/AZT3ry81oZU/DSC03299_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a></p> <p>Rounding out the plate was some rice and beans on the side, which I mostly gave to Steve.</p> <p>So so so so good!</p> <p>Now let’s talk home cooking. In Steve’s apartment, now vacated, he had a cute little patio outside and a cute little tiny Weber grill on it. We spent many a relaxing evening out there, having dinner or sometimes just a glass of wine.</p> <p>In lieu of deck furniture, we just moved the coffee table outside!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--p5OeTL9yYI/UeQcg8EOS_I/AAAAAAAAcZ8/JAVqmCDJ2_c/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%2525287%252529.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (7)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (7)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4x7cYr2vD1Y/UeQchcyfNEI/AAAAAAAAcaI/IDaT-cyQ0ic/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%2525287%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>(Note: forgot my camera and Steve was nice enough to let me use the phone on his camera. The scene was too pleasant not to capture, but the light was a little dim!) </p> <p>This particular evening, Steve took the lead on the menu.</p> <p>It included:</p> <p>- Grilled peppers stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture, topped with cheese<br>- Grilled corn on the cob</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b5K-mEhy_vg/UeQch6im9FI/AAAAAAAAcaQ/SerTJ1xBK5s/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252819%252529.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (19)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="387" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (19)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8o0kmx48i_I/UeQciC9itzI/AAAAAAAAcaY/utqZhVSQucA/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252819%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vEkLVnUdFC8/UeQci-rjl-I/AAAAAAAAcag/2EcGHqJQBX8/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252811%252529.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (11)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="387" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (11)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jlQ9Q-4hJlU/UeQcjJk2ULI/AAAAAAAAcao/j9IZWRxCsoQ/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252811%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" border="0"></a><br>- Foil packets, placed on the grill, one of a DUH-LICIOUS dill and butter and potato combination; and another of squash with herbs </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-raGGnmEEBfQ/UeQckBsPABI/AAAAAAAAcaw/9ayOSN8hnq0/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252813%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (13)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (13)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XPBkBs5L7HE/UeQckkberCI/AAAAAAAAca0/WKjiJRsMG4k/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252813%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EvXKIViWzK8/UeQclAte8MI/AAAAAAAAca8/o_DkJibu6Ds/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252818%252529.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (18)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="260" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (18)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1CQciEA_iRE/UeQcluJa6GI/AAAAAAAAcbI/DEoV92pbIzY/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%25252818%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="195" border="0"></a><br>- Homemade pico de gallo (two variations, one of which included a mango habanero hot sauce that Steve picked up in New Orleans). Lettuce wrappers in lieu of chips, to make whatever exciting combinations we felt like.</p> <p>Quite the feast!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UVQFr8IXwn8/UeQcmHyvGPI/AAAAAAAAcbQ/4ctz6TssdF0/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%2525281%252529.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (1)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="280" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IfpCyXxi8qw/UeQcmTlup4I/AAAAAAAAcbY/Yz0X7CwPte4/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q-hmvSZZMV0/UeQcm3BsexI/AAAAAAAAcbg/2Gz4myYhsPs/s1600-h/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%2525284%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (4)" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="285" alt="Cookout at mitt lagenhet (4)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GSPa6uO1Cuw/UeQcnerLhJI/AAAAAAAAcbo/qsfBbV6hVGE/Cookout%252520at%252520mitt%252520lagenhet%252520%2525284%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a></p> <p>Another, indoor meal (likely there were too many bugs and/or there was too little light). I’d been eyeing <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chilled-butter-bean-soup-50400000128131/" target="_blank">this Cooking Light recipe for chilled butter bean soup</a> ever since I’d gotten the June issue in the mail. A trip to HMart later, I had fresh fava beans (mmmmmm) rather than the butter beans called for, but I felt no fear.</p> <p>This was WAY good! The relish gives it a nice welcome chew and fresh basil makes everything more delicious.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H91W4YKRyzA/UeQcnzw5DhI/AAAAAAAAcbw/iPFaqETc6f0/s1600-h/DSC03100%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03100" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="538" alt="DSC03100" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ldVdr-PznL8/UeQcoY62K2I/AAAAAAAAcb4/oTNP9okZvWg/DSC03100_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Speaking of fresh basil, I used this as an opportunity to make the first PESTO of the summer! Always such a wonderful milestone. (I also had my first tomato salad of the summer last week, and that was an absolute joy as well!)</p> <p>This pesto was particularly amazing for two reasons, both involving Steve:</p> <p>1. It was served atop Steve’s homemade pasta, which he has become a BEAST at making! I have a pasta maker inherited from my cousin (who inherited it from my grandmother) that I rarely use, but with which Steve has fallen in love. He’s been making pasta at least every week, often more, and has come up with the most delicious variations (with a sweet potato-flax incarnation being particularly noteable).</p> <p>2. I made a blenderful of pesto [oh, oh, additional good thing about Steve- he always has pine nuts!] and it was a big ol’ batch so I was thinking we’d have some on the pasta and have some leftover. Well, Steve, as a nonbeliever in leftovers, just dumped it all on the pasta. So it was essentially equal parts pasta and pesto. If you love pesto (and how could you not?!) this is a really delicious idea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F7FxDZbDd5s/UeQco_iPVgI/AAAAAAAAccA/lRUTN4-z4cM/s1600-h/DSC03104%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03104" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="DSC03104" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9p8IRN8k4lw/UeQcpbNFZdI/AAAAAAAAccI/6ewpU4gdLHg/DSC03104_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Helpful Steve also took on cheese grating duty</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-20660757900253173402013-07-08T23:46:00.001-04:002013-07-08T23:46:18.282-04:00southern fried birthday<p>My baby sister graduated from college, turned 22, and recovered from knee surgery. So we had a party. Summer parties are the bessssst because you can set things up outside.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9B9SBVmmKqU/UduHZs7yONI/AAAAAAAAcVY/9A50vn5FEUQ/s1600-h/DSC03107%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03107" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="450" alt="DSC03107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DLr9FXWwRhE/UduHaBKkayI/AAAAAAAAcVg/QqsjPTvp0a4/DSC03107_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" border="0"></a></p> <p>Let me tell you, trying to fit 18 people on our deck involved some exciting furniture movement. Thanks boyfriend, for bringing that extremely heavy bench up from the backyard with me! There was also rearrangement of the plants that usually take up most of the deck. An attempt to use a mosquito defogger resulted in some leaf trauma. Blessedly, they seem to’ve recovered.</p> <p>Foodwise opted for a decidedly non heart healthy Southern theme. The menu included:</p> <p>- Pulled pork barbecue on buns<br>- Coleslaw<br>- Creamed corn with bacon<br>- Cornbread<br>- Pimiento cheese with veggies (SO GOOD!)<br>- Green bean casserole<br>- Green salad<br>- Various pickly guys, in a vain attempt to contribute a flavor that wasn’t fatty :)</p> <p>And then there was a whoooole saga with the baked beans that were also meant to be served. In that they cooked for like 15 hours and showed no softening whatsoever. Bizarre.</p> <p>Anyway, it was still a heavily laden table. Because when we invite over 18 people, we make food for 50. Just in case.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8PcH1ir7waA/UduHat8V--I/AAAAAAAAcVo/jafnowW9HMM/s1600-h/DSC03112%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03112" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="338" alt="DSC03112" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bmYYiAku68Y/UduHaw2VOXI/AAAAAAAAcVw/h1pght0Dswc/DSC03112_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v5xZbFqAUZ8/UduHbZgyiGI/AAAAAAAAcV4/SeRLyiED3Ac/s1600-h/DSC03109%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03109" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="338" alt="DSC03109" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GFYcUZiHRVU/UduHbzV46fI/AAAAAAAAcWA/k3uyq7bBslg/DSC03109_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Everyone knows you have to put the coleslaw on top of the pork, or there’s just no point.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vi-mVqt77GY/UduHcT1jdwI/AAAAAAAAcWI/YSJaoTdk55M/s1600-h/DSC03113%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03113" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="DSC03113" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lHqfUn0xw_c/UduHc7eCBKI/AAAAAAAAcWQ/npyIDwFTtXs/DSC03113_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a> </p> <p>My plate.Yknow, minus the gobs of pimiento cheese I’d already consumed. The cornbread was a definite highlight. So sweet and creamy and moist it was almost like little squares of corn pudding. There were lots of diabolical leftovers calling me from the kitchen at all hours.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RzFy16xVE3g/UduHdJmSW-I/AAAAAAAAcWY/rIRs-XB2siY/s1600-h/DSC03114%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03114" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03114" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tf4BD_k3a4k/UduHdoPVqOI/AAAAAAAAcWg/Km2FQSkjPnM/DSC03114_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Malindi’s godparents were nice enough to get her TWO cakes! One for birthday and one for graduation, I spose. Chocolate, pictured below, and a lovely lemon one as well. They were bee-yoo-tiful!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JT2AVN3PctY/UduHeMZr04I/AAAAAAAAcWo/-zsofs2t4a8/s1600-h/DSC03111%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03111" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03111" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RnQqkvTi_-o/UduHemPCrLI/AAAAAAAAcWs/cQPMpRHx05w/DSC03111_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>On Malindi’s actual birthday, I made her pancakes (by which I mean I got up four hours earlier than she and left pancakes for her in the toaster oven). Then I <strike>cursed a blue streak in my head</strike> <strike>prayed to the heathen chemistry gods</strike> <strike>suffered through</strike> took my organic chemistry final.</p> <p>Blessedly, it was over. I went on a wonderfully carefree shopping spree for my sister. I’m proud of many of my purchases (a Snuggy magnet, attachable snakeskin gel nails, etc.) but the item I knew my sister would both love most and use a great deal was:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RwdGbKl4raM/UduHfBk_BVI/AAAAAAAAcW4/dItFJLmCrsU/s1600-h/DSC03248%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03248" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="445" alt="DSC03248" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XIxne_j7G2M/UduHf3q1B6I/AAAAAAAAcW8/OHwU0Jrj2ww/DSC03248_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="421" border="0"></a></p> <p>Yep. Then Malindi was off hittin’ the club with her friends that night, so I joined Steve’s cousin and we headed off to Freddie’s Beach Bar, the gay bar that employed my boyfriend for a few months this summer (he has now departed). It was a BLAST. There was karaoke! I sang Every Rose Has its Thorn. Naiiiiiiled it.</p> <p>Since we’re discussing birthdays, why not include a belated Mother’s Day update? Sure! Our tradition is to get Vietnamese food, specifically banh mi at a great deli not too far from our house. Tragically, the last time I ate banh mi <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/2012/10/makin-some-cells.html" target="_blank">I was receiving injections of a medication that caused me to be intensely nauseous</a>. So my stomach needs a little while to bounce back. BUT, I thoroughly enjoyed a Vietnamese iced coffee and the desserts we brought home to share:</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TulwUNFg-CU/UduHgHnqoAI/AAAAAAAAcXE/gyID9A5Ob68/s1600-h/DSC02955%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02955" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02955" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N1nyQy9lLlg/UduHgtMygOI/AAAAAAAAcXQ/79FHtsqQKLc/DSC02955_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>On the right is a dish that’ll be familiar to some: it’s just coconut sticky rice wrapped around banana and steamed. That coconut milk by it is for optional dipping- highly delicious.</p> <p>As for these taco-esque looking items…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RKzm2upWuWQ/UduHhMf7IpI/AAAAAAAAcXY/dW13gErTRns/s1600-h/DSC02956%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02956" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02956" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qJFp1YFNO1c/UduHhT2jFDI/AAAAAAAAcXg/jSU5t-ODuO0/DSC02956_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>A rice wrapper contained layers of rice and sweet bean; some sort of mysterious pancakey thing and coconut. The secret bringing it all together was the little baggie on the right, which contains sesame seeds, salt, and sugar. The combination of flavors (and the sesame crunch) elevates these little tacos to excellence.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5KxqoyRsnrc/UduHhzi3YmI/AAAAAAAAcXo/nFk69riNZdA/s1600-h/DSC02957%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02957" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02957" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qiDzdBhS05Y/UduHiRX8DbI/AAAAAAAAcXs/Pj4dlyHwY0E/DSC02957_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-25630195018647373682013-07-06T16:29:00.001-04:002013-07-06T16:29:12.170-04:00the family wedding<p>Apologies for the lengthy radio silence. Something called Organic Chemistry happened. Yeah. Yeah. I feel lucky to be alive and sane, let alone to’ve pulled off a B. Anyway, recaps of the past several weeks of my life are forthcoming.</p> <p>Beginning with a lovely trip to Chicago for a wedding! The title of this post is a bit of a misnomer- it is a family wedding, but Steve’s family! Some of whom feel like family now, actually :)</p> <p>For instance, my beloved Midnight, my honorary cat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v1FjAFWgHIk/Udh9nHNp3pI/AAAAAAAAcMA/7oFARvdlse8/s1600-h/DSC03122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03122" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03122" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k7ibwrCval0/Udh9nW-mxLI/AAAAAAAAcMI/IW54EOrjzhk/DSC03122_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>He’s missing a leg, some of his tail, and the tips of his ears (poor little guy- it’s the result of a dramatic saga involving getting lost in a blizzard) but he’s super duper mega sweet!</p> <p>Along with Midnight, Steve’s parents are also great. Their first display of generosity was paying for a room for us to stop in Ohio so we’d be able to leave on a Thursday night (after yours truly got out of Biochemistry), drive the first part of the trip, then proceed the rest of the way to Chicago at a leisurely pace on Friday, well rested. This, rather than what Steve initially suggested, leaving at the crack of dawn on Friday to somehow make it on time to the rehearsal (!) because Steve was a member of the wedding party (!!) hoping that we wouldn’t run into any traffic or accident delays, or, yknow, STOP TO GO TO THE BATHROOM. This plan was much, much nicer.</p> <p>I didn’t photograph the rehearsal dinner cause it just seemed too awk, but it was at Maggiano’s Little Italy and was very nice indeed.</p> <p>I got a wonderful night’s sleep in the comfy guest room at Steve’s parents’ house, and then his mother made us the most FANTASTIC quiche for breakfast. I don’t know all of the details, but I know it involved zucchini and a plethora of the most wonderful, flavorful fresh herbs. She said mostly parsley and WOW- I really need to recreate it. It was a fantastic twist on quiche.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hbsrVTByQr8/Udh9n3sTNLI/AAAAAAAAcMQ/BqSO317crKk/s1600-h/DSC03120%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03120" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03120" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6mANo6wkq3Y/Udh9oQNEt7I/AAAAAAAAcMY/XZ1od0dqhe0/DSC03120_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Plus grapes ‘n tea. Quite well balanced!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zDoo15dsrfc/Udh9o0Ld4UI/AAAAAAAAcMg/_ruIm_a_nNE/s1600-h/DSC03116%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03116" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="420" alt="DSC03116" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3DQ39rRsHZI/Udh9pCjNczI/AAAAAAAAcMo/56JnnK8vFa4/DSC03116_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="560" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then we were off to the wedding itself. Steve was up at the front doing the groomsman thing, so I hung out with his cousin Melissa and her wife, also Melissa. Their adorable and precocious just-shy-of-two-years-old daughter was the flower girl, and we were all awed and delighted when she pulled it off. Then she was charmingly well behaved during the ceremony, with only a tiny incident in which she whacked one of her moms in the head with her shiny pinwheel and it started flashing like a strobe light. Like, during the vows :) Our whole section of the church was giggling under our breath. She is SUCH a CUTIE!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Op0oV05jnqg/Udh9piidFSI/AAAAAAAAcMw/c2msJILxEdQ/s1600-h/DSC03147%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03147" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="453" alt="DSC03147" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bR-bKTNevS8/Udh9p_IMAqI/AAAAAAAAcM4/qOEuT6_wU-A/DSC03147_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0"></a></p> <p>Steve’s cousin Mandy, the bride, had the most bee-yoo-tiful dress, which I tried to capture with only some success.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SjZbRIehDr0/Udh9qVPp3oI/AAAAAAAAcNA/3-DqddnatC8/s1600-h/DSC03138%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03138" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="400" alt="DSC03138" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BFh6ZeysvWw/Udh9q-KQhxI/AAAAAAAAcNI/PGuQu0ZOIuk/DSC03138_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CympYnVnAqs/Udh9rdIcYKI/AAAAAAAAcNQ/fgufDmoJ8JE/s1600-h/DSC03146%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03146" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC03146" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sMx6PU4T0Bc/Udh9r1KLF6I/AAAAAAAAcNY/EzYhX3qU5-o/DSC03146_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Mandy has been a MACHINE at wedding planning! We are Facebook friends and I’ve been enthralled reading her near-daily updates on the status of purchases for the candy buffet, re-mailings of save the dates, custom dance mixes for the reception, personalized bottles of liquor for the winners of the bouquet and garter tosses, etc.</p> <p>Then, lucky me, I got to get a sneak peek at the reception beforehand. Truthfully, I had been a little nervous about the wedding proceedings because Steve was going to be occupied taking pictures and so on with the rest of the wedding party and what was I gonna do during the hours between the wedding ceremony and reception, huh?! I went so far as to bring my organic chem book to study (ha.) What ended up happening was that I first went around with Steve’s mom and aunt and got a sneak peek at the reception where everything was being set up…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gq_iHllqHyQ/Udh9sOK7_oI/AAAAAAAAcNg/U_FjqVinSDk/s1600-h/DSC03149%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03149" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03149" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nE_OQkC-i8U/Udh9snE0tZI/AAAAAAAAcNo/Lv685J_lE3A/DSC03149_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And then, when I proved myself to be thoroughly useless in the decorating department (seriously), I went and hung out with Steve’s relatives in their hotel room and everyone had a fair amount of drinks and junk food. It was lovely and relaxing and everyone reminded me so much of my own family. An example of this is that Steve’s cousin’s husband Tom was playing with his new machine that makes fart noises… which is <strong>identical</strong> to the one owned by my uncle. Happy families <em>are </em>all alike, eh?</p> <p>Steve’s cousins Micky (who was until recently living in DC and whom I just adore) and Melissa (mother of the adorable flower girl who lives in Chicago and it was so great to see again) who are sisters, posed with their matching beer purses as we climbed into the shuttle to the reception. (They also have matching babies, but since their babies were with their respective grandparents, they got to let loose!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m6ZzP6hiOyI/Udh9s6KVHbI/AAAAAAAAcNw/aEYyQaUIY4g/s1600-h/DSC03153%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03153" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="507" alt="DSC03153" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e42r0UmOXuE/Udh9tXtl7-I/AAAAAAAAcN4/eABhnv9creg/DSC03153_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="380" border="0"></a> </p> <p>At the door, we were greeted with a harbinger of the Pinterest-osity to come with our customized champagne bottles that also served as place cards.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rLpjg7nzyxE/Udh9tzs2rvI/AAAAAAAAcOA/5yB_jALZFNc/s1600-h/DSC03156%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03156" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03156" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uhzXshFAZSU/Udh9uWsS5cI/AAAAAAAAcOI/ljNsYCr003g/DSC03156_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The centerpieces involved branches, lemons, and tea lights and were absolutely beautiful! The color scheme was perfect and unique. (In the reception room next door to Mandy’s wedding’s, I took a peek at the decor, and wow some people really love bright purple! I think Mandy did a nice job embracing subtle elegance)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4tSFOudx3T0/Udh9u2ePVaI/AAAAAAAAcOQ/X96MFhvWoms/s1600-h/DSC03162%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03162" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="338" alt="DSC03162" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rG6PmhF-1KE/Udh9vWxgitI/AAAAAAAAcOY/BCkS1btx-ow/DSC03162_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" border="0"></a></p> <p>Place settings were beautiful. Below is my mini beef Wellington appetizer which was kee-razy good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g7Q_F9DTaMA/Udh9vuIcQWI/AAAAAAAAcOg/Ic9TFkoG5cA/s1600-h/DSC03158%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03158" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="300" alt="DSC03158" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JhaM5sJJLBA/Udh9wLUlbfI/AAAAAAAAcOo/OXHrNk-iTfs/DSC03158_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The cake was lovely and had the same nice, simple, clean colors of the rest of the scheme.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JO9Xpny4hmg/Udh9wd591PI/AAAAAAAAcOw/Xmx4SJ8lgtg/s1600-h/DSC03159%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03159" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="320" alt="DSC03159" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-svMs5rRexu8/Udh9wxzKRqI/AAAAAAAAcO0/bbNOZafBqvo/DSC03159_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SHqMhej3XwE/Udh9xd4F-QI/AAAAAAAAcPA/Hed3TYn8Tw0/s1600-h/DSC03160%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03160" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="255" alt="DSC03160" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7TVT9pPhzdQ/Udh9x_U1p9I/AAAAAAAAcPE/InTaoqb8Gh8/DSC03160_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" border="0"></a> </p> <p>After the cutting of the cake (smearing on noses occured), Mandy wheeled out her surprise for Kenny: cheesecake from his favorite bakery! The picture is a little blurry, but I thought it was too sweet (in both senses of the word) not to share.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YRU2kCI9xBw/Udh9yByiXkI/AAAAAAAAcPQ/Bm5zXnmY5Bc/s1600-h/DSC03167%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03167" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="426" alt="DSC03167" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Dw8dJRhazc/Udh9ynqZc5I/AAAAAAAAcPY/p6LlWeYRUfo/DSC03167_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Now, the wedding was at a country club, and with my current nonexistent income I don’t generally hang out at country clubs, as y’all may have guessed. So I didn’t really know anything about how the food would be, and I in general tend to be skeptical about institutional foods.</p> <p>Well. That was FOOLISH OF ME, let me tell you.</p> <p>Look at the gourmet-ness of this menu, just as a preview of the majesty to come.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IXfjoo9pEvs/Udh9y0YSdyI/AAAAAAAAcPg/pBees6EFwnA/s1600-h/DSC03169%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03169" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="640" alt="DSC03169" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ybz9r-UKHb0/Udh9zZMD4oI/AAAAAAAAcPo/8mrXy1r_MIw/DSC03169_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Numero uno, we have this salad. I’m sure Steve was up there at the head table rejoicing, because HEAVENS, there was a generous quantity of bacon. The nuts were phenomenal, the dressing was delicious and judiciously applied rather than glopped, as is so often the case. And I am notorious for eating garnishes, and this was no exception, as I adore Belgian endive and hardy ever get to eat it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v9q1-CAUrvk/Udh9z5wvMHI/AAAAAAAAcPw/MjS8OgegjGI/s1600-h/DSC03171%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03171" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03171" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gAjDbvho17w/Udh90I_r-5I/AAAAAAAAcP4/Wg4_vcGlL0Q/DSC03171_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then arrived the palate-cleansing sorbet, ooh la la. Beautiful starfruit garnish.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EZTCya0fqMM/Udh90vqGAeI/AAAAAAAAcP8/dWgF8jncO2U/s1600-h/DSC03172%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03172" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VRb6hjOYp_4/Udh91K64atI/AAAAAAAAcQI/Grgg53b735w/DSC03172_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Eating my words for a second time regarding my entree. Steve had mailed back the invitation reply in auto mode, feeling rushed for some odd reason, so consulted me for neither the song request (uncool) nor the food request. So he got me the sea bass when I would’ve preferred to order the ravioli.</p> <p>Well, Steve, you were right. Yeah, I said it.</p> <p>The most MELTINGLY tender, PERFECTLY cooked, subtly crisp on the outside, cream and butter and lemon drenched awesomeness. It was absolutely delicious and go figure I was really glad Steve picked it for me. After all my <strike>bitching</strike> justified objections to having something ordered without my consultation.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NYxmea5Kxp0/Udh91TRjmaI/AAAAAAAAcQQ/Y4dkkukDKQE/s1600-h/DSC03173%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03173" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03173" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aH44glaEb74/Udh91_X6grI/AAAAAAAAcQY/EcNaiLiMsa8/DSC03173_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Speaking of Steve, he was sweet enough to come visit me at this point in the meal… and then proceeded to be bequested everyone’s leftover food. The portions were large, and everyone knows how Steve eats :) Everything looked absolutely delicious- there were choices of chicken and steak in addition to the bass. The vegetarian option was ravioli… which was also served with mashed potatoes ;) I love my carbs, but I think even for me that may’ve been overkill.</p> <p>In addition to cake (and more, to be discussed later) there was a plated dessert. I only like white chocolate in small quantities, so I simply hollowed this specimen out and inhaaaaaaled the perfectly tart, wonderfully creamy key lime mousse within, which was perfectly matched by the raspberry sauce. Mmmmm.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n0GBA62Sajk/Udh92OMuMuI/AAAAAAAAcQg/d_ZR2iEgwfw/s1600-h/DSC03175%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03175" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="390" alt="DSC03175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Vh-XpVg-rs/Udh92rHgU_I/AAAAAAAAcQo/cen2DHidX2w/DSC03175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" border="0"></a></p> <p>As for the rest of the wedding, well, I’m sure the photographer’s pictures will be epic.</p> <p>There were dancing props:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ljN6gFesQ-w/Udh926gSoyI/AAAAAAAAcQw/8HSuVtv3w3k/s1600-h/DSC03163%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03163" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="180" alt="DSC03163" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8r_tk4F2wnc/Udh93R86b4I/AAAAAAAAcQ0/ysrql4Ksyaw/DSC03163_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" border="0"></a></p> <p>And picture posing props (including the seemingly ubiquitous moustache, one of which I wore to the chagrin of my boyfriend).</p> <p>And there was a great DJ who played Backstreet’s Back and I awed everyone with my complete memorization of the lyrics to that <strike>and every other BSB song!</strike></p> <p>And there was a candy buffet!</p> <p>And there was late night food! A few hours into the frenzied dancing (oh, and it was frenzied), hot dishes of chicken strips and mini burgers (!!!) were put out. As I put it to Steve as I inhaled a slider (or, erm, more), “This is the best thing I have ever tasted”. Guys, when I dance, I DANCE. I require refueling for that kind of physical commitment.</p> <p>Mandy and Kenny were just so thoughtful of their guests. They’d left a welcome bag with snacks in our hotel rooms, they had floss and hairspray and any other necessity you could think of in the bathroom for touchups mid-reception, they personally greeted every table and were clearly just so happy to have all of us there with them. And they’re also a great couple! I wish them the absolute best in their marriage- they bought a house together and have spent the past gazillion months (or so I’m sure it seems to them) making it beautiful, and now I hope it’ll be wonderful for them to come home from the well-deserved rest of their honeymoon and enjoy it!</p> <p>Like most wedding receptions, there was a lot of alcohol to be had, though I behaved with restraint mostly because alcohol just isn’t really interesting me much these days. The alarmingly tan bartender decided he was going to make me a “How you Doin’” (…) which was suspiciously pink and cavity-inducingly sweet. I took a few sips and knew I’d be on the train to drunk and nauseous town if I had any more of that, so I didn’t <strike>and hid it in a corner since I didn’t know where to put it</strike>. And I had a few sips of various things throughout the night but the only thing of which I actually consumed a full serving was the glass (well, mug, as the hotel room was low on stemware) of wine I had in Steve’s aunt and uncle’s room prior to the reception.</p> <p>So I felt fully in control of my mental faculties, unlike some people…</p> <p>(Seriously, the shuttle ride back to the hotel was wild. Glad some of the groomsmen had a designated driver.)</p> <p>And then there was even MORE eating and drinking at the hotel, and amusing family stories including Steve’s great aunt’s tale of asking her friends whether they liked Menage a Trois to their stunned silence. (FYI, she meant the wine, teehee!).</p> <p>Anyway, the combination of the late night chips and queso… and the mini burgers.. and the cake pops (!!!!!!!!! GOD those things are good)… and the candy buffet… and the full dinner… and the dancing… and the too-many-different types of alcohol. Well. Suffice it to say that my stomach was just a little too overwhelmed.</p> <p>It all worked out fine. I woke up bright and bushy tailed the next morning, and thoroughly enjoyed the hotel’s breakfast buffet.</p> <p>And thennnnnn it was off to downtown Chicago! Traffic on Lakeshore Drive is no problem to me as I use it as an opportunity for a photoshoot. What a wonderful thing to have an artery to get you around the city with absolutely lovely lake views.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--Ncmri_BLoQ/Udh93jimQuI/AAAAAAAAcRA/U4zNVpqMKkk/s1600-h/DSC03190%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03190" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03190" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l2KDv84oNgY/Udh94Cz7uZI/AAAAAAAAcRI/-AUmNillpco/DSC03190_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aTyNgSyDNYM/Udh94nllbhI/AAAAAAAAcRQ/M_OnP80ZOnA/s1600-h/DSC03191%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03191" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03191" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rl3ZD-2cNWs/Udh9453UCfI/AAAAAAAAcRY/FmN21rrKXME/DSC03191_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U9MQWiurwsw/Udh95WOLcZI/AAAAAAAAcRg/z-S0FD1bZGg/s1600-h/DSC03192%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03192" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03192" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3eFqzRXXx8o/Udh953QHF-I/AAAAAAAAcRo/a9nx7YzwXFQ/DSC03192_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H9rq_YokAyU/Udh96YsfTII/AAAAAAAAcRw/VpP85fo3Ha8/s1600-h/DSC03200%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03200" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="221" alt="DSC03200" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q2VFTKwn82M/Udh96kKOCdI/AAAAAAAAcR0/FFVh326D3L8/DSC03200_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" border="0"></a> </p> <p>We met up with Steve’s bestest buddy Hector and headed out to explore.</p> <p>Street art!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kSduSyZ9R10/Udh97C2V8JI/AAAAAAAAcSA/HLUjlLMdAxA/s1600-h/DSC03204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03204" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="480" alt="DSC03204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WPVdr6LLl8Q/Udh97oYGlUI/AAAAAAAAcSI/_TqBpywv4UI/DSC03204_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Our destination was the as-yet-unfinished <a href="http://the606.org/" target="_blank">Bloomingdale Trail</a>, an old rail line being turned into a public walkway, a la the High Line in New York City. It felt a bit trespassing-y making our way up to it, but once we did there were a fair number of people around.</p> <p>It was a really cool way to see the city. Chicago definitely has a neighborhoody feeling all its own. I like the abundance of balconies!</p> <p>And it’s just fun looking at things from a higher view. It gives you a cool perspective. (Cool being an inaccurate word to use since it was roughly ten thousand degrees that day).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YNM3TNdvXso/Udh974J1KoI/AAAAAAAAcSQ/ehjkM69o9I4/s1600-h/DSC03205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03205" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC03205" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m0oiU1aBa5U/Udh98dEp15I/AAAAAAAAcSU/HN30i6T241A/DSC03205_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The path was… not yet entirely pedestrian friendly, as there was a substantial amount of broken glass about.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-84j3_6IutGY/Udh98lM50VI/AAAAAAAAcSg/jwCdJ5bY8oQ/s1600-h/DSC03207%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03207" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="387" alt="DSC03207" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m8ANCvwEIWk/Udh99GGT5pI/AAAAAAAAcSo/JHVFnvxB4I4/DSC03207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The boys had fun doing acrobatics on the remaining rail.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xL6_cbhVpHY/Udh99vssMXI/AAAAAAAAcSw/tuFHbsdxczM/s1600-h/DSC03209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03209" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="DSC03209" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iwlvQfrPxhg/Udh9918bTNI/AAAAAAAAcS4/zgFQ6SVrpfI/DSC03209_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Then we got to spy on Rick Bayless’s backyard! This woman told us to keep our eye out, and it was pretty epic. There’s an enormous vegetable garden. I imagine he gets some of the ingredients for his show from it (I know he films there).</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KOUBR9vzIRc/Udh9-W2w1PI/AAAAAAAAcS8/0ResFgT6qEU/s1600-h/DSC03210%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03210" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="720" alt="DSC03210" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-w4GX84UQevw/Udh9-wCiz6I/AAAAAAAAcTI/PrwiLvtLUVM/DSC03210_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Can you spot the beehive?! Hint: it is wooden.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LJc5cNSCY4I/Udh9_P2frYI/AAAAAAAAcTQ/n3yQ9QPi00Y/s1600-h/DSC03212%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03212" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="560" alt="DSC03212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6Z2hq5p_boA/Udh9_6ZtBJI/AAAAAAAAcTY/RLyQJaBaBg8/DSC03212_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Hector is a GENIUS, because he suggested getting these Mexican ice pops. Good life decision.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-39C75jl7he4/Udh-AGEZTsI/AAAAAAAAcTg/AipHogmKGdA/s1600-h/DSC03213%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03213" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="330" alt="DSC03213" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zygt2JKd_gU/Udh-A9ZuhAI/AAAAAAAAcTo/R6sE0gF_V78/DSC03213_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The boys both got lime. I got pineapple. Mine was better. Smirk.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PpnRuOm7k1o/Udh-BMOeVxI/AAAAAAAAcTw/uLtcGxHImyo/s1600-h/DSC03214%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03214" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="DSC03214" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-STKY2suMIzA/Udh-BgxOJ9I/AAAAAAAAcT4/t2laJ3eeniY/DSC03214_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Despite its somewhat suspect garish color, there was definitely real fruit in it because it got satisfyingly pulpy towards the end.</p> <p>We made our way to the “beach” (it’s on a lake, Midwesterners. Get real) which was also quite a hot trip. The beach was absurdly crowded and we were also in a rush to eat and then get back to Steve’s family in the evening so we stayed there for… about thirty seconds. Silly. But it’s pretty! I think crack of dawn is the way to go in the future. Cooler and less packed.</p> <p>So my best friend recommended <a href="http://www.nativefoods.com/" target="_blank">Native Foods</a> for dinner. Her boyf is also from the Chicago area, so she’s spent a fair amount of time there, and she’d been to this place and loved it. It’s a chain, but I take food recommendations from Lydia seriously. It was also geographically convenient. And Steve went on and on about how much he wanted to eat healthy food after all of our weekend indulging. SO. I thought it was super adorable.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cHBP3qB2B7g/Udh-B0YuCUI/AAAAAAAAcUA/siXQJJWKfkI/s1600-h/DSC03215%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03215" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="352" alt="DSC03215" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Dr2bpEf8QWA/Udh-CZFR6SI/AAAAAAAAcUI/8vS1RcCaSNo/DSC03215_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="470" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And loved their signs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rLk8xHihE-k/Udh-C1a9heI/AAAAAAAAcUQ/r5TFwkT783I/s1600-h/DSC03217%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03217" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03217" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ILss9cPElh8/Udh-DNUOICI/AAAAAAAAcUY/SdS1pb63JOE/DSC03217_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>And loved my lavender lemonade (it was quite sweet, but I was PARCHED, and the lavender flavor was fab).</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G1-kF1NeAgg/Udh-Dtm0gwI/AAAAAAAAcUg/yt3pcoPqZqA/s1600-h/DSC03218%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03218" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC03218" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CxrkKXJwEiU/Udh-D6wTw7I/AAAAAAAAcUk/kHOZdOnce6M/DSC03218_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And I loved loved loved my entree!</p> <p><em><b>Sesame Kale Macro Bowl</b><br>Grilled Native Tempeh atop steamed kale, brown rice, creamy ginger sesame sauce, tangy sauerkraut, gomasio and toasted sesame seeds. Green onion garnish and crunchy cucumber seaweed salad on the side.</em> <p>Along with being SO virtuous, it was SO flavorful. Everything was perfectly cooked. It’s totally the kind of food I (and my best friend) love to eat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2r-BAifpFvI/Udh-EeZAjBI/AAAAAAAAcUs/Y_fTvV7T2mQ/s1600-h/DSC03223%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03223" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC03223" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IPRZUdErvTA/Udh-E8qOs6I/AAAAAAAAcU4/5WtpvvTe_0I/DSC03223_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a></p> <p>Here’s the thing about my best friend and I: we are both girls. We eat little meat (well, I eat little, she eats none). We don’t go out to eat a lot or eat a lot of junky, high-fat food. You know what’s another way of saying junky, high-fat food? Boy food.</p> <p>So… Steve and his friend Hector hated it :) I think some of it was ordering (Steve got a sandwich which ended up basically being a piece of fried tofu on a bun which was neither healthy nor particularly flavorful) and some of it was just that it was chick food :) Anyway, I loved it. Did I mention that? Steve’s in Chicago again now (for a long time, without me, *sob*) and he ate deep dish last night, so he’s fine.</p> <p>Anyway, our trip was another speedy one so it was time, early the next morning, to turn around and make our way home again. After a false start (yknow, cause someone named me left her phone and all of her medications on the bedside table, arrrgh) we actually made really really good time.</p> <p>A final confession: EVERY SINGLE BILLBOARD IN THE MIDWEST (well okay that’s not true, a lot of them were for Jesus and also strip clubs) but A LOT OF THEM boasted this deal at McDonalds for soft serve for 49 cents. Being a child of the modern era, I am absurdly susceptible to advertising tactics and became obsessed with getting some to enjoy on the hot summer day. I restrained myself, we wanted to make good time, yada yada. But when a gas and bathroom break became necessary, Steve, great guy that he is, pulled up and this happened: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yhgjfi1dqJM/Udh-FVOhF8I/AAAAAAAAcVA/-uV3k40nyYg/s1600-h/DSC03224%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC03224" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="345" alt="DSC03224" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R6ZrmJlcoyg/Udh-Fn6LXuI/AAAAAAAAcVI/cAk1SptdCNw/DSC03224_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" border="0"></a></p> <p>But here’s the thing: IT WASN’T 49 CENTS! </p> <p>It also wasn’t that good. </p> <p>Duh, Lele, it’s McDonalds.</p> <p>The last time I went to McDonalds (I think) was in college, when my friend Katie hosted a birthday dinner there. It was genuinely fun, pretending McDonalds was a nice restaurant (“I don’t understand… where is my waiter?”) but that was about… 2007? 2008? So now I won’t have to go to McDonalds again for another 5-6 years. Sounds about right.</p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8433433883578873216.post-80124721043616180142013-06-10T15:18:00.001-04:002013-06-10T15:18:52.850-04:00Easter, etc.<p>Cookies!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nmOGf2ALclg/UbYmM5F93EI/AAAAAAAAcH0/IdwyH41i0MI/s1600-h/DSC02844%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02844" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02844" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nm2GaEWuh9E/UbYmOiPExfI/AAAAAAAAcH8/uLMrJCLLkmg/DSC02844_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Inquiring minds who want to know: <a href="http://lelelurvesplants.blogspot.com/p/favorite-recipes.html?recipe_id=6006886" target="_blank">oatmeal date nut cookies</a>, which are already vegan, can also be made gluten free. They’re just a little crunchier and snappier, and who minds that?! </p> <p>I baked those tasty things for a church choir potluck. For Easter! It being June as I write this and Easter, of course, not being a June holiday, let me clarify. I celebrate Orthodox Easter (the Easter of the Orthodox Christian church- if you have Greek, Russian, Lebanese, Romanian, etc. friends it may be theirs, too) and it’s on a different calendar than Catholic and Protestant churches. So it was a LOT later than American Easter. (Though, er, still awhile ago).</p> <p>So anyway this Easter potluck was so we could practice the complicated and difficult music. Except only five people showed up (and two of us were related). So it was not all that successful, except the food part!</p> <p>Making the food was actually a fun challenge since for food to be Lent-appropriate, it should be vegan (I don’t eat totally vegan during Lent because of calcium fears, but many in my church do, and the food served at the church itself should be supportive of the church’s official policy, obvi).</p> <p>It also had to be gluten free (or should be, out of kindness) because both our church’s choir director John and his wife Betty have Celiac disease.</p> <p>Also, Betty for charming reasons best understood by her had come up to me in the middle of church one Sunday and handed me this pad thai sauce container:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rCPhgDs1tlg/UbYmPbHnlHI/AAAAAAAAcIA/VX82G9o2SY0/s1600-h/DSC02837%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02837" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="373" alt="DSC02837" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5HbuPSU6clc/UbYmQlYGnNI/AAAAAAAAcIM/3kQpsXYfC1Y/DSC02837_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" border="0"></a> </p> <p>I appreciated her gift, and figured I might as well use it on something I could share with her.</p> <p>So I cooked up some rice noodles, made some tofu:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tX-Q74TI56Q/UbYmRsvGGkI/AAAAAAAAcIU/bUf0en_6x2I/s1600-h/DSC02839%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02839" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02839" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-29vXsU_h7lg/UbYmWFaHkHI/AAAAAAAAcIc/ffaRgd9G3Nc/DSC02839_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>threw in some veggies:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FmhtmnrKhSk/UbYmWz691dI/AAAAAAAAcIk/3C1ny6NPTkc/s1600-h/DSC02841%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02841" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC02841" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EbXlYmgv82E/UbYmXhQtSlI/AAAAAAAAcIs/5QYMmlI3XCo/DSC02841_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And voila, pad thai. Ish. No final picture- it was ugly. But good!</p> <p>And we also brought, of course, dessert.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NxvKWbvR3v4/UbYmYCj4MnI/AAAAAAAAcI0/W2vZFJVlJq8/s1600-h/DSC02845%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02845" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02845" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WfbFBqdGnsk/UbYmY_sCU8I/AAAAAAAAcI8/vdlWFR-i9Sc/DSC02845_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>But the really exciting dessert was a week later, on Easter itself. Something I have allllllllllways wanted to make? Olive oil cake!</p> <p>I discovered <a href="http://www.oliveoiltop.com/olive-oil-cake-recipe/" target="_blank">this scrumptious-sounding if ever so slightly vague recipe for olive oil cake</a> and mostly followed it (subbing a mix of white flour, whole wheat, and semolina for the plain flour) then consulted <a href="http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2013/04/24/fenugreek-olive-oil-cake-saniyit-hulba/" target="_blank">this overly complicated but methodologically clear olive oil cake</a> for timing (which caused me to let the cake rise for two hours before baking it) and anyway it was great!</p> <p>Heat some olive oil</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dGOa9xOASAs/UbYmZOlouRI/AAAAAAAAcJE/bYDUJKz3EJ8/s1600-h/DSC02884%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02884" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02884" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-txEZ4dd2sqk/UbYmZ3diZ3I/AAAAAAAAcJM/xdgPX0Gki3Y/DSC02884_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Infuse with lemon</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sw2kDVPirHA/UbYmaqVOzFI/AAAAAAAAcJU/mdHlj-5NKCg/s1600-h/DSC02885%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02885" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02885" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JT9VGeL1h20/UbYmbFHOUZI/AAAAAAAAcJc/-mJHvIPNVsY/DSC02885_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Plus anise seeds (mm)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RSO4EZD-nXU/UbYmbqdPjmI/AAAAAAAAcJk/sNky9lix1uI/s1600-h/DSC02888%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02888" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02888" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gk8K0QYhi0o/UbYmb93hKUI/AAAAAAAAcJs/ymdvKGksOKo/DSC02888_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>The recipe wasn’t clear whether or not you were supposed to strain out the seeds, and I thought a few might be nice to help retain the flavor, so I casually poured the oil mixture in the batter, leaving behind the lemon and approximately half the seeds in the pot.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wrxCiDcGj6Y/UbYmdThP41I/AAAAAAAAcJ0/XEw42IvRC0Y/s1600-h/DSC02889%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02889" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="360" alt="DSC02889" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-id1Ky3nuz80/UbYmd0s8tyI/AAAAAAAAcJ8/flTdMx-sosg/DSC02889_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" border="0"></a></p> <p>Batter was SUCCULENT! Could’ve eaten the whole thing with a spoon. So dense and creamy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-THiElcXX-mY/UbYmeYHBk0I/AAAAAAAAcKE/5Ith-i0ewzM/s1600-h/DSC02893%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02893" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02893" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NXokLOD4-FM/UbYmfJBIxtI/AAAAAAAAcKM/CQlwnrrOFZk/DSC02893_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Baked that off- it didn’t rise much but it was real tasty! For the finished cake, I improvised a glaze which involved orange marmalade thinned with water- not a lot more complicated than that.</p> <p>This ended up REALLY good.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-809lT_RcmHc/UbYmfg9WHGI/AAAAAAAAcKU/o4aJlvDbf9k/s1600-h/DSC02894%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02894" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02894" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lcIfOZg2Vvk/UbYmggrN8xI/AAAAAAAAcKc/8cc9S_Ft5yY/DSC02894_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Meanwhile, right before Easter, we received a VERY generous Easter basket from a very sweet family friend. It contained this GI-NORMOUS sweet, almond-paste-studded Easter bread.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EQpbcr39jjI/UbYmhHU4EYI/AAAAAAAAcKk/qRfFNT-e0e8/s1600-h/DSC02902%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02902" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="467" alt="DSC02902" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Wdlwiqm5NAM/UbYmhvqsLVI/AAAAAAAAcKs/hvYqoBuuv30/DSC02902_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" border="0"></a> </p> <p>And the Easter celebration itself was at my sister’s godparents’ home. They had gotten a lot of it catered. The spread was quite beautiful.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J1wU2d74Lm4/UbYmiZmpjyI/AAAAAAAAcK0/2yUbVzFbKzw/s1600-h/DSC02903%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02903" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="533" alt="DSC02903" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y2UAVyIOjBQ/UbYmjGF6y7I/AAAAAAAAcK8/iLAb5IZZWzc/DSC02903_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" border="0"></a> </p> <p>They had requested that all the lamb be cooked well done (…) I snuck into the kitchen with the caterers and begged them to save a medium rare bit for me. They obliged, and were very very nice :)</p> <p>My dinner plate:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tr3QAuBEEas/UbYmjgDUZXI/AAAAAAAAcLE/9nWMG7x6fWQ/s1600-h/DSC02906%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02906" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02906" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l2e3h405mNQ/UbYmkSsPGSI/AAAAAAAAcLM/He9eZXxvD4M/DSC02906_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> <p>Blessedly medium-rare lamb with scads of tzaziki (definitely eyes>stomach on that one, but Steve was nearby so all was good), grilled vegetables (done by caterers- EXCELLENT! Perfectly cooked!), spinach and cheese pies, roasted potatoes that were wonderful, and salad. And wine! Gave up booze for Lent. Such a worthwhile thing to do. I’m no lush, but I only want to drink when I feel like drinking, not when everyone around me is. It was a useful exercise in mindfulness.</p> <p>Spent much of the meal lounging by their pool, looking at their e-normous house!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-of8DqheefBQ/UbYmlW0gvvI/AAAAAAAAcLU/B0EuTjxNJ3M/s1600-h/DSC02908%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC02908" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; border-left: 0px; border-bottom: 0px" height="375" alt="DSC02908" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--kTzZi3O88c/UbYml7yd7EI/AAAAAAAAcLc/darkKPUzY80/DSC02908_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Believe me when I say this barely scratched the surface on dessert. Phase 1 was enjoyed poolside.</p> <p>Gazillions of berries, koulourakia (traditional Greek cookies), some of my olive oil cake, one of Steve’s oatmeal-toffee cookies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QR6WTYKcOZ4/UbYmmXPSt7I/AAAAAAAAcLk/_y4WtaG0jlg/s1600-h/DSC029101.jpg"><img title="DSC02910" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="405" alt="DSC02910" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u7FgiDaOMN4/UbYmm91N_5I/AAAAAAAAcLs/qOwoz-7z9m4/DSC02910_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="540" border="0"></a></p> Lelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08072262301289936102noreply@blogger.com0