July, 2011
now browsing by month
to read a book
When I was a youngun’ I used to hide myself away in my room, always with a book in hand, and I would spend hours nibbling on the snack plate my grandmother provided me, lost in worlds far faraway.
Reading was my favorite thing to do. I read anything and everything I could get my sweaty little hands on. I wrote my own stories on yellow legal paper, and in sweet little journals, decorated with flowers and swirly designs. I could sit and write for hours. I could read for hours. My imagination was always full of a million ideas.
And then … life got in the way. And TV expanded its already expansive options. And I grew up. And I didn’t have time anymore to write idyllic lyrics while sitting under a tree.
Ah youth. Wasted, as they say, on the young.
A few years ago, by dumb fluke luck, I happened upon a series of books that made reading addictive again. I mean, do-extra-work-to-give-myself-time -to-read addictive. And, as I mentioned last Friday, I wait with barely bridled anticipation every year in the dark, cold days of late winter for the announcement of the summer publishing date of the newest addition.
Today, ladies and gentlemen, is that day this year. I am giddy with excitement to walk into Barnes and Noble and purchase Daniel Silva’s newest novel featuring the art restorer and Israeli spy, Gabriel Allon. I have already envisioned my evening sitting in the garden with a crisp glass of white wine and reading until all the light in the sky is gone. And then curling up on the couch to continue late into the night.
Oh, and I’ll probably make some Zucchini Fritters to munch on. But my cup will be full to the brim with my new book in hand. And what a wonderful feeling that is!
people are people, darling
Okay, so I know that a lot of my musical theatre references go unacknowledged. But I get such a kick out of using them ~ “People are people, darling” is a piece of Sally Bowles’ dialog from “Cabaret” ~ which I saw on Broadway during Alan Cumming’s limited return run, and have been forever enamored with him since. “Wilkomen, bienvenue, welcome!” (*imagine simply divine jazz hands!*) … mmm, I’m sure Joel Grey was phenomenal (**musical theatre virgins, he originated the role and played the Emcee in the movie version with Liza Minelli), but Alan Cumming changed musical theatre for me that gray January matinee. Sheer and utter brilliance.
Pop quiz ~ who is Joel Grey’s dancin’ daughter?
Anyway ….
People have been so fabulous to me since the man has been gone, and tonight I am dining with my neighbors (they of the totally fabulous short ribs). I am contributing a little meat and cheese platter procured from the restaurant (I know, I know, so stock option, but sooooooo good!).
I figure I may not get around to posting about zucchini fritters tonight (or zucchini fries for that matter), but never fear, they will be on the menu for manana! I have a big ole zucchini, and it’s gotta get eaten!
Happy Monday everyone ~ hope it wasn’t too manic!
onward and upward
I did not want to get up this morning.
So, for awhile, I didn’t.
But I’d planned for this, and I had a whole agenda of things to do to distract myself from turning into a pile of emotional goo. Distraction is an excellent strategy when you’re feeling a little blue.
On my list ~
A. I was leaving the house immediately to get Starbucks. Staying in the house all day only leads to a feeling of disconnect. I kicked myself in the pants, made the bed (an essential to the start of any day) and headed out to get some chai tea. It soothes a sad heart.
B. I knew that I had a ton of prep work to do for work to hit the ground running tomorrow. I opened up every document on my computer, and knew that I couldn’t close it until it was done. Since I am a neat freak, and like to have everything tidy and in its place, this strategy is highly effective for getting me to finish things.
C. I knew that at some point, Shaun T and I had to have a date.
D. I made plans with my aunt to have dinner tonight. In order to be a good guest, I wanted to bring some yummy stuff. Since I have a zucchini the size of a small country (think Liechtenstein), the idea of zucchini bread sounded delish. One for me … one for my lovely aunty. And as an added bonus, I was gonna bring garden fresh broccoli to crisp in the oven & eat with dinner.
I know it probably sounds silly, but I know myself well enough that I knew I had to have a plan of attack. I hate when John goes away, and the first day is always the hardest.
I hit a wee roadblock when I realized that the recipe I was using for zucchini bread (from my very first food blog experience, and still one of my top favs, Smitten Kitchen) called for three cups of flour. What with all the cooking I have been doing, I was suddenly (after two years) running very low on flour. Now, after a quick trip to the store, I am in possession of just under 10 lbs. Should be good for awhile!
Zucchini Bread Extraordinaire ~
(This is pretty much verbatim from Smitten Kitchen, and it’s delish!)
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 3/4 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups grated zucchini
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
3 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1. Preheat oven to 350. Liberally grease two loaf pans (I used the only two I had, but Smitten Kitchen recommended 8 x 4).
2. Grate zucchini. Can you even believe that such a small fragment of the gi-normous zucchini yielded not two but three cups? The third is in the fridge waiting to become a fritter tomorrow! 
3. Beat eggs in mixing bowl. Stir in oil and sugar. Once fully mixed, fold in zucchini and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
5. Stir in egg mixture. Divide batter between pans.
6. Bake for 60 minutes (give or take 10 minutes ~ the tester should come out clean from the center). I baked mine for about 42 minutes and they were done, but my oven is a freak of nature.
I still have about 3/4 left of my Liechtenstein-sized zucchini, so tomorrow I think that Zucchini fritters are in order (a recipe received from J & J). Perhaps zucchini french fries to go with a veggie burger (the man is a meat & potato kind of guy, so when I get a bee in my bonnet to go vegetarian, its best I do it while flying solo). So many options …. So much blog material.
Until I decide, I’m going to enjoy my zucchini bread and a big tall glass of milk.
Sweet dreams!
so long … farewell
Auf wiedersehen, good night.
I’m a big grown up girl, but I still get a little weepy when my man goes away for long periods of time.
Luckily, everyone has really stepped up to the plate, and I should be able to get through the next few days (weeks?) just fine. I’ve got cooking experiments to do, work obligations that are a mile high, and lots of cleaning (I decided awhile ago that I would holy stone the entire apartment while the man was internationally jet-setting).
We set up Skype today (wow, that’s a cool thing!) so I’ll be able to show him all my attempts at cooking solo. And of course, he can keep up with my inner monologue through this blog (his true motives come to light! nah … just kidding!).
As a ‘last supper’ we ventured out to a neighborhood joint and enjoyed a delish Greek pizza (to absolutely be replicated over the next few days!) and the totally guilty pleasure of indulging in gossip TV. ** I did not know that so many completely unimportant and irrelevant things were happening in Hollywood that TMZ felt the need to document. Wow!
In the immortal words of the entire cast of The Sound of Music (yes, I make a lot of musical theatre references … because it was my first & everlasting love) ~ The sun has gone to bed and so must I … so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen good night … The man has an early flight, and I want as much snuggle time as possible before he goes!
all good things …
Must eventually come to an end.
I was bereft in 2007 when the pages dwindled and finally, I read the last words of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I’d pre-ordered my copy, and had driven straight over to the bookstore at midnight to pick it up upon its release. (Yes, I was 27). I did not go dressed in costume (although I was in the minority) and my companion, who had never read a word of HP in his life, was less than amused.
It didn’t matter to me. When I got home, I turned on the light by the couch, and settled in to read “just the first chapter” … until 6am. I remember how gingerly I opened the cover, and the sound of the binding and paper crinkling and cracking. I remember smoothing the first page of text, and reading quotes by Aeschylus and William Penn. I remember tears prickling my eyes as I read the inner flap of the book’s jacket. No tidily written blurb about what was to come. Just this ~ ” We now present the seventh and final installment in the epic tale of Harry Potter.”
I’d come to the Potterverse late … but not as late as some. Diagnosed with mononucleosis during my junior year of college, my mother (who had just read HP #1) suggested I give the books a try. I believe my initial reaction was to turn my nose up at the idea of reading a kid’s book.
But ….
I was trapped in a bed with very little else to do of which I was capable.
And thus began my ten year (and counting) love affair with Harry Potter.
When I began reading about his adventures at Hogwarts, the first four books had been published, and both #3 and #4 were available only in hardcover. I read those first four books in three days.
And then I waited two more years before Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released. I distinctly remember two friends and myself sitting together in the living room of an apartment, reading silently for hours. We’d take mini-breaks and discuss what we’d read so far. I finished the book at 4am, during a thunderstorm, and I remember lying in my bed with tears streaming down my face. I was devastated at the loss of a character (I’m trying not to put in spoilers, because if you haven’t actually read the books, you should). I was tormented by the darkness of this fifth installation (debatably my favorite other than the last, and by far the worst movie adaptation). I couldn’t believe it was over … and wasn’t sure when the next tale would come.
Last summer I decided that prior to the movie release of HP and the Deathly Hallows Part I, I was going to introduce John to the magic of J.K. Rowling’s original story telling. We own all the books (and all the movies, which he’s seen), but I knew that getting him to pick it up and read it ahead of all the other books stacked on his nightstand would be a challenge. So for his birthday, I bought the book on audio CD.
It was genius. Each drive to work we would listen with baited breath to Jim Dale narrate the story. Towards the end, John would get into the car for our drive home and immediately turn on the stereo. As the final chapters approached, we lay on our couches at night listening to Harry Potter. It was magic in and of itself. (He has mentioned ~ and not totally begrudgingly ~ that having listened to #6 and #7, both those movies were disppointing … but I say ‘So what?’ ~ I’d rather he experienced the truth for at least one of the books!).
Tonight is really the end. No more movies to be released, no more books full of stories set in the magical wizarding world. It’s bittersweet. At 10.15 this evening, as we settle into our seats and the lights dim, for us, the final movie-making chapter of Harry Potter will commence.
I know I won’t stop reading (and listening!) to the books. Or stop watching the movies. I’m excited to see this last chapter on the silver screen, just as I was eagerly excited to hold in my hands and read the final book upon its release four years ago.
It doesn’t change the element of sadness that underlies it. But, as we all know, all good things must come to an end. And the books, and stories within in them, aren’t just good. They are, and will remain, great.
wino forever
February 2010
Selections from a liquor rep:
A wintery wine date:
i. Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve
March 2010
Date Night
a very fulfilling WeHangsDay
So…. a little backstory before I dive into my culinary adventures of today.
I spent the majority of January 2008 in South Africa. The trip was a turning point for me on many levels, and there were some amazing highs and some pretty low lows.
But … as my parking attendant mentioned to me today ~ we should always be focusing on the positive (if I haven’t mentioned it, one of the best parts of my work day is seeing my parking attendants ~ they are amazing people and never fail to make me smile).
One of my fondest memories of my time in South Africa was the food, and among the many dishes I enjoyed was Green Curry. As you may have read, I was thrilled beyond belief to receive Green Curry paste and biltong when I visited my parents (mailed to me by a friend from S.A.). And I was saving the experience of re-inventing the Green Curry I remembered for WeHangsDay.
Additionally, I JUST COULDN’T WAIT until tomorrow for Homemade Brownies. So this evening I undertook two completely unknown dishes. Yowza.
Let’s start with dinner.
First, I assembled my ingredients. Having never even looked for coconut milk before (let alone bought or used it) that’s where my nerves began.
It continued throughout the making of dinner.
First, I prepped my ingredients. I defrosted and cubed up a breast of chicken (I somehow overlooked the fact that I only had one breast left). I cubed the gargantuan zucchini procured from Levinwood Gardens (our great friends and WeHangsDay partners-in-crime).
I followed the directions on the packet to a tee (well, sort of).
Ingredients:
1/2 packet Green Curry Paste
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 pound protein (I used 1/4 pound chicken)
1/4 pound veggies (I used 1/2 pound zucchini)
1 1/2 teaspoon sugar
*** 2 tsp. flour
Pasta:
1/2 box linguine (cooked for approx 10 minutes in boiling water, then drained).
I definitely estimated my conversions from the package directions (given in grams and mL, which we frequently use in the good ole USA), and it turned out A-okay! (Although I really think that there’s a secret ingredient I’m missing … I have some ideas, so I may re-post an updated version).
1. I combined 1/2 packet of green curry paste with 1 tbsp veggie oil over medium-hot heat, and after it mixed together sufficiently, I added 1 cup of coconut milk.
curry paste & veggie oil
curry paste, veggie oil & coconut milk
2. When all that was combined, I added my diced up chicken, and continued cooking.
3. I added another 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup water, and brought to a boil.
4. After it bubbled a little, I added my 1/2 pound cubed zucchini, and cooked it all until the veggies were soft. 
5. ***At this point, I realized that my sauce was separating. Having only had it a few times three years ago ~ I started to panic. Luckily, John, Josh and Jess were there to talk me through my crisis (yes, if you noticed, I’m the only one whose name doesn’t begin with a “J”). We drained some of the sauce and whisked in two teaspoons of flour, then re-added the thickened sauce back into the saucepan. Voila, problem solved!
Finally, I stirred in 1 1/2 tsp. sugar. I didn’t use any seasoning, but feel free to season away! (Since meeting John I have become much more intimately aquainted with salt and pepper, prior to which I never really used). **I might suggest that seasoning the chicken a little before putting it in the saucepan would be a great idea. I just am not sure what seasoning would be best. The Green Curry has a definite kick to it!
With the delish Green Curry, we served a diced garden fresh tomato combined with diced fresh mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, a grind or two of salt and pepper and a drizzle of EVOO.
Minda's dinner (hers looked the prettiest!)
For dessert, I brought out the brownies. They were definitely yummy, but I think I have a challenge ahead of me ~ experimenting until I create the most deliciously moist, chewy, chocolately, melt-in-your-mouth decadent brownie ever.
Tonight’s were good, but my tendancy to panic definitely affected their baking.
Assembled ingredients:
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup flour
2 cups semi-sweet morsels
*** optional: 1 tsp espresso powder
Pre-cooking: Pre-heat oven to 350, and grease a 9 x 13 baking pan.
1. Melt butter completely over low heat in medium saucepan. Once completely melted, fold in sugar, and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes (making sure not to burn sugar).
2. Once the sugar and butter are combined, transfer to mixing bowl and beat in cocoa, eggs, salt, baking powder (** optional espresso powder), and vanilla extract.
3. Once the mixture is smooth, fold in flour and chocolate morsels.
4. Pour mixture into baking dish, and cook for approximately 30 minutes. (The edges should be done, and the middle should look moist but cooked. A toothpick should come out mostly clean). Cool on wire rack.
5. I panicked, and left the brownies in a little too long (the toothpick just wasn’t coming out clean!). But … John, Jess, Josh and I enjoyed them anyway. (John and I enjoyed the batter, too!).
All in all, a great food, wine and company night. Jess also wrote me a running plan for the gym ~ to help with training for a 5K. Since she’s a rockstar, she’s agreed to let me share it. Which I will do … manana. Right now, I’m gonna go enjoy the end of the evening with my man.
Happy Wednesday!
**Thank you to Jess & Josh for being on my blog and allowing me to document some of their time and efforts, too. Jess & Josh also have the most amazing pup-ster on the face of the planet, and soon will be joined by a new member. Very exciting business! Mucho love always.
right now
I had a totally different idea of what I would pontificate on this evening. It involved ‘brownies’ and ‘from scratch’ ~ but due to an unexpected evening happy hour, I am going to have to post pone my attempts to recreate a masterpiece I experienced today until Thursday ~ as tomorrow is occupied with WeHangsDay, and I have a pretty nifty plan in store!
Some thoughts I have right now:
1. Never ever do ‘Insanity’ after 2 glasses of wine, steak tartar and a soy chai latte on the drive home. Ever. I’m very serious about this. It wasn’t until the last ten minutes that I could fully concentrate on working out and not on keeping the contents of my stomach right where they were (aka, in my stomach). I confused ambition & will power with common sense. Whoops.
2. Air conditioning is a beautiful thing.
3. ‘Radio Times’ with Marty Moscowan on NPR can be a truly thought-provoking two hours. I’m still mulling over this morning’s discussion on journalism ethics.
4. I write this blog for me mostly (it’s my hobby, remember? hehe!), and love that anyone reads it and enjoys it. But I really love it when my Mama Bear reads it, because she’s totally my hero and idol and all that I wish and strive to be as a human being. And when she reads my words and likes them, I need no other praise.
5. When I cook something good, my heart hurts that my grandmother isn’t here to see it. She would have been more than surprised that I ever made something edible, but she also would have been infinitely proud. I miss her every single day.
6. I’m very nervous about the current state of the NFL. Please, dear Football Gods, please give us a 2011 season. I’ll even take eight games only if necessary. But don’t cancel it entirely.
7. I love these lines from one of my favorite movies ~ and I’ve never even been to Iowa. Must be awfully beautiful and magical. (Guess the movie!)
“Is this heaven?”
“No… it’s Iowa!”
P.S. While searching for an image, I found out they made a Field of Dreams 2 … which just almost upset my poor stomach as much as ‘Insanity.’ Yowza, what a bad idea!
8. I love learning. I miss learning. If only there was a great class I could audit on Roman anthropology and mythology, I’d be there in a hot second.
9. I have a countdown on for two things ~ I know, decadent, eh? July 15th ~ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II hits theatres, and so do John and I to see it. Unfortunately, my HP movie buddy from the last few years will be in Maine (boo!) but I’m gonna see it on opening day anyway. Also equally important (and marked in bold red in my date book since February when the date was announced) is the release of Daniel Silva’s new Gabriel Allon book, Portrait of a Spy. I’m totally addicted to the series, and mark the release dates of the newest addition every year. That’s on July 19th, and I will be waiting outside B & N in Rittenhouse first thing Tuesday morning. Yippee!!
10. I really can’t wait to make those brownies. But after ‘Insanity’ today, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy them. But man oh man, they were soooooooooo good.
new quest
Today, John and I trekked over to our new gym ~ literally, as it’s within walking distance of our house.
And my new goal began.
I’d like to run a 5K or two, and then the Broad Street run next spring, followed by ~ if I can keep up with it and my legs are cooperative ~ a half marathon next fall.
Let me tell you, after my brief sojourn on the treadmill, I have a long way to go.
But I’ll mark it anyway. I spent 42 minutes on the treadmill. I jogged the first mile in a little over ten minutes. I walked at a 2.0 incline for a few minutes (probably about a half mile or so), and then I jogged another mile. This one felt waaaaay better than the first mile (which made me wonder if my new, year-long goal was something beyond lofty). I hit a nice stride, and felt a bit more confident. I petered out at 30 minutes, then pushed myself to finish the third mile strong ~ which I hit at 34 minutes. I’d hoped to do three miles in 30 minutes, but seeing as it’s my first time on a treadmill in over a year and half, I’ll take the 34.
Then I walked til John was done lifting at a slight incline. My quads hate me right now.
It’s dinner and relax time. We’re gonna munch on some fresh tomatoes that came home with us yesterday, and a few Trader Joe snacks while watching ‘MasterChef.’
Enjoy your Monday night!
road block
I was so pumped on Saturday, because I made it through Max Interval Cardio without taking many breaks, and managed to do all the moves in each interval, sometimes slower than the pros, but pretty consistently, which was not bad, if I say so myself. Which I did. All Saturday night.
I also said ‘Ouch’ a lot on Saturday night, because I tweaked a muscle in my back.
So today, when I woke up nice and early to greet Shaun T. with a smile after taking a wee break yesterday, I was pretty bummed that my energy level and ability to get through today’s workout ~ Max Interval Plyo (the Doozer workout which I did last week with flying colors) ~ was pretty sub-par.
The other slightly discouraging thing is that I only have six days of ‘Insanity’ left ~ which would be good if I felt like the stride I was hitting in my progress on Thursday and Saturday of last week were continuing onward and upward. Instead, I feel like I’ve hit a road block.
Oh Monday. Usually I don’t mind you so much.
D5 Creation