Ok, so the week+ between our “visits” has gone by in an absolute blink. I shared then that I had some busy days ahead of me, and the busy-ness delivered! While Socrates long ago cautioned that we should “beware the barrenness of a busy life” (and I agree), I have learned one important thing over time—a minute in a busy life is the same thing as a minute in a slower one. The trick lies in how we interact with each minute, and whether our heart stays in the minute, our eyes focus on the minute, our ears listen to the minute. That’s the secret, if you ask me. Stay in the minute! Every last one of them. That helps strip away feelings of stress and of being overwhelmed, among other energy drainers/fun suckers.
What I am cooking/eating/drinking
Ok, so if you recall, last Tuesday I was having dinner guests. And I gotta tell you, these two recipes did not disappoint. This one I have cooked (and maybe even mentioned here) before, but it is a real winner. I’m talking restaurant quality, with virtually no prep (like chopping), though it does have a few steps/layers. But you can cook it and socialize and sip wine all the while so that’s enough for me to characterize it as easy. It’s from the NYT, and it’s called Crispy Gnocchi with Burst Tomatoes and Mozzarella. It’s. So. Delicious.
For dessert, we had some spare apples that didn’t make it into the Thanksgiving pie, so I searched for a use for them. And the NYT did not let me down. It rarely does. In fact, if you like to cook, I can’t recommend that you subscribe (at least to the NYT Cooking section) enough. Anyhow, you might think “oh all apple pies-crisps-crumbles-brown betties-pandowdies-slumps-cobblers-etc. are all created equal” and I am here to tell you that you’re wrong. This apple crumble had us all cross-eyed and not for one second were we missing the crust of a pie. It was amazing. If I had three pounds of apples in the house I might make it right now.
(Also, if you are interested in these recipes but not interested in subscribing to NYT Cooking, let me know. We might be able to make a lawful sharing arrangement.)
I am a big fan of Bad Manners (formerly known as Thug Kitchen) for when I am craving something meat-free yet delicious. The two recent entrees from them that I served up to much delight (from Kerri and my mom respectively) was this spaghetti and beanballs and these roasted broccoli and chickpea burritos. Both so delicious…wish I had some pics to show you but I’ve been too busy cooking and eating and talking to take photos. I’ll try to do better next time.
You may also recall that I was headed to Provincetown for an overnight Saturday into Sunday. We had an awesome time and while we were meandering along Commercial Street we picked up some bubbly, some wine, and some charcuterie supplies for happy hour. There’s a new business in town (Perfect Picnic Ptown) and they had an amazing selection. The shopkeeper recommended the Beef Saucisson Sec and it did not disappoint. You might think if you’ve had one cured meat you’ve had ’em all. But this one was so good. It actually was tender, like you didn’t need your back teeth to get a bite and then you could just chew it, no need to gnaw it as some pepperoni sticks require. And after eating eat, no need to floss. How good was it? It was so good that my saucisson sampler shipped today straight from Larchmont Charcuterie. The Christmas Eve charcuterie board would be incomplete with anything else.
And because, Provincetown…
We also enjoyed delicious quiche delivered to our door for breakfast at this place:
Very highly recommend this inn, which a friend became co-owner of this past March. If you are heading to P-town and are looking for a great place to stay, check out Admiral’s Landing and tell John and David that I sent you!
For drinks of late it’s been plenty of wine, mostly white, mostly Sauvignon Blanc, mostly Kim Crawford and Joel Gott…all delicious. I got some great beer at Trillium before Thanksgiving (thoroughly enjoyed the Turducken and Really Green Street, and the Twice the Daily Serving: Raspberry was like drinking a big old glass of Summer), swapped some Vitamin Sea for some Tree House (Giving Thanks and Stick Season) with Kerri’s brother (both tasty), and have my eyes peeled for some Holiday Release bottles that Barrel House Z is reportedly releasing this week, specially barrel aged brews, one a milk porter and one a strong ale. Perfect for fireside sipping during the dark days of Winter.
What I’m reading
I should probably skip this section because I’m reading about 79 words a week, tops. But I’m keeping it here to hold myself accountable. I recently started Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters (on my Kindle). The reviews on this have been phenomenal, but I’m a little slow in getting engrossed. I think there’s too much going on in my brain right now to process the important plot details, but I am going to stick with it. I have a lot I want to read, and I think I need to get into a new reading routine. That’s “all.” Maybe I’ll start that routine tonight.
What I’m watching
In Provincetown it was Holly Folly Weekend so we went to see the Holly Folly Follies on Saturday night, and it did not disappoint. The performances were amazing…some of the voices! There was a woman who sang the new Adele song and she out Adele-d Adele. The Liza Minelli impersonator stole the show but what else would you expect from “Liza” in Provincetown? Shows like that always make my heart happy because you can see the joy and feel the energy of those on stage. The commitment to putting on a spectacular show was both evident and impressive, especially as you know most (all) of the performers have day jobs. But then I find myself a little bit wistful after the show ends and the glitter settles…I’m noticeably happysad…there’s so much talent in the world that goes largely undiscovered. Their relative anonymity didn’t seem to bother them at all though, and they performed as if they were on Broadway…and I enjoyed every note.
In terms of more mainstream programming, those cray housewives of SLC still have my full attention and keep me wholly amused. Of course I still watch Jeopardy! but it’s kinda normalized for me now without the rotating guest hosts. The proliferation of five-day champions has me flummoxed about how they’ll manage the Tournament of Champions this year, but maybe I should stop worrying about that and start reading more. We are also still watching the new show Ordinary Joe and while the premise fascinates me (how different everything would be if we made one different choice) the show is ordinary indeed, in its averageness and blandness. It’s “fine.” My “To Watch” list continues to grow but I swear I’m going to chip away at it soon.
I’ve also been watching the Pats win seven in a row and it’s been a fun ride. They beat the Bills Monday night on the road with Mac Jones throwing only three passes…so if you didn’t think Bill Belichick was a football savant before Monday, you have got to believe he is now. Haters gonna hate, but that’s part of why it’s so fun to follow.
What I am listening to
Christmas music of course, and lots of it. I’m always on the hunt for new holiday tunes, but they really just don’t make ’em like they used to. I have been enjoying the relatively new Snow Globe by Erasure, and also happened across this 5-song EP that I’ve enjoyed too:
It’s a lot of work, trying to find new holiday music, and TBH, I just haven’t had the attention span for it. Hit me up if there are any holiday tunes you think I need to be listening to.
Until next Thursday…thanks for being here. Love you too.