Tonight the boyfriend is at his local Rotary club meeting, so I am on my own for dinner. Totally clueless, I didn't even know where to start looking for ideas. Staring at this iPad, and flipping between the screens, I suddenly thought of opening pepper plate. Since it is a recipe collector, most people would start there; I am obviously lacking the mental function to make such obvious decisions.
Part of what has been hampering my thoughts about dinner is the idea of trying things I doubt my boyfriend would be willing to try. Aka eggplant, risotto, and so on.
Looking through the list I wasn't struck by anything. Clicking on this then that, I wasn't really motivated by any of it. Then I saw this recipe for a Thai curry served over egg noodles.
http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-egg-noodles-with-rich-chicken-curry-sauce-khao-soi-179140
It was a lightbulb going off. Something new, something easy, I wouldn't have to buy much, AND I'm pretty sure my boyfriend would not pick it out.
Now I'm ready to start cooking!
But just so you know, I'm snacking on an Entenmann's chocolate doughnut as I write this. So much for my mother warning me to not ruin my appetite!
3.26.2013
Life - spring is here
It is glorious outside today. Definitely feels like time to put away the winter coat. We'll see. We'll see.
3.25.2013
Life - attempting to do nothing
At home alone. Been suffering with a smidgen of a headache all day, and should be lying in bed doing nothing. But what am doing?
Anything and everything I can to distract myself. Oy!
I'm going to attempt 15 minutes of nothing, then 15 minutes of reading... After I answer this email...
Anything and everything I can to distract myself. Oy!
I'm going to attempt 15 minutes of nothing, then 15 minutes of reading... After I answer this email...
Food - Easter brunch
Here's an idea my boyfriend and I had for a brunch.
For Christmas I received from my mother a waffle maker. And guess what we've had every weekend since? WAFFLES!
At some point in the mean time, we were out and about and were joking around about fried chicken and waffles. He very seriously turned to me and said "You should do this." And when I looked at him like he was crazy, he replied, "With your buttermilk chicken." Since discovering this recipe on Smitten Kitchen over a year go, it has become a staple/signature dish. Buttermilk Roasted Chicken. If you haven't tried it, you should. Right now.
Anyways, I've been thinking about having people over forever, and I've been wanting to do a brunch for almost as long, so I started to think about having an Easter brunch. It's too short of notice to do it this year, but maybe someone else can use the idea.
Easter Brunch
2 dozen hard-boiled eggs (for dyeing/eating)
2 waffles per person
2 chicken legs per person
Some eggs (for the vegetarians)
Key lime squares
OJ
Champagne
Coffee
Maple syrup
Fruit syrup (optional)
A few days before you can make the key lime squares, and maybe the fruit syrup(s).
The day before marinade the chicken, hard boil the eggs, and make the waffles. Waffles are difficult to make the day of for a moderate to large crowd. I'm thinking if you make them the day before, freeze them, then reheat in the oven at the last minute, they will be fresh, hot, and easy.
The day of roast the chicken. This seems like a massive undertaking, but totally worth it. The chicken only takes about a half hour so it isn't too burdensome. Lay out everything before guests arrive. When about half the party has shown up, place the waffles in the oven. Make sure you watch them, because they can quickly turn into crackers. Also since I don't own a coffee maker, I figured I could get one (or two) of those cartons of coffee from the local small batch roasting shop.
For Christmas I received from my mother a waffle maker. And guess what we've had every weekend since? WAFFLES!
At some point in the mean time, we were out and about and were joking around about fried chicken and waffles. He very seriously turned to me and said "You should do this." And when I looked at him like he was crazy, he replied, "With your buttermilk chicken." Since discovering this recipe on Smitten Kitchen over a year go, it has become a staple/signature dish. Buttermilk Roasted Chicken. If you haven't tried it, you should. Right now.
Anyways, I've been thinking about having people over forever, and I've been wanting to do a brunch for almost as long, so I started to think about having an Easter brunch. It's too short of notice to do it this year, but maybe someone else can use the idea.
Easter Brunch
2 dozen hard-boiled eggs (for dyeing/eating)
2 waffles per person
2 chicken legs per person
Some eggs (for the vegetarians)
Key lime squares
OJ
Champagne
Coffee
Maple syrup
Fruit syrup (optional)
A few days before you can make the key lime squares, and maybe the fruit syrup(s).
The day before marinade the chicken, hard boil the eggs, and make the waffles. Waffles are difficult to make the day of for a moderate to large crowd. I'm thinking if you make them the day before, freeze them, then reheat in the oven at the last minute, they will be fresh, hot, and easy.
The day of roast the chicken. This seems like a massive undertaking, but totally worth it. The chicken only takes about a half hour so it isn't too burdensome. Lay out everything before guests arrive. When about half the party has shown up, place the waffles in the oven. Make sure you watch them, because they can quickly turn into crackers. Also since I don't own a coffee maker, I figured I could get one (or two) of those cartons of coffee from the local small batch roasting shop.
3.24.2013
Food - meal planning
The boyfriend wants to start cutting down on the amount we eat out, including lunches, so he was gung-ho to meal plan this week.
Today, Sunday, we are having chili for dinner. This makes a lot and should be good for leftovers for a couple of lunches.
Monday, we're having chicken with roasted tomatoes and a pan sauce. We had this once before with moderate success. I'm going to make a few changes and hope it turns out well.
Tuesday, we're having Jamie Oliver's spicy Dan Dan noodles. This is on regular rotation and made it on the menu this week as the Asian dish. Makes a good portion of leftovers.
Wednesday, the boyfriend will be at a local rotary club meeting, so I will be on my own. Since my track record last week included Mac and cheese, I'm not too positive about this dinner.
Thursday is good ole meat day. I'm going to get pork chops from the local butcher and do them up right. Maybe potatoes sliced thin and pan roasted and a vegetable. Simple easy delicious, and slightly decadent.
Friday is up for grabs. We both aren't working that day so we'll have time to come up with something on the fly.
Today, Sunday, we are having chili for dinner. This makes a lot and should be good for leftovers for a couple of lunches.
Monday, we're having chicken with roasted tomatoes and a pan sauce. We had this once before with moderate success. I'm going to make a few changes and hope it turns out well.
Tuesday, we're having Jamie Oliver's spicy Dan Dan noodles. This is on regular rotation and made it on the menu this week as the Asian dish. Makes a good portion of leftovers.
Wednesday, the boyfriend will be at a local rotary club meeting, so I will be on my own. Since my track record last week included Mac and cheese, I'm not too positive about this dinner.
Thursday is good ole meat day. I'm going to get pork chops from the local butcher and do them up right. Maybe potatoes sliced thin and pan roasted and a vegetable. Simple easy delicious, and slightly decadent.
Friday is up for grabs. We both aren't working that day so we'll have time to come up with something on the fly.
3.23.2013
Life - what a week
Starting with my birthday on Tuesday, a lot has happened this week.
Birthday Tuesday with dinner out and an awesome surprise gift! A mannequin! Thanks to the boyfriend.
Wednesday saw a rep and made plans to attend the architectural digest home show together. Friday at 3:30pm.
Thursday made a late start and slowly got to the office. When I finally got there, that was the day that my power cord finally decided to go kaput. Major rush to the boyfriend's to work on his computer. Luckily most of the work that needed to get done could be done remotely.
Friday, I did the largest load of laundry ever. Minus the time after moving into my new place from Chicago. Not only did I do my normal biweekly loads, I also washed sheets and curtains! Unfortunately after drying them, they are now 2-3 inches too short. Then I had to clean myself up and head into the city. A messaged me at 3 o'clock to say she was on her way; I was in Macy's about to try on some clothes. I put them down and headed outside to the bus stop. I got to the javitz center and there was no one. I looked at my ticket. It said the address was pier 94, at 12th ave and 54th st. I was at 11th and 34th. What to do? Trekked over to 12th hoping there was a bus I could catch. Nope. There isn't a bus that travels the length of the west side highway. I ended up walking 22 blocks, plus the entire length of the show. Afterwards, a and I took a cab to penn station (thank god for reimbursable expenses). From there I took a train to 23 rd and hopped off to head to he boyfriend's office. Because we had no idea when my new power cord was going to be delivered, we had it sent to his office. Luckily his coworkers were still there, and I was able pick it up.
Today I did a major beauty session and am waiting for the boyfriend to be back from his trip.
Birthday Tuesday with dinner out and an awesome surprise gift! A mannequin! Thanks to the boyfriend.
Wednesday saw a rep and made plans to attend the architectural digest home show together. Friday at 3:30pm.
Thursday made a late start and slowly got to the office. When I finally got there, that was the day that my power cord finally decided to go kaput. Major rush to the boyfriend's to work on his computer. Luckily most of the work that needed to get done could be done remotely.
Friday, I did the largest load of laundry ever. Minus the time after moving into my new place from Chicago. Not only did I do my normal biweekly loads, I also washed sheets and curtains! Unfortunately after drying them, they are now 2-3 inches too short. Then I had to clean myself up and head into the city. A messaged me at 3 o'clock to say she was on her way; I was in Macy's about to try on some clothes. I put them down and headed outside to the bus stop. I got to the javitz center and there was no one. I looked at my ticket. It said the address was pier 94, at 12th ave and 54th st. I was at 11th and 34th. What to do? Trekked over to 12th hoping there was a bus I could catch. Nope. There isn't a bus that travels the length of the west side highway. I ended up walking 22 blocks, plus the entire length of the show. Afterwards, a and I took a cab to penn station (thank god for reimbursable expenses). From there I took a train to 23 rd and hopped off to head to he boyfriend's office. Because we had no idea when my new power cord was going to be delivered, we had it sent to his office. Luckily his coworkers were still there, and I was able pick it up.
Today I did a major beauty session and am waiting for the boyfriend to be back from his trip.
3.20.2013
Life - another year older
I'm officially 28. What?!?
Was grey and rainy in morning. ugh... Boss ordered in sushi for the office. The sun came out and was wonderfully bright. Went to dinner at walter's. plate was smaller than usual but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Started walking to the chocolate room for a birthday treat, but it started to rain, so we turned around. It stopped by the time we got home. The boyfriend got me a store mannequin! It isn't technically a sewing mannequin, but it is just about my size so I'm happy with it! So random and so awesome! I think we named her Betsy.
Was grey and rainy in morning. ugh... Boss ordered in sushi for the office. The sun came out and was wonderfully bright. Went to dinner at walter's. plate was smaller than usual but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Started walking to the chocolate room for a birthday treat, but it started to rain, so we turned around. It stopped by the time we got home. The boyfriend got me a store mannequin! It isn't technically a sewing mannequin, but it is just about my size so I'm happy with it! So random and so awesome! I think we named her Betsy.
3.13.2013
Food - Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup
With the boyfriend out for drinks with a friend, my dinner plans were looking a little boring. Leftover curry... Snooze. Then I stumbled upon this recipe on thekitchn. Today this was listed under their delicious links. I had to try it.
http://www.thekitchn.com/coconut-milk-brownies-italian-sausage-tortellini-soup-delicious-links-186239
http://www.thekitchn.com/coconut-milk-brownies-italian-sausage-tortellini-soup-delicious-links-186239
3.12.2013
Work - the end of the road
Boring day as always.
I have become more and more hesitant about going into the office. When there's little of interest to do, it's hard to be motivated in the morning. Still trying to find a new job. Had a good talk with the boyfriend about what I should be looking for. Will be spending Friday looking around.
I have become more and more hesitant about going into the office. When there's little of interest to do, it's hard to be motivated in the morning. Still trying to find a new job. Had a good talk with the boyfriend about what I should be looking for. Will be spending Friday looking around.
3.11.2013
Life - still in a daze
I am still in a fog from the time change. Got up on time this morning, only because I've learned that unless the boyfriend gets up right away, or within 10 minutes of the alarm, he isn't going to get. I took advantage and showered first, although I was still practically sleeping. Made it to office early - the first time in a long time.
Still have spent the entire day sluggishly doing nothing.
Still have spent the entire day sluggishly doing nothing.
Life - daylight savings
Made an appointment for my neighbor to stop by to drop off a key to his place. I'm cat sitting while him and his wife are vacation. 10am. Not the best time, post-dinner party and the morning of daylight savings. The boyfriend woke up at 7:45 and proclaimed to me that it. Was in fact 8:45. Ugh... I was not. Ready to face the day let alone my neighbor. Luckily he was late for the same exact reason.
I spent the entire rest of the day trying to wake up. Didn't get out of the house until 3pm.
I spent the entire rest of the day trying to wake up. Didn't get out of the house until 3pm.
3.09.2013
Life - and/or food
Fancy dinner party tonight. Well, not fancy per se. An associate of the boyfriend's, from rotary. She lives just south of 14th street. From Bengal province of India. Tried Bengalis food for the first time. A-maze-ing!!! There was a shrimp curry that was magnificent. And the cauliflower dish was way better than any we've made. Out of adventurousness I also tried an olive chutney. Unfortunately it gave such a sour taste to everything it touched that I didn't try it. When we got there I was shocked by the number of people. There was no way that we'd fit around the hostess's dining table. She ended up serving everything buffet-style which was nice because you weren't stuck with a specific conversation. Lots more international people. Armenians, Germans, Indians, and Thai. A few American tag-alongers. It was definitely a good time.
Food - Pasta salad
Made a delicious pasta for dinner Thursday night. It didn't fly with the invalid (the boyfriend was still recovering from the 24-hr stomach bug), but I thought it was great. Especially cold the next day.
1/2 box shaped pasta
3 oz spinach
1 container mushrooms sliced (I used the brown ones. They look nicer.)
1/2 container cherry tomatoes
1 cup ricotta cheese
Boil pasta according to directions, making sure only cook the pasta al dente.
Sauté mushrooms in a little bit of oil. Coat tomatoes in oil and broil until burst. Add tomatoes (and juices) to mushrooms along with spinach. When spinach is wilted, add pasta and ricotta cheese. The heat should be at low at this point. Stir until combined.
This was okay that night. It was delicious the next day straight out of the fridge. This might be my go-to pasta salad this summer. Yummmm!
1/2 box shaped pasta
3 oz spinach
1 container mushrooms sliced (I used the brown ones. They look nicer.)
1/2 container cherry tomatoes
1 cup ricotta cheese
Boil pasta according to directions, making sure only cook the pasta al dente.
Sauté mushrooms in a little bit of oil. Coat tomatoes in oil and broil until burst. Add tomatoes (and juices) to mushrooms along with spinach. When spinach is wilted, add pasta and ricotta cheese. The heat should be at low at this point. Stir until combined.
This was okay that night. It was delicious the next day straight out of the fridge. This might be my go-to pasta salad this summer. Yummmm!
Life - TGIF
Beautiful snowy day. woke up to a white wonderland. Continued to softly snow until about one. Then all the snow began to quickly melt. Spring is on its way.
3.07.2013
Life - Dream
I had an interesting dream last night.
I was busying myself inside, probably working or something, when the sun appeared to go out. It was obvious that something was blocking the sun, and it wasn't a cloud. We rushed out to see what it could be. When outside you barely had to look up to see what it was. It was a giant spaceship. Literally the Enterprise (from Star Trek) was in the sky. A giant version of it. So large that you knew it couldn't be landed on Earth. It was moving across the sky, following it was a smaller version of the spaceship.
The amazing thing was that no one was scared. It felt like "okay the future is here". Literally. They had come back in time to help society.
I was busying myself inside, probably working or something, when the sun appeared to go out. It was obvious that something was blocking the sun, and it wasn't a cloud. We rushed out to see what it could be. When outside you barely had to look up to see what it was. It was a giant spaceship. Literally the Enterprise (from Star Trek) was in the sky. A giant version of it. So large that you knew it couldn't be landed on Earth. It was moving across the sky, following it was a smaller version of the spaceship.
The amazing thing was that no one was scared. It felt like "okay the future is here". Literally. They had come back in time to help society.
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