Things I'm looking forward to

--Upcoming concerts
--Honeycrisp apples
--Pomegranates
--Fuzzy sweaters
--Mulled (spiked?) cider
--Snuggling under blankets in bed
--Winter soups - chili, chowder, bisque, stew, curry; you name it, I'll make it.
--Hot chocolate
--Sitting in front of a crackling fire and listening to music
--The Haunt House
--A possible trip to New York in November to spend time with my best friend, who I haven't seen in over 2 years
--Planning my birthday trip to Portland
--Pumpkin coconut rum soup (yumyumyumyum. yum.)
--Potential out-of-town photo excursions (Glen Rose? Tyler again?)
--Leaves crackling underfoot
--The trees in our front yard doing this again
--Long walks with Callie in cool, crisp fall air

Can you tell that I love fall? I guess my mom named me appropriately.

The week in review

This week, I thought it'd be more difficult to come up with a list of good things; in the balance, the week felt like a decidedly shitty one. But when I started looking back, I realized that there were some great moments in there that made me smile. Here they are:

--The first signs of spring, my favorite season -- the season for airy sunlit walks, gentle breezes (please, Texas?), and sweet smells (I can't wait to breathe in the honeysuckle again!)
--Irish coffee and the best. brownies. ever. (thank you, Dorie Greenspan!)
--Discovering that Twisted Root burgers will soon be a mere 10 minutes away from me
--Getting yet another chance to see my little brother play the cello (his vibrato is awesome)
--Having a long conversation full of giggles with my best friend El, still the only person I can be 100% honest with
--After five weeks or so without a TV, finding out that we'll soon be getting a new one for free. Did I mention that said TV will be twice the size of the old one?
--Coming up with ridiculously funny ideas with Jay and Jason (that are probably only funny to us, come to think of it)
--Getting out of town for a day to take photos at Possum Kingdom Lake/State Park. We saw white-tailed deer darting, a frightened armadillo fleeing, a flock of turkeys rustling their way into the trees, dozens of beautiful hawks braving the strong winds, and a herd of cows lounging by the shore. Even though it was windy and cloudy, I can't think of a place I'd rather have been. Drinking Pinot Noir by the shore of the lake at sunset with awesome company more than made up for any work-related assiness this week.
--Satisfying a sudden urge for gelato by ordering a cup of Mediterranean Sea Salt Caramel (aka Best Gelato Flavor Ever Devised) at Paciugo

See? Not bad at all!

Happy distractions

Things making me happy this week, in no particular order:

This picture:

I accidentally captured this doofy expression one afternoon last week, and I still can't look at it without cracking up.

This song:


And this song:


Central Market's spinach & feta chicken sausage. Yum.

My new peacock earrings:


This book:


Christian Bale losing his shit on the set of Terminator: Salvation. Now imagine him delivering that verbal beatdown in his ridiculous, raspy Batman voice. Gold!

The fact that I haven't wanted to quit my exercise/healthier eating plan yet. I'm feeling optimistic, even if the actual physical exertion part sucks mightily. (It still does, if you were wondering.)

(Yes, I know it's only Tuesday, but I have to divert myself with such pleasant thoughts if I have any hope of making it to Friday unscathed.)

Dinner

Tonight, we made Tahini Lemon Rice and Beans. And oh, was it ever divine. I made only a couple of modifications -- left out the seitan, added a teaspoon or so of Sriracha for heat and a couple chopped sun-dried tomatoes -- and it was the easiest, tastiest home-cooked meal I've had in weeks. I want to put that tahini-lemon sauce on everything now!

For anyone playing along at home, this is a fantastic way to get in your greens, whole grains/fiber, and protein while still swooning over your food. (Trust me, it's really that good). So glad I started cooking regularly again!

Here we go...

I know, I know, it's a total cliché to start the new year off by re-committing to healthier living. And yet, that's exactly what I'm doing (well, trying to do). Again. Geez. You'd think something would have stuck by now, but...no, never mind, you wouldn't think that. Anyway, I'm attempting a couple different methods this time around that just might work. You know, because they play off my insecurities and well-developed sense of guilt! Yay.

So this time (since everything else has failed thanks to my spectacular lack of willpower and amazing ability to sabotage good things in my life), I'm trying to build in a little accountability. I have a calendar hanging in my living room, visible on the way into the kitchen. This is where I document my workout accomplishments and encourage some healthy guilt. And since one calendar can be willfully ignored if you're determined enough, I've duplicated it online and posted it right here at the top of this blog! So now I have fewer excuses, which actually does help me somehow (except for last week, which was...yeah. I'm giving myself a pass there). I'm also trying to get Jay to kick my ass into gear when I'm being whiny and self-pitying. So far, this has been unsuccessful, but that's just because he's too nice (and/or tunes me out when I'm being that annoying).

The second major thing I'm doing, starting this week, is devising a mealplan for each week. This is supposed to help me make better food choices, which is important because I don't want to negate all the sweating and cursing and calorie-burning goodness from the first part of my plan. I got this nifty program called MacGourmet that allows me to import all my recipes (and they are legion; it's taking a while), create mealplans, and populate shopping lists. I'll do all my required shopping on the weekend, and voila! Fewer excuses to eat out and consume instant crap. So far this week, we've made spaghetti squash with pumpkin seed pesto and a cranberry bean-kale soup. Healthy AND tasty!

So that's the plan. Not much to it, really, but I don't want to introduce too many drastic changes into my life all at once. Honestly, I find it difficult enough to get up every day and go to work, so this is about all I can handle at the moment. I'm shooting for 3-4 days a week of moderate exercise at first (i.e. elliptical, some ab work, some weights). I'll revise my expectations as I go along. And I'm going to try to get in more dark, leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains every week. Sensible, no?

I think my problem in the past has been over-ambition -- trying to overhaul all of my bad habits at the same time, or going full-tilt at the gym when I hadn't worked out in months. I was setting myself up to fail. This time, I'm going to cut myself a little more slack (but not too much!) and do the sensible thing by going slowly. And if I do this right, I'm confident that in a few months, I'll feel (and look) so much better. Then it won't seem like such a chore! I hope.

Encouragement would be extremely welcome, by the way. :)

The definitive "Why Portland Is awesome" post

Yes, I've already listed a bunch of reasons why I love Portland. I've posted pictures, related anecdotes, and generally rhapsodized about the place. Maybe I was exaggerating a bit -- after all, Portland is not perfect, and it has its drawbacks just like any place. But the way I felt there was no exaggeration. I felt home. The city is tailor-made for me. And ever since I've been back, I've felt a little homesick. So in the spirit of the holiday season, I feel compelled to post an exhaustive Compendium of Awesome, starring the fine city of Portland, Oregon.

Warning: reading this post may cause a sudden, burning desire to pack up and move to Portland immediately.

For the word nerd
For the foodie
For the music lover
For the nature enthusiast
For the film & TV buff
For the eco-conscious
For the artist
For the daytripper
For the conscious consumer

For the word nerd:
--Portland holds an annual literary festival called Wordstock. The book fair hosts readings, signings, and panels, and other events include a poetry slam competition, a live radio variety program, and an evening event called the Text Ball (with prizes for the most grammatically correct costume!).
--Powell's City of Books is the largest independent bookstore in the U.S. and covers an entire city block. It's open 365 days a year and holds over four million new, used, rare, and out of print books. You could spend a week in there and still find stuff to do.
--Beloved children's lit author Beverly Cleary is from Portland, and there's a Beverly Cleary Sculpture Garden in the city where children can play. On the opposite end of the literary spectrum, author Chuck Palahniuk is also from Portland.
--Dark Horse Comics, the largest independent comics producer in this country, is housed in Portland and has an amazing library of titles, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Star Wars, Sin City, Hellboy, Aliens, and Predator.
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For the foodie:
--As I've mentioned before, James Beard, father of American gastronomy and author of 20 books, grew up in Portland. The prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, held every May, honor the best chefs, restaurants, cookbook authors, and journalists (among others) in the country.
--Tillamook cheese probably wouldn't be around today without cows and equipment from Portland. The town of Tillamook is about an hour and a half away from Portland (one of many potential day trips from the city).
--Stumptown Coffee is an amazing independent coffee chain in Portland that buys and roasts its own coffee. The owner travels all over the world and forms relationships with coffee producers; he's even formed a non-profit that supports Rwandan coffee cooperatives. Stumptown offers Fair Trade Certified and organic coffees and takes pride in its sustainable business practices, both at home and abroad. I've ordered Stumptown coffee from their website, and it was freshly roasted and delicious.
--Portland boasts some of the best farm to table restaurants in the country. One example is The Farm Cafe, which uses locally grown produce and locally produced wines and spirits to create its constantly changing menu. The upside? Your food is fresher and more tasty, and you don't have to feel guilty about supporting evil corporate agribusiness.
--The abundance of wineries, breweries, brewpubs, and microdistilleries. There are even "brew and view" movie theaters that serve local microbrews and food that you can enjoy during the show. Oh, and Oregon Wine Country is about 25 miles from Portland. And there are at least 5 major beer festivals every year. There are more breweries in Portland (around 30) than in any other city in the country.
--Portland Farmers Markets are open April through December and provide a direct link between farmers and consumers. Portland (well, the entire Pacific Northwest) grows the most beautiful, fresh produce year-round, including some of the best berries in the world. Walking around Portland, you can find tons of wild blackberries that are safe to eat. We even found the most amazing apples growing wild on a tree in a residential neighborhood, free for the taking.
--Voodoo Doughnut and Wedding Chapel. The freshest, weirdest doughnuts you'll ever eat. Try a Maple Bacon Bar for starters and then check out their vegan selection to feel a bit more virtuous.
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For the music lover:
--Bands and musicians from Portland include The Decemberists, The Shins, Modest Mouse, The Dandy Warhols, Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, Stephen Malkmus (of Pavement fame), M. Ward, The Kingsmen ("Louie, Louie"), Everclear (Art Alexakis), Spoon (Britt Daniel), Courtney Love, and Death Cab for Cutie (Chris Walla).
--Local music venue The Doug Fir Lounge is comfortable and stylish and has an attached restaurant and bar. We saw 3 bands for $5 there on our first night in Portland. They had free drinking water at the bar! And it was non-smoking, so you could actually breathe in there.
--The Oregon Symphony hosts outdoor concerts on the waterfront; the Oregon Zoo hosts a summer concert series.
--There's an annual Portland Jazz Festival.
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For the nature enthusiast:
--What isn't there for the nature enthusiast? You have mountains, old-growth forests, rivers, gorges... Portland even lies on top of an extinct lava field (the Boring Lava Field, which makes me laugh). There are great trails and hikes, and even in the middle of the city, you can find gorgeous wooded parks.
--Portland is known as the City of Roses; there are rose festivals a couple times a year and a huge test garden that holds over 550 varieties of roses. It's been in continuous operation since 1917.
--Portland boasts the most authentic Japanese garden in North America and the largest classical Chinese garden in the country.
--You can take an ecotour from Portland to the coast, stopping at scenic spots along the way, to go whale watching. A full-day whale watching trip won't even set you back a hundred bucks. Portland is also home to bald eagles and peregrine falcons; sightings of both are common.
--The Columbia River Scenic Highway takes you past magnificent landmarks like Multnomah Falls (look at it frozen!) and the Columbia River Gorge, not to mention stunning scenic overlooks and lush forests. It also features the greatest rest stop ever, Vista House, which is only 15 miles east of Portland.
--Even though it rains half the time, Portland has one of the most temperate climates in the United States. It has a narrow range of temperatures year-round, which means that summers aren't too hot and winters aren't too cold. When it does rain, it's not always the dreary, heavy rain that we experience in Dallas; it's often light, misty rain, and it comes and goes throughout the day. Plus, without all the rain, it wouldn't be so green!
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For the film & TV buff:
--Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama) is from Portland.
--Directors Gus Van Sant (Milk, Good Will Hunting), Todd Haynes (I'm Not There, Far From Heaven), and Todd Field (Little Children, In the Bedroom) are also from Portland. So are actors Clark Gable, William Hurt, Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), and Lindsay Wagner (Bionic Woman).
--Mel Blanc (Bugs Bunny!) is from Portland.
--The movie Into the Wild was filmed in Portland.
--The city holds numerous film festivals every year and has a renowned film school.
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For the eco-conscious:
--Portland is often called the greenest city in the United States. City planners have been thinking green for over three decades and have established strict land-use policies and urban growth boundaries. There are hundreds of protected natural areas around the city and tough anti-sprawl ordinances. Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it's actively practiced. Renewable energy, green buildings, effective mass transit...these all make Portland one of the most ecologically friendly cities in the world.
--Bicycling is not only safe in suburbia; urban cycling is typical, thanks to Portland's bike-friendly accommodations. It's often rated one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with over 260 miles of bike lanes and paths.
--Portland was the first city in the U.S. to make and enact a formal plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
--Freecycling thrives in Portland; it's a nonprofit movement that allows people to give away their unwanted items instead of throwing them away. It's completely free and legal, can save you money and time, and best of all, it keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills.
--Portland has 92,000 acres of green space, including the country's largest wooded city park (Forest Park, with over 70 miles of trails) and the world's smallest city park (Mill Ends Park, which is two feet across and was originally supposed to house a utility pole).
--Zipcar is available in Portland; the service allows you to reserve a car (including ZAP electric cars) by the hour or the day. Cars are parked all around the city; once you reserve one by phone or online, you just walk up to it, hold your ZipCard up to the windshield to unlock the doors, and drive away! They're located in 13 cities, from San Francisco to Boston to New York to Vancouver, and you can use your card in any of those cities if you're a member. ZipCar pays for gas and insurance, too.
--In addition to bicycling and public transit accommodations, the city is very pedestrian friendly, with compact square blocks and an easy to navigate grid that relies on natural boundaries to divide the city in a logical way. It's so easy to get around there; after a few days, I felt like a native.
--Benson Bubblers, the water fountains dotting the city landscape, reduce reliance on bottled water for many urban dwellers. There are 52 total fountains throughout the city.
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For the artist:
--In addition to a number of art museums, Portland boasts two monthly art walks: First Thursdays in the Pearl District, and Last Thursdays in the Alberta neighborhood. Galleries and shops keep their doors open late and serve appetizers and wine.
--For homemade, hand-crafted gifts, there's no greater place in Portland than the Saturday market (which is actually open on Sundays, too). Artisans and international food vendors descend on downtown every weekend from March to December to sell their wares, which include fine art, photography, candles, clothing, home accessories, woodwork and metalwork, pottery, ceramics, and even pet products.
--Parks, squares, and fountains around the city are enhanced by public works of art, including sculptures and murals. The bronze sculpture Portlandia is one of the city's most famous.
--Portland is a photographer's dream, mixing natural beauty with eclectic city landscapes at almost every turn.
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For the daytripper:
--Portland is 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean and about an hour from Mt. Hood. Cannon Beach is an hour and a half drive from the city. So is Tillamook (mmm, cheese).
--Timberline Lodge, where The Shining was filmed, is about an hour and a half from Portland.
--The desert of Warm Springs is a two-hour drive; so is the city of Eugene.
--Mount Saint Helens is just under two hours from Portland.
--Seattle is just over three hours away; Vancouver about five.
--The Amtrak Cultural Cascades route connects Eugene, Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Vancouver.
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For the conscious consumer:
--Portland does have a 9% income tax, but that's offset by its lack of a sales tax. Plus, it's deductible on your federal tax return. Car registration fees are much lower than they are here in Texas, and you only pay them once every two years.
--Cost of living is slightly higher than it is in Dallas (about 5-7% higher), but it's still one of the most affordable cities on the west coast.
--Public transit is free downtown (it's called Fareless Square). That includes buses, streetcars, and light rail. The light rail system extends all the way out to the airport; the fare from the airport to the heart of downtown is only $2.30.
--You can see second-run movies at the "brew and view" movie theaters for $3.
--Most places have free wifi.
--The outdoor summer symphony events are free.
--Some breweries, like Widmer, offer free tours of their facilities.
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I wasn't kidding when I said exhaustive! I'm very passionate on the subject, as you can see. :) Also, I like having all these lists on one page so I can visit it when Dallas is pissing me off. Like today, with the inexplicable return to 75-degree temperatures in the middle of December.

Viva Portland!

A new way to think about your favorite foods

Barney on How I Met Your Mother:

"I love this burger so much, I want to sew my ass shut."

Durian

Durian.

This post from Steamy Kitchen perfectly captures how divisive this fruit is (make sure you read all the comments to get the full picture). I find the subject of durian so fascinating, having never tried it. Descriptions of its odor and flavor are so varied, you can't picture what it would be like to experience the fruit for yourself. But I kinda have to try it now, even if it's as disgusting as some people claim.

This is a fruit that has actually been banned from some hotels and public transportation in Asia. Its smell can be detected up to half a mile away. People have compared it to Limburger cheese, rotting onions, sweaty gym socks, and garlicky custard. Some find it sweet; others find it unbearably pungent and impossible to divorce from its smell, no matter what it tastes like.

I think some of the variance in people's opinion stems from the different varieties of the fruit, as well as its degree of ripeness, so it's difficult to compare it to something like an orange, which has a fairly universal flavor. Also, some people are really put off by certain textures, and durian, which is kind of creamy (custardy; cheesy), would disgust a lot of folks. Still, I have to try it for myself. I'm endlessly fascinated by controversial or exotic foods.

Watch Anthony Bourdain eat durian, actually uttering the phrase "French kissing your dead grandmother" in reference to the smell. Yowza.

Guess I have to travel back to Asia now. Darn.

Attention: fruit sticker manufacturers

Dear fruit sticker manufacturers of America:

I applaud your efforts to help a clueless populace correctly identify produce - for all I know, this is boosting fresh fruit and vegetable consumption all across the land, and that's truly commendable. But MUST YOU make stickers that leave sticky residue behind, tear off precious fruit skin, and get under my fingernails every time? See, I happen to really like plum skin, and I've yet to encounter a sticker that peels off easily without taking a chunk of yummy fruit with it. What gives?

love,
me

Life isn't half bad

Oh, don't you just love days where you're inexplicably buoyed by unseen forces and everything brings a smile to your face? I'm having one of those days today. Everything is making me happy. My car is shiny. I got to eat the most excellent Thai red curry and steamed dumplings from my favorite Asian restaurant. I'm knee deep in the best real-life love story I've read in a really long, long time, which is making my knees weak. The work day is half over. And my iPod is playing the best sequence of songs right now. You wouldn't think such small things could add up to perfect contentment, but you'd be wrong.

Other things making me happy:
--The thought of being in Portland a month from today
--My new red bamboo salad bowl


--The excellent salad we made last night in said bowl
--My new printer/scanner/copier
--Sunlight
--Plans I'm devising in my head for dinner tonight
--The promise of an awesome family get-together, complete with tamales, in just 3 days
--The lingering memory of that pink Prosecco I had weeks ago
--Unstoppable creativity

All in all, I'm feeling pretty charmed.

Vacation time!

I'm going to Portland! I'm going to Portland!

This is very exciting.

Among other things, I'll get to partake of Oregon-brewed Rogue beer at the Rogue Distillery and Public House. Oh, and just take a gander at some of these beer-based menu items:

-Hazelnut ale bread
-Hummus made with Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale and served with warm pita bread & veggies
-Saganaki (broiled Greek cheese) doused in Rogue Hazelnut Spice Rum and flamed tableside
-Beer cheese soup (made with Rogue Dead Guy Ale)
-"Haute" dog with caramelized onions and Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese, with house-made flavored ketchup and mustard on the side
-House-brewed root beer & root beer floats
-Rogue ale floats (you can choose their Chocolate Stout!)

And that's just a sampler. I think I might have to eat here a few times while I'm in Portland.

Other than Rogue, I want to try Stumptown coffee, visit Mattface's fish & chips place and tea shop and hat store, drink lots of Oregon wine, eat at Nate's favorite Mediterranean place, visit a farmer's market, walk lots and lots, maybe go on a hike, drive out to the coast, take tons of photos, see some redwoods, maybe check out a local band, go to the zoo, and walk around the Japanese gardens. I'll be there for a week -- do you think I can fit all that in?

Above all, I'm really excited to eat and drink in Portland -- food is not just fuel there. It's local, it's seasonal and fresh, and it's crafted with care and pride. Did you know that chef/author James Beard, the "father of American gastronomy," grew up in Portland? He's had a profound effect on the way people think about food all over the world, and his legacy lives on in Portland, from what I understand. Plus, all the local hand-crafted beer and wine? I'm swooning.

August 26th can't get here fast enough!

Very yeah

I'm on Day 5 of a 21-Day Cleanse program, and so far, it's kicking my willpower in the nards. Hard. It requires me to eat nothing but fresh vegetables and fruits, at least half of them raw, and to completely cut out sugar, caffeine, alcohol, beans, nuts, wheat, dairy, and my will to live. This is harder than it seems on first appearance, and I'm no stranger to detox diets, fasts, and other extreme short-term tests of mettle. For some reason, I'm struggling to control some rather intense cravings this time. For god's sake, even fucking Wendy's commercials are making me hungry! That's a dire situation, folks. If you know me, you know how I feel about fast food. Ick. But seriously, all I want is to dive face first into a vat of pizzas. And then mainline Guinness and ice cream and chips for about two weeks straight.

The whole reason for the cleanse was to get me back into the habit of eating healthier, to reach for more vegetables and fruits and fewer delicious, salty chips and foamy beers. You know, get more nutrients, yada yada yada. I don't have to see this whole thing through to accomplish that. But now that I've started, I feel like I can't quit. I hate being a quitter! I want to feel strong and capable, even if it is just for completing a 3-week program. It's a pride & determination thing, and sometimes I hate it to death. I'm stubborn. And whiny.

At least one amusing thing has resulted from all of this. I went to the cafeteria at work today to buy a salad since I was too lazy to prepare one this morning, and I ran into my favorite caf employee, Kevin. Now, Kevin is a big stinkin' flirt, and he always makes a point to lay it on thick (suddenly wondering where that expression comes from...) when I come in. Today was no exception. I asked if they had any olive oil & balsamic vinegar for my salad, he asked why, I briefly explained the cleanse thing. Here's the rest of the conversation:

K: That sounds like a good plan. Not that you need it. You're looking...yeeeeeeaaahhh...these days. [Gives me a very slow, deliberate head-to-toe-and-back onceover. Twiceover? Who knows.]
Me: I look...yeah? Really?
K: Oh, very yeah. Believe me. [Leers.]

Now that's how you woo a lady, guys.

Portland

Our friends N&J came over to the house last night, and even though I was bone-weary from shepherding new hires through orientation, I found their visit completely, unexpectedly exhilarating. I'd forgotten how fun it is to share -- ideas, good food, passions, ideologies, thoughts, plans, drinks, conversation, stories, recommendations. They're passionate, opinionated people with intriguing ideas and the capacity for boundless enthusiasm, and when all those qualities magically coalesce at the right time and in the right place, you have yourself a great fucking evening. I'm so grateful for nights like last night, when everyone leaves smiling and filled to the brim with positive energy. It's invigorating, and it makes me wistful for lapsed friendships and missed opportunities. We parted on the promises of a fall visit to Portland and a regular email exchange of recipes and book recommendations. (I've already made peace with my total nerdliness, so no need to comment.) Man, the stress of the last couple weeks was really getting me down, but there's no denying the restorative power of good company. Thanks, N&J!

In related news, it looks as though I have my major travel plans set for the next 12 months. Between this upcoming trip to Portland (in which I'll get to see the crazy awesome MATT! again), next May's trek to Florida to be one of Carley's bridesmaids, and the possibility of joining El on her cross-country adventure next summer, I'm feeling truly fortunate.

Busy busy

We survived the hell of moving! (Just barely.) After a week, I'm finally feeling settled in the new house, and we're keeping busy fixing its little quirks and design eccentricities, not to mention unpacking the seemingly neverending stacks of boxes. I'm not going to move again for a looooong time, that's for damn sure. Where's a magic wand or some fairy godmothers when you need 'em?

On Wednesday, my mom and I leave for Louisiana, and I think some good company and delicious Cajun food will be exactly what I need after these last few difficult weeks. As for today? A Guinness and an Irish coffee will be the perfect reward for making it through a Monday. That, and a new episode of How I Met Your Mother. Oh, yes.

For dinner tonight: spiced green lentil soup with coconut milk; colcannon in honor of St. Patrick's Day; maybe some Ethiopian-spiced split peas using the berbere that I made this weekend. It's the typical Monday night mash-up at NJ's!

Mmmm...comfort food

Onions. Cabbage. Noodles. Butter. Who knew that such homely, unassuming ingredients could make a dish that's unbelievably delicious and comforting? This is my favorite go-to dinner now. So satisfying and filling. And I didn't even think I liked cabbage until this week. Yay for broadening horizons!

Rustic Noodles & Cabbage
from NJ Munson's kitchen

1/2 lb (1/2 pkg) brown rice fettucine
(or your pasta of choice)
1 medium yellow onion
1/4-1/2 medium head green cabbage
2-3 T butter (optional, but good!)
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

1. First, get your noodles ready. Pop 'em in a pot of boiling, salted water. They'll cook for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Next, chop your onion in a medium dice and toss it in a saucepan with a few glugs of olive oil. Stir, then let cook over medium heat while you chop your cabbage.
3. Take a head of cabbage & cut it into quarters. Remove the core & trash it. Take off any loose or wilted outer leaves and trash them, too. Chop 1 or 2 quarters of cabbage into fairly small pieces. Toss 'em in the saucepan with the onions and let them cook down, stirring every few minutes. Throw in some salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Keep cooking & stirring until the veggies are soft and browned in spots.
4. Once your noodles are soft enough for you, drain them in a colander and rinse with cool water.
5. Dump the noodles into the pan with the veggies and stir to combine. Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter (if using) and stir until it's melted and coating everything. Taste and add salt if necessary.
6. Devour!

Grow your own

That's it, I need a house. And maybe not in Texas, either. See, I want to start a little garden. A nice little vegetable garden, plus herbs, maybe even some strawberries. Growing my own food would mean less reliance on corporate agribusiness and all its evils. It would mean having much more control over what I put into my body. It would mean a sense of pride, accomplishment. The joy of creating something in collaboration with the earth. Learning every day. Adapting. Becoming more invested in my own life. Practicing what I preach about sustainability, eating local, eating the freshest, most nutritionally rich produce I can. And I think it would be fun. Challenging, but fun. I've gotta give this some more thought, but if I can manage it in the next few years, I'm going to get started in my own backyard and take it from there. Who knows where it will take me?

Here are a few articles I found via my How To widget on iGoogle.

http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Your-Own-Food
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Organic-Garden
http://www.wikihow.com/Practice-Sustainable-Agriculture

Conan owns the night

So I checked, and yep, Conan still rules late night. I haven't watched any late night TV in over a year, but the post-strike return of the majors got me curious, and just as I suspected, Conan is still the boss of them all. We've got a grade-A strike beard, inane stunts (laser light shows! a zip line! making Tom Brokaw go through a cardboard maze!), and surprisingly great guests. The seemingly neverending parade of NBC newscasters has yielded actual hilarity, and the lack of boring celebrities has paved the way for guests like...Sue Johanson! Now listen: Sue Johanson rocked my world when I was a college freshman. The novelty's worn off now (for the most part), but when I was 18, seeing a little old lady demonstrating sexual positions with plastic figurines, reviewing sex toys, and answering clueless viewers' intimate questions in graphic detail was awesome. Awesome and a little bit scary. I think Conan was a little bit scared of her, too.

What's great about returning to Conan is that the show has seemingly been tailored to my tastes all of a sudden. Not only did Sue Johanson appear, the Max Weinberg 7 launched into "Immigrant Song" the other day, complete with Conan riffing on the lyrics. And last night, he had INGRID MICHAELSON on as a musical guest! I LOVE Ingrid Michaelson! My friend Lauren introduced me to her music about a month ago, and I was instantly besotted. And she made Conan a little clay figurine in his likeness, with detachable strike beard, which is about the cutest thing ever. Click on the link above to see the performance (and the clay Conan!). So awesome.

Here's her MySpace page: yay Ingrid! She's coming to Dallas on March 14th, and I plan to be there with a giant goofy grin on my face.
~
Y'all should try some roasted Brussels sprouts. They're yummy, I promise; I wouldn't lead you astray. Until I was 23, I didn't eat any vegetables but corn and potatoes, let alone green things. So imagine my surprise when, about a year ago, I bravely tossed some sprouts in the oven and ended up enjoying them. Immensely! If you've never had 'em, or you think you hate the (unfairly maligned) sprout, give this a try: Oven at 400 F; rinse & stem your sprouts; halve 'em, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Pop in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until they're browned on the cut sides. Remove from oven, sprinkle a bit more salt on top, and devour! They're good with a squeeze or two of lemon juice, too.
~
New (to me) music I'm enjoying right now (look out for an extended post later!):

Radiohead, In Rainbows
Silverchair, Young Modern
Suzanne Vega, Beauty & Crime
The Decemberists, The Crane Wife

Best of 2007: Entertainment edition

It's year-end review time! Of course, we're already two days into 2008, but I see no harm in revisiting my favorites one last time. And who knows, you may find some new favorites in these jumbled lists.

Favorite new movies I saw in 2007, in order of release date:

• Pan's Labyrinth**
• Zodiac
• 300
• Grindhouse
• Waitress
• Knocked Up
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Interview
• The Simpsons Movie
• No Reservations
• Stardust
• Superbad
• Into the Wild
• Juno
• Enchanted
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

**technically released 12/29/2006, but I saw it January '07

Favorite TV shows I discovered in 2007, both new and old:

• Pushing Daisies
• Gossip Girl
• How I Met Your Mother (discovered during Season 2)
  
• Battlestar Galactica (caught up on all 3 seasons this year!)
  
• Freaks and Geeks (finishing up the last 3 episodes!)
  
• Weeds
  

Favorite movies not released in 2007 that I saw this year:

• Little Children
• Half Nelson
• Casanova
• The Holiday
• Children of Men
• United 93
• An Inconvenient Truth
• Kinsey
• Rosemary's Baby
• Billy Elliot
• The Departed
• The Descent
• The Illusionist
• The Prestige

Favorite books read in 2007:

• Franny and Zooey, by J.D. Salinger
• The Corrections, by Jonathan Franzen
• Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
• Harry Potter 1-7, by J.K. Rowling

Favorite music discovered in 2007:

• OK Go, Oh No
• Georgie James, Places
• The Fratellis, Costello Music
• MIKA, Life in Cartoon Motion
• Arctic Monkeys, Favourite Worst Nightmare and Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
• Feist, The Reminder and Let It Die
• Ingrid Michaelson, Girls and Boys
• Silverchair, Young Modern

Songs I was obsessed with in 2007:

• “Fireflies” by Rhett Miller and Rachael Yamagata
• “Let It Rain” by OK Go
• “Places” by Georgie James
• “Your Ex-Lover is Dead” by Stars
• “Yours to Keep” by Teddybears
• "Girl's Not Grey" by AFI
  
• “Henrietta” by The Fratellis
• “Grace Kelly” by MIKA
• “Breathe Me” by Sia
• “Fluorescent Adolescent” by Arctic Monkeys
• “1234” by Feist
• "Cake Parade" by Georgie James
• “2000 Miles” by The Pretenders
• “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by Aimee Mann
• “I Don't Feel Like Dancin'” by Scissor Sisters
• “Die Alone” by Ingrid Michaelson
• "Miss Murder" by AFI
• "All These Things That I've Done" by The Killers
• "Chariots Rise" by Lizzie West
• "Nothing Better" by The Postal Service
• "The Hat" by Ingrid Michaelson
• "Crash the Party" by OK Go
• 3/4 of Led Zeppelin's entire oeuvre, as always

Favorite local restaurants discovered in 2007:

• Afrah
• Asian Mint
• Coal Vines
• Greenz
• India Palace
• Noodle Wave Fresh Thai
• Queen of Sheba
• Red's Patio Grill
• Roti Grill
• Tandoor Grill
• Tony's Cafe
• Twisted Root Burger Co.
• Udipi Cafe
• Zander's House
• Zorba's

Favorite local bars/hangouts discovered in 2007:

• The Tipp (Tipperary Inn)
• Fusion Cafe
• Beckley Brewhouse
• The Fillmore Pub

Favorite local event in 2007, hands-down:

• Friday, July 6: Led Zeppelin tribute concert at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens

I'm sure I'll come back and add to this list, since it gave me the warm fuzzies remembering the joy all these things brought me, but this is all I can manage for now!

Improvised pumpkin chili

This year, I've slacked off a bit when it comes to cooking meals for myself. I just haven't felt like it most of the time. Recently, I've gotten the bug again, and I'm trying a few new things. Some good, some....not-so-good. Last night was one of the good ones. I had a sugar (pie) pumpkin hanging around in my pantry for like a month, and it would have been a shame to waste it, so I chopped it up and made an improvised pumpkin chili. This is a versatile recipe and can be taken in a hundred different directions, so revise to your taste. Enjoy!

Pumpkin chili
One 3-lb sugar pumpkin (also known as a pie pumpkin - not one of the honkin' ones you carve for Halloween, but one of the cute ones about the size of a melon)
A couple glugs olive oil (1-2 Tbsp)
One medium yellow onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp ground cumin, or to taste
1 Tbsp chipotle or regular chili powder, or to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
A couple dashes ground cayenne pepper (optional)
One 15-oz can chickpeas, drained, rinsed
One 28-oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes w/juice
4-6 cups veggie broth or water
1 Tbsp cornstarch or corn flour, dissolved in cold water

The process
1. Cut off pumpkin stem & discard, then cut pumpkin in half vertically, through stem end. Use a strong spoon (a grapefruit spoon works well, or even a small paring knife in a pinch) to scoop out the seeds & stringy guts, reserving seeds if you want to bake them later.
2. Peel hard outer flesh from pumpkin using a vegetable peeler or small, sharp knife (careful!). Cut the pumpkin into chunks.
3. Steam or boil pumpkin chunks until tender but still slightly firm, about 10 minutes. Reserve.
4. Heat olive oil over medium heat, then add chopped onions, stirring to coat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and spices, stirring to combine everything. Cook for 1-2 more minutes, stirring a few times.
5. Add chickpeas, tomatoes, reserved pumpkin, and broth/water. Bring chili up to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and add cornstarch/water mixture slowly, stirring to incorporate.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste, and add more spices as necessary.
7. Devour! If you want, you can scatter a few toasted, spiced pumpkin seeds on top for crunch, or add a dollop of sour cream/yogurt to counterbalance the spice.