News & Commentary

Turkey Warnings

2009-11-27T08:40:00.005-05:00

See, the danger of cooking turkeys, as I have mentioned before, cannot be overstated.
Read the latest fire-related story here.

Fall Cooking

2009-10-17T15:03:00.004-04:00

Is it cold and rainy where you are today? My guess is, unless you live in Florida, it's been a grey, dark week, punctured only with the russets and the oranges in the trees that I have been finally noticing. The weather prediction is that it will be in the upper thirties (with rain!) tonight. No wonder we're skipping the last DC United game.

The cool weather is good for at least one thing -- begging me back inside with some baking. Now my cooking has been relatively uninspired lately -- going back to easy things I am familiar with: tuna noodle casserole, black bean fajitas, lunchtime peanut butter & jam sandwiches.

But I'm still looking for inspiration (if not always finding the time to act upon the inspiration) -- reading cooking magazines, reading blogs of people who incrediblly are cooking with a newborn at home.

You may know my love of all things pumpkin. So when I saw this recipe for a savory pumpkin quiche, I knew I had to try it. It's very similar to the family quiche recipe I use on occasion, just substituting in some canned pumpkin for some of the ingredients. I used about 1/2 gruyere and 1/2 mozzarella for the cheese and I threw in some mushrooms because I had them on hand. It's very pretty and will make a great lunch.

pumpkin quiche

The second thing I threw in the oven (hey, it was already warm!) was a pan full of wholesome date-nut bar mixture. It's a very humble, simple recipe, perfect for an afternoon snack with some tea (personally, I love Earl Grey on a cool weekend afternoon, yes, even with some milk -- but I leave it to you to decide what kind of tea should accompany this snack. Not too sweet.

Chewy Date Nut Bars
(from King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion)

Ingredients:
2 large eggs (beaten together)
1 1/4 c. all purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. chopped dates

1. Preheat oven to 400F and lightly grease a 9x9 pan (I used a 7x7 since that's what I had.)
2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder, & sugar.
3. Stir ingredients into the eggs and then stir in dates and nuts.
4. Spread batter into pan, using greased or wet fingers to distribute the dough.
5. Bake the bars for 18-22 minutes.
6. Let cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Wisdom

2009-09-20T13:56:00.004-04:00

Inspired by the New Testament reading for today, James 3:13 - 4:3, 7 - 8a: Does gentleness result from wisdom? It seems most wise people I know are also gentle souls. Does the same age and experience which result in wisdom also just mellow us out so we are not so wound-up and rough towards each other?

Wine

2009-09-19T08:41:00.005-04:00

Dinner, Villeneuvette, France
Proving that my sister & I are always ahead of the curve in all matters of fashion and culture, the Washington Post wine columnist reviews wines from Languedoc-Rouissillon, the southern French province that's not Provence. Read his recommendations here And no, the wines were not earth shattering (at least not at the price point at which we were sampling), but they are eminently drinkable and an enjoyable way to top off a day of hot, sweaty biking.

One thing we noticed was the relative availability of half-size bottles of wine at most restauraunts. I don't think I've ever seen this at a restaurant in the States and usually the only half bottles of wine I see in the liquor store are for expensive sparkling wines. So, American wine importers & retailers: listen up! there's a market for smaller bottles of wine!

Grilled Radicchio?

2009-07-14T22:06:00.002-04:00

Making use of the grill pan.

I always see grilled radicchio being made on cooking shows. I thought I'd try it out--I loved how it looks, but it is still very better.

Is there anything I can do to make it less bitter? Maybe a balsamic reduction over it? (I did make a dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and some herbs.)

The Easiest Iced Tea, Ever

2009-07-11T20:03:00.004-04:00

The tea cabinet runneth over.

Red Zinger, working its magic

Drinks associated with summer? Lemonade, of course, but also iced tea.

The Splendid Table recently had a piece on the easiest, fool proof iced tea there is. That is: add your tea to cold water and place in the refrigerator overnight. Okay, that's pretty easy. Turns out, too, some teas need considerably less time than that.

I've tried this method with Good Earth green tea (which is flavored with lemongrass).

I'm also becoming quite addicted to using this method with Celestial Seasoning's Red Zinger herbal tea, which needs more like 15 minutes to "steep." And you really can taste the hibiscus without burning your tongue (as in, what I normally do when I make hot tea).

Driving

2009-06-14T20:56:00.003-04:00

I will be signing all of you up for remedial driving lessons. I am not even talking about rude driving or inconsiderate driving, not using turn signals, etc. I am talking about basic rules of the road.

So, here's today's lesson: If you are making a left hand turn, you are allowed -- in fact, it is to be highly encouraged if not required -- that you put your vehicle firmly into the intersection. The purpose is two fold: (1) you will be able to see oncoming traffic to determine whether it is safe to make the left hand turn and (2) if there is a lot of traffic, you will still be able to make your left hand turn when the light turns yellow. This is considered considerate to everyone behind you who doesn't stand a chance of ever making a left hand turn if you don't do this.

Seriously, I'm seeing this more and more. Have people forgotten?

Thought for Today

2009-05-18T21:43:00.003-04:00

Has my blog become a repository for my crotchedy old lady complaints?

Kids these days .... dress inappropriately, are rude on the Metro, and can't spell.

I think this may sum up many, if not most, of my recent blog postings. Hmmm. Now, where's my cane, so I can shake it threateningly if any youngster gets too close.

What Not To Wear ... to Court

2009-05-16T14:47:00.004-04:00

Another installment in my occasional educational series on sartorial choices.

This blog had an interesting round-up of comments attributed to judges referencing appropriate courtwear for attorneys -- although appropriate courtwear seems to be always limited to appropriate courtwear for women.

(I will note, though, actually, I had heard a story of male attorneys during a weeks-long trial who were admonished not to wear sports jackets to trial. And there was that patent attorney from the Pacific Northwest who thought he coul go without a tie to the Federal Circuit, which didn't go down so well).

Anyway, I will say that the whole pants suit v. skirt suit thing is a little silly. I wear both, although usually skirt suits. The rest should really be obvious for both sexes --dark, neutral colors, and basically don't wear anything that would make the judge remember what you were wearing rather than what you were saying.

I do have to disagree with the blog author, however, if she thought that high-heeled leather boots with her skirtsuit was appropriate footwear for court appearances. Even if it was winter in the Midwest. There's another, more vulgar term for those types of boots -- and that is not the message you want to be sending to the bench or to opposing counsel.

Signs of Spring

2009-05-03T20:05:00.004-04:00

Hostas, geraniums and a forsythia (?) (ed: azalea) from our garden. Everything is green with all of the rain...it's amazing how alive everything looks.

Couch Surfing

2009-04-29T20:41:00.001-04:00

Blog item here on couchsurfing. A million people worldwide are part of the network of people looking for a free place to crash in a visiting city and people who have empty couches/futons/guest bedrooms ready to lend them out to anyone who needs it. Would you be willing to couch surf on your next vacation to save some bucks or meet some locals? How about serving as a host?

Gym Etiquette

2009-04-29T20:40:00.000-04:00

What, exactly, is the point of working out on the elliptical trainer while you talk on your cell phone? Are you really getting the full benefit of your workout that way?

Spelling Rant

2009-04-06T12:54:00.001-04:00

Does no one know how to spell anymore? Is there an editor left in the world? Or in the world of electronic media, has everyone assumed that SpellCheck will do the work, even though SpellCheck can't catch homophones (that is, words which sound alike but are spelled differently and mean different things)? Why yes, my Harbrace College Handbook does happen to be on my desk, why do you ask?

I give you two recent examples. In the first, I received an invitation via e-mail from my college rowing club sent to all alumni. The title? "Your invited"
AGGHHHH! your signifies a possessive; you're is a contraction of the words you are.

Next, I was looking through the Montgomery County Parks & Planning catalog to see if there might be any interesting classes offered this spring and summer. The brochure advertises some cooking classes in the following manner: "Allow your pallet to travel different countries." (emphasis added).
Ahem. You find a pallet in a hardware store. You find your palate on your tongue.

In both cases, there appears to be a major failure of proofreading. I can assume that the rowing coach did not have someone else read the e-mail before he sent it (although he should have), but presumably the county did have a proofreader or two, so there really is no excuse for that one.

Metro Etiquette Tip #125

2009-04-05T22:11:00.003-04:00

Using your commute to sample your selection of downloaded cell phone ringtones is not appropriate Metro behavior.

Unsolicited Fashion Advice #303: Dressing Your Children

2009-03-29T16:06:00.002-04:00

If your daughter is under the age of five, here are some hints on what not to dress her in:

*Mini-skirts. Even if they have "girly" ruffles.
*Halter tops.

This list is not exhaustive. You are welcome.

Quote of the Day

2009-03-28T13:08:00.003-04:00

"Love does not result in a lack of conflict: Intimacy and conflict are inseparable, for we grow in our personal lives through conflict."

--David Augsburger, The Peacemaker

Greetings & Salutations

2009-03-28T12:54:00.002-04:00

I'm really trying to work on letting little things bother me less, I really am. I do believe I am not half as wound up as I was ten years ago, perhaps some evidence supporting the adage that age mellows us all. I don't know. But I had occasion to consider a funny habit recently (not mine): the habit of using "I love you" as a sign-off on the phone.

As in:

"Do you want chicken or pasta for dinner tonight??"
"Chicken.."
"Okay, I'll see you at home. I love you."

or

"Did you just try to call me?"
"No, I was in a meeting."
"Oh, okay. I love you."

As you may imagine, I have opportunities in my daily life to hear inane conversations such as this, and while it's clearly someone else's relationships, not mine, it still kind of drives me crazy.

It reminded me of a thought I had several years ago about not letting "I love you" become another way of saying "good-bye."

Consumer Products

2009-03-25T15:09:00.003-04:00

How much love do I have for the ShamWow? A lot. The commercials--with the guy with his headset mic, just put a smile on my face every time they seem to appear on Fox Soccer Channel. (The commercial always seems to be playing on Fox Soccer Channel, inexplicably)

Anyway, a showdown between Shamwow and Zorbeez, the product plugged by Billy Mays (of OxyClean fame?) How could I resist?

And I am happy to report that Shamwow was the hands-down winner. Now I shall get to stocking up right now.

Choices

2009-03-24T09:43:00.002-04:00

Both my ten year college reunion and the World Spinning Conference in Miami are held on the same weekend. Choices, choices.

Today's Photo

2009-03-02T22:06:00.000-05:00

Our gnome braved the cold today.

Sweet Potato and Leek Gratin

2009-03-02T21:54:00.006-05:00

An Up Close View of the Gratin
Sweet Potato and Leek Gratin
This is a wonderful dish. I think you need another side or a protein to really round this out into a full meal, (eating some leftovers for lunch today left me hungry by 3pm), but this would be a great side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas or any potluck. After all the time in the oven, the sweet potatoes just melt, and if you burn the leeks (as I did, accidentally), it adds even more sweetness, I think. Another great excuse for using the oven.

Sweet Potato and Leek Gratin
(adapted from recipe in Vegetarian Times, February 2009)

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 medium leeks, white and light green parts chopped
3 cloves garlic
3 Tbs rosemary
1/2 tsp sumac
2 medium-to-large sweet potatoes, cut in thin half moons
1/2 c. water
3 Tbs breadcrumbs
2-3 Tbs freshly grated Parmesan (The original recipe called for Romano, which I am sure would also be delicious)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F. Coat 9x9 baking pan with baking spray.
2. Add oil to nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add leeks, garlic and rosemary, saute 8 minutes, until soft. Season with pepper and coarse sea salt.
3. Arrange sweet potato slices on the bottom of the baking pan. Alternate leek mixture and sweet potatoes.
4. Sprinkle the sumac on the top layer and pour the water over the entire dish.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Stir breadcrumbs and grated cheese together.
7. Remove foil from gratin and shake the breadcrumb-cheese mixture over the dish. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.

More Soup

2009-03-02T21:44:00.004-05:00

I was happy to read through February's copy of Vegetarian Times and find a lot of good recipes worth trying out. This is one of them, which is a perfect, warm, thick, creamy, winter soup, with easy to find and inexpensive ingredients. I am thinking of using it for a church soup supper this Lent. If you use soy milk (as the original recipe calls for), it's a vegan soup as well.

Roasted Corn Chowder
adapted from Vegetarian Times, February 2009

Ingredients:
1 tbs olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, diced
2 c. frozen diced potatoes
4 c. vegetable stock
16 oz frozen roasted corn kernels (I used Trader Joes brand)
2 c. milk (I used 2%)

Directions:
1. Heat oil and saute onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes. Stir in potatoes and cook for 3 minutes more.
2. Add broth and corn and bring to simmer; reduce heat and cook 7-10 minutes.
3. Using immersion blender, blend soup, leaving some corn kernels and potato bits unblended.

How to Eat More Vegetables

2009-02-12T18:45:00.004-05:00

I'm trying really hard to support my local, forgotten, unloved Safeway that's right by the train station. It's so convenient and yet so eerily....unused. So I try to reward them when they have decent produce and/or organic stuff by purchasing it, which is how I ended up with a bag of parsnips. I like parsnips; however, parsnips do not usually end up in my cooking equation. Fortunately, I've also been drooling over Deborah Madison's cookbook, Local Flavors, which I thoroughly enjoy perusing and yet almost never cook any of the recipes in this cookbook (unlike Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, which, as the name indicates, everyone needs).

I found this really easy recipe for a galette which uses the parsnips and another wonderful winter vegetable, chard. And even though some of my Spanish tortilla-flipping has been less than perfect in the past, this galette flipped easily. This is perfect with a side salad and packs wonderfully for lunches.

Parsnip Galette with Greens
(adapted from Local Flavors by Deborah Madison)

Ingredients:
1/2 lb parsnips
sea salt & fresh pepper
4 c. mixed greens (I used rainbow chard)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 c. parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1./2 tsp herbes de provence
olive oil

Directions:
(1) Peel and grate parsnips. It should be about 2 cups.
(2) Boil water, and drop the chard in the water for about 4-5 minutes. Drain the chard and chop it up.
(3) Beat eggs, whisk in the flour, and then add salt, pepper, herbes de provence, parsnips, cheese, and greens.
(4) Melt butter in 8 inch nonstick skillet. Add walnuts and cook until toasty (3-4 minutes). Add walnuts to parsnip-egg mixture.
(5) Wipe out skillet, add a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan and add parsnip mixture, flattening it down with the back of a wooden spoon.
(6) Cook on one side until brown, about 8 minutes.
(7)Slide galette onto plate, put skillet face down onto plate & flip the galette. Finish cooking on the second side another 3-4 minutes.
(8) Remove from skillet and cut into wedges.

Why Cell Phones Are Bad, Reason # 4342

2009-01-26T08:22:00.002-05:00

Because your precious Kaitlynn or Connor is probably talking on the phone, she or he is more likely to not be paying attention and thus get hit by a car. The study considered children aged 10 or 11, who, by my reasoning, should have no need for cell phones, but you know, I am just a bitter old childless fogy who doesn't understand the needs of today's children. So, anyway, the point: Look both ways and stop talking on your phone before you cross the street, kids.

Books I Read, 2008

2009-01-11T20:16:00.003-05:00

Inspired by Heather, who last year (2007) pledged to read more books and then shared with us her list, the following is the list of the 21 books I read last year.

And She Was (Cindy Dyson): a quasi-Bildungsroman taking place in Alaska. Entertaining, though leaned a bit heavy on the white-girl-coopting-Native-culture-to-find-herself genre.

The Secret River (Kate Grenville): historical novel taking place in colonial Australia. Really vivid imagery.

A Walk in the Woods (Bill Bryson): Like all Bryson's work, an entertaining, amusing read with lots of factual tidbits to pick up along the way.

Eats, Shoots, & Leaves (Lynne Truss): a book about punctuation and grammar that only a Grammar Nazi such as myself could love.

Guns, Germs & Steel (Jared Diamond): This was definitely the book that took me the longest to get through this year. It was a bit dense, but definitely available to the lay person, a great introduction to anthropology and an answer to the question of why some cultures and continents developed faster than others. I would recommend to anyone.

Death of a Red Heroine (Qui Xialolong): Murder mystery taking place in China. Lots of social commentary on China.

Julie & Julia (Julie Powell): A young woman decides to cook every recipe from Julia Child's cookbook in one year. Fun, amusing and self-deprecating read.

Last Trout in Venice (Doug Lansky): collection of short travel stories.

Jemima J (Jane Green): pure, unadulterated "chick lit" and I do not feel at all guilty for including it on this list.

Three Cups of Tea (Greg Mortenson & David Relin): This was on the bestseller list this year. A man with a gift for languages and a deep desire and ability to connect with other cultures builds co-ed schools in rural Pakistan. Interesting to see how he clashed with American government after 2001, even though he's probably doing more to help American relationships in Pakistan and Afghanistan than most.

Goodbye, Jimmy Choo (Annie Sanders): See above re: chick lit.

Gabriela, Clove & Cinnamon (Jorge Amado): A love story in colonial Brazil. Colorful and funny writer.

Blue Like Jazz (Donald Miller): On the back of the book, Miller is compared to "Anne Lamott on testosterone." A young man's thought-provoking book on spirituality and Christianity; I would highly recommend it.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (Barbara Kingsolver): A woman and her family commit to living off of what they can grow themselves for a year on a rural Virginia farm. Really inspiring to try to eat locally (or even better,) to eat what I grow myself.

Walking to Canterbury (Jerry Ellis): A modern pilgrimage, following the steps of the pilgrims from London to Canterbury.

Through Siberia By Accident (Dervla Murphy): Travel tale about Siberia. I enjoyed the stories of the Siberians, the landscape and the transportation woes; I can't say I really enjoyed Dervla Murphy herself.

In the Country of Men (Hisham Matar): A young boy in Libya under Gaddhafi.

From Heaven Lake (Vikram Seth): A fascinating tale of an Indian who spoke fluent Chinese, travelling across rural western China and through Nepal to get home to India in the late 1970s, when most rural Chinese had never met a foreigner.

Sunday Philosophy Club (Alexander McCall Smith): a murder mystery in Edinburgh.

Bridget Jones' Diary (Helen Fielding): look, at this point I was just looking to beat Simon on the # of books read...:)

Remember Me (Sophie Kinsella): see above.

Any recommendations for this year?