I know the silence has been a bit deafening. That is not to say that there has not been much blog-worthy activity. Fear not, I shall return anon*.
* Later this evening maybe!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
The kindness of strangers
I recently listened to a fantastic episode of This American Life. If you're familiar with the show, you know there's usually a prologue that sets up the theme, and this was a great one:
"Brett Leveridge was standing on the subway. A guy comes walking down the platform, stopping in front of each passenger and delivering a quiet verdict: "You're in. You're out. You, you can stay. You—gotta go." Most people ignored the guy. But Brett found himself, against his will, hoping the guy would give him the thumbs up, and when the guy does, it's thrilling in a very small way: a tiny kindness from a stranger."
I so get that. Being approved and embraced by people who don't even know you is a pretty nice feeling. "Thrill" is exactly the word.
I'm that kind of thrilled about the book clubs I joined this year. These were long-established groups of women who welcomed me so warmly that I felt as if I belonged from the beginning. Getting together and bonding over wine and novels we all found preachy and manipulative* or old favorites revisited** just plain makes me happy. Especially because almost before I knew it, the welcoming strangers had become familiar friends*** and meeting nights a much anticipated highlight of every month.
Familiar friends or not, I did experience a significant amount of performance anxiety when my role shifted from "attendee" to "host" this week****. First of all, I had to pick the book. Then, there was the matter of the snacks. I had been paying close attention at prior gatherings and it was clear I would need a savory appetizer, a cheese plate*****, fruit and a dessert at a minimum. Hmm.
For the book, I decided to go with City of Thieves, by David Benioff. I'd just finished it, and was still in the afterglow that comes from discovering a truly special book. It was unexpectedly funny and moving and wise, with characters and a story that were completely absorbing. If you haven't read it yet, you absolutely should. Don't be deterred by the basic plot outline:
"During the Nazis’ brutal siege of Leningrad, Lev Beniov is arrested for looting and thrown into the same cell as a handsome deserter named Kolya. Instead of being executed, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation, Lev and Kolya embark on a hunt through the dire lawlessness of Leningrad and behind enemy lines to find the impossible."
It might sound like yet another depressing WWII novel but it is thrilling and wonderful. One big reason? In the midst of a horrible war, two boys found, in each other, the kindness of strangers.
Book? Check. I was stuck on the snacks. Then inspiration hit. I needed to serve...
Deviled Eggs for Lev and Kolya
From a recipe on Chow
1 dozen eggs
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. finely chopped capers
1 Tbs. minced fresh tarragon leaves
3 Tbs. minced fresh chives, divided.
Hard boil the eggs.****** When cool, peel and cut each egg in half with a sharp knife. Put the yolks into a medium bowl, and set the egg white halves aside on a serving tray. Add the mayo, mustard, capers, tarragon and 1 Tbs. of the chives to the egg yolks. Using a fork, mix gently until smooth and fluffy. Take a heaping teaspoon of the yolk mixture and carefully spoon it into each egg white half. Use the spoon to round the filling and make it look nice. You can stash these in the fridge at this point if not serving immediately. About 20 minutes before serving, remove the eggs from the fridge. Garnish with remaining minced chives.
* My Sister's Keeper
** The Wizard of Oz
*** Getting to know people (or at least their names) was really easy in one of the book groups: There were two Amy's, three Jody's and another Sharon already. In the other, there were bonus outings to have Chinese food.
**** It didn't help that the construction project we started this summer that was supposed to be completed by September was still in full swing. I had a dumpster in the driveway, no living room to speak of, and a permanent layer of dust and debris everywhere. Plus, on the night of the group meeting it was pouring rain. In Los Angeles. Naturally we had a leak.
***** This explains, in part, why I feel so comfortable with these women. I love cheese plates!
****** A tried-and-true way to do this is to put the eggs in a pan, cover with cool water, then turn on the heat to medium high. Put the pan on the stove and set the timer for 20 minutes. When time's up, put eggs into ice water to stop the cooking, then remove and cool completely. They come out perfectly (none of that gray stuff on the yolk) every single time.
"Brett Leveridge was standing on the subway. A guy comes walking down the platform, stopping in front of each passenger and delivering a quiet verdict: "You're in. You're out. You, you can stay. You—gotta go." Most people ignored the guy. But Brett found himself, against his will, hoping the guy would give him the thumbs up, and when the guy does, it's thrilling in a very small way: a tiny kindness from a stranger."
I so get that. Being approved and embraced by people who don't even know you is a pretty nice feeling. "Thrill" is exactly the word.
I'm that kind of thrilled about the book clubs I joined this year. These were long-established groups of women who welcomed me so warmly that I felt as if I belonged from the beginning. Getting together and bonding over wine and novels we all found preachy and manipulative* or old favorites revisited** just plain makes me happy. Especially because almost before I knew it, the welcoming strangers had become familiar friends*** and meeting nights a much anticipated highlight of every month.
Familiar friends or not, I did experience a significant amount of performance anxiety when my role shifted from "attendee" to "host" this week****. First of all, I had to pick the book. Then, there was the matter of the snacks. I had been paying close attention at prior gatherings and it was clear I would need a savory appetizer, a cheese plate*****, fruit and a dessert at a minimum. Hmm.
For the book, I decided to go with City of Thieves, by David Benioff. I'd just finished it, and was still in the afterglow that comes from discovering a truly special book. It was unexpectedly funny and moving and wise, with characters and a story that were completely absorbing. If you haven't read it yet, you absolutely should. Don't be deterred by the basic plot outline:"During the Nazis’ brutal siege of Leningrad, Lev Beniov is arrested for looting and thrown into the same cell as a handsome deserter named Kolya. Instead of being executed, Lev and Kolya are given a shot at saving their own lives by complying with an outrageous directive: secure a dozen eggs for a powerful Soviet colonel to use in his daughter’s wedding cake. In a city cut off from all supplies and suffering unbelievable deprivation, Lev and Kolya embark on a hunt through the dire lawlessness of Leningrad and behind enemy lines to find the impossible."
It might sound like yet another depressing WWII novel but it is thrilling and wonderful. One big reason? In the midst of a horrible war, two boys found, in each other, the kindness of strangers.
Book? Check. I was stuck on the snacks. Then inspiration hit. I needed to serve...
Deviled Eggs for Lev and Kolya
From a recipe on Chow
1 dozen eggs
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. finely chopped capers
1 Tbs. minced fresh tarragon leaves
3 Tbs. minced fresh chives, divided.
Hard boil the eggs.****** When cool, peel and cut each egg in half with a sharp knife. Put the yolks into a medium bowl, and set the egg white halves aside on a serving tray. Add the mayo, mustard, capers, tarragon and 1 Tbs. of the chives to the egg yolks. Using a fork, mix gently until smooth and fluffy. Take a heaping teaspoon of the yolk mixture and carefully spoon it into each egg white half. Use the spoon to round the filling and make it look nice. You can stash these in the fridge at this point if not serving immediately. About 20 minutes before serving, remove the eggs from the fridge. Garnish with remaining minced chives.
* My Sister's Keeper
** The Wizard of Oz
*** Getting to know people (or at least their names) was really easy in one of the book groups: There were two Amy's, three Jody's and another Sharon already. In the other, there were bonus outings to have Chinese food.
**** It didn't help that the construction project we started this summer that was supposed to be completed by September was still in full swing. I had a dumpster in the driveway, no living room to speak of, and a permanent layer of dust and debris everywhere. Plus, on the night of the group meeting it was pouring rain. In Los Angeles. Naturally we had a leak.
***** This explains, in part, why I feel so comfortable with these women. I love cheese plates!
****** A tried-and-true way to do this is to put the eggs in a pan, cover with cool water, then turn on the heat to medium high. Put the pan on the stove and set the timer for 20 minutes. When time's up, put eggs into ice water to stop the cooking, then remove and cool completely. They come out perfectly (none of that gray stuff on the yolk) every single time.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
He needed that
The other morning, I asked my mom what she thought about Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize:
"Well, you know I'm religious. And when I heard that news I just thought here is this poor man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He's getting old in front of our eyes with the things they are saying and doing to him. So God said, 'Here. Have this prize. Hang in there. You're doing just fine.'"
She smiles.
"He needed that."
Then she adds, "It didn't hurt that it came with $1.4 million either. God is really good."
So is Jon Stewart:
"Well, you know I'm religious. And when I heard that news I just thought here is this poor man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He's getting old in front of our eyes with the things they are saying and doing to him. So God said, 'Here. Have this prize. Hang in there. You're doing just fine.'"
She smiles.
"He needed that."
Then she adds, "It didn't hurt that it came with $1.4 million either. God is really good."
So is Jon Stewart:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Super Prize Me | ||||
| ||||
Sunday, October 11, 2009
In-Law In Log
Here are some highlights from the latest edition of the Carmel Pine Cone Police Blotter.
BONUS QUESTION: My father-in-law was intimately involved in ONE of the incidents below. Can you guess which one?*
September 20, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Units responded to a reported verbal domestic dispute on Dolores Street. Officers contacted the female party, who advised her husband would not give her vehicle keys back to her. The husband stated he was holding her keys in return for Jazz Festival tickets that she was keeping from him. Both parties counseled and exchanged the desired property with each other.**
September 21, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Fire engine dispatched to a residence for a reported smell of smoke in the area. Crew made contact with a resident at the address and notified the occupant of the situation resulting from a fire in the fireplace.
September 23, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Crespi resident reported finding a small portion of a cat and advised the officer of the location of the remains. The officer responded. It appeared it was involved with some type of wildlife and was transported to the department. No owner information could be found.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: A citizen found a loose dog on Santa Rita and attempted to contact the dog owner from the I.D. on the collar, but met with negative results. Person brought the dog to the Carmel Police Department for safekeeping. The owner was later contacted, and the dog was returned to the owner with fees paid and a warning given.
September 25, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Person reported that she wanted the police to talk to her guest and have her expedite her move out of her house. The person allowed the guest to stay in her house, and she has been there for about seven months. The person had told the guest that she wanted her out of the house by Oct. 1. Resident added that the guest said that she would try to get out by Oct. 1. Officer spoke with the guest and asked if she would be out of the house by Oct. 1. She said that she would try and showed that she had very little to move. Officer advised her to move something to her car every day. Officer told the resident to be patient and that the guest would try her best to get out. The resident accepted this and said she would be patient.
Pebble Beach: Two residents reported their home was burglarized, and 13 pieces of artwork worth $27 million, $3,100 in cash and a computer were taken.***
ANSWER: If you guessed "dog owner contacted with negative results", you win!! Sofi escaped by chewing through a locked gate, and proceeded to enjoy an afternoon out on the town. She reportedly had treats and a lot of attention at the station while waiting for a ride home. My father-in-law was out $52 in fines, plus the cost of repairing the gate.
The perpetrator, at home with my father-in-law.
*Clue: His incident does not involve part of a cat or $27 million worth of art.
** Red Herring alert: Although this sounds like it could have been me and my husband on our recent trip, it is not.
*** This particular incident was front page news, with the headline: "Art Heist Seems Fake, Cops Say". Read the full story here. There's even a bogus ransom note!
BONUS QUESTION: My father-in-law was intimately involved in ONE of the incidents below. Can you guess which one?*
September 20, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Units responded to a reported verbal domestic dispute on Dolores Street. Officers contacted the female party, who advised her husband would not give her vehicle keys back to her. The husband stated he was holding her keys in return for Jazz Festival tickets that she was keeping from him. Both parties counseled and exchanged the desired property with each other.**
September 21, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Fire engine dispatched to a residence for a reported smell of smoke in the area. Crew made contact with a resident at the address and notified the occupant of the situation resulting from a fire in the fireplace.
September 23, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: A Crespi resident reported finding a small portion of a cat and advised the officer of the location of the remains. The officer responded. It appeared it was involved with some type of wildlife and was transported to the department. No owner information could be found.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: A citizen found a loose dog on Santa Rita and attempted to contact the dog owner from the I.D. on the collar, but met with negative results. Person brought the dog to the Carmel Police Department for safekeeping. The owner was later contacted, and the dog was returned to the owner with fees paid and a warning given.
September 25, 2009
Carmel-by-the-Sea: Person reported that she wanted the police to talk to her guest and have her expedite her move out of her house. The person allowed the guest to stay in her house, and she has been there for about seven months. The person had told the guest that she wanted her out of the house by Oct. 1. Resident added that the guest said that she would try to get out by Oct. 1. Officer spoke with the guest and asked if she would be out of the house by Oct. 1. She said that she would try and showed that she had very little to move. Officer advised her to move something to her car every day. Officer told the resident to be patient and that the guest would try her best to get out. The resident accepted this and said she would be patient.
Pebble Beach: Two residents reported their home was burglarized, and 13 pieces of artwork worth $27 million, $3,100 in cash and a computer were taken.***
ANSWER: If you guessed "dog owner contacted with negative results", you win!! Sofi escaped by chewing through a locked gate, and proceeded to enjoy an afternoon out on the town. She reportedly had treats and a lot of attention at the station while waiting for a ride home. My father-in-law was out $52 in fines, plus the cost of repairing the gate.
The perpetrator, at home with my father-in-law.*Clue: His incident does not involve part of a cat or $27 million worth of art.
** Red Herring alert: Although this sounds like it could have been me and my husband on our recent trip, it is not.
*** This particular incident was front page news, with the headline: "Art Heist Seems Fake, Cops Say". Read the full story here. There's even a bogus ransom note!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Foodie Girls Lunch Brigade - Episode 7
When we last met, the brigade agreed that we ought to make sure our outings were truly varied, and not just by the type of cuisine. So, for example, if we went to a place that had waiters, tablecloths, and cappuccino one week, next time we should be standing in a line at a metal counter, eating off of greasy waxed paper, and getting our condiments out of communal squeeze bottles. After all, 9 times out of 10, that down and dirty meal would seriously kick the little bistro lunch's butt.
Unfortunately for us, on Tuesday we found the 1 out of 10 that sucked.
Episode 7 - Spoc's Not So Hot Dogs
Seemingly eminently qualified* as our diamond in the rough, Spoc's Sausages looked and smelled like the real deal. Great puffs of meaty smoke billowed up into the clear blue sky. The menu listed subs and sausages that all sounded great, creating an agony of indecision among our group. Guys trapped behind a mesh screen took our order then turned around in the cramped space to slap meat and dogs down onto a grill a minute later. We waited on our vinyl stools in the sunshine, starving and almost weak with anticipation. We had opted to try the hot link, linguica, and cilantro dogs, all with fries, and a carne asada sub.
The food came out. It looked pretty darn great. The hot dogs were on the small side, both absolutely and relative to the crusty bread, but the sub was huge. A few fries were missing from our order, but we merrily piled on the sauerkraut, onions and other accessories, lined everything up on the counter and dug in.
FG1: (Mouth shriveling instantly, all saliva evaporated) This hot link is a little --ack!-- too salty, even for --cough-- me.
FG7: (speaking through oddly pursed lips): It is unbelievably salty. How's the linguica?
FG1: (Guzzling her diet coke) The --gasp!--same.
FG5: I am a known oversalter, and even I can't eat that.
FG8: (chewing sheepishly after acknowledging a salt addiction) I actually can tolerate this, but I agree it's not something a normal person would eat.
FG1: It's beyond not normal. It's like a crime against hot dogs.
All four pause to drink deeply and then try the fries. These are sadly undercooked and also a bit heavy on the you-know-what. The group concedes the sub is fairly tasty, but decides there is no reason to come to a dive hot dog bar in Westwood to get an OK Mexican sandwich. We make the best of it by going back frequently for drink refills and soaking up the sun as we talk.
We then retire to F8's house for a much needed palate cleansing raid on the extensive stash of ice cream in her freezer**. Spirits and tummies refreshed, we pronounce the afternoon redeemed. Thank you FG8!
FG Final Verdict? Spoc's is OFF the list!
Pricing information: Dogs $2, Subs $4, add $2.50 for combo with fries and a drink
FG Value Rating: Fair deal
* Hot dog menu had come out of a home printer, with magic markers covering up items they were out of. Also a homeless guy stopped by to chat while we were eating.
** Proving yet another FG axiom: 10 times out of 10, ice cream can fix anything.
Unfortunately for us, on Tuesday we found the 1 out of 10 that sucked.
Episode 7 - Spoc's Not So Hot Dogs
Seemingly eminently qualified* as our diamond in the rough, Spoc's Sausages looked and smelled like the real deal. Great puffs of meaty smoke billowed up into the clear blue sky. The menu listed subs and sausages that all sounded great, creating an agony of indecision among our group. Guys trapped behind a mesh screen took our order then turned around in the cramped space to slap meat and dogs down onto a grill a minute later. We waited on our vinyl stools in the sunshine, starving and almost weak with anticipation. We had opted to try the hot link, linguica, and cilantro dogs, all with fries, and a carne asada sub.The food came out. It looked pretty darn great. The hot dogs were on the small side, both absolutely and relative to the crusty bread, but the sub was huge. A few fries were missing from our order, but we merrily piled on the sauerkraut, onions and other accessories, lined everything up on the counter and dug in.
FG1: (Mouth shriveling instantly, all saliva evaporated) This hot link is a little --ack!-- too salty, even for --cough-- me.FG7: (speaking through oddly pursed lips): It is unbelievably salty. How's the linguica?
FG1: (Guzzling her diet coke) The --gasp!--same.
FG5: I am a known oversalter, and even I can't eat that.
FG8: (chewing sheepishly after acknowledging a salt addiction) I actually can tolerate this, but I agree it's not something a normal person would eat.
FG1: It's beyond not normal. It's like a crime against hot dogs.
All four pause to drink deeply and then try the fries. These are sadly undercooked and also a bit heavy on the you-know-what. The group concedes the sub is fairly tasty, but decides there is no reason to come to a dive hot dog bar in Westwood to get an OK Mexican sandwich. We make the best of it by going back frequently for drink refills and soaking up the sun as we talk.We then retire to F8's house for a much needed palate cleansing raid on the extensive stash of ice cream in her freezer**. Spirits and tummies refreshed, we pronounce the afternoon redeemed. Thank you FG8!
FG Final Verdict? Spoc's is OFF the list!Pricing information: Dogs $2, Subs $4, add $2.50 for combo with fries and a drink
FG Value Rating: Fair deal
* Hot dog menu had come out of a home printer, with magic markers covering up items they were out of. Also a homeless guy stopped by to chat while we were eating.
** Proving yet another FG axiom: 10 times out of 10, ice cream can fix anything.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Blackjack!
Peanut Butter Bonanza Bowser Birthday Extravaganza
An original recipe by my daughter
4 Trader Joe's Natural Dog Treats, Peanut Butter Flavor
1/4 jar of peanut butter of your choice
1 birthday candle
Slather 1/2 of peanut butter between 2 treats to form sloppy, sticky sandwich. Set on counter without a plate, then turn around and touch a lot of other things in the kitchen. Repeat with other treats and remaining clean kitchen surfaces. Reach into cupboard without washing hands and get out a dinner plate. Arrange cookies precariously on the plate, add candle. Sing loudly to the bewildered but salivating dog, while camera flashes in his face. Remove candle before serving. Wipe hands on dog. Leave peanut butter covered knife somewhere in the sofa.
The cure for what ailed me
It's probably 90% due to my daughter being a clingy ball of mucus-spewing misery and 10% due to my stubborn refusal to believe she was contagious, but I've been 100% totally sick for a week. Not only did I have the normal signs of disease (103 degree fever, aching body, nasty cough), but I was manifesting every single one of the Sharon signs of the apocalypse:
Homemade Chicken Stock for Chicken Soup
from The Farmhouse Cookbook by Susan Hermann Loomis
1 Tbs. butter
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
1 Tbs. olive oil
3-4 lbs. chicken pieces
1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 rib of celery, with leaves if you like, sliced
6-8 cups of water
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
a few black peppercorns
In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. When it's hot, add the onions and saute until they are soft and pale golden, about 10 minutes. Remove the onions and set aside. Add the oil to the pot and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and lightly brown them, about 5-8 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and the cooked onions to the pot, then add enough water to comfortably cover everything. Tuck in the herbs. Cover and bring to a boil. Skim any foam that comes to the surface. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the chicken has completely fallen from the bones, 2 to 3 hours. Strain the stock several times, lastly through a fine sieve*. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate. Before using or freezing, skim off any fat that has solidified on the surface.
To make medicinal chicken soup quickly from your stock, get a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and pull off or chop up some pieces for your soup. Chop up a carrot, some celery and some onions. Heat up some olive oil in a stock pot. Saute the veggies to soften them, then stir in the chicken. Add some kosher salt, pepper and whatever homey herbs you have on hand, and cook until the flavors have blended a bit. Pour in the homemade chicken stock and heat gently. About 5 minutes before serving, I like to add some thinly sliced fresh mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, a few drops of sesame oil and fresh ramen or soba noodles.
* You can discard the chicken and veggies, but since I have a huge hungry dog who gets diet dry food all the time, I save that stuff (without the bones) to mix into his meals for a nice treat.
- Crawled into bed and slept while the sun was out.
- As pain relief, opted to pop Advil into my mouth instead of popping a batch of cookies into the oven.
- Did not eat.
- My daughter checked my temperature every five minutes.
- My son plied me with ginger ale.
- The dog drooled on me.
- My niece called every day from Michigan.
- My mom prayed. Hard.
- And my husband kept the place stocked with chicken soup.
Homemade Chicken Stock for Chicken Soup
from The Farmhouse Cookbook by Susan Hermann Loomis
1 Tbs. butter
2 medium onions, peeled and sliced
1 Tbs. olive oil
3-4 lbs. chicken pieces
1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
1 rib of celery, with leaves if you like, sliced
6-8 cups of water
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
a few black peppercorns
In a large stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. When it's hot, add the onions and saute until they are soft and pale golden, about 10 minutes. Remove the onions and set aside. Add the oil to the pot and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and lightly brown them, about 5-8 minutes. Add the carrots, celery and the cooked onions to the pot, then add enough water to comfortably cover everything. Tuck in the herbs. Cover and bring to a boil. Skim any foam that comes to the surface. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the chicken has completely fallen from the bones, 2 to 3 hours. Strain the stock several times, lastly through a fine sieve*. Cool to room temperature and refrigerate. Before using or freezing, skim off any fat that has solidified on the surface.
To make medicinal chicken soup quickly from your stock, get a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and pull off or chop up some pieces for your soup. Chop up a carrot, some celery and some onions. Heat up some olive oil in a stock pot. Saute the veggies to soften them, then stir in the chicken. Add some kosher salt, pepper and whatever homey herbs you have on hand, and cook until the flavors have blended a bit. Pour in the homemade chicken stock and heat gently. About 5 minutes before serving, I like to add some thinly sliced fresh mushrooms, green onions, soy sauce, a few drops of sesame oil and fresh ramen or soba noodles.
* You can discard the chicken and veggies, but since I have a huge hungry dog who gets diet dry food all the time, I save that stuff (without the bones) to mix into his meals for a nice treat.
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