Here’s something I never thought I’d say (and certainly never thought would be true, on various levels): I’ve had tomatoes last longer than a three-ish month relationship. You read me right. I didn’t connect these dots until prepping this post. But you gotta admit, it’s a good hook and endorsement for confit as a method … More Tomato Confit
Quarantine, honestly, has been great for my health. While I have been drinking more alcohol (who hasn’t?) I have also been working out a lot more. The latter is highly ironic. Not only was my apartment complex gym closed for about a year, but when they reopened because I refused to sign a “I won’t … More Lemon and Sage Mocktail
This is the longest I’ve gone without posting in the seven years I’ve had this blog. There are many reasons why. Some of them I’d rather not discuss. Here’s what I am willing to share. This latest move overall has been good for me; however, it forces me to compare myself to others and to … More Roasted Delicata Squash
I just have to keep telling myself, “My mother was trying to be nice.” Like most people (especially, I think, females) I’m highly self-conscious about how I look. It’s part of why I hate being photographed. The last few years I’ve definitely let myself go, using a variety of personal reasons as excuses. But my … More Dragonfruit Martini
In addition to HGTV, a daily must-watch in my parents’ house–God, help us all–is Good Morning America. I cannot believe my mother–the woman who forbade me from watching The Simpsons as a child because the main character was an idiot and she didn’t want me sympathizing or empathizing with the (willfully) ignorant (…not even joking…and … More Beet and apple salad
This was one of my first times working with dates, let alone in a salad. (Oh, and the theme of this post is going to be a pun on “first time with a date”). One of many problems I have as a serial monogamist is that I love first dates. Go figure. Someone who loves … More Date Quinoa Salad
It’s not easy being green. I’ve mentioned this before, but Ottolenghi is a genius when it comes not only to vegetables, but also to flavor profiles. His spice combinations are amazing. Anyway, one day I decided to make this: It’s a salad of quinoa, fava beans, avocado, lemon wedges, and something called a “breakfast radish” … More Quinoa, Lima Bean Salad
This post is brought to you by “Money”: It does indeed make the world go ’round. And while it may not buy happiness, it can buy comfort. When I first came to Pittsburgh, I knew I couldn’t afford to also keep my apartment in Chicago. Moreover, I thought I’d only be in Pittsburgh for the … More Paprika Roasted Potatoes
There’s a fine line between “doing something outside your norm” and “losin’ yo damn mind.” As an example, some women will get a new haircut when a relationship ends. But there’s a difference in getting a cute bob, and going all Britney Spears with a razor. Or, to push another stereotype, think of guys having … More Eggplant Curry
Thank God for home. Among other things, it means I can cook. It’s a very interesting part of human nature that we want what we can’t have. For the first time in my life, I’ve been craving salads and have wanted to make them once I got home. In Pittsburgh, I eat out all the … More Roasted Carrot and Quinoa Salad
“Try a Little Tenderness” is–by-far–Otis Redding’s best song. For those complete nubes who have never heard of the song and/or the artist, or for those who want a 1980s throwback, I present to you the classic clip of Jon Cryer from Pretty in Pink: Few would characterize Cryer’s reaction (or even Cryer’s character’s reaction) as…well…”tender”. However, … More Grilled Squash Salad
The Truly Educated Never Graduate 