Avoiding “Feral.”

Bill is out of town again. Traditionally, this means failing to feed myself properly. I know I’ve mentioned my lack of skill with lunches numerous times on this blog; now imagine that for all meals, days at a time.

Bill jokingly tells people I “go feral.” It’s not an inapt comparison. I kind of hunker down and do my own thing, and occasionally things are super different when he arrives. (Examples: a much messier or much cleaner house, furniture rearranged, etc.)

This time, the major thing I’m trying to do differently is be a little less terrible about what I eat. This, I won’t lie to you, is largely because my friend Tasha unintentionally intervened Sunday and fed me a healthful breakfast, then took me to a reasonable late lunch, then took me grocery shopping, and by the time it was all over I was inspired to eat from my freezer on Monday.… Continue reading →

Soured on the Kitchen

Somehow, I had two lemon halves, plus a wedge, in the fridge. I knew about one of the halves, but when I went digging for it, I suddenly realized I had a second. That was kind of embarrassing, because it meant I’d cut open a whole new lemon when I needed a half and had a half ready to go.

A close up of two half lemons and a lemon wedge in a plastic container. To their left is a baggie of carrots.

This is kind of the story of my kitchen functioning right now. It’s low. Very low. Some of it is the recuperating I’ve previously mentioned and some is the fact that occasionally I sleep for more than 10 hours in a night. Unfortunately, some is just a complete lack of want to do things in the kitchen.

Bill and I both get this way sometimes.… Continue reading →

Food Links

My mother’s cheesy chicken. Simple roast chicken I pull from the oven. Steak, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and chocolate cake. My friend Claire’s enchilada casserole. Grandma L’s zucchini bread.When I read Jacques Pépin’s Food Memories, these are a few that come to my mind. And I find myself wondering, what are your food memories? The ones you’d have to ask a family member to share with you? And would you if you had the chance?

I actually have gotten a few recipe cards from family with some of these “food memories” recipes on them. It’s a fascinating cross section of what my extended family cherishes.

My fascination with food and enjoyment of others’ company means that reading this description of a cookbook club had me absolutely dreaming.… Continue reading →

Today Feels Like a Cooking Day

It’s been grey out. Grey and wet. I know that’s what I was promised it would be when I moved here, but somehow knowing that wasn’t the same as experiencing it. It’s gotten me down.

Bill and I still haven’t found the sunrise alarm clock we normally wake up to. It’s making mornings a lot harder. On the other hand, though, he found a very cool bulb which fits into our normal lamps that seems to be helping. I try to sit under it for 20+ minutes a morning.

What isn’t helping is the completely terrible photo lighting in my kitchen. We actually have really big, beautiful windows and a nice view. It’s great for being in, when there’s even half decent amounts of natural light.… Continue reading →

Korean Lemon Tea

Sometimes, friendship arrives in the form of serendipity. And sometimes, that serendipity tastes of lemon.

A close up of a woman's hands slicing a lemon.

Long-time readers of this blog may recall that I spent a big chunk of time exchanging conversation in English for learning piano. I did a shit job of learning or retaining piano, I have to be honest. I know that was frustrating for Grace. But I also know we had a great time baking and eating and celebrating together.

It was a great way to make a friend, and swap cultural conversations. And generally be happy. And, back in those days, make new recipes for the challenge.

I miss Grace. And I never did learn how to make those ribs. A damn shame, because they were a delight. I wonder how she’s doing, as we’ve lost touch1.… Continue reading →