Florida Recap

I did a lot of fun things in the sunshine state. I rode Splash Mountain, bought a bunch of knock-off Ray Bans, and got sunburned at Typhoon Lagoon. Here's a little photo essay:

I had my first Yuengling. I'll admit, I can't see what all the fuss is about aside from the price. People are obsessed with it up North. I guess it's one of those 'You want most what you can't have' dealies.

We paid the obligatory visit to the Magic Kingdom, where we revisted fond childhood memories and I nearly had a panic attack aboard It's A Small World.

However, it was this image that made the entire day. Because I'm a 12 year-old boy.


Food wise, I can now say I've eaten at both Ponderosa and Golden Corral. I'm not proud of that.

In the end though, I got exactly what I wanted:

Warm weather and relaxation.



I'm pretty sure the effect wore off as soon as I boarded the packed Peter Pan bus to Boston.

Back when movie stars were movie stars...

My favorite picture of Dame Elizabeth as a student at Hollywood's University High School.


This is what she looked like in HIGH SCHOOL.

She will continue to be an inspiration for brunette girls everywhere (well, at least this one.)

And yes, I realize my hair is currently red(ish). Still.

Spring Break 2011

Yep, I’m in sunny Florida eating lousy theme park food, Chick-A-Fil and scavenging Whole Foods' wi-fi connection as we speak. However, I did manage to make a yummy tomato basil salad yesterday. They have heirloom tomatoes down here, so it was a no brainer. That’s probably it for cooking this week though. Even putting together this simple salad was a bit of a challenge in the kitchenette.

3 heirloom tomatoes, chopped

lots of fresh basil (lots!) sliced

half a cup of evoo

salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. If you want it with a little kick add some red pepper flakes. Or if you’re looking for something more substantial add some fresh mozzarella and serve with a fresh loaf of nice, crusty bread.

Alright, now I’m off to the World's Biggest Flea Market (allegedly)

Sandwich Day

I did a bad thing today.

Normally, I try not to be one of those people who act like eating food is a sin. Instead, I try to eat in moderation and stay away from certain things in general. I'm never going to be able to say no to a piece of cake. But, if I have some, maybe I won't have another for the rest of the week--or the day. Whatever.

But, today is different.

Today is different because I went to Brookline Spa.

It's a sandwich/pizza shop known for some pretty tasty, yet calorie-laden food. What I got was no exception. It's kind of funny, since it's the exact opposite of everything a spa is for. But, I suppose that's what sets it apart. If it was called Vinny's Sandwich Shop, I doubt I would have given it a second look.

I'm not a big sandwich person in general, but there are a select few that have a special place in my heart. This is one of them. The Goosey: turkey, swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and coleslaw grilled on marble rye.



Brookline Spa isn't the kind of place that goes easy on ingredients either. The first time I got this sandwich I was starving. So starving that I ate the whole thing as I walked home. Now, if I lived in the middle of nowhere, this would be no big deal. But, I don't. I walked through Brookline Village with Russian dressing and coleslaw all over my face. On purpose. And you know what? I'd do it again. I would.

My Life Via Disney Song

Who knew a Disney song could so thoroughly capture the ennui I've been experiencing as of late? Granted, I've identified with this song since 1992. I mean, come on. Belle has brown hair, reads a lot, and everyone things she's a weirdo. Story. Of. My life.

I only wish Disney proposed a more practical solution to Belle's problems. Preferably one that doesn't involve almost-bestiality.

*side note: I was recently describing the plot of the early 90s tv show Beauty and The Beast to someone. You know, the one where Linda Hamilton is a reporter or something who falls in love or is maybe just platonic with a lion man that lives in NYC's sewer system? This is an actual show that existed on tv at some point and yet we continue to live in a world without Arrested Development.

Now, the Disney song I wish captured my life right now? Well, that's easy:

Leftovers

Up to my face in research...

-I need quinces, but it's not quince season for another couple of months.
-Did you know the gelatin for blanc-mange used to be made from sturgeon bellies?
-Before baking powder was invented in the 1850s cakes were soaked with wine to make them more moist (I hate that word).
-Clams weren't included in traditional chowder until the mid 1850s.
-I still don't understand how anyone managed to bake anything successfully before the 20th C.
-Tomorrow is the St. Patty's day parade in Hartford. I wish it was right now. Then I'd have a Guinness in one hand and a corned beef sandwich in the other.
-I really hate when people say 'sammich'. Unless they're under the age of five.
-James just informed me that pepperoni is the new bacon. I don't know what that means and more importantly, I don't want to know.
-If I was in Boston, I'd go to this at The Burren tomorrow.
-If I was really serious about this food thing, I would go to cooking school. In Europe.

Dispatch from The Bachelor Pad

Cooking is hard. But it's a whole lot harder when you lack "the basics". Of course, those vary depending on who you're talking to. I guess I was lucky to grow up in a home with a rolling pin and a pie server. (Although, to be fair, as James says: "I never bakes pies. So why would I need a pie server?") However, there's nothing like cooking in the kitchen of a single man who works in a restaurant to make you appreciate the little things--like knives that actually slice and decent non-stick cookware (ahem). Anyways, with a little ingenuity I still managed to put together a pretty good meal:

Mustard-Roasted Tilapia courtesy of Ina Garten with Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus.

Fish from Ecuador?? We're eating international tonight!

Despite Ina's claim that creme fraiche is widely available, Stop & Shop didn't have any. So, I just substituted sour cream. Worked out fine.


For dessert I made a raspberry pie topped with fresh whipped cream from this recipe via the peche.


The pie tasted great as is, but I'd definitely recommend grinding the tapioca so it really blends into the pie. Sadly, there is no coffee grinder (or food processor) at the bachelor pad. Someone didn't seem to mind though:

Success! For now!

Sooo in between reading about Elizabethan cookery and how the hell to make a quince pie I found out that TheFrisky.com is going to publish an essay I wrote! Yay! It's been a while since I published anything and the first time for something I wrote that's about me (sort of.) Plus, it pays!

If there's one thing I've learned about the writing business, it's to enjoy these moments when they come, cuz you don't know how long you'll have to wait for the next one.

Greetings From The Battlefront!

battlefront= the book proposal, natch.

I've brought you something:


What is it, you ask?


Ok, take a deep breath and I'll tell you....










Nutella PIE!

You know how I feel about nutella, don't you?

I haven't dared looked up a recipe yet. But, when I do, I'll tell you. In the meantime, you can get this at Bricco's in West Hartford, CT.


Now back to the grind/battlefield/mines/whatever.