I’ve been in a tremendous cooking rut lately. Part of it is that I’m lazy. Another part is that my magazine subscriptions have all run out at the same time, and I miss them. But, apparently, not enough to renew them.
I’ve always liked getting a preview of the month ahead, especially when the upcoming month promises actual produce. Now, in addition to never knowing what day it is, I’m a little fuzzy on the seasons, too. Windows don’t help. We went from warm, spring weather to snowstorms to warm weather again. Make up your mind! I’m seasonally affected, so I take it personally when the weather screws me over like that. Now, judging from the rain, we’re back to spring. The snow is almost gone, and I’ve been cooking from blogs. Here’s what I’ve enjoyed in case you missed them:
Cream of Asparagus Soup from Lucullian Delights: This little bowl of spring is thickened with rice instead of cream. Three out of four members of the household loved it. The four-year-old passed because he didn’t want to be a cannibal.
Mujadara from Orangette: This hearty Middle Eastern rice and lentil dish was lunch all last week. My dad refused to partake, lumping it in with all the other “girly” recipes he thinks I make. I’d like to drop him off in a bad neighborhood in Syria and have him make that girly comment again.
Spinach with Garbanzos from Lobstersquad: Two words: garlic and cumin. And tomatoes. Okay, three words. Well, plus the spinach and chickpeas, which makes…whatever number of words, it doesn’t matter. It’s just ridiculously good. I can’t bring myself to make spinach any other way.
3 of my favorite blogsters...I can always count on y'all for great recipes.
Sometimes I think the only thing that keeps me cooking is the fact I have to have something to write about.
Posted by: sandi @ the whistlestop cafe | April 03, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Oh you know I'm really flattered here. But I honestly don't dare to delve into which part of the body the 4 year old was referring to (and whose anatomy) but I'm sort of convinced that your Dad wouldn't be able to call it a Girlie Soup if it is what I think. Or am I wrong? Again?
Posted by: ilva | April 04, 2007 at 12:49 AM
UUh, the espinacas con garbanzos! Yummy! I made it too, as you might have sussed and it beats my until-then favourite of spinach with garlic and lemon juice.
Posted by: ASMO | April 04, 2007 at 07:56 AM
How was the basmati in the mujadara? I actually went looking for a recipe for this a couple night ago (because I have to wean myself off the Shwarma King!) and I used long grain because I thought the basmati might not play nice with the lentils and meld. And I frid the crap out of some onions and used them as garnish . YUM. i love the stuff!
Posted by: Marika | April 04, 2007 at 09:02 AM
I have to reaffirm my "girly" comment. Where's the meat, the potatoes, the cholesterol, the empty calories, the saturated fats.....you know, the good stuff?
By the way, why is everyone confusing me with "Disinterested Observer"? Granted, the gent is obviously very sharp, quite clever and highly perspicacious, but that doesn't necessarily mean it HAS to be me!
Posted by: Dad | April 04, 2007 at 09:44 AM
As you always say, Dad, you are the last of the Renaissance Men. From the actual Renaissance, that is.
Marika: Some heated words were exchanged, but they eventually played nice in the end.
ASMO: I couldn't believe how good it was. Love your new site, by the way.
Ilva: My son thought it was "American Soup" instead of "Asparagus Soup," so you can see how he might have had second thoughts.
Sandi: It's just the kick in the pants I need.
And did I mention that it's snowing today? With bonus sleet and hail. I love New England.
Posted by: Tammy | April 04, 2007 at 02:41 PM