Category Archives: Character
Stir Fry
Made this stir-fry tonight in our new wok we got for Christmas. I think this was my first-ever stir-fry and mmm, mmm it was good! Here’s the recipe (I added broccoli).
Do you have good stir fry combos? Do share! My taste buds will thank you.
Her Fearful Symmetry
I wanted to read Her Fearful Symmetry because I loved The Time Traveler’s Wife so much, both novels written by Audrey Niffenegger.
While I agree with some of the critics that said the plot and plausability was a bit thin in areas, and I wanted to know some of the characters more, I did find Niffenegger’s signature style – which I can only describe as a wall, and behind that wall a constant ache in the corner of your heart no matter your mood – still in tact. And that is what I craved from Nieffenegger and her second novel, so I was ultimately satisfied.
Healthy Winter Soup
Ryan’s parents were in town for the weekend, and we were running around like chickens with our heads cut off, seeing the sites and sampling all the food that DC has to offer. By the time Sunday night rolled around, we were all ready to relax, so we invited them over for some football, 60 Minutes and soup.
The great thing about this soup, like all soups, is that it’s so easy and no stress. You really can’t mess it up. I served it with a side of cornbread and sliced chicken for the Healy men – Ryan and his dad, Jack – to add into their bowls; it was a big hit.
Project: Gift Wrap Ideas
I love wrapping gifts. The humble packages that result and wait under the tree are a lovely tradition of patience and anticipation.
This year, I used brown wrapping paper, an old table cloth that I tore into strips, leftover gift tags, raffia, ornaments from Crate and Barrel, and fake berries from an old decoration to wrap many of our gifts under the tree.
You’ll need to set aside a good two to three hours to wrap gifts depending on how many you have, and make sure to have several types of tape on hand. For awkwardly-shaped packages, I use packaging tape to hold everything in place as opposed to regular scotch tape.
Staying Alive
On the way home, I walked past the men’s shelter and met Walter, catcalling for money, and Pierre, sitting on a bench behind him on Carroll St, under the shaded trees that lined the Capitol Square.
Walter was from Chicago where he had gotten kicked out of his apartment for having the wrong kind of people over. He snickered at the memory and lit a cigarette. He had family in Madison, that’s why he was there. Pierre was more motivated and as Walter leaned back, Pierre leaned forward; he was from Chicago as well. Pierre was looking for a job. He was working for the day-laborer companies just until something else came up.
Pearl Couscous with Olives and Grape Tomatoes
Here’s one that I’ve made a few times. The original recipe calls for you to roast the tomatoes in the oven, cool the tomatoes and cool the couscous – but I don’t have the patience for all that. So I just pan-fry the tomatoes and mix things up when it’s still warm. Since I haven’t roasted the tomatoes I can’t tell you if it’s any better, but I can tell you that my version is pretty darn good.
Meat-lovers can add sliced and fried chicken, but as usual, I prefer the dish without meat.
Pearl Couscous with Olives and Roasted Tomatoes
Adapted from Gourmet, September 2002.
Irony
Ryan made a delicious steak, baked potato and steamed broccoli dinner on Monday night. I joke that he only knows how to make four different meals, but to his credit, he can make those really well. We accompanied the meal with this bottle of wine and it too was really good. From the bottle: “this Napa Valley Cabarnet Sauvignon offers ripe fruit flavors of raspberries, black currants and succulent blackberries supported by medium tannins and a rich, smooth finish.”
I’m no wine connoisseur so that is the official description for you.
I would say it was a beautiful red-purple out of the bottle, and in your mouth.
Risotto with Butternut Squash, Gorgonzola and Toasted Pecans
I made this dish just as Ryan and I were starting to feel better and oh man, did it do our bellies good. It’s a deliciously tasty dish that will wrap you in Fall aromatics as you cook.
The original recipe didn’t call for sausage, but since Ryan won’t eat a meal without meat, I chose a sweet sausage to accompany the dish. I think I would have preferred it without the sausage (it was pretty rich with it), but the beauty of risotto is you can add and subtract what you will.
Risotto with Butternut Squash, Gorgonzola and Toasted Pecans
(and Maybe Sausage)
Adapted from Oprah.com.
Take a Walk Through the Smithsonian
Ryan and I have been trying to do something new around DC every weekend since I’m new to the City. A couple weekends ago, we went to the National Archives to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence, and this past Saturday we went to the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. It was a beautiful day, and lucky for us, there were some great exhibitions.
I took some photos with my iPhone – won’t you take a tour with me?
Several of the exhibits had quotes painted on the walls to help you understand the surrounding art.
Network Roulette, Bronchitis & Stuffed Cabbage Comfort Food
Did you see? Brazen introduced Network Roulette today! I’m seriously a Network Roulette addict and not just because of my disclosed relationship with the company. I’ve been to a ton of real-life networking events – heck, my last job was to create those events – and Network Roulette truly mimics those experiences. I love helping people and Roulette makes that super easy to do.
Speaking of help, Ryan and I have discussed getting a live-in masseuse. Some people have butlers, but we would like a masseuse. Especially when we’ve been sick like the past week and a half. Ryan went to the doctor on Monday and actually has bronchitis.
Pumpkin
We made it to the East Coast! While we’re putting the finishing touches on settling into the new city, I wanted to share this photo from one of the last things we did in the Midwest – a visit to the pumpkin patch! It was right in the middle of all the moving mania, and Ryan and I drove to Illinois to visit my mother. It ended up being the perfect relaxing break. Have you been to the pumpkin patch yet?