Making risotto, listening to Superchunk

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Potato Leek Soup

This recipe came from the Moosewood Cookbook, which I do not own. But when I lived in Santa Cruz, everyone had it. It turned out being pretty easy and tasty. Though I didn't follow the recipe to a T because I just wasn't in the mood for kale. I would make it again, though one criticism: recipes that require tiny amounts of an ingredient, or leave you with half a can of something you don't know what to do with really irritate me! One example in this recipe is the teaspoon of minced celery that it calls for. Now if I loved celery and always had it on hand, chopping up a quarter of a stock of celery wouldn't be a big deal. But I don't, so now I've got a whole lot of celery to use up. It shouldn't be that difficult, a little in salad, mirepoix for soup, or cut up with carrots and olives for a nice crudités on New Year's Eve. Not a biggie, just makes me wonder if anyone tested or edited this recipe.

Chicken Fricassee

A fine Christmas dinner!!

Prepping

Braising

Dining

LA

It's true, I have been a complainer about Los Angeles in the past. But as of late, I've really tried to see all the good, and exciting things that go on there, and that I have access to. One thing (if you're dorky and into this kind of thing) is running into people that are in bands, on TV or in the movies. Last weekend we went to a friend's birthday party, where I had drinks with all of the above. It's true, I'm a dork- but it was kind of exciting! Just to hang out with people that have jobs just like anyone else, but their coworkers are famous!!
The venue was a place called El Cid. I had driven by it several times, but this was the first occasion I had to go there. It was pretty cool. Will have to return for a normal dinner, perhaps in the summer, on the patio, with a pitcher of margaritas.

Making time

This time of year, it's difficult to make time for one's self. So many people, so many parties (hehe). Before you know it, your OFF time is all scheduled up, and you didn't even get to do some of YOUR favorite things! Last week, I had a weekday off from work. I spent it alone, which was glorious! I had a beauty appointment in the a.m., did some light shopping, went to the movies, and had breakfast at a new-to-me place in Seal Beach called Cafe Lafayette. It was fantastic! I can't wait to return for another meal, probably dinner because they had some good looking wines on their wine list.

Spinach, Portabella and Feta Omelette.. just perfect

Aside from watching Elf around the clock, and Christmas lights, this is the best thing of the season

Aside from watching Elf around the clock, and Christmas lights, this is the best part of the season!

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Brazil Nut Pesto

from (my new favorite cookbook) Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Cooking

and Roasted Beet Salad

Cocktails and vegetables, grooving to Justin Timberlake

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Just grilled up some Carne Asada

Making bread pudding, listening to the Fleshtones

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