Hey Stranger

We've cooked minimally in the last couple of months. I've been playing a teacher, which has worked out well for me, I'd say...though I cannot go into specifics right now. I have been sad to have to relinquish my cooking habit, but the payoff may be worth it. Generally, I cook for therapy, but it is possible, I'm now convinced, that teaching is my new therapy. It's a calling, that's for sure.

For now, I cook on Saturdays, if I have the energy to look something up.

On a lazy Hills-soaked Saturday night a month or so ago, we made this:

Chicken Sausage Farro Soup

We got the Cilantro Chicken Sausage from Trader Joe's. This soup was good, better on the reheat if you ask me (as you know, most soups are). I loved the texture of the farro: chewy goodness. The collard spines were crunchy and delectable as I like them. I would recommend this soup if you're into sausage + curry. The flavor and textures were too much for me, though.

We also made a tomato soup, which was good, but not remarkable.

I made the croutons with some Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Sourdough cut into cubes, tossed with olive oil, and a good shake of Sicilian oregano (from Lazzaroli's).



Shameless Self-Promotion: please do check out my Middle School Blog as I'm really intrigued by my thought processes those days as I'm now working with kids of this age group.

Pumpkin Ravs

These came from Lazzaroli's. They're filled with pumpkin, mascarpone, ricotta, and parmigiano reggiano. Quite amazing. Mark made a sauce of butter, garlic, (more) parm, and I grated in some fresh nutmeg and added a touch of cream at the very end. I sauteed some kale in olive oil and a little white wine with some thinly sliced onions and garlic. OMG. It was the best. The kale was an heirloom variety called Lacinato. It's also known as dinosaur kale. The texture is great, very cabbage-like. But then again, I've never met a green I didn't like.

Self-indulgent pictures of the new cat in inopportune (but cute) places:

the bread basket!

the laundry basket!

I have no shame.

I hope y'all had a good Thanksgiving.
I made this version of mac & cheese except I left out the ham and topped it with bacon. The horror! If I'm cooking for my family, I know it has to be cheesy pasta. They aren't big fans of any of our other food endeavors (wait...what other food endeavors? we only cook cheesy pasta). The mac was awesome, but not very photogenic, so I'll keep the picture to myself.

Just a reminder:
Mark & I are hosting our annual holiday party this next Saturday, December 6th. Don't forget to show up. Here's a small preview: