something I love...

Parmigiano Reggiano.

Taste bliss. Umami. Pungent and flavorful.

chives in all their greatness...

I know I am a fledgling chef, cook, whatever. I have SO much to learn. But, today I learned that I am, as a matter of fact, in love with the chive.

This little green wonder has an effect on food that is both intoxicating and comforting. I caught an episode of Barefoot Contessa or some such the other day and she was making these fabulous little chive biscuits to go along with a fancy soup she was making. Recipe HERE

I had most of the ingredients, so I went and picked up some fresh chives and started on my first ever "making biscuits from scratch" adventure.

A couple of handicaps here, I do not have: a stand mixer, nor do I have a biscuit cutter thingie. So I improvised. But I followed the directions as closely as I could, given those handicaps, and the results turned out pretty darn impressive.

I had to use a pint glass to cut out the biscuits, and then the remaining dough I used and rolled up to make little baby biscuit roll thingies..but they all taste great and look decent too. :)
The leftover chives, I mixed with a spoonful of cream cheese and a spoonful of sour cream....then spread it on toast, then put some ham on it. YUMMMMMMMMMY. I love chives.

So, I know I can make these and take them to the xmas party we will be attending this weekend. YAY me! :)

BTW, I also made a great dish last night - Turkey Florentine, recipe: http://homecooking.about.com/od/turkeyrecipes/r/blpoul7.htm
This is a great recipe for using leftover turkey - BUT I am thinking it would be great with any kind of grilled chicken or shrimp or even maybe seared scallops. We served it over rice and it was quite yummy. Creamy, spinach-y, and I added some additional Parmesan which added to the depth...it was fantastic.

To-Do List

There are certain things that need to be done regularly (dishes, laundry, etc) and things that I put off and hate to even look at on an annual basis. One of those things is the annual review of my wardrobe (laughable term for what I have in my closet) and making some judgment calls on what stays, what goes and what must be added.

I have given myself the following task: To try on every piece of clothing in my closet this week and get rid of items that don't fit and/or I haven't worn in years. This, I hope, will be a cathartic process.

I will also be needing to add to my wardrobe. A short list of items I want to get (need to get) might include:
- a-line, calf length black skirt...
- business suit (something I can mix/match with business casual, but also use for interviews, etc)
- a new pair of classic black pumps and classic brown pumps

This is just the seed of a list that I know will grow into something else, but for now...that gives me a goal and something to look for.

Sigh. I hate shopping for clothes. Shoes, love...but clothes, ick!

Whoa..caffeine.

Blog-spurts...

- Job Interview Looming:
I have an interview tomorrow. It is in Arlington... BOO....but it could be a job I might like. We will see. Tomorrow AM. Cross your fingers, kids.
- Caffeine Buzz:
I tried some of Mike's coffee this morning. I usually drink a medium blend, this one was like super dark caffeine stuff. My head is still spinning. I don't handle large doses of caffeine well anymore.
- Turkey Casserole:
Last night we took some of our turkey leftovers and made a turkey casserole. We found a recipe on-line, but we kinda altered it. We used 2 cups of chopped up cooked turkey, 2 packages of chicken flavored ramen noodle soup, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup shredded cheese and then baked all of it for 40 minutes at 350. (cook the noodles first!) It actually turned out pretty good. It's like college casserole. ROCK.
- 365 pic project:
So far, I am doing well. Need to stay focused. I love the idea of having a pic a day every day of my 30th year!
- Tyler State Park Recap:
Yucca is bad.
- Reminiscing on my Italy/Greece trip from a few years ago:
Found my journal, cracked up laughing...then cried. That was such an amazing trip. I really think that trip had a life-long impact on me.
- putting up Christmas Decorations:
I love me some Christmas. Put up the tree and just got some snow spray for the windows. Wheeheeeeeeee!!!
- self-imposed sexism:
Uh....not sure if I really want to get into it...but I just wanted to say, it IS about who can do the best job, and it IS ok to support your friends.

there. I said it.
:)