Second Dates

I have invited boys over to No41 for dinner on two separate occasions in the past year. It was the second date in both instances.

The first time, I made Mar-a-lago Turkey Burgers from Shauna Niequist's book Bread & Wine (a book which comes with my highest possible recommendation!). I made the patties in the morning, wrapped them up and refrigerated until dinner time. Then I threw them in a grill pan on the stovetop since No41 doesn't accommodate an outdoor grill/BBQ (not that I have a clue how to use either). We ate them over a discussion of religion and politics. If we're going with the old cliché that you never talk about those topics in polite company, we were clearly and definitively unrefined that evening. But the burgers were delicious - would definitely recommend them as crowd pleasers with just the right amount of bite.

The second time, I made two recipes that heavily involved balsamic vinegar, not thinking about the fact that it would be infused into every corner of No41 and into every pore of my body. Luckily, he was Canadian and claimed that he grew up with balsamic vinegar on everything and didn't mind a bit. Despite those reassurances, that is not a menu I will be repeating.  

Notes for future: Always think about the resulting scents of the food I prepare for guests (i.e. balsamic vinegar does not usually create the best first impression - instead go for the classic standbys of bacon or chocolate chip cookies). Do not make something that requires standing over a hot stove when I want my hair and makeup to be presentable. Don't invite boys over until the third fourth date.

Buttermilk

I am first and foremost a baker. It's the thing I most remember doing in my mom's kitchen growing up. Cookies especially, lots and lots of cookies. That kitchen also witnessed several failed attempts at Pinterest quality frosting on cakes, so much so that it became a metaphor my mom used to deliver valuable life lessons. The kitchen at No41 has seen a few photo-ready cakes but there's been just as many that I haven't taken photos of. Baking for me (and I believe for many others) is one of my favorite ways to say "I care". My heart is full as I'm measuring the baking soda and washing the third bowl. 

Which brings me to one of my favorite baking ingredients: Buttermilk. I don't pretend to understand the science behind the recipes I make but when I see buttermilk in the ingredients list, I know I will be serving up something that make people go all warm and mushy inside.

Ode to 30

Thirty was a good year. A lot of experiences, conversations, small milestones, lessons I didn't want to learn but needed to, and people. People were the best part.

I started and ended my thirtieth year with bucket list items, both of which gave me joy I can't express in words. Both had to do with the women who were around the table.