i do still cook sometimes.

thank goodness for the bread machine. i've made a lot of dense, doughy bread in my time, but the bread machine saves me from myself. the crumbly, crunchy, thick crust of bread that's actually baked in the machine tends to turn me off, but that dough function is a lifesaver. all i had to do for this lovely round of vienna bread was put the ingredients in, turn it on, and be around when the cycle was over to shape into a round (not rocket science, friends), and let it rise. now, if i could only let it rise a *little* longer. patience is a virtue i like to think i have, but not when it comes to dough. worse, i like to cut into a freshly-baked loaf right out of the oven when i ought to know better. tomorrow, a few of us are driving up to see michael pollan at speak at butler. my inner food dork is squealing! expect a report later this (very busy) week.

food for a good cause

to be honest, i probably would have skipped right by the food works by middle way house table at the winter market if these cheese crackers hadn't been so dang cute. i mean, they weren't exactly on the list. but who could resist something so fetching, and for such a great cause? since i got my first local salad greens in months, i knew right where they would go.

you might be able to make out some avocado slices down there, from my san diego trip. i had been afraid that i wouldn't be able to use them up.

that fear was turned out to be unfounded.

if you're in bloomington, and you need an event catered, don't forget about food works. we can't have sustainability when people are worrying about their very safety and survival.

happy valentine's day.

let me take a moment to thank my sweet baby, my legally-bound partner, and bestest friend for being so awesome. and, specifically, for putting up with my culinary experiments. and for not complaining when i throw together beans and rice again while running around getting ready for roller derby practice. and for being flexible about eating vegetarian at home. did i mention the awesomeness? and for washing the dishes. and making the coffee. man, am i glad the coffee is made every morning. even on weekends, he gets up and makes it. oh, and he also makes me drinks and brings me beers when i ask. i appreciate that. and takes out the trash. that's my guy!

sunnier climes

yes, it's 22 degrees outside, and it's supposed to snow, but i still have clementines.

yes, it was a successful trip to san diego. oooh, these little clementines are sweet like candy. and too few left.

i had to go through my pint of strawberries quickly, but it wasn't much of a chore.

i was extremely wary of these, but one sniff took me over the edge. they were a little harder than your perfect june strawberry, but still worth every bite.

now i have avocadoes that are close to ripening, and a few meyer lemons. anyone have any bright ideas about meyer lemons? i don't think i've ever had one before.

thanks, coronado farmer's market! afterward, i had just enough time to walk to the other side of the island.

not a bad business trip.

california cuisine

i'm headed to san diego next week for work, but if the "business center" at the hotel isn't too busy, i should be able to check in with you and let you know how i'm eating down there. i'm ready for some citrus! and avocadoes! and mexican food! and 60-degree weather! etc.! until then, i'm off to chocolate fest to work the bleeding heartland rollergirls booth for a little while. come by and get a kiss from a rollergirl!