Clovember
Out of the ashes of my subconscious cometh… biscuits?
In a truly shocking development, over the last few months I’ve been cooking myself out of an anxiety spiral (well, cooking plus medication plus therapy plus friends plus family plus dogs plus books, BUT STILL). I’ve always been a fan of food memoirs (Laurie Colwin, Anthony Bourdain, Ruth Reichl) and cookbook perusal without much of an inclination to actually prepare anything. I was more of a subsistence cook/eater. I’d roast a few vegetables, make a pot of quinoa, and that was about the extent of it.
But suddenly, around the time I was reading Tamar Adler’s book An Everlasting Meal, I moved from theory to praxis (heh). Methodically planning, shopping and cooking became immensely calming parts of my week (and really reduced our food waste). It was delightful to see a recipe come together by my own hands, and even more gratifying to see people enjoying the food. It turns out I’m kind of a natural baker too! Wonders never cease.
My epicurean adventures have introduced me to the delights of the Bon Appetit videos and foodcast, and renewed my love for NYT Cooking, Alison Roman (duh), Samin Nosrat (deliciously nerdy) and Smitten Kitchen. Below are a smattering of recipes I’ve experimented with. I’ve been on a dip kick lately, so hmu with any classics you turn to throughout the holiday season!
Snacks: Labneh Dip with Sizzled Scallions and Chile, Ina’s Potato Salad
Soups: The Stew (it’s viral for a reason), Miso Carrot Soup (you have to add pickled scallions, so good)
Baking: Peanut Butter Miso Cookies (and I quote “this is the best cookie I’ve ever had” - my coworker), Pumpkin Maple Muffins, Ruffled Milk Pie (custardy and delicious), Apple Oatmeal, Pumpkin Muffins (I accidentally sprinkled salt on top of these and they were honestly better that way), Raspberry Ricotta Cake, Honey Cake, BA’s Best Apple Pie
Sandwiches: Cheddar, Cucumber and Marmalade Sandwiches (TRY THESE), Breakfast Grilled Cheese (10/10, SO GOOD)
Pasta: Gnocchi and Brussel Sprouts, Creamy Lemon Pasta (I crave this at least once a week)
* I’ve also cooked my way through about half of Alison Roman’s new cookbook Nothing Fancy, and everything has been perfect. She’s the SHIT.
~hOt LiNkS~
Books:
TV/Movies:
Miscellaneous:
Just like… laying on the floor. You ever just, lay on the ground at work or at home? It’s great!
Buying this perfect sweater
The new Moulin Rouge soundtrack
Following Sex Workers on IG, specifically activists like @dyelindsay