Do Some Good: Get in the Kitchen

I had to crop my hairnet out of this photo.

I invented at least three new dance moves during the writing of this blog post.  OK, so maybe I didn’t actually invent the “Stanky Leg,” but these moves look pretty sweet when I do them in front of the mirror and no one is looking.  But before I reveal too much, let me tell you how I ended up at this dance party for one.

Zucchini Bread

This zucchini is bigger than my cat.

My garden gnome Gustoff has been working overtime.  Last night I went to water my garden and discovered my baby zucchinis had grown into giants over the weekend.  The only words I could manage to get out before I fell into a fit of laughter were “OH MY GOD”!  I suspect someone has been adding steroids to the hose water!

Lydia's Eggs Benedict

Lydia's Eggs Benedict

When my godmother Lydia announced that she was going to make Eggs Benedict on Sunday morning, I set my alarm clock to wake up early.  If you've ever had Lydia's Eggs Benedict, you'd be up early on a Sunday morning too.

Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Sweet Potato Enchiladas

My love for sweet potatoes is unbounded.  I love them roasted.  I love them fried and dipped in ranch dressing.  I love them pureed and topped with jumbo marshmallows.  I love them curried.  And I especially love them mashed with black beans, corn, cilantro and lime, rolled into corn tortillas, and smothered in homemade enchilada sauce.

I am posting this recipe for my friend Diane.  Diane raves about these enchiladas and even brings them to dinner parties.  Her support means a lot to this little blogger.

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa and Sausage

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa (keen-wah) and Sausage

A few months ago, my friend Jen gave me this advice: “You better find yourself a guy who works out, has skinny genes, or both.” The more time you spend with me, the more I’ll try to feed you. My roommate can attest to this fact. Cooking for people makes me happy.

Spicy Eggplant with Fresh Basil

Spicy Eggplant with Fresh Basil

Turning 26 has been pretty great...

I danced... a lot.  When you're six feet tall, wearing heels significantly reduces the number of unwanted dance partners.

I witnessed my two girl friends rough up a guy for trash talking.  Maybe I exaggerate a little bit.  But it was awesome.

My little sister and I had brunch and bottomless mimosas until 5 in the evening.

I sipped on "Red Slippers" while listening to live jazz at the Culver Hotel, where the entire Munchkin cast stayed during the filming of the Wizard of Oz.  True story.

Most importantly, I got to spend time with best friends and family.  You know who you are...  I couldn't ask to know more beautiful people.

Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup

Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup

This afternoon I felt like calling up the neighbor girl and asking her if she could go outside and play.  We could ride bikes, pretend we’re witches, convince my little sister to eat dirt mixed with glitter, transform the swing set into a time machine, or collect roly-pollies in a jar with holes poked in the lid... because they breath air like us, right?  For some reason, the start of school and this gloomy almost-fall weather are making me homesick for being a kid again.