Cream of Potato Soup...

...and an hour conversation with my best friend took over my evening.

The abrupt ring of my phone cut through my spud scrubbing concentration like a hot knife through butter. The other ingredients spread across the counter revealed an orange light and I scrambled to answer.

"Hello", I said in a somewhat startled, yet very zen voice.

"Hey!", she said with excitement and almost relief.

We haven't talked in what felt like years, though in reality it had only been a few weeks. Her life has changed this past year - she graduated with a masters, a new teaching job, a wedding to plan. All big changes. My life has changed - I moved, I'm moving again, I quit my old job and started a new one. All big changes.

The potatoes were boiling as I minced garlic, prepped the leek, herbs, corn, apple, and cream. Looking back I probably would have caramelized half of an onion and then added to that the garlic, leek and herbs. Let those come together and then added the potatoes, apple, corn and cream... but like other things in life should've, would've, could've. Oh well. I'm happy with the results and will just know for next time!

So what do the two have to do with each other? Nothing really. Except they were both really good.

And yes, pictures of the soup are to come!! Cheers!

Soul Food

As most of you know, I spent this past weekend with my mother in Somerset, PA (Seven Springs) at the Mother Earth News Fair (how fitting). I presented my first two workshops on the topic of Food Sensory & Expression. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life which I owe to all of those who attended, participated and shared.

First, I need to comment on how awesome it was to spend three days with my mom. Growing up, she was the one who drove me to gymnastics every night, attended all of my meets, school & New York plays, coached us in cheerleading and led us in girl scouts. How selfish of me to think she didn't emotionally support me as I got older and moved to the city. She was, literally, my wing-man this weekend and it brings tears to my eyes how uplifting and spiritual it was with her.

Secondly, I am awe inspired by the passion others felt for food sensory!! I was afraid my message would blur between my ability to ramble and the fact I really do have so much to say... but it didn't. Each person who sat in participated and shared their food experiences. It was truly beautiful and taught me so much about what I want to address next time and how I'll do it! (For example - more food and only one session... two was ambitious for my first time).

Mother Earth News, I thank you. Thank you for giving me a great excuse to escape my incredible city to sit out in our beautiful country. Thank you for giving me an excuse to savor delicious local produce, drink homemade wine, listen to other people's awesome stories, smell wood burning in the distance and the aroma of the forest around us, and feel the sun and breeze on my face.

This is what life is about. Taking chances and savoring every bite. Thank you.

A Duck and An Octopus

This weekend, Mike spent 18 hours painting a 7 foot Octopus on Franklin Avenue in Crow Hill. Other artists painted their scaffold space with everything from graffiti to sunflowers. It was the first time in a long time I've felt that involved in the community... and it was truly wonderful!

Well, to celebrate my man's first piece of public art, I made quite the elaborate dinner last night and I didn't screw it up!

If you didn't know, I tried (really hard) being a vegetarian for quite sometime. I bring this up because it means I haven't cooked animal protein (successfully, at least) in a long, long time. However, last night, 9/19/2010, I broke that dreaded curse and cooked such a savory, juicy, and flavorful duck breast it made Mike cry tears of joy (not really, but close).

Fat side down on a sizzling hot pan, the fat magically rendered slowly away from the meat. Mike and I stood around and watched. I couldn't believe my eyes at the perfection in the pan. I threw in some fresh garlic, a sprig of rosemary and let the duck do its thing.

On the side I prepared some perfectly steamed red potatoes, carrots, and celery with thyme, garlic, and a dab of butter.

The duck was just about finished as I prepared my mis en place for the glaze: fresh orange, shallots, garlic, rosemary, red wine, and balsamic vinegar. I removed the meat and let it rest, reserved the glorious duck fat, and went right in deglazing the pan. The aromas were quite incredible and I could not get the smile off my face.

While plating I decided to line the top of the duck with some thinly sliced fig. In my opinion, the perfect compliment to the delicate drizzle of sweet and sour glaze.

We savored each bite, each sip of wine, and every moment we had together.

Mother Earth News Fair

If you happen to find yourself in Silver Springs, PA next weekend, make sure you stop by the Mother Earth News Fair. I'll be conducting two writing workshops titled Food Sensory & Expression (Parts I & II). It is my first public presentation... ever. I am so excited to finally talk about reconnecting with our food experiences - both culturally and personally. I only hope I can deliver my message articulately and effectively. I am both nervous and honored to even be involved in such an inspiring, sustainable, and positive event. Wish me luck and feel free to send me any tips you might have.

Listening

A lot of being a good cook is listening to your food. A lot of being a good runner is listening to your body. A lot of being a good person, in my opinion, is listening to your heart.

My problem is that I'll do really well with running, really well with eating, really well with not spending money.... and then I trick myself into thinking I deserve rewards. Right now, my body is sore, my fridge full of un-cooked food, and my debit card is hiding from me.

Then again, I am human. For the record, all I bought for myself were a pair of yoga pants, a new mat, lunch, and a week of yoga.

So what do I do? Well, I give myself a good talking to and I listen very carefully. Then, I pack some food for the day, make tea, do some yoga, and go to work early.

FINALLY!!! The Baba Article is Published!

Check out the story here for my Edible Queens debut!

A year ago, I sat down across the table from Baba. She handed me a recipe with her warm smile and walked me through each step. It was the closing chapter to my life in Queens.

I hope you enjoy!

6 Miles, 60 Minutes & Coffee as Grandmom Liked It

I often confess to a million thoughts running through my head when I run. Today, there was a focus.

It started as I headed down Park Place on my first mile. I passed a man collecting bottles from the trash and recycling discarded from those who live in the brownstones. Only to be gathered by a truck and taken to a dump, this man rummaged through taking the five cent deposits. His income? I thought. Perhaps. Or, maybe he has greater insight as to where these plastics and glass end up. Why wouldn't we receive the five cents back... we pay for it! Unfortunately, people see it as inconvenient and wasted of time for only a bit of change. However, this man wasn't above it and I applaud him for this.

Next my mind settled on my Grandmother. She's only been gone for a little over a month and my mother and aunt have her house almost prepped for sale. They've convinced themselves this is what she wants, and I believe it to I guess. But my grandmother wasn't so different from the man I passed on the street this morning. She wasn't above anyone or anything. She befriended everyone she met and though she didn't posses what most would view as valuable, she was the richest woman I know. Rich with love and warmth, comfort and strength.

I felt empowered as I ran thinking of her. It made me proud to be her granddaughter and made me miss her so much I couldn't even feel my legs.

Now I am here, rambling on to you. As I poured my coffee about ten minutes ago I recalled how she liked it - sweet with milk. She would refer to her coffee as creek water after a rain.

On with the day.

Jack Goes Boating

Phillip Seymour Hoffman's directing debut, in my opinion, is a success. I love New York films that make the city feel as lonely as I believe it to be sometimes. The cities various locales play a supporting role as do swimming and cooking.

Everything the four characters want and need are provided by NYC. Whether those desires be pure or tainted, honest or jaded - they are available and accessible, with a price. The price is what sheds the clothing from our characters, making them vulnerable to each other and themselves.

I have to say some of my favorite moments involved food (go figure). The cooking scenes where Jack (Hoffman) abandons his comfort zone and enters the Waldorf kitchen to learn how to cook a meal, to him grocery shopping for ingredients, to the references of him practicing this meal in order to make it perfect, were compelling and romantic. My favorite, actually, is when he is imagining the steps of the recipe and going through the motions. This is so beautiful, it could have been a choreographed dance.

You'll have to see the film to understand what all of this means - I don't write reviews. But, I will say this, I want to work on a film. I want to work in a film with culinary significance so I can experience the gastro-cinematic capabilities from behind the camera. I want to make sure the audience members taste an au gratin through the screen; feel the chopping of parsley through the speakers; smell the aromas of a real dinner over the popcorn and soda.

Jack Goes Boating opens this Friday.

Stamina

I'm not naive enough to think I'm the only person to ever suffer from lack of stamina. Quite frankly, I don't think it's lack of stamina as much as lack of time!

Mike has started his new job and establishing himself in our new town. While we're still looking for an apartment in Montclair, I can't help but what wonder what my next big move will be. Yes, the marathon. Yes, the Mother Earth News Fair event. Yes, cooking. Yes, writing. But when will I be able to combine these passions into what-I-do?

Perhaps, it does all come down to stamina. If you want something bad enough, you have to dedicate yourself to it. I want to run this marathon - therefore, I need to train hard. I want to be a writer - therefore, I must write every day. I want to get my yoga teaching certification - therefore, I must put in the time. I want... therefore I must... That's it.

My favorite things to cook are soups and sauces. You have to be mindful when you are layering flavors because if you aren't, they will be ruined. It may not be tedious measuring or following intricate steps in a recipe, but it is about smart experimentation. What works for you, works for the soup or sauce. But you must be constantly observant and focused.

If I were to define the role stamina plays in my life, this would be it. The way I make soups and sauces is how I have to focus on my own life and my career. I must be mindful. I must be smart.

What I think about when I think about running

I cannot run with music. Music, for me, is too nostalgic and doesn't allow me to focus on the here and now, but on a time when I was doing something other than running.

When I set out for my runs, I have no idea what I'm thinking. "Ok, I'll go 8 miles... or maybe 6... I wonder what the air smells like today... If I get a cramp, it's ok to stop and stretch." These and millions of others rush through. But then I hit the pavement (or sidewalk) and I only think about my posture.

It is supposed to rain today so the contrast from one side of the sky to the other was great. Deep indigo lays over Manhattan while a bright sun poking through a feathered blue sky dances through the foliage on the street. As I said the other morning, this is magical.

I begin to meditate on life and how to live to my fullest. I approach Prospect Park and it occurs to me that after the NYC Marathon I probably won't run here for a very long time. My bags will be packed come December 1st and I'll have a new home in New Jersey. So, the question rises again, "how am I to live to my fullest potential while being both successful and happy".

The age old balancing act.

However, I am not in New Jersey right now and I have a great job on The Electric Company. No, right now, I am in Prospect Park and my legs feel like cinderblocks. There must be about 200 dogs running through the open fields. It is as if I came upon a secret society - they are prancing around in all of their canine glory. Sprinting, jumping, peeing, pooping, playing.

Some of my friends get upset when a dog is off their leesh... I personally don't mind. In fact, seeing these dogs makes me think of Jake, but I don't get sad I just envision him running right next to me occasionally looking up for approval to go join the group. "Go ahead", I'd say to him with a but-you-come-right-back tone.

Anyway, I'm back home now. Of course my legs loosened up as I was mentally finishing. The most important thing for me to remember now as the marathon is less than two months away (yikes!), is NUTRITION. I'm not a super hero, nor am I a vegetarian anymore (woops!). Eggs, goat cheese, an english muffin, and coffee. Honestly, I hate admitting that I need coffee... I don't need it, but I love it too much.

There you have it... that's what I think about when I run... Sometimes.

I know this hasn't really been media-centered the past few days, but it's coming, I promise. Right now I'm marathon-minded so please bare with me.

A Tajine for you and me

The air is cool and I can feel Autumn approaching. It'll be here soon and I will not deny my excitement.

This time last year I was traveling from Seattle to San Francisco. I called Portland home for two days and hiked the Red Woods for a too short amount of time. It was the vacation of change and acceptance. My best friends were with me and that is all that I needed.

This time of year, 2010, is proving to be no different. Acceptance of growing up, getting older, taking on new responsibilities, and life in general... I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mike and I took the 4 train into Manhattan together. I got off at Union Square and he continued on to the wedding he was about to film. "Babe, remember, this is someones special day! Someday we'll have a special day too!"

I got off the subway and to my surprise there was a street fair! I LOOOOOVE STREET FAIRS! I bought a new shirt for $12, 3 used CD's for $10 (Ten Thousand Maniacs, Blues Traveler, and Pete Yorn), and a Tajine for Mike! I raked each stand as if to find a treasure. I had nothing in particular in my mind for him.... just knowing I wanted to give him a gift. I came across photos from our relationship, men's jewelry, food... and then, the Tajine.

Handmade in Morocco and soon to be the holder of a stew lovingly made in our new home. The stand-owner drew a recipe on the back of my shopping list. The only thing I could do was smile. Soak in every ounce of warmth was whispered to my heart.

Michael is an eclectic man after my heart. I expressed my fears and concerns this morning. What did he do? He came over, held me, and assured me all is OK. Life is as it should be, because it is.

Wow... I cannot wait for the meals we will cook together. Who knows what that tajine has in store!

15.6 Miles

At 5:45 this morning Danielle's alarm went off. The three of us (myself and the two Danielle's) rolled out of bed, filled our water bottles, laced those running shoes, had a few laughs, and headed out onto the Riverside Drive.

There is something to be said for Manhattan in the early morning. It is a sight you really have to experience for yourself. The way the sky dances with the rough Hudson current; the breeze from close by bistros waft coffee and fresh baked goods through the air; the sound of our sneakers tapping the pavement. Peace.

When we finished, I attacked the McIntosh apple who sat on the counter awaiting my return. I swear that apple tasted sweeter than I ever remember an apple being. The juice rolled from my mouth down my chin and I was entranced. I must have looked like a savage to the other girls (but they love me so it doesn't matter).

Tonight for dinner? A bottle of wine, my man, some homemade guacamole, chips, and watermelon. It really is all about the simple things in life.

The Batman

I'm tired today. We all have those days and for me this is it. If I had it my way, I would curl up on the couch with some delicious soup and either watch a movie or read a book.

I've been staring at a computer screen since I got to work screening episodes and just had to leave. There was nothing that I was craving for lunch so I went to The Diner. It is this magical place across the street from my office which feels more south-Jersey-truck-stop than Manhattan joint. And I love it for that.

My place at the counter was comfortable and my waiter was a sweet fatherly man. So, what did I want? I don't have a lot of money, so went straight for the kids menu. I noticed that the choices were named after super hero and cartoon characters. Immediately I remembered how embarrassed I would be as a child ordering those items by menu name. I recall the Big Bird was hot turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy - I made my mom or dad order it for me.

But, alas, here it is in front of me and I just want to make sure he'll let an adult order from the kids menu. He did. Ahhh, The Batman: grilled cheese, french fries, cup of soup, drink, and dessert for $4.95. Holy moly!! That's perfect!

To be honest, I really need to pay more attention to what I put in my body as I preach to the world about fresh food. However, sometimes you just need a grilled cheese and fries with ketchup for dunking. And that, my dear friends, is what I got.

This doesn't have to do with me telling you what I ate for lunch and you not caring, it's deeper than that. For 35 minutes I was transported to a completely different place, both by ambiance and taste. Now I want to revisit my earlier fantasy of vegging on the couch in sweats, but I am back at work... and I need a cup of detox tea to keep me going.

QUICK!

In order to get the 9/02/10 posting that I've promised, this is going to be short and sweet.

Tonight marks one of the first evenings where my friends and I noticed my future absence in late evening wine affairs. Once my address reads Blah Blah Road, Montclair, New Jersey, I will no longer be able to order another glass, but only ask for my portion of the bill. I will not be staring at my phone for text messages inviting me to my next destination, but looking at a train schedule.

And I'm looking forward to this? Oh yes, I am.

In my mind I don't envision the storybook lifestyle, but a new beginning. In fact, this new life is so vague the only thing I imagine are whatever vegetables are roasting in the oven and Mike. I can taste the parsnip and squash soup... and I see his face sitting across the table from me.

This is exciting stuff.

Today, Ryan and I saw I Am Love. Tonight, we drank delicious wines from Italy and nibbled on bruschettas, crispy artichoke with mint pesto, and zucchini flowers. A truly fun New York City afternoon and evening... but these are coming to a close.

Oh, New York City... you and your dining experiences!

Oh, I'm back alright!

Quite the hiatus, I must say. But I'm back and I have lots to talk about!

Between training for the NYC Marathon, working on my article for Gastronomica Magazine, creating a Food Sensory presentation for the Mother Earth News Fair, working on The Electric Company, and eating (a lot!), life has been pulling me into a million different directions. The birth of my niece, Faith, and the passing of my grandmother, Evelyn, has forced me to really take life by the balls and figure out my next step. I didn't think I could write anymore... and then realized that was bull because I'm meant to write.

I admit, cooking has not been top on my list in these hot months. My lovely apartment is truly better in the fall, winter, and spring when I don't need an AC. All though I have made more gazpacho then I ever thought I'd be able to consume. The garden my landlords put in is in full bloom and has offered up a truckload of sungold heirloom tomatoes, swiss chard, sunflowers, and herbs.

Aside from our own plot, my coworkers also brings in treats. Paul shares garlic from his garden upstate and Ryan has figs daily from her landlords tree. Holy crap. These are true testaments to fresh-is-better. I savor every moment I get to spend with this unbelievably powerful produce and feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Seriously, the nectar which oozes out of the figs is like nothing I've ever experienced.

A lot of what made me stop writing is the idea that I didn't feel qualified to talk about any of this. I felt under qualified for a while and couldn't fathom anyone caring what I had to say.

And then something happened the past few weeks. I realized I am qualified to talk about food because food is for everyone. I don't need a degree to know how to eat. There are so many articles, claims, advertisements, TV shows, stores, and whatever, telling us how and what to eat, that we've forgotten.

When I first started this blog it was to bring some of this media to light and to make sense of it. Well, I'm back and I'm ready.

Hope y'all are ready!