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Théa and Noel have been kookin’.
As a stellar foodie duo, we create healthful Sunday Night Dinners, holiday celebrations and food on-the-fly for our friends in the Hudson Valley. City Mouse – Thea – brings presentation, creativity and tradition and Country Mouse – Noel – brings style, expertise and vitality to the table every time. It is important that we utilize our resources responsibly to sustain local merchants, farmers and artisinal crafters.
Théa – The City Mouse
Day job: Online brand manager for an international handbag company
For fun: cooking, entertaining, writing, travel
Favorite food: Pizza
Sign: Aquarius
Nicknames: Thay, Theloniuos, Thyza Louise, Thalya
Favorite dish to make: cake (cupcake, cheesecake, ice cream cake, chocolate beet cake, etc.)
Most prized kitchen tool: Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
Why am I a foodie?
When my grandfather, known by all as Pipop, passed away two years ago we taught my Nana a valuable lesson in today’s lingo. We discussed, “We’re out,” “whatup,” and even “redic.” I think one of the only things that stuck that week was, “foodie.” Defined by many as one who enjoys, makes, creates, appreciates, loves and does food.
At some point that week, after many homemade dinners, and even more deli platters and desserts, I said, “Nana, we’re foodies.” All in agreement, my entire immediate family nodded as it made perfect sense to us. I couldn’t tell you when that actually happened though. It could be the hundreds of family dinners, the dozens of holidays, countless BBQs, endless Sunday brunches or the meal that happens when there are a group of people at my parents house and there is a sudden combustion of plates, garlic and hungry mouths.
Being a child of a foodie is a big responsibility. You have to entertain like your parents do. You have to cook with your heart and not just your head. You have to do it just like them, but still in your own style. You have to know how much pasta is for 2, 4, or even 12 people. And perhaps, most importantly, you always have to be able to get back to where it all started. That table where the foodies once ate altogether.
Now that I live two hours away from my parents, I make sure to give notice and let the head-foodie-in-charge know when I will be back, for how long and if I will be there for dinner. That answer is always “yes” and “what do you want for dinner?”
What I think of my relationship with Noel!
Everything happens for a reason. Noel and I ended up at the same table in Uptown Kingston about a year ago. We shared lamb sliders, blood sausage and chocolate cristinis, huge roasted asparagus and sangria. We talked food. And not just what do you do for a living / for fun food. Real food conversations. About the earth, traditions and technique. Not being classically trained myself, I learned a lot about Noel’s culinary experience and trade. And most importantly her love for life. It matched mine.
Common ground found, friendship began and then we entered the kitchen together. Game changer. Comfort meeting healthy, local meeting mass distribution, dessert meeting vegetables and most importantly, nutrients for the soul created provided and shared.
Noel is the brightness in a dull day, the reminder of the earth we are from and the laughter that makes me spit my wine out, give a ‘lil snort and hide behind my apron.
Noel – The Country Mouse
Day job: Personal chef, community activist and childcare provider
For fun: cook with friends, read, hang with kids, garden and enjoy music
Favorite food: All dark leafy greens
Sign: Sagittarius
Nicknames: Noey, Curly Pumklin, Queen of Kale
Favorite dish(es) to make: Sauteed Greens, turkey burgers, gourmet pizza, tarts, veggie burgers, fish cakes, roasted veggies and roasted lemon chicken
Most prized kitchen tool: Personalized knife from Japan and onion goggles
Why am I a foodie?
I consider myself a foodie for a number of reasons all of which revolve around my love for people. I like to work creatively in the kitchen to share with others, what I call, “premium fuel” for the body. A good quality life containing healthful varieties of foods able to sustain, nourish and enliven others is just so awesome. Growing up with grandparents who grew and cooked most of their own food and a father who was adamant about providing well balanced meals has had an everlasting impact on how I utilize and value food. I have surrounded myself with friends who are passionate and active about the quality, health, sustainability and education of our food system. The Hudson Valley is booming with hand crafted sustainable farm to table connoisseurs and entrepreneurs, myself aiming to be an active participant.
What I think of my relationship with Théa!
Well…where to begin? When I think of Théa I always think of good times with good people, food and music. There is never a dull moment with and life is always lived to the fullest, if she has anything to do with it. I love this about Thea and I love how infectious it is on my life. Since we met, I have found my life to be more full with friends who enthusiastically sharing their passions and goals. This is important to me, because I am one who wanders through life exploring the endless possibilities to embrace. It seems there is always a door of opportunity awaiting around the corner and having encouragement and excitement from Théa is priceless . I would have to say that I think my relationship with her has been a gift so special that I shall never forget. And I endlessly thank her.
When in doubt of emotional stability, one should follow these simple steps:
1. Cook. It seems that standing in the kitchen, regardless of how cold the floor tiles are, makes a difference. Cooking allows creativity and consistency to happen at the same time. Whether it’s something you have never made before or a classic pasta dish that never goes wrong, cook. It’s food for the soul. Literally.
2. Plan visits. My girls came this weekend. It was a quick 24 hour trip, but made a HUGE impact on my emotional disposition. It’s also incredible how being friends since college has provided that loophole of it doesn’t matter how long we haven’t seen each other, we’ll just pick up where we left off. There was comfort in the conversations of work stress, home life perils, significant other or lack of complaints. And comfort in cheese. Lots of cheese. And cupcakes. And bread. And coffee. And wine. In no specific order.
3. Plan ahead. Thinking of things that are coming ahead on the calendar allows for anticipation and excitement to come through, healthy emotions that hopefully will kick ass on the ones getting you down. Writing things on the calendar or having a countdown (reasonable numbers work, hundreds not so much) also shows you when something you actually want to do is coming around the corner.
4. Don’t ignore that you are turning 29. Or whatever milestone year that is freaking you out. Not sure if it’s the number or how fast time is going, but make it stop! Please. And. Thanks. One solution is to pretend it doesn’t bother you, it may actually become reality as it’s hard to be miserable while celebrating. For example, heading to Mercato for an amazing dinner with the brother, his girlfriend and the roommate and then off to the symphony at Bard is an excellent distraction. And delicious, fun and memorable.
5. Give it up. Clearly dwelling on misery isn’t going to allow it to leave. I know, what a novel idea.
6. Don’t watch the weather. It’s never right, it’s going to snow no matter what s/he says and if you’re luck the sun will come out and it won’t feel like 12. Again.
7. Eat ice cream. Or whatever treat that you can have a bite of and feel a lil better. Moderation IS key, but hit the gym a little harder, starve yourself tomorrow or just pack on a few till spring. That’s why they make bulky sweaters and leggings.
More to come on how to make yourself feel better… it’s been a full-time job lately, so there are some pointers that may get us all through it.
“Healing takes courage, and we have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.” ~ Tori Amos
My life seems to be on ff (fast forward). I would like to slow it down. I am going to work on that for the month of December.
And remembering that the last 11 months were full. Really full. And fast. Too fast.
I went to yoga for New Year’s Eve and brought 2011 in peacefully, quietly and wonderfully.
There was skiing, three 30th birthdays, gym, yoga and football.
I turned 28 in February and became a redhead.
I made homemade fortune cookies.
We saw Michael Franti and Spearhead and John Mayer at Madison Square Garden.
We celebrated Kim’s 30th in March. In Europe. With Dave. Nothing and everything was the same after that trip.
We saw Billy Joel and Elton John in Albany.
I ran the Shamrock Run. First and last race of the year.
There was yoga, birthdays, Artisnal cocktails and blind dates.
There was Team Pixie Dust dinner dance and Passover. For 20.
April brought bonfires, yoga, ACS gala, tres leche.
I took a Photoshop course, through a surprise party for my brother at Mercato and went to LA.
In May we went and met the Mendelsen men. It’s a choir. And we love them.
I got new couches, went to meditation, heard Nacirema, drank Grey Dog raspberry ice tea.
I signed a lease.
I cooked ramps.
Went on a booze cruise which lead to changing roles, rules and expectations. Thank you Universe for teaching without hurting too much.
And then I moved. In. With. A. Boy. Roommate.
Had my first and only deer encounter. “Welcome to the country,” I was told.
Went to Dave.
And Mountain Jam.
Baby showers, Relay for Life, babies, Band of Horses and painted the rest of June.
The 4th / housewarming extravaganza.
Then the summer went so fast all of our heads spun. There were concerts.
And backyard BBQs, bonfires, butterflies and sunsets.
My ridiculously fabulous sister turned 21. I remember the day she came home from the hospital. She was very little. She had a curly ‘do. She smelled new. She smirked before she smiled, screamed before she coohed and had me in the palm of her hand before she opened her big brown eyes. Apparently praying for a baby sister every night for nine months worked. Years have passed and there have been ups and downs, but she still made it with grace to the legal age. May she have 100 more birthdays just as great as this one. I will make cake for every single one.
One day two crazy gals ripped out a hot tub from the ground. And then the following weekend built a stone patio. Talk about surprising yourself.
We threw a “Hello Fall BBQ.” This was to subsidize the lack of an end of Summer BBQ. This is also when I learned that everyone doesn’t love parties as much as I do. And I also learned that the same people love me enough to have them anyway.
There was FOOTBALL. Every time we played football in the park I wanted to watch the Daria episode where she yells, “FOOTBALL.” It was my closest connection to my gut reaction in playing the sport. I just wrote playing a sport and me in the same sentence. I think we should call someone about this.
In October I sent off a dear friend to California, my wingwoman. It was sad. I made cake. And that’s all I’m gunna say about that.
There were trips to walking towns, Sunday night dinners and the change of the seasons.
We celebrated Halloween (my most favorite holiday) with a house party. There was decorations, shenanigans and lots of laughter. Please note “Party’s Here” carving stage right.
We went to Philly to cheer on my brother-from-another-mother in his second marathon.
The gaping hole in this 2010 recap will be from mid-November to mid-December. That’s when everyday seemed to be, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Throw in a 10 year high school reunion, a few mind games and a dash of depression and we’ve covered that chunk of time just fine.
On to the end of December. We bought a Christmas tree. It was a humorous experience and worth every second guess of the “perfect” tree.
Holiday cheer and snow arrived around the same time.
Here we are. Prepping for New Year’s Eve again. How did that happen?
Wishing you all the best for 2011. Thank you for being here and allowing my creative outlet to invade your screen. I have a lot of faith that the best is yet to come. A lot.
There seems to be a lot of insanity going on in my life right now. I’m pretty sure it has nothing to do where I live, but this city mouse is freaking out in the country.
As my mother would say, “You have the tools to get through this.” Well, I am digging DEEP into the toolbox this week. The simple things are painful, the complex things unbearable, the surprise things are startling. One of my best pieces of advice that I dole out regularly to friends and loved ones is a gratitude journal. You spend a full month writing down three things you are thankful for each day. It changes your perspective, maybe even your life. It creates appreciation when there seems to be none. It makes you be positive in a world of negativity.
In starting my gratitude journal, I realized this was going to be manageable for me. Despite the miserableness that I have been walking around with the moments come quick when I have my pen out. I thought I would share my first few days and encourage you, yes you out there, to do the same.
December 1st
1. phone call with Nana, “Love you my darling.”
2. roommate to light the first night of candles with
3. phone call with Kim, seeing her comes soon
December 2nd
1. cleaning ladies
2. shopping with Toddly and Roomie for sheets, gosh they are funny
3. payday being tomorrow
Dcember 3rd
1. TGIF
2. lobster malabar
3. knowing that home is safe and your sweatpants live there
December 4th
1. Toni wanting to see me even when she has to study
2. Winning the door prize at the Creekside Adorning‘s Holiday Showcase
3. Koz
December 5th
1. gathering around the table
2. the ability to cook deliciousness
3. the smell of Noel’s tree
May you all find joy in the “little things.” Like chopping onions, silk scarves, cooking like a farm wife, and breathing.
“A natural expression of a loving heart,
The power of gratitude recharges our souls,
In giving thanks we help heal the world
And increase our abundance of blessings unknown.”
~ Katherine Scherer
It’s not often that you get to witness true love. Heck, I’m going out on a limb and saying it’s a rarity. I believe in love. The real mushy Love Actually kindof love. The get down on your knees and propose on national television kindof love. The walk towards your significant other and tear up kindof love. The your best friend is Amy kindof love.
A few weeks ago I helped my magical and slighty crazy little Italian Aunt Dee, of the wonderful Woodstock Hidden Kitchen, create a very special one-of-a-kind wedding in Woodstock, New York. The couple had rented a beautiful home where their friends and family stayed for the weekend. The perfect home for a reception.
The day of the wedding some people went to town for coffee and brunch, others mulled around and we got to business. Bringing in all local foods, including meats, vegetable, cheeses, breads and lots and lots of garlic was very important to the bride and groom. In fact, that is how they sought Dee out. Through the use of local and sustainable foods they wanted their wedding to be a foundation of earthly choices and an example for all.
As the couple went down to a landing for the reception…
The bridal party made a pit stop in the kitchen. The bride and groom had each had a chilled vodka shot before heading down. It was super cute that they had shared the same glass even though it was at different times.
When returning from the ceremony, the bride and groom made a toast to all of their guests. The day was truly about love. The friend kind. The family kind. The married to your love kind.
As the guests went inside tables of treats awaited.
After a long first course of cheeses, cristinis, olives, salads, marinades, figs, meats and herbs, the guests sat down to a multiple fabulocity course meal. Artichokes, stratachelli soup, manicotti, risotto and all with vegan options.
In our family, food is not only sustenance. It’s what we gather around the table for. Food is what you provide for the ones around you. Holidays, birthdays an celebrations all have food as a main event. That was the recurring theme of Kym and Tony’s wedding. Food and the people they loved all in one place.
It was a special little glimpse into a lifetime of happiness. We were blessed to have witnessed it. May we all find the happiness that they have. May it be infinite and cultivate goodness year after year.
“Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
My aunt Randi is celebrating her 50th birthday tonight with the girls and is my inspiration for this post. She is a firey red-head who has an impeccable fashion style. Her outfits often were a one-color theme, whether it was a red on red on red ensemble or a teal blue dress, shoe, pants and bracelets. A counselor by day AND a full-time mom of two rambunctious boys, Randi makes time for her family and friends. She creates fine pearl jewelry, delicious confections and personalized gifts for the ones she loves. She has kind way of talking to you about the most important of things, she is the one who can tell you what’s going on with who and she is the first person to extend a touch and kiss saying hello, good-bye or hello again. As she reaches her 50th year, may she always replicate the love she has been able to share. May she achieve all that she sets out to do. May she continue to listen to the voice within. Happy Birthday Aunt Randi, sending long distance love, hugs and kisses.
My aunt Wendi is Randi’s sister and from the Magic Mommy line. She is my most level of aunts, which is a great feat, especially when we are all together. Wendi has her hands full of hours and hours at Saltbox, being one of the best moms in the world to my boy cousin Justin and my girl cousin Cassie. She is strong and shows little fear to the outside world. Wendi has conquered the running, gyming and boxing world of the Upper West Side. In fact, I’d say she is looking damn good lately… She is also another of one the “Jewish Mafia,” making amazing foods and holidays. She creates the Magic Mommy way. The way you cook when there is heart and soul in the bowls, dishes and pots. Wendi has a soft voice and a direct message. We are the lucky ones that can hear it on a regular basis.
My aunt Deanna is my “little crazy Italian aunt.” She is married to my most favorite person, my Uncle Koz. They have two kids that are phasing out of direct parenting, being of the late teen and early twenties ages. Deanna creates the magical food and comfort daily. She has channeled her crazy Italian aunts and grandmothers to create homemade pasta, artichokes, stocks, stews, glazes and cuts of meat that melt in your mouth. The richness and sweetness of her dishes bring you to a happy place. Where you sit is rustic and antique all at the same time. Running a private hidden kitchen, creating magical events and feeding the soul is on the top of Dee’s to-do list. She also has a great passion for sharing the ways of the Slow Food movement, the teachings of Vandana Siva and how you can sustain nutrition in your community. There is a lot to learn from the spitfire.
My aunt Pattie is one of the kindest people I have ever met in my entire life. She is another fine example of a working mom in the real estate industry. She is also the ultimate cheerleader for everyone around her, whether it is a sibling, her husband or the people she cares about. Pattie makes sure to look at you when she is talking. She supports her local animal shelter and has dedicated hours and hours to breast cancer awareness and fundraising. She is gearing up for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer as we speak. Coming for an “extended” family tree line, I am blessed to have this “aunt” around for the last 20+ years of my life.
My aunt Ann is my biological father’s sister. The only women in that group of siblings, Ann has always held her own. She has been a strong single mother of my most beautiful and spirited cousin for as long as I can remember. Ann continues to be one of the great links to my Syracuse family. Her home is always open to me, her ear just a call away and her support unconditional. My fondest memories of her are mornings after sleepover at their house. We are around the table planning, skiing, shopping and other “upstate” adventures. I also remember when she lived in “the city” and how much fun it was to visit her apartment and office in the Empire State Building. I am also beyond thankful that she cares for my grandmother and looks in on her. Their relationship is a wonderful example of dedication and love between a mother and daughter. I know Ann will always be a straight shooter and a consistent part of my entire life, regardless of circumstance.
My aunts Carol, Michelle, Cheryl and Susan are also on that side of the family. They are bright and spirited women who have made me apart of the largest tree limb on my family tree. Marrying into this dynamic and strong family has brought them all together. Holidays, birthdays and reunions are spent catching up and keeping tabs. Like most women in my life, these aunts are strong and dynamic people who run businesses, homes and children (there are ten between them).
My aunt Judy is my mother’s older sister. She is the one out of all my aunts that has the most childhood memories attached to her. Holidays and birthdays were always a BIG deal. Judy made hand painted faced dolls, dollhouses and vanity sets all throughout my childhood years. Another foodie, Judy creates sweet treats and rich goodness for the people around her. She was proud of me for as long as I can remember. Her large heart is shared with those she councils, her two beautiful girls and her community. She has dedicated time to the Unitarian Church and encourages others to do so as well. I will always remember the possibility of someone new living at Judy’s house. As her couch was open to anyone in need for as long as they needed it.
My aunt Poppy is my mother’s oldest sister. And she is new, having only connected with our family in the last five years. Not knowing Poppy my entire life, she has taken a short few years to enter our hearts. My favorite qualities of hers are those that remind me of my Nana. She passed twelve years ago and I miss her all the time. So when Poppy reaches for a cabinet in the kitchen or makes a certain look of approval, I see my Nana. That is a great gift that she does not even know she is doing. Poppy is the mother of my Maine cousins, who are frequently brought, shuffled, and traveled for sports and school outings. She is a caretaker and counselor to others, making people’s lives easier to live. She runs with force, skis with spirit and says, “I love you” and means it.
My sister and I have known my aunt Linda as “Titi” for many years. She watched me after school from the time I was five and on and off for years later. She admired my non-picky eating as a child, let me in on secrets of the lettuce was really spinach, taught me to make her butter cookie and pasta fagioli recipes and cared for bumps and bruises. I stayed at her house when my sister was born twenty-one years ago. It was her late husband that picked me up from school on Friday’s because Steven (their son four months my junior) had been well-behaved and was being rewarded with a comic book. As the years passed, Linda became another one of my cheerleaders, keeping interest in my schoolwork, friends and jobs. At the last family gathering Linda said I looked beautiful. It was an important moment, as I knew she meant it.
“Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend.” ~ Spanish Proverb
The foodie hostess offered
Local cheddar cheese
Rochester brewed beer
Warm semolina bread
Mixed green salad with strawberries, blue cheese and balsamic
The spirited red-head brought
Soup with roasted pumpkin seeds
The token guy and his small princess offered the table
Paella with chicken, shrimp and sausage
The menu exploded with
BBQ chicken thighs and legs
Baked chicken on a bed of sweet kale
Pasta Primavera with fresh ricotta
Local corn on the cob
Complimented with
Malbec and Shiraz
Spicy Thai shrimp
And capped off with
Local apple pie and vanilla ice cream
Dark seasoned coffee
Countless laughter
Full bellies
A dash that warmed hearts
Promises to have a leftover dinner soon
And a splash of banter
All in a night’s view
This came out of my oven last night.
They are pillow cookies.
Inspired by the lovely Bakerella, I went to town with brownies, chocolate chips, cookie sheets and goodness.
They will be enjoyed by an unsuspecting group of friends tonight for Jon’s birthday. Jon (also known as Jonny Goose, Goose and you know, the one with the badge or the cop) is the kindof friend that comes and retrieves critters with little hands from your yard when they are trapped in a “safe trap” which is supposed to be a humane way for critters with little hands who eat your flowers to get out of your yard. He is the kindof friend that laughs out loud when you tell him you fed the critter with little hands celery because you felt bad and are paralyzed by fear. He is the kindof friend that says please and thank you. And means it. He is the kindof friend that really would do anything he could to help. He is the kindof friend that calls you for advice when he has to leave an awkward situation. He is the kindof friend that brings you a book on lifting weights for women because he thinks it will help and isn’t judging or challenging you. He is the kind of friend that isn’t sure where his journey is going to take him, but is ready for the adventure, whether he thinks so or not. He is the kindof of friend who thoroughly enjoys my cooking and tells me so. It doesn’t take much to appease me in the friendship department. Or move me to make pillow cookies, chocolate zucchini bread and strawberry cheesecake for a friend’s birthday.
More to come after the treats and spirits…
OMG, they have ramps at Adam’s! $11.99 lb. : – )
Immediately after there was trip to Adam’s Fairacre Farms in Kingston to purchase the much sought after ramps. Perhaps there was a ramp-dance and a commotion, but I feel that is a whole other post in itself.
What is a ramp you ask? I’d be happy explain. Ramps are an early spring wild onion / scallion / leek-like vegetable that grow between North Carolina, New England and Minnesota. They are in season only from late March to early May. It is the end of ramp season, so if you are interesting in making this a part of your life and want to receive great amounts of joy, order it off the next menu you see it on or keep it in your cranium filling cabinet for next spring.
Where did I first hear of said ramps? At dinner with my roomie at Mercato in Red Hook. We consider ourselves fairly (highly) educated people. Ones that did not know anything about ramps prior to the wonderful waitress providing the specials, “Ramps sautéed with garlic and olive oil with a dusting of shaved parmesan.” The beginning of the ramp-love-affair.
Fast forward through weeks of ramp ranting. Foodie blog post about pizza, menu items, biscuits and trends all kept appearing in front of my wide-eyed blues. Email chains, Facebook posts and photo texts. Phone calls, in-person gawking and post-it notes.
And then on a magical Sunday afternoon ramps were in kitchen.
The first adventure was Ramp Buttermilk Biscuits. This is an adaptation from Epicurious.com. The recipe was ramp and buttermilk biscuits with coriander (which I created minus the coriander).
First, I chopped up the ramps and introduced them to the buttermilk.
Then, the dry ingredients gathered nicely together.
Next the chilled butter and flour mixture had a lil party.
And because they were having so much fun, they invited the buttermilk ramp mixture.
This was hand-stirred until dough formed.
Pressing the dough out, making the rounds and getting them to the baking sheet was a lil ugly, I’ll spare you the details.
The cut rounds mellowed out on the baking sheet with parchment paper.
And were dressed with some scrambled egg.
The biscuits baked for about 20 minutes until they had a brown tan.
The biscuits were ready to go to the dinner party…
And we were very happy to have them… as in happily-ever-ramp-after.
The end.
The perks continue from here.
So it’s has become one of the main perks, what some would call a large perk. Perhaps even mahussive. Having a river flow through your front yard is kindof a big deal. I am happy to report that I not only have this perk, but completely appreciate it each and every day.
And when I leave this place that I have called home for the last nine months and go to my very own house, the river will still be there, in all of her glory, flowing as consistently as the night comes at the end of each day. I often wonder if people here realize how gorgeous she is. There are clubs and activists that talk about her often, but does neighbor Bob look at her the same way after being in her presence all of these years? I hope so. It would be a sad sad day when someone didn’t look out at this and didn’t smile or nod in appreciation.
And that big brother, he continues to be a perk. Sitting on a plane, waiting to take off, an overhead bin was opened and a laptop in said case, fell on said head.
The gentleman who owned the laptop said he was “sorry.”
I said, “it’s ok, I have a hard head.”
“He said do you have a brother?”
I pointed across the aisle.
“Then you have to have a hard head.”
The passenger wasn’t funny really, actually quite loud and lame. He was inferring that having grown up with a brother (which I didn’t) and getting beaten up (which I hadn’t) had made me a tough cookie. But the pointing to him, that was far from lame. It was a cross-country split second trip that made the instant brother / sister role even more apparent. Showing up. It’s a shared trait we had for someone who was in need. The trait thicker than blood.
The perk list has lately been overshadowed with one that I don’t exclusively benefit from. It’s more of everyone around me benefitting from one of my moving to the country perks.
It’s baking and cooking and sharing. The latest food successes were slow cooked pot roast, tres leche cake and a chocolate cheesecake with slow hand stirred ganache, that may have put people over the edge. I do believe my greatest compliments to date was at a dinner party. Among the bustle and chatter, there was an explosion of noise, “Oh my god… this is like food sex in my mouth.” The party ceased at that moment and all was right with the world as I had received my greatest foodie compliment to date. I created an orgasmic savoring moment in time. Nourishment that I had created with my own two hands. It’s that moment, the moment of unrequested compliment and compliance that makes cooking the “icing on the cake” of my existence.
I have spent a lot of time focusing on the perks, maybe it is to avoid the consciousness of what I am missing out on… Deciding what you are going to focus on in itself is a moment of growth. Not letting the negative be part of what you focus on. Choosing to be in the present with the country moments, those I would not had if I didn’t relocate, change things up, stir in some insanity to an otherwise “sane” martooni of an existence.
I can admit that my heart is still in Manhattan, perched on a ledge of my former UES patio, at the bar where everyone knows my name, at the corner of 19th and my favorite kitchenware store, in the back of an overpriced cab at three in the morning, in the neon sign of a regular stop in a twisted evening of adventure, in the heels hitting the uneven pavement and in my sister’s gorgeous face, once a single subway ride away.
