On Routines and New Hobbies
It's the first day of school! Spawn is off to start third grade and I finally get my days back. Happy day!
Look, I know what you're thinking. What kind of mom rejoices at seeing her kid less? How about a mom who had to meet a deadline with a bored eight-year-old underfoot?
I love my kid. I do! But I've long since realized that everyone around here is happier with a routine. Spawn's involves the structure of school. Mine requires the ability to enjoy my coffee in silence before getting to work for the day without someone needing something from me. So we're all winners.
Speaking of winning, as a result of my current lack of deadline, I've been filling my time trying out new recipes. The development actually was not my idea, but Mr. Jaye's, after he got sick of me whining about being bored and restless. I have to say, I'm enjoying this new hobby. It's kind of sad how excited I am to be the proud owner of a new food mill. Regardless, I tried two new recipes this weekend that I thought I'd share.
First, a chili pepper jam, courtesy of David Rocco. I saw this made on the chef's show and decided I'd try it out. Unfortunately, the chilis the host used weren't available, so I decided to use serranos and habaneros. Here's a helpful tip: Don't remove the seeds from habaneros without gloves. You'll thank me for this advice when your hands aren't tormented with the fires of hell. In case you ignore me–at your own peril!–soaking your hands in milk helps.
Anyway, the jelly is actually quite delicious. The habaneros gave it a slightly smoky flavor but the vinegar and sugar toned down the heat so it's not too spicy. I served it with cheese and crackers but there are tons of ways to use it.
The other new recipe I made was fried chicken. Spawn requested this for his birthday dinner, and since I'd never made fried chicken before I scoured the web for a good recipe. Enter Tyler Florence. Here's the link to his recipe. The herb-and-garlic infused oil and sirracha spiced buttermilk made the chicken crazy flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again. Served with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans cooked with a little bacon and beef stock.
On a related note, I started running again this morning. A requirement if I'm going to keep this cooking hobby going.
Link!
I wrote a post today at The League of Reluctant Adults about how to not be a writing poser. Check it out here.
