I apologize for the lack of posts this week, but I promise I have a good reason: we moved! We found out on Tuesday when our plane home from Chicago landed in Portland that we finally had a house, so the next few days were crammed with packing, UHauls, Priuses packed to the brim, and oh, a couple gigs. It was nuts. But I’m back, I swear! Here’s this week’s Friday finds.
1. Teriyaki Eggplant with Cashew Herbed Coconut Rice
This teriyaki eggplant and cashew herbed coconut rice looks awesome. I love anything Asian, I love when rice is made into something bright and interesting, and I love eggplant. This dish fits the bill!
2. Espresso Granita with Whipped Cream
Smitten Kitchen’s take on a traditional affogato freezes the coffee instead of the ice cream, and the pour over is more of a dollop. But this one is even better for the hot days we’ve been having in Portland.
3. My Life in France by Julia Child
When we were in Chicago, Jonah took me and Alison into Myopic Books in Wicker Park, where I found a used copy of My Life in France by Julia Child for about half its usual price. So of course, I sat in a comfy chair in the corner and started reading, and couldn’t put it down. I brought it back to Portland, and am still savoring each page. It’s so neat to read about someone else’s discovery of their passion for food and cooking.
4. Butcher block island
While my new kitchen is wonderful, it certainly lacks some counter space. We’ve put a long dresser that’s about 3 feet tall along one empty wall (and we’re hoping to cover it with butcher block if we can), but for the time being, this IKEA butcher block island that used to reside in Jonah’s and my old bedroom has been a life saver. It’s small enough that it doesn’t take up our whole kitchen, but has the added benefit of storage (we’re using the shelves for pots and pans) and cutting board space.
5. Lauretta Jean’s Pie
Last Saturday morning we played an early morning set at the PSU Farmers Market. It was really fun, and afterwards I treated myself to a slice of strawberry rhubarb pie from Lauretta Jean’s stand. I considered it fuel for moving day. They had just made a fresh batch of whipped cream to top my slice, and man oh man, it was good. Their crust was fantastically crispy and flaky.