cooking and writing

Lemon and chocolate tart slivers topped with
whipped cream flavoured with Grand Marnier.


Thanks so much to those who posted or e-mailed information about Fast Break chocolate bars, or offered to mail me some. Blake Hodgetts (thanks, Blake!) directed me to a Web site where I could order a box. While I was there, I noticed some other types of chocolate bars that I've never seen before (like Reeses WHITE chocolate peanut butter cups!). Must visit the U.S. again soon. :-)



Jon preparing the appetizers.


Most of today's Blatherpics are from a small dinner party hosted by our friend Jon Steinberg on the weekend. Man, can this guy cook! The menu:

Prosciutto & Regianno Parmesan Potstickers

Salmon Tartare with Orange CrËme Fraiche

Fish: Black Cod with Orange Onion Salad

Sorbet: Lemon, lime and ginger

Fowl: Poached Duck Breast Roulade, Rest of Duck and Duck Crackling

Game: Venison & Mushroom Daube

Dessert: Lemon and chocolate tarts ("Two Tarts because one is too tart.")

Everything was amazing. In fact, I'm getting hungry just remembering the meal again.



Black cod with orange onion salad.


As my arms continue to improve, I'm starting to cook more. My current favorites are stew and salad recipes from the Moosewood Restaurant Cooks At Home. I go to the market a few times a week to buy fresh ingredients; I usually bundle up and turn it into a run on the way there, a walk (with loaded backpack) on the way home. Snowstorms just make it all that more exciting. :-)

This past week, I've made Tunisian Vegetable Stew and Sicilian Seafood Stew. I also made a salad dressing with walnut oil which tasted ghastly. I bought the walnut oil on impulse, wanting to make something with it, and found a recipe online. A bad recipe, obviously. Anyone out there know a good walnut oil recipe?

I love stews because they're easy; just chop everything up, toss it into the pot, and let it cook itself. Because my arms get tired chopping, I do a little bit at a time over several hours. The simmering phase is my favorite, when flavours mingle and mellow. Reminds me of the writing process, really.

Speaking of writing, things are going pretty well though somewhat ploddingly. I have a kitchen timer in my office which I set for 20 minutes when I start working; even when using ViaVoice, I still have to do some manual typing. When the alarm goes off, I force myself to walk away from the computer and do something else for a few minutes to give my arms a break, like studying Italian or German, doing arm exercises, cooking, going for a run.

I've finished my basic character outlines and am working on plot background and plot outlining now.



Took this photo on the way home from my last physio session (today).
I'm determined to really make it my last session this time.
No more setbacks!

January 2004 comments: Read | Post | LJ