No, it’s not the remnants of our leftover Christmas Tree. It’s fresh dill. Found (in the off season) in those handy little plastic boxes near the bagged lettuces (which I never buy, except for the romaine hearts because romaine is a wild creature in its raw form and the crunchy hearts are the best part anyway).

And when the outside world looks like this:

It’s more important than ever to find ways to taste life (and I am talking literally here because I no longer have any interest in going outside).

So, go ahead and make this Dill and Chicken Soulvaki for dinner. After many consecutive weeks of homemade soups, we were both shocked at how alive and fresh this tasted. I even broke out the new mandolin, which is a genius invention for tricking husbands into thinking you’ve developed Top Chef worthy knife skills. Plus, when the cucumbers are all uniformly slippery and thin, they really soak up all that lemon juice, olive oil and salt (a brilliant combination, I must say. Like us).

Notes on recipe: I used a regular cucumber, grilled chicken just prior, had tortillas not flatbreads and absolutely recommend waiting until you have actual greek yogurt on hand because it makes all the difference. I used this one. I also added an extra teaspoon or so of fresh dill right at the end, so it stood above all the other flavours.

Yes, Ina would be proud.

Speaking of Ina (aka the famed Barefoot Contessa), I have added a link to Ina’s insider Guide to Paris on my Paris page, which I plan to finally get working on. If you are going anytime soon, you will want her list (save the hotel she recommends, which is about 800 euros per night).

There’s a lady in California who writes a blog I’ve been reading lately. You can visit her here if you like.  On her far right coloumn, she left this little quote:

“You don’t really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around – and why his parents will always wave back.”

- William D. Tammeus 

What a sweet image.

The photo is from here. This weekend, my mom told me never to make a loaf of bread. What kind of motherly advice is that?! Probably good advice. Anyway, it inspired me to start searching around for an easy bread recipe and I found this one. I am bookmarking it here for the New Year.  Between bread-making and dance classes, I’m sure going to be a busy wife.

Domestic Reflections

Building a little house by the big woods

Have a quiet and reflective Remembrance Day,

Jen

Photo via Emma’s Design Blog

Pumpkin Muffins…check.

Vegetarian chili…check.

Hang-over that makes Ash say things like, “I want to pass away”…unintended, but check.

I think my work here is done.

At least for a Monday.

Will have some pictures of this weekend for you soon. In the meantime, here’s the Pumpkin Muffin recipe. Fall is so delicious.

WHOLE WHEAT PUMPKIN MUFFINS
4 c. whole wheat flour
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. brown sugar (loosely packed)
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin (not pie filling)
1 1/2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter, melted
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl (try not to get as much flour all over the kitchen as I did. Add remaining and mix just until combined. Bake in muffin tins for 15 minutes, though I found my oven took about 20 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen moist muffins. Butter them and serve with a latte, you won’t regret it.

Dear Ash,

I made an executive decision, pending your response. Kat’s coming over, we’re making spicy black bean burgers, you will love me, even when it’s hard.

I bought this little greenhouse for my grandma, who passed away this year. Now it’s a nice reminder of her and the secret way she had with food. The difference between dried herbs and fresh herbs is a taste of life. A punch of joie de vie that will strike the ignition of your taste buds. Tonight, for Champagne Wednesday, the rosemary will make it into a marinade for pork tenderloin. Ash should be home with the Champagne soon…

Inside lives fresh: Rosemary, Thai Basil, Regular Basil and Thyme.

PS: in behind the greenhouse is my pink espresso print from Etsy seller, Annechovie, another steal at $20.

Greenhouse from Ikea, but many moons ago.