Ricotta in the potta, did a bad mood sweep over DC?

People, I was overcome by a desire for fresh ricotta this morning. It's been an unprecedented three weeks since my last batch -unreal!- so I just whipped up a pot, and it's curding away in the pot right now. I'll strain it just before I head out to get Ol in another 15 minutes or so. I love, love it with honey and walnuts. A breakfast or snack of champions. Mmm... And a stellar cook on food52 just alerted us all that rather than throwing out the leftover whey (I always hated to toss this goodness but hadn't a clue what else to do with it), we should use it to make a lovely polenta. Fantastic idea! T doesn't love polenta but I might foist some on him tomorrow night. I completely forgot that a friend was coming for lunch today, and when I got home from errands this morning, I -who see the warzone that is my home every day- I was shocked by its appearance. A 20 minute blitz ensued, and I'm quite satisfied.

For those of you who live in my area, have you had constant experiences with mean and/or rude people this morning? I have, and it's been a real bummer. A tractor trailer almost ran me over twice in his haste to go the the cul-de-sac near my house?? An old lady honked for a good 20 seconds at me after I tooted at her to go AT THE GREEN LIGHT, and a woman who parked directly in front of my house but took up two spaces, thereby rendering the remainder of each large enough for no more than a bike, refused to move up a few feet when I asked her in an exceedingly nice voice if it might be possible for her to do so. I'm tempted to just stay inside for the rest of the day but alas, such is not possible.

Off to strain curds!

"We made it, but just barely"

You know when parents (mostly moms) say they love every stage of their childrens' development and every moment spent with them? I just can't believe that's true. If so, then that person is a) lying or b) extremely well-suited to the job. Is that what the crazy 19-kid-and-counting-and-they're-all-named-J-names says? Must be. Anyway, T just said the above quote, and it is, unfortunately, true. I have to be honest in telling you that while I do enjoy most of the boys' stages, in general, I do not love even close to every moment we spend together. I'm tired of our days feeling like marathons that you're lucky to just get through, I'm tired of having to get psyched up each morning and tired of feeling so g-damn wiped out each evening. I'm tired of refereeing the dumbest-ever fights known to man (well, other than most religious wars and Congressional battles). While I know parenting doesn't get easier, I do look forward to the time -hopefully- when the kids will get a little more sloth-like, where they'll just sit and shut the eff up for a few minutes, where they don't feel that the must be attached and narrating to us at every moment. Sigh. It's really rather demoralizing, you know? You dream of kids, you get lucky enough to have happy/healthy/cool ones, you love them more than anything, but jesus h can they sap you of every ounce of reserve and strength. Yes, we just opened a much-deserved bottle of wine: the 2009 MollyDooker Maitre D', a Cab from Australia. By and large I really like MollyDooker wines but I think I mentioned a few months back that the newest release of their Syrah was totally ass'y. Bummer. Anyway, we are off to enjoy a delicious night o' homemade pizza and quiet.

I'm going to make a wonderful ribollita tomorrow in honor of Meatless Monday. That recipe is already posted, and it's great! Hope you are happy, cooking or eating, and feeling good.

PS- is anyone remotely surprised that Herman Cain dropped out? Seriously folks.

Compost roast was good, farmers market haul

This turned out quite well. I love roasted cauliflower with curry and associated spices, topped with a splash of red wine vinegar when it's just out of the oven. Great flavor combo!! And I don't think I'd roasted fresh ginger before, but boy is that delicious. We made a big haul at the farmers market this morning, and, as usual, the boys ate their way through the stalls as we went- apples here, an empanada there, a cookie, cider...

Look at these scarlet turnips!! I love turnips and also got some gold balls and rutabagas. Off to swim lessons.

Oh my gosh, reprieve. Tom is taking the boys to swimming. Yay!!