Crostini night, closure on the weird sighting

I am soooo tired right now. Not totally sure why but it might have something to do with the fact that I just spent four hours in a windowless room in my basement reading transfer applications like a speed-addled automaton. I did take a desperate break for some coffee, and it was on my way to the shop that I saw my second viewing of the "car turned on but missing a driver and passengers." I must follow up and tell you that on my return amble home, I saw the owner driving the car away. He was - not really to my surprise, and no I'm not being ageist - extremely elderly and was definitely taking it slow. This car was a land-yacht and not a new one. Anyway, I'm still puzzled but at least the battery didn't die on him while he was where he was.

T has a work dinner, and I decided that I must make some fava bean-mint-pecorino puree and a thyme-spinach pesto with a preserved lemon cream for a solo crostini night. Sounds fab. Can I stand up though? That is the $65,000 question.

Really weird repeat sighting

About two and a half hours ago, Oliver and I took a walk; I gave up the ghost on the nap. Anyway, we passed an empty car, windows fully rolled down, parked at a meter, keys in the ignition, on! I commented on the oddity but assumed the owner was trusting and nearby.I just walked back by the same car. It's still on, still empty. I guess you gotta admire the honesty of the many passerby but still...

Compost salad, perseverance in the kitch

Y'all, last night I made the grand mistake of simultaneously making risotto (stir, add broth, stir, add broth, repeat x5, don't stop stirring) and my lemon pie which requires vigilance and constant whisking over a double boiler. I got the double boiler for my birthday, at the last minute decided I wanted a lemon fluff pie instead of French Silk (and lemon fluff requires a pre-cooked shell) and didn't start the risotto or pie until 6:30p. As you may have surmised if you read Em-i-lis, I have a stubborn streak that isn't small. I can also be extremely willful when it comes to cooking. Generally these characteristics make for fun and courage in the kitch, both of which serve any cook well. In fact, I'd venture to say that if you don't enjoy the process and/or aren't willing to take risks, cooking shouldn't be your game plan beyond PB&J or similarly simple pursuits. Um- I hear Oliver who has clearly snuck out of his crib again and is considering come down when he knows he's supposed to be napping. I'm going to ignore him.

Anyway, the risotto turned out fine, though I have to say that for all the incredible ingredients, it was rather mild (read: underwhelming) on the palate. I'd as soon have roasted asparagus, a pea salad, and ramp pesto than hide them all in rice, but bygones. Bizarrely, it's a little better today; the concept of leftovers is not one often used in the same breath as risotto...

Oliver is now snickering on the stairs, and tempting me to respond. How will I ever get anything done if I don't at least have his naptime to count on? I'm stubborn about the amount of TV the boys watch too. They don't get much.

Anyway, while cooking said tame risotto, I was also going to town on the egg yolks and other stuff in the double boiler.

Oliver just came in and said "I snuck down, Mommy." No shit.

I guess I didn't let the egg mixture thicken long enough because after I removed the pie from the oven with the glorious-looking meringue top all golden brown and puffed and cut into it, I found a soupy mess on the bottom. Sad. I cooked the pie for a lot longer and it finally firmed up. Today, it looks ugly but is delicious. Go stubbornness! Go perseverance!

Look at this fab salad I enjoyed for lunch! Freshly picked lettuce is the bomb!