And we're off

The 4:50 wake-up was not awesome, but the kids are so excited and darling. We're on the plane, and all looks well. Louisiana fam, food and sun- we are a'coming!

Mardi Gras cauliflower, chimichurri steaks, salad from the garden

I.Am.So.Tired. Brought it on myself, I know, and am happy to have done so, but I gotta tell you that today took some effort. In any case, dinner was fab. Steaks with the chimichurri, roasted cauliflower with marconas, capers and cherries, and a gorgeous salad from our garden topped with blue cheese and tomatoes. Yum, yum, and so much more fun than the dreaded task I now face: packing. I detest packing though I hate unpacking even more, and of course, ironing trumps both for worst chore. But I have really done a hell of a job procrastinating today, and now, as my sleepy eyes beg me to let them rest, I simply must fill the suitcase and zip it shut. We leave at 5:30 tomorrow morning, so you can see why I can't wait any longer.

Did anyone see Melissa Clark's recipe for olive-Gruyere bread in today's NYT Dining section? I am making that stat!

Chimichurri

I absolutely adore this sauce. The piquancy and color derived from parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper and cumin never fail to perk me, and any food with which I sauce it, up. Recipe is posted (as are those for the recent coconut cream pie and radish fritters)!