Ode to carrot cake

The humble carrot cake, neither new nor chic,If done well, iced right, can be the most scrumptious treat. Moist with oil and carrot shreds galore, Studs of raisins and walnuts leave me ever wanting more. The perfect combination of autumnal spice, Cinnamon, vanilla, cream cheese together are SO nice.

Never should this treat involve pineapple or coconut- A morning glory or fruit cake it's decidedly not. And beware bad frosting, too waxy or smooth, All these mistakes guarantee you'll lose.

Multiple layers are always quite satisfying, held together by yet more creamy cheese binding. And those kitschy orange carrots piped from still more frosting, Do much for the pleasure derived from a carrot cake feasting.

I'm not a big snacker, but at the market this morn, I laid eyes on a three-layer slice calling to me like a horn. Without hesitation, I added it to my cart with glee, Hurried home, grabbed a fork, and jumped in, just me!

"Is it Monday?" he asks, aghast

No, it's not, but tofu with peanut sauce is YUM, no matter the day. Ultimately, T agreed, as he always does because he likes tofu. Really likes it. Me too when it's prepared well. You've got to drain it in a serious fashion and then I prefer it cooked over a high heat so you get the tofu equivalent of grill char on a chicken breast. I happened to have both tofu and bok choy in the fridge so it just seemed like a natural direction to take dinner in a slightly Asian direction. I say slightly because I know next to nothing about Asian cooking techniques and dishes other than that I enjoy eating them.

In any case, seared and then oven-roasted tofu + sauteed/steamed bok choy. I also made some mirin-lime rice, and T made me a deLIGHTful vodka gimlet to go alongside. Amen. I like this recipe.

Christmas is almost here!

I am feeling terribly festive as the final week before Christmas speeds by. I just love this time of year. One of my favorite images is the old Christmas tree lashed to the top of the car, and it's been a treat to keep my eyes peeled for that sight lately.

Our advent calendar (a cute felt/magnetic affair) is looking quite full, the tree is hanging on to its freshness (we did get it early this year; eek), the stockings are hung, presents are wrapped, cookies seem to be breeding... This will be the first time our little family has spent Christmas alone, without extended family joining us. I am hopeful that it doesn't feel lonely for the boys but, rather, just relaxed and calm. I'm glad we're going to see Seussical at the Children's Theater and that we have this playful kitten to keep us amused. Presently, Nutmeg is hauling ass around the dining room, chasing a marker with glee and a hunterly focus. Percy remains rather nervous, as might I if a tiny furball regularly pranced sideways around me, claws extend, always ready to lay in with a right hook, seemingly unaware of its diminutive size.

I'm about to get started on a leek confit, need to thaw and then make a few more Christmas cookies and get working on another gumbo. Tomorrow, we're doing an early Christmas with T's parents as they're then heading to CT for Grandma's 90th birthday celebration over the weekend. 

The only aspect of this Christmas season that's really weird is how warm it is. Lately, by about 2p, you really don't need a coat, or at least not much of one. Though January and February are usually much colder than the final months of the preceding year, the temperatures we've had lately are oddly high. I feel like I used to during Christmas in Louisiana where it wasn't uncommon to wear shorts while opening gifts from Santa. But here? We've not really had any snow since Snowmageddon, a couple years back. This article from Grist suggests that for many Americans, White Christmases are going to become increasingly rare. Here's hoping for a whole lot of political action on a whole host of issues soon!!!