Redeeming dinner to be sure

Ooh, Nelly, this turned out well. I am telling y'all, I needed a win tonight, no matter how insignificant. We got two of Percy's dew claws cut -swear to god their length was setting records- and I pulled out my cast iron wonder skillet again to make some spinach-sultana-pistachio-stuffed chicken breasts. That skillet sears so nicely; you get such a terrific browning, and I love that each time it's used, it gets seasoned all the more. Fantastic product! So reasonably priced too!

Alongside our chicken, I made a turnip dish inspired by my mom's (and her mom's) Momo Potatoes, a most delicious blend of potatoes, onions, cheddar and bacon, all of which is cooked and comes together in a skillet. One pot, great outcome. Love it. Anyway, my version subbed Hakurei turnips for the potatoes, omitted the onions, replaced the cheddar with aged Gouda and definitely kept the bacon. This was an excellent riff and one I'd definitely make again. The aged Gouda just loves bacon and the turnips provide a delightful juxtaposition of sweet. Mmm! Alongside a trusty glass of Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc, well, I'm feeling on the up!

Trying Tuesday

I do believe this grotesque weather is getting everyone down, and too, today was just one of those in which I felt defeated at every turn. What a depressing way to experience a day, you know? The morning started too early, per the usual, with Oliver needing the bathroom and Nutmeg attacking Tom's toes. That cat is a toe hunter of the most serious sort. I ended up taking both child and cat down to the basement with some delusional idea that we'd all get back to sleep. No, Nutmeg sat on Oliver's head, both squirmed, I tried my hardest and at some point think I must have kicked them both out with a suggestion that Oliver go eat some cereal. An hour later, Tom woke me up with coffee and had fed the boys and pets. Amazing. I had a crappy migraine all day so did fit in a short nap which was helpful to some degree. After school pick-ups I was all set to go to the gym but when we arrived, we found that the Kids Club didn't open for another 30 minutes. Home we went. I think I almost cried at that point. I've just gotten the boys in bed and sense the timer has started ticking down to the time at which I'll simply have to go to bed, all the reading and writing I wanted to do be damned. Boo. How does life's to-do list grow ever longer when you feel all you do is try to cross things off and avoid adding? All that can be done for now is to make a good and satisfying dinner, take a breath and say aah.

Mardi Gras mambo pasta

As the pre-Mardi Gras season heats up and Meatless Monday was upon me, I found myself inspired by a purple cabbage and some Brussels sprouts in my fridge. As you may know, Mardi Gras colors are green, purple and gold, and if I added some lemon zest to the cabbage and sprouts, well, laissez les bon temps rouler.   

I slow-braised the Brassica* -sliced cabbage and slivered sprouts- in olive oil with sliced garlic, salt, crushed red pepper and lemon zest. I later added some of the pasta cooking water, ground white pepper, lemon juice and some fresh ricotta. We grated Parm over the top and quite enjoyed this meal.

*Brassica, aka cruciferous veggies or cole crops, is the genus that includes cabbages, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and so forth.