random things that make me happy

things that are making me happy today:

1. the new economist app for my iphone (i can read on the bus but not carry an extra thing!)

2. finding non-homogenized milk (so i can experiment with cheesemaking over break) and pasteurized eggs (making homemade mayo that much safer, or at least making my friends feel more confident about it)

3. composting

4. rainbows (i saw one today. in mid-november. and there were tornado watches)

5. it is almost time to cut down a christmas tree and settle into the holidays

6. i am a month from finishing my first semester of grad school. which has been even more overwhelming than i had imagined it could be.

bacon & brussel sprouts

twice in the last two weeks dan has made us dinner based on this recipe. we’ve been keeping the bacon & brussel sprouts and making a few additions or subtractions depending on the csa. last week it was pretty close to the original, with fresh figs & the addition of spinach and kale. tonight it was with kale & dates. we used quite a bit fewer dates than figs, but we probably could have kept out a few more. they’re so candy-like it gets to be overpowering. (on a side note, how have i never discovered figs before? love them!)

we’ve found that maple smoked or sugar cured bacon works best for this, in terms of adding a subtle other layer of flavor. that said, there can be too much when it comes to that crunchy salty goodness: the first time we made this recipe (a year ago?), we doubled the bacon. which was a mistake. just in case anyone is tempted.

stats exam tuesday. then on to thanksgiving & finding a way to deal with a bunch of apples and pears. i’m thinking sauces of various kinds. maybe some scones. wish me luck.