Pies, pies, pies

Earlier today, with six pounds of ribs and 6 ears of corn in one hand, and Percy on the other, I got flipped off by a lunatic woman who had stopped in the pedestrian crosswalk instead of just before it. A stop sign! A crosswalk! A bus stop! Benches! Was it really a surprise that a pedestrian might be walking by? Because she deigned to stop (the law), I and my dog-n-parcel entourage opted to cross the street in front of her car (my right) at which point she started gesticulating offensively, and as soon as Percy's paw had cleared her wheel, she roared off in a fit of rage. I gave her the go-and-die look and hoped she didn't kill someone before she got home. The kids were on the wrong side of fantastic early this morning so after getting effed off by a crazy lady, I decided to throw in the towel and stay away from all people as best I could for the remainder of the day.

In the meantime, I made two chocolate-almond cakes and while they cooled, two pies. I LOVE PIE!!!

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Jack asked that blackberry pie be his birthday breakfast, and I felt that a 4th with sour cherry pie would be superb. So, both! While they cooked, I iced those gorgeous Reine de Sabas and then tossed them in the freezer. Et voila!

Presently, curried cauliflower is roasting in the oven as are some collard green and chorizo handpies. At 7:44am tomorrow morning, my oldest little sweetheart, Jack, will be 7. Aah. Have I ever told you the story of the night he was born? I had my first contraction at 2:10am and we quickly realized they were like a minute apart. We called the doula, she said "go to the hospital." Tom went to wake my parents, I plugged in my curling iron. My Mom came up and said, "what on Earth do you think you're doing?!" I unplugged the curling iron, and we left. T smuggled White Star in that evening, and that was that. Wasn't he a beauty? Still is, inside and out!

just-born jack

Magnificent Meatless Monday meal

El had to get packing this afternoon, and I made mujaddara for 15 before pulling some old faves from the recipe vault for a meatless Monday meal. What stars they are, and why don't I make them on a more frequent basis! Now I will. Roasted, curried cauliflower! Zucchini-feta fritters! Absolutely scrumptious, simple, bright, veggie-heavy, and both make great leftovers. zucchini-feta fritters

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The red wine vinegar in the cauliflower is absolutely the perfect, critical addition!

For a carb'ier dish, I also made a creamed mushroom crostini: mushrooms sauteed with some butter and olive oil, fresh marjoram, thyme, splashes of Cognac and cream near the end. And then, a sprinkle of young chevre before spooning over toasted baguette. Another simple yet super-tasty and satisfying dish. Presently, I'm getting creamed in Scrabble; this is not my style.

creamed mushroom crostini