memory, remixed.

Last night, after a long day, I wanted comfort food. Something easy. Something good. There was a slight chill in the air, and my couch was beckoning me.

Growing up, when my mom was really tired and needed to feed her starving child (that's me!), our favorite lazy food was leftover Cuban white rice with two fried eggs on top and a smidge of hot sauce. My mother and I were never fans of runny yolks, but for this meal, we allowed it. We would chop up the egg and stir it around the rice, so that every morsel of the rice had a touch of yellow and a delicious fried white tidbit to boot.

I was delighted when I remembered that I had a huge batch of risotto that I had cooked with Stella Artois the night before with bits of garlic and onion. I decided to try to make poached eggs successfully (my first attempt ever at making them was the day before. total egg fail.) and serve it with my risotto. I made two perfect poached eggs, over my warm and creamy beer risotto, and served it with a drizzle of piri piri. I made a side of heirloom tomato salad in a sherry vinaigrette.

It was perfect.

Just like mom used to make....but better. Sorry, mom.

Unclever Number 4

I think I have finally recovered from Friday's dinner. Yes, it's Sunday morning. Between the lot of us, we killed 12 bottles of wine, and probably half of my working brain cells.

The Menu:

ground cherries
baguette w rosemary butter
cherry tomato, 5 olive mix, feta and fresh basil w lemon vinaigrette
grilled fava beans
scallion risotto
creme brulee

The creme brulee was supposed to be of the key lime persuasion, however, was unable to find the juice. I was smart enough, however to buy butane in advance from what could possibly be my new favorite store on earth. Therefore, there was freshly scorched creme brulee. Had to do the 'tap tap crack' with a spoon on top and everything. So good.

I must say, sometimes I think, oh what's the point of doing these dinners, whatever I make is going to be terrible. I stress out about time management and getting the right seasonal ingredients. Then people get here, and everyone is so gracious, and open to meeting new people, and visibly and audibly enjoying what I've made them. I'm exposing them to something new sometimes, or revisiting an old favorite. It makes it all worthwhile.

At the end of every dinner, as people are kissing their goodbyes, phone numbers are being exchanged, facebook additions are being talked about, I sit back and my heart warms a little, because this is what my family and life in Brooklyn is like. And I wouldn't change a thing.

I'm already thinking about the next one...

Who Knew?

Last night was the third gathering of the Unclevery Named Eating Society.

On the menu:

Salad:
Mesclun, cherry tomatoes, pepitas, cucumbers, cotija in a chipotle-lime vinaigrette

Build your own tacos!
Cuban style black beans with sherry vinegar
Chile lime shrimp
Rice
Cotija
Grilled Zucchini

Dessert:
Vanilla bean creme brulee w fresh cherries

I blew my own mind with the creme brulee, no lie. It would have been perfect if I would have purchased butane for my torch, but we used the broiler and it worked just fine. Juuuuuuust fine. I still have two in my fridge. Not for long! I've never been a dessert maker, but I'm learning that I can actually pull it off! Will wonders ever cease?

Whew

Life is starting to feel a little more normal now. Just got back from a much needed vacation. Tomorrow is the first day back to work. However, what I noticed that I missed the most lately, (besides Brooklyn in general) was my kitchen. Sure, I cooked while I was in Florida....but it wasn't MY kitchen, with ingredients that I picked, and no ingredient restrictions. And it's been years since I cooked on a regular stove. Literally, about 6 years. How does one cook properly on a non gas stove? Egads.

I also realized how spoiled I am with food. I had to give up and not think about where my food was coming from, or what it was cooked in, and how it was going to ravage my body. I hated it. After living in Miami for 26 years, and thinking I was so healthy and eating so fresh, then coming to New York and discovering what it was like to really eat, and what was really fresh, and what really mattered, it was jarring. Not to say, that you can't find fresh food in Miami. You can, of course. But you have to dig like all bloody hell. It's not like there's a farmer's market in every neighborhood. Going to Publix, an event that I used to look forward to so much, made me so sad. Sure, they have an "organic" section, but, ew, really? That's what you call asparagus? That's what you call fennel? That's an heirloom tomato?

Needless to say, I cooked a lot today. I made dinner, and then a vat of wheatberries w cinammon and cranberries for breakfasts throughout the week, and I also made a spicy lentil soup for lunch and dinner. I have some Satur Farms bok choy that could use a little flash saute and would be fab on top of the soup. I'm thinking of a zucchini torte, a fingerling gratin, key lime creme brulee....the mind reels. Oh, to have real food again, what bliss.

Red Lentil Soup w Fried Radishes and Snap Peas

Today is Father's Day, and while all my dear sweet husband wanted today was just to relax, I wanted to at least make him a special dinner.

I had a few left over things from our first CSA share pick up yesterday, and some gigantic radishes from the market earlier in the week and a shitload of lentils, so I decided on soup. I didn't have any vegetable stock or bouillon handy, so I had to improvise. God knows I love some MacGuyver cooking. I kept evolving the recipe in my head as I was cooking, adding a little of this and a little of that. I was ecstatic with my results

All ingredient amounts are approximate, as I do not measure and prefer to eyeball it.

2 shallots
5 cloves of garlic
1 1/2 cup of red lentils
pinch of cumin
sherry vinegar
chili oil
4 cups of water
1 cup of wine
4 jumbo radishes
handful of snap peas
olive oil
salt
pepper
splash of milk

Roughly chop the shallots and garlic in oil, pepper, and cumin. When they're nice and brownish add the lentils and stir around for about a minute or two. Add the water and wine and bring to a boil. After about 20 minutes check for tenderness. If they're soft enough, go ahead and add the salt, sherry vinegar and chili oil. I use piri piri which is a Portuguese chili that I am obsessed with. Use a hand blender to thicken the soup, adding a splash of milk if necessary.

Seperately, slice the radishes into discs, but not too thin. In a heated pan with oil, add the radishes with salt and pepper. Let the radishes caramelize a bit on each side. When radishes start to brown, add the snap peas and maybe a splash of chili oil too for fun. Once the radishes are fully cooked, serve on top of yr soup.

Surprisingly amaaaaazing.

Coming Attractions

Part of the reason why the blog is so wordy and not so picture-y, is because I have an unfortunate computer. It tries my patience, and it wins daily. However! I will be rectifying that situation soonish. So there's that.

Hazard as a Blog is going to also get a facelift. I keep experimenting with this and that, but it's still not quite the way I'd love it to look.....so I've got some creativey types working on some more aesthetically pleasing situations.

Finally, I'm contemplating changing the name of this blog. When I first started, I intended this to be more of a mommy-centric blog. However, as much as I love motherhood and as much as I love my son, this blog has grown to be more about my selfish goodies...more of what mommy wants, less of what other mommies should do. It has evolved, as I have, into something a little more organic and substantial. I'll always fondly recall my days as a Hazard, (and yes, sometimes she does magically reappear after a few too many martinis) but Hazard is all grown up now.

Got a name suggestion? Holler at your girl.

xoxo

Inspired

Lately, I've been doing a whole lot more reading than writing. Good news is, I'm so inspired and have so many ideas wandering around in my head. Bad news is, I have no time and I'm a bad blogger.

I've decided to share some of what's been moving me....hopefully, it will do the same for you!

Blogs:
Simply Photo - my friend Jen's blog. Her pictures make me weepy. No lie.
Simply Breakfast - I want to eat breakfast like Jen.
Not Eating Out in NY - I wish I had time to not eat out.
Pink of Perfection - So cute!
101 cookbooks - Everything I've ever made by her is amazing!
Smitten Kitchen - You can make brilliant food in tiny kitchens. Highly recommended!

Books:
Alice Waters and Chez Panisse - Astonishing how much of an impact one person can make.
Super Natural Cooking - Heidi Swanson's physical counterpart to her website, 101cookbooks.com


TV:
Spain...On The Road Again - Full confession, this show has made me stop hating Gwenyth.

I'll be going crazy for the next few weeks, but soon I'll be posting pics from our last Uncleverly Named Eating Society meal, and letting you know what's on the next menu.

xoxo

The Second Supper

Yeah, that whole part about me posting the menu and letting you know and what not? *ahem*

Well, dinner was great. Here is what we ate:

Radishes w Rosemary and Cilantro Butters and Fresh Bread

Sauteed Ramps and Fiddlehead Ferns w Roasted Garlic
on Gnocchi w Shaved Pecorino

Baked Apples in a Buttery Prosecco Sauce w Cinammon

I usually hate everything I make. Total hater. Not this. This shit was the jam. It was simple. It was tasty. It wasn't too much. It wasn't too little. It was comforting. But it made you say "Wtf is this green thing? A fiddlehead fern? WTF IS THAT?" all while loving the flavor. And how.

Needless to say, the first gathering of the Uncleverly Named Eating Society went well. And, since I'm organized this time, I can officially announce this Friday's upcoming menu. You excited? Me too, cos it's GORGE!

appetizer:
grilled asparagus and fiddlehead ferns w a dijon hollandaise.

salad:
mesclun, radish, pan fried manchego and pignoli w fennel seed vinaigrette

1st plate:
mussels in a garlic wine sauce

2nd plate:
quinoa croquette, cucumber dill relish w feta and greek yogurt sauce

dessert:
rhubarb cobbler w mint ice cream

and always: bread. herbed butter. olives.

As much as possible, I'm going local. Even my gnocchi was local. So local it was from 3 blocks away. As much as I'd like it to be, I doubt that my local gnocchi was organic. You give and take. You can't have it all.

Hopefully, dinner pics will come soon. However, the midget did steal the camera in the middle of dinner, so I only have 1 picture from that night, and really, it's half a picture. If you were there, send me yr pics. I'd love some food porn.

Meanwhile, this week....it's all about foraging for the feast ahead. If you have any brilliant ingredient ideas, lemme know. I'm game....I have another dinner party in 3 weeks to think about.

xoxo.

Uncleverly Named Eating Society

I've been a little slacky. Well, not really. I've been busy!

Let's see... I got promoted, moved to a new store. (Yeay, me!)
I started working out with a personal trainer, and then, when I moved to the new store, ended up gaining 6 lbs. (Eff you, baked goods)
Most importantly and exciting though, I came up with a tremendous idea on how to keep in touch with my friends. But still cook. And be social. And drink wine.

I've created The Uncleverly Named Eating Society. No, I'm not kidding, I really named it that. Eventually, if I do find a clever name, then mayhaps I'll change it. But for now, I'm totally okay with that moniker. I've been dying to go to one of these underground supper club situations, but don't have time, and the majority, (save for 4 Course Vegan) are all a little too carcass-arrific. I figured this would be a great way to see all the friends that I have the "OMG, we need to hang out, for real. Let's do dinner/brunch. It's been too long. Yadda yadda" conversation with way too often. This, coupled with my overwhelming love of cooking and want to experiment with even more seasonal and local ingredients, allows me to kill several metaphorical birds with one stone. Just like one of the supper clubs, I send the menu out early in the week, ppl RSVP, and voila, a dinner party is born!

Wanna get all up in it? Join the Uncleverly Named Eating Society group on Facebook. If I don't know you, give me a valid reason why you should be allowed entry. Or woo me with what treats you'll bring me.

First one is this Friday. Menu comes out tomorrow. Will post it here and on the group's page. Off I go to menu plan!!

xoxo

Masquerading

you can see the rest of them here.

Tria

Yesterday, Auden and I went for a stroll in the freezing cold cos we had cabin fever.

Grabbed some coffee at Verb (which, ugh, people, how 90s are you?), bought Gerald a book by Mr. Gainsbourg at Spoonbill, popped into Whisk (ran into a super old bud from Miami, totally random), and then headed down to Tria.

Ever been? You should go. I was always a fan of Blue Canary Vintage at Artists and Fleas, because Valerie, the owner, was always so nice and had curated such a nice collection of goods, including a massive vintage Ferragamo shoe collection. With her success there, she and 2 other pals from Artists and Fleas, Georgia and Ryan, opened up their own shop. It's effing brilliant. I want it all.

I went in, because Gerald bought me a necklace from Georgia's collection, and although it's super cute, it's totally not my steez, so I wanted to exchange it. I didn't find anything just perfect, but I wasn't really interested in shopping and was more entertained talking to Ryan who is fantastic, charming and makes some of the most gorgeous hats I've ever seen. Not even kidding. I wish I had the balls to wear some of the pieces that she makes. Maybe soon. Maybe for summer.

If yr ever on Grand, pop on in there, because it's all gorgeous, reasonably priced and run by 3 amazing ladies.

Oh My Frittata

After an afternoon of play and snacks at Mamalu with Auden, I decided to pop into my fave grocery store, Urban Rustic to pick up ingredients for tonight's frittata (and what will be tomorrow's breakfast if there's leftovers.)

If you've never been, you should. Yes, I'm going to make another list. Here's why:

1. Almost everything there is local and sustainable. If it's not local, then it's at least organic and still sustainable.
2. They run on wind energy.
3. They make effing awesome sammiches, burritos and omelettes. Their omelettes are huge, come with a protein and 2 other add ins, a salad and toast and costs $6.50. All local. All yum.
4. Did I mention they deliver?
5. Did I mention they do online grocery delivery for a freaking dollar. Yes. One. Dollar.
6. Four words: French Apple Pie Granola
7. They carry the whole range of Mast Brothers chocolate. (you should be sold on just this fact alone.)
8. They have a cute little eat in cafe, and during the summer they have an outside offshoot by the dog run at McCarren where they grill sausages, both carcass and non-carcass.
9. A massive assortment of vegan desserts that do not taste vegan.
10. They sell organic vegetables grown by high school kids in a local Williamsburg school's farm.

Everyone there is always so nice, that it makes it an even better experience. It's like good karma all around.

So if you get a chance, go, cos you should support yr local food scene. If yr by the park and need a really good latte and a sammich and maybe some eggs and prosciutto for later...go. You'll thank me. Your welcome in advance.

Sugar Free Again, Day 1

Apparently, sugar free gives me mondo bitch face. I was tired. I wasn't sugared up. Everyone thought I was angry, cranky or annoyed. I was none of it, just tired.

I survived, tho.

On the menu for tonight:
Roasted local yellow zucchini and leeks
Shaved fennel salad
Baked tofu

I'll tell you how it turns out.

Oh, and my new favorite website: 101cookbooks.com . Ch-ch-check it!

Eff Cookies.

Okay, so that whole "blah blah blah, look at me, I can eat all the cookies I want and not get fat" bullshit is dunzo. This bitch has gained like 5 lbs in I don't know exactly how long, but it is unacceptable.

It's fine tho, cos it's all about health right now. Health. Health. Health. This is the Healthy New Year.

What that means: I'm going back on the sugar free diet. Oh yes. It's gonna be great though, because for Christmas, my dearest husband got me sessions with a personal trainer as a gift. Sweet, lovely husband. This also means that back fat go bye bye. This is most exciting and riveting.

My plan to lose 10-15 lbs: (Yes, I do have it to lose, it's all on my waist, I just hide it well, I promise.)

-Get the damn trainer on the phone. He's been on vacation for a week.
-Start menu planning. (I already have this week's food planned!)
-Drink less. I need to de-Proseccofy my life a bit.
-Be super supportive of my friends who are also looking to be Health. It'll help me. Sharing is caring.

I'll start posting recipes as I come across them. And if I get a little ambitious I may even take pictures of my food. But as you can see from the lack of pics on my blog, I'm a lazy bitch and the chances of that happening are slim to none.

Here's to Health. Here's to the end of back fat forever. Here's to wearing a bikini in a few months and making people very very angry. :D

Happy Health Year, betches.