Posts

Foods in Novels, Escarole from the Farmers Market

Image
In her novel about restaurant life, Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler, ( https://amzn.to/4w5c3P1 ), the narrator casually mentions that the chef at the restaurant she works at cooks bitter greens in the winter, like escarole. Food mentions like this in novels are enticing to the reader, but since the food isn’t the main focus, they simply provide background and help push the narrative along.   From what I could tell, there was one mention of food in the entire Elena Ferrante Neopolitan Novels series, when the main character, the fictional Elena, brings her prospective husband home to her economically poor family, her mother makes some type of potato cake. Meet the fictional Elena:   https://amzn.to/3QWS6ek . While food can help anchor a story, in real life, preparing meals can become a daily grind. Which is why the Farmers Market serves as weekly inspiration. To be free to go to the Farmers Market before the hoards arrive from work on a beautiful day means first choice advan...
Post a Comment
Read more

Better Kitchen Towels

Image
Always looking for better materials not just with clothes.   100% Recycled Cotton, Garment District NYC, Woman Owned Deborah Connolly Designs Upcycled Kitchen Towels: https://amzn.to/4xZ9G24  
Post a Comment
Read more

Greens Water is the cat in the herb garden.

Image
Original content. Independent vibes.   Photo by Tatyana Rubleva on Unsplash    
Post a Comment
Read more

Terracotta Dreaming

Image
#planterpots  
Post a Comment
Read more

Jamie Oliver-Inspired Purslane Pesto

Image
Based on yet another cookin’ Jamie’s recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Purslane Pesto. It’s good — earthy, bright, and absolutely worth a switch‑up from basil pesto. Watch that garlic! Ingredients 2 cups purslane leaves (just the leaves, not the stems) ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (like Trader Joe’s Shaved Parmesan, Romano & Asiago Cheeses) 1 cup roasted, salted pistachios (I use TJs Dry Roasted & Salted Pistachios) ¾ cup good‑quality olive oil. Try:   https://amzn.to/4gyGCYH Black pepper, optional 1 smashed raw garlic clove — don’t use more than that. Even if you aren’t a 9‑to‑5er, it will try to take over your life. Splash of lemon Method: Blend everything together, adding a little water if needed. Keep the texture rustic — not baby‑food smooth. Purslane has its earthy personality; let it show.   Pestos are great on proteins during summer grilling season. I tried some Asian variations last year, which we may revisit soon… Pine nuts ...
Post a Comment
Read more