Year 2011 First Day

Wet and misty.
The best place to be is home.

For everything to be closed on a Saturday is bizarre. If it clears later on, I'm hoping to get out for a walk.
Meanwhile: Have a bite!

Chocolate fudge ganache-covered tart. Very chewy.

Day of leisure

La passion No. 840938: Pasta! (new listing on eBay)


I'm savouring a day free of all obligations, and since it's wet outside -- my day began with a thunderstorm, and now the mists hang low over the landscape -- I'm enjoying being home. The kitchen is being organized today and groceries will have to be bought very soon. I've been winging it all week, using up the contents of fridge and larder to put together quick meals. Quick, not thoughtless: matching up good ingredients for both taste and nutrition. Here's one of my favorites:

Cook some pasta al dente (I use pappardelle a lot -- like very wide fettucine -- which come in nests). While that's happening, heat a little olive oil in a pan, throw in some diced tomatoes and cook until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper and some crushed herbs. Add to the drained pasta, stir and....add that last bit of camembert or brie that's lingering in the fridge. It will disappear in the heat of the dish and turn your tomatoes into a velvety sauce.

Bon appétit!

Yes, I intend to see Julia and Julie (or is it the other way around?)

Dinner at 8

Pour some olive oil into a saucepan. When the oil gets hot, throw in a handful of roughly chopped onions and a couple of garlic cloves, also chopped, and fry until transluscent and fragrant.

Empty a can of undrained black beans into the oil. Add herbs (I throw in whatever I have because I love herbs: thyme, coriander, mint, oregano, basil, a couple of bay leaves, like that). Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir and simmer until the stew is heated through. Add a dash of lemon juice and some avocado before serving.

It gets even better if left overnight.

Makes two servings.

Note: I have no measurements because I threw it all together. Use your good judgment!