small delights

I'm learning to value the small things, an unanticipated benefit of getting frugal. Today, I splurged. I bought myself a croissant, and I'm surprised to find how happy this one little treat had made me. I've cut out Starbucks and other on-the-go food purchases, buying and making coffee at the office with my coworkers, and bringing lunch and snacks almost every day. I also stopped buying water because of the plastic waste. Reducing those everyday expenses has made me more aware when i think about buying other items, both in terms of saving money and reducing waste--and more and more the cash I withdraw is lasting longer and longer.

So here I am, in my cube, but happy as a clam, not only because I got a little treat, but because I can perceive my framework shifting, because I am more aware about what I truly value, and because getting frugal has given me so much pleasure, instead of feeling deprived. And that's a lot to be grateful for.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

pizza night: for the win!

Sage-flavored lamb sausage, caramelized onions, tomatoes and mozzarella

Wild asparagus, ramps, basil oil, grape tomato, and raw milk havarti.

Both made using the Master Recipe from Artisanal Bread in 5 Minutes a Day.

W00t!

braised squid delight

Yum! Spicy braised squid, over creamy polenta.

1 lb squid, cut into rings (kitchen shears work great!)
2 shallots
8 cloves garlic
2 tbs olive oil
1-2 tsp red chili pepper flakes
1-2 tsp fresh chopped sage or other herb
3 tomatoes, diced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup white wine
1 cup fresh fava beans or other veg
1/2 lb shrimp, deveined
Salt pepper
1 Tbs corn starch

In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, sauté shallots in olive oil, then add garlic and chili flakes til aromatic. Add tomatoes and cook down. Add sage. After a minute, add squid and wine and tomato sauce.

Bring to a good strong simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until squid are tender. While cooking, prepare polenta and shrimp. Add fava beans for last 20 min. In sauté pan, quickly cook shrimp (tossed with corn starch, salt and pepper) over med high heat (3-4 min). On a bed of polenta, ladle squid and sauce, and top with shrimp and grated Parmesan cheese.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

English pea shoots

And Meyer lemon. A wonderful combination! These were homemade ravioli, with homemade ricotta, with a sauce of English peas, shallots and Meyer lemons. Topped with wilted pea shoots. It was like tasting spring. (At JSix, the restaurant at Hotel Solamar).

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

a chowhound's delight

Cafe Chloe, I will sing your praises eternally. This was just perfect, a bahn mi sandwich with watercress aioli, spicy slaw, and homemade waffle chips. Accompanied by lavender lemonade, which I *have* to learn how to make. If you ever find yourself in downtown San Diego, this place is great, chill, and delicious. Also good, in that nabe: Valentines (dirt cheap tasty Mexican), the Kebab Shop (wonderful doner kebab), and Bread (amazing baked goods and sandwiches).

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]