"a special kinda lovin' reaches right to my heart"

the food: savory butternut squash muffins
the song: "Night by Night" Chromeo

Good news! I uncovered my garden after the cold spell and everything made it! Plus, after a little snow on Friday we had sunny beautiful shorts-worthy weather all weekend. Austin, I am so in love with you.

Speaking of things I love...

I have been eating butternut squash all winter long. Eating it with lentils. Eating it with couscous. Eating it with pasta. And most recently, in delicious savory feta muffins. Can I take a minute to explain my love for butternut squash? It makes me feel warm and fuzzy and indulgent. But it also makes me feel strong and healthy, like I'm making a good choice. I think those are signs of a healthy relationship. 

A few weeks ago, our friend had a Sweet & Savory birthday party (good idea, huh?). These tasty little butternut squash muffins were my contribution to the party. There were also bacon cupcakes, which probably would have won had there been an official savory/sweet battle. But these little muffins held their own and I'm proud of them. They may not have been the champion, but you should see the other guy...

Looking at the ingredient list should give you a good idea about whether or not these muffins are your style. The creamy butternut squash and sharp bite of the feta kept me coming back for another sample. There's not much else to say about them, other than me encouraging you to give them a try.

Savory Butternut Squash Muffins
adapted from 101 Cookbooks  

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups butternut squash, cut into small cubes

salt and pepper 

1 small bunch spinach or other greens, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

3 tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds

3/4 cup Parmesan

1/2 cup feta

2 large eggs

3/4 cup milk

2 cups flour 

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt

Preheat oven to 405 degrees with rack in the top third. Use the butter to grease a 12-hole muffin pan and set aside. (You can also use muffin cups, which worked well for me.)

Toss the squash with the olive oil and some salt and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a roasting sheet or baking pan and bake for 15 - 25 minutes or until cooked through entirely. Set aside to cool.

Transfer two-thirds of the squash to a large mixing bowl along with the spinach, parsley, Parmesan, and two-thirds of the feta. Gently fold together. In a separate bowl beat the eggs and milk together and add to the squash mix. Sift the flour and baking powder onto the squash mix, top with the salt and a generous dose of freshly ground black pepper and fold together just until the batter comes together.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan, filling each hole 3/4 full. Top each muffin with a bit of the remaining squash, feta, and pumpkin seeds. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops and sides of the muffins are golden, and the muffins have set up completely.

~eeg

"best to get you some sleeves"

the song: "Damn I'm Cold" Bun B

Oh my gosh. It is so cold. Once again, it is evident that Texans are totally unprepared for winter. 

Flash back to Sunday morning when the husband and I were watching SNL on the laptop in our backyard in shorts. I have literally nothing to complain about, but cold always makes me mopey. A friend of mine put it best "I live in Central Texas. I should be in jorts and a tube top." Even in February.

So, in an attempt to stop feeling sorry for my self, I present my current top ten favorite things about winter. No particular order here, I'm just going with it.

1. Winter gardens. They are so lush, so pretty, so low maintenance. I probably lost all my plants last night, but they have been a pleasure while they lasted.

2. Over-the-knee socks. I'm a little late, but I just got a pair of these bad boys and they are making me love life just a bit more.

3. Cuddly Pets. They lay around all day. All they want to do is eat. My cats might have SAD. But it sure makes them cute. 

4. New classes. Each semester, I am assigned a whole new slew of cooking classes. It's always fun and challenging to get to know a new group of kids. Thankfully I've picked up a lot of classes this time around. Busy feels pretty good sometimes.

5. Roasted vegetables. Cold nights call for lighting the oven. Roasted vegetables served up with a bit of creamy polenta is one of the most perfect, simple dinners ever and to works best in the winter. Same goes for chili. It's just not right to eat chili when it's hot outside.

6. Baked goods. This is a lot like the last one, but any excuse to heat up the oven on a cold winter day is good in my book. Plus, cookies!

7. T.V. We have watched so much television this winter. And it has been so awesome that I have no regrets. I mean, have you seen the John Lithgow season of Dexter? And don't get me started on Portlandia. Actually, I'll just leave you with these two words: Nucky. Thompson.

8. Books. Definitely did more tv than books. But that's ok, because the books I read were really good! The Walking Dead is soul crushing in the best kind of way.

9. Seasonal beer. La Bestia Aimable. Cascabel Cream Stout. Winter Warmer. Primus.  And these are all beers brewed in Texas. Holy cow- I love winter beers. Don't tell the other items on the list, but this is definitely my number 1. I mean, just look how happy/cold I am. 

10. Promises of things to come. Springtime in Austin. Potato planting. Green lawns. Margaritas. Planning a trip for my (eek!) 30th birthday. Really cheap asparagus. Sundresses. SXSW. Cookouts. Off-centered Film Festival. Swimming. 

And lots and lots of sunshine, because honestly I'm pretty over the rolling blackouts. Bring on the jorts!

~eeg

"are you lost?"

the food: eggplant parmesan
the song: "Preparedness" The Bird & The Bee

How important are recipes in cooking? Personally, I've always liked having a set of directions to follow and have relied heavily on recipes for the majority of time I've been cooking. Lately, though, I've found myself "winging it" more often than not. One of my unspoken goals for this year, actually, is to trust my food instincts and become a more intuitive cook. 

There are some recipes that I've made so many times I know them by heart. I'm pretty proud to have a really good eggplant parmesan under my belt. The idea is for a lighter eggplant parmesan...no frying is required. That is an extremely good thing since my attempts at frying up to this point have consisted of lots of fearful yelping about hot oil, then greasy results because of said fear. But I'm fine with being a bad fry cook. If I was good at it, I might would most certainly fry things all the time.

My stepmom first sent me this recipe a few years back when I was just getting started in my own kitchen (thanks, Linda!). I have followed this recipe step by step so many times that I can now do it almost blindfolded. The thing I really love about this eggplant parmesan is that it has grown with me as a cook. You can make it as simple or fancy as you like, depending on the occasion and time you have available. 

The original recipe calls for jarred tomato sauce, but these days I usually whip up my own marinara while the eggplant slices are baking. Similarly, you can build upon the basic recipe, adding extra ingredients between layers of tomato sauce and cheese. This time, I did spinach and artichokes. Pesto would also be good.

No matter how simple or elaborate you make it, this eggplant does take a little time. But it is worth the effort. The dish feeds a lot of people and is always a hit. Serve with a bit of pasta and even more vegetables on the side. And don't be afraid to get creative. Recipes are a nice starting point, but food is more fun with a little improvisation.

Eggplant Parmesan
adapted from Dallas Morning News

2 medium eggplants (about 1 1/2- 2 pounds)
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons water
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
2 1/2 cups marinara (homemade or your favorite store bought variety*)
1-2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (divided)
 Optional additions:
spinach or other greens, chopped
marinated artichoke hearts
sun dried tomatoes
pesto

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil two large baking sheets and a medium-large baking dish. Set aside.

Slice the eggplants into 1/2 inch thick slices. Set aside.

In a bowl, whisk the eggs and water until frothy. Set aside. In a shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

One at a time, dip the eggplant slices into the egg-white mixture, then coat both sides with the breadcrumbs. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Bake until eggplant is golden brown and very tender (about 20 minutes), turning halfway through.

Spread about 1/2 cup of prepared marinara in the bottom of the baking dish. When eggplant is done, arrange half the slices over the sauce, overlapping them slightly. Cover with about half of the remaining sauce, then top with any optional ingredient you might be using, then 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Arrange the remaining eggplant slices on top, pressing them down into an even layer. Top with remaining sauce, additional ingredients, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake, uncovered, until the sauce bubbles and the top is browned, about 20-25 minutes.

*Whether store bought or homemade, I like to include some garden herbs and a bit of cracked red pepper in my tomato sauce.

~eeg

"i want a restorative beer"

the song: "Restorative Beer" The Fiery Furnaces

A few months ago, our good friend got a new job and was looking for a picture for to use in his press release. He encountered a problem...in almost every picture he was holding an alcoholic beverage. It is kind of a hilarious problem to have ("geez, I sure have a lot of fun!") but it got me thinking...

If it ever came to it, I might have that problem too. So I've made it a point lately to put down the drink I'm holding before I pose for a picture. Just something to consider.

As you probably know, I love beer. I love it in the same way I love good food. About a month ago, the Austin beer community took a huge step forward. Our fair city got something that it has been lacking-- an establishment that pays equal attention to beer and food. Black Star Co-Op has been blowing my mind. From the moment you walk in the door, it's clear that these people love beer. They love it so much that they dreamed up an idea for a co-operatively owned brewpub and made it a reality. 

No beer at Black Star bores me. In addition to recently added house beers, drafts are available that highlight local breweries. During my last visit, I sampled two of their house brews, the Double Dee (think sweet- I could drink too many of these) and Recalcitrant Dockhand (think molasses- this one's for sippin'). Both are extremely tasty, solid, and impressive. I also was fortunate enough to have the La Bestia Aimable made by San Antonio's "brewstillery" Ranger Creek. I'm truly at a loss to describe the deliciousness of that beer. Let's just say that I would be a-ok with my picture in the newspaper making kissy faces with a La Bestia.

*Ahem*

As if that wasn't enough, Black Star's huge, ambitious and beautiful menu highlights locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Along with my fish and chips, we also ordered a side of locally grown cauliflower and carrots. Added bonus, they have plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. I mean, it is a co-op. The best part is that the menu will obviously change and evolve with the season. And that is a pretty exciting thing for pub food.

If you're in Austin and haven't been, please go. Go today. No...seriously. They open at 4. 

~eeg

"it's hard to get hold of"

the song: "People as Places as People" Modest Mouse

We all have our different ways of remembering years gone by. Photos of friends and family. Top ten lists. Diary entries. Food.

Looking back on my pictures from the last year, I realized there were an embarrassing amount of food pictures. More food than people. When my old computer was stolen a few years ago, my response was "Well, now that person has a lot of pictures of food, kids, and cats." 

Try as I might to keep up with food stories, there are a lot of photos from 2010 that never found a home.  Maybe the recipe didn't turn out right, but the process of putting it together was beautiful.

Maybe I did write about it, but the picture didn't make the final cut.

Maybe there never was a plan for the picture in the first place but I felt the need to document it anyway. 

Maybe the food struck me as so satisfying at the time but later seemed too simple for a story.

Maybe the moment in time was special and the best way I knew to capture the happiness was a picture of the food.

I certainly rely on words more than images to express myself. But sometimes I'm at a loss. In those times a picture can bring back the exact feeling I'm looking for.

For whatever reason, food is the thing I've found that makes me slow down and take notice. Where it comes from, how it is prepared, and who I share it with connects me. We all need that, whether it is through music or art or comedy or spirituality or nature. It's nice to have something that binds us together. 

~eeg

For those of you interested: 1. Homemade vegetable enchiladas topped with scrambled egg 2. Pies at The Woodland 3. Flour coated blackberries from a failed quick bread 4. Roasted beets for salad 5. Garlic cloves for Christmas gifts 6. Brown rice with edamame 7. Panini and 512 Pecan Porter from Whip In 8. Wedding cake from our best man's wedding 9. My last tomato harvest before the temperature dropped.

"you don't win friends with salad"

the food: homemade croutons
the song: if you don't know what this quote is from, we probably shouldn't talk anymore

Know what my favorite part of salad is?

The croutons.

Here's the deal. I love salad when it is brought to me. All the little picky ingredients chopped, the dressing already on, copious amounts of cheese or tofu or beets or something...anything...interesting. 

But this is what happens when I make salad. A big ol' bowl of lettuce and shredded carrots. Yeah it tastes okay, but honestly I don't think it's worth the effort. I have no problem spending time with vegetables when I think the payoff is high. You should see the way I lovingly dissect a butternut squash. But lettuce bores me. The Kitchn has tackled this issue before and has some good tips to make your salads more interesting. My problem is that I rarely have enough ingredients on hand and again don't think it's worth the effort. I've even grown my own lettuce, which means it actually tasted like something. Still, salad doesn't win me over.

Is there a solution here, internet friends? Maybe not. But these croutons might help me eat a second serving of salad with dinner tonight. This is a ridiculously easy recipe- so much that I feel weird posting it. The main thing to take away from this is to save your stale bread. In the end it will inspire you to eat more salad. And if anyone has a fail proof dressing recipe, lettuce know.
  
Homemade Croutons

1/2 loaf stale french bread, cut into bite sized cubed
1/4 cup olive oil
salt 
pepper
any dried herb you like (I used about a 1/2 teaspoon of Italian blend)

In a medium bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil and seasoning until well coated. Bake for 20 minutes in a 350 degree oven, turning halfway through cooking time. Watch closely to make sure they don't burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool or toss with salad while still warm.

~eeg

"so this is it then?"

the best food of 2010 
the song: "Rill Rill" Sleigh Bells

As you may or may not know, I keep a meticulous record of what I eat. For example, I can tell you that the last meal I ate in 2009 was an open faced spinach and mushroom grilled cheese and sweet potato fries with Dogfish Head Red & White. I've been keeping this list for more than a year, recording every dinner no matter how embarrassing. This is not some crazy calorie counting thing. I do it to remind myself how lucky I am. 

I've spent some time looking back at the past year of food and have come to the simple conclusion that I eat really really well. In the spirit of end of the year lists (do you love 'best of' lists like I do?) I am sharing some of my favorite meals of 2010. 

First of all, things I cooked! I do that a lot, you know. These aren't in any particular order...how do you compare chili and cookies?...but if I had to list a top recipe, it would be homemade vegetable broth. It is the reason I included 2 soups on this list.

Top Ten Recipes of 2010

1.  Homemade Vegetable Broth
2.  Tempeh Curry *

3.  Vegan Avocado Cupcakes
4.  Three Bean Veggie Chili

5.  Roasted Garlic Potato Soup

6.  Jap Chae

7.  Cilantro Pecan Pesto  
8.  Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies 
9.  Lentils with Butternut Squash * 
10. Ribollita

*I haven't written about these! But it doesn't mean I love them any less. 

Now, meals I didn't cook. We eat out quite a bit but honestly it takes a lot for a restaurant meal to impress me. Don't get me wrong...I love eating out. I'd eat Alamo burgers and pizzas 5 nights a week with a smile on my face. But when a meal makes me think "wow...how did they do this?" it carves out a special little spot in my brain and earns a place on this list.

Top 5 Restaurant Meals of 2010

5. Pizza from Fireside Pies. Woah, woah. I'm starting this off with a (very small) chain restaurant? A DFW chain restaurant? Yes, my friends, it's true. For my step dad's birthday, we visited the newly opened Fireside Pies in Fort Worth. My socks were knocked off. Fresh herbs sit in glasses of water on the counter of the open kitchen that is the center of the restaurant. Our waiter enthusiastically informed us about 2 different types of cheeses I'd never tasted before. Also, they have handmade buttered noodles.

4. Bean & Cheese Breakfast Taco from Mi Madres. Sure, I could do this one myself. But Mi Madres does simple and delicious so well. It is important to understand this meal always includes at least one basket of salty, greasy chips with peppery salsa and three to four cups of coffee. Being so close to this place is one of the many benefits to east Austin livin'. Promises of this meal have gotten me out of bed when little else would. Plus, it costs somewhere around $3.

3. Bagel and Lox from Russ and Daughters. Is it cheating to include New York food? These lox were life changing. I say that without a hint of exaggeration. It raised my standards. It made me think $10 for a bagel was a bargain.

2. Red Snapper from Olivia. Oooooh-livia. I love this place so much. The building is beautiful, the food is exceptional, and the service is awesome. Olivia is the least surprising thing on my list, because last year it was listed as one of the best places to eat in America. I concur.

1. Beet Fries from East Side King. I list this as my number one for several reasons. First, everytime this is my dinner it means I have had an excellent time drinking beer at The Liberty with my friends. I love this bar. I love my friends that love this bar. And I love that my go-to late night drunky pants food is beet fries with kewpie mayo from a food trailer. Self, you have arrived.

Happy New Year from the bottom of my well-fed little heart! May 2011 bring even more deliciousness and happy times.

Cheers!

~eeg