The main way a windy New York day differs from days in other places I’ve lived is in the amount of debris blowing down the street. In Virginia a windy day might have meant some blowing leaves and a few papers, but here, the walls of buildings channel the wind into something powerful enough to really pull up all sorts of things from who knows where and I’ve seen large plastic sheets, advertising circulars, trashcans and their contents all tumbling down the street. I once saw a pair of couch cushions blow by our building like tumbleweeds. It can be a little frightening if you’re out in it, especially if you’re walking by a construction site (which is every other lot in our neighborhood), but looking out the window, it’s easy to imagine everything old is being blown away and you’re getting a fresh start. [Read more…]
roasted parsnip soup with bacon and shallots
I’ve got a slew of complicated recipes ready to share, but this week they just felt like too much. It’s been another crazy week around here, and right now I think a simple soup is in order. With rain in the forecast pretty much every day next week, we’re all going to need a little warmth. The recipe combines sweet roasted parsnips with lots of shallots and a bit of bacon for smoky flavor; there are undertones of bay, black pepper, and white wine. Simply put, this roasted parsnip soup is velvety, comforting, and warm. [Read more…]
buckwheat pancakes with brown sugar and bacon
Bacon and buckwheat were an unlikely combination, but we were out of butter, and had some bacon, not to mention a few tablespoons of bacon grease I’d saved. Brian was the first to get behind the idea, and with just a little convincing I decided to give it a try. Turns out bacon and buckwheat should have teamed up long ago. The pancakes were surprisingly supple, light, balanced, and divinely sweet and savory–officially my new favorite breakfast. [Read more…]