Flavor Buffet
That blissed out, right in the sun feeling. #stayhome
Welcome to Friday! We’re closing out our sixth week of quarantine, working from home, and somehow avoiding eating all of our meals on the couch. It’s the little things, my friends. And while I continue to believe the good weather has a direct correlation to how I deal with each day, I am pleased with the routine we have stuck to, week after week, which has helped tremendously.
On a more exciting note, this week’s Buffet is packed! Plenty to read, extra recipes, an idea for a weekly adventure, a great VT cheese company to support, and my new favorite body lotion. This round-up used to include only three items per section, but hey, I make the rules around here. Limiting myself to three selections has become difficult; so why bother? The more the merrier - especially right now.
Have a great weekend and please #stayhome.
Read
Chickpea lovers unite: here is a set of 28 great chickpea recipes, which all happen to be vegetarian. You’re welcome. We include chickpeas in our dinners at least once a week; hooray for easy protein.
Quick read: In favor (duh) of Tostitos Salsa Con Queso. Pretty sure we now need a jar.
While we are quite used to cooking every night, I would be lying if I didn’t say that I missed going out to eat on Friday and/or Saturday nights. It’s a chance to relax, have great food, and take a break from our usual routine. I have a running list of my favorite spots that I cannot wait to visit as soon as it’s safe. Down in NYC, a group of famous New Yorkers have a similar sentiment. Everyone cannot wait to get back to normal (even if that’s a time far from now) and enjoy a night out at their favorite restaurant.
Since we are all at home cooking and baking every day, here’s an article about the best sheet pans. I’m taking notes.
In honor of Earth Day this week, and a general feeling of wanting to take better care of the planet (and ourselves), check out these books to help you get started with these lofty, but attainable goals.
Cook
Tri-Tip Steak with Tiger Bite Sauce - this looks delicious and is now a contender for a Saturday night special.
Chickpeas and Dumplings - a naturally gluten free recipe with chickpea-based dumplings. I’m intrigued!
Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Celery and Peanuts - I’m always a fan of a quick stir-fry and I really like the sound of this one. It’s easy to make GF too: just be sure to use GF soy sauce (Tamari).
Cheesy Artichoke Melts with Crushed Nori - This would be a new meal for us and I’m tempted to secure the ingredients for it. Cheesy artichokes? Sign me up.
Sour Cream and Onion Potato Salad - I love potato chips with this flavor so I think it’s high time we finally make this salad-based version. A not-hot comfort food sounds pretty delicious.
Dine
Each week, on Saturday, we have gone on a little adventure to a different spot that does contact-less pickup. It’s a fun way to break up the weekend and do something different than stay home and go for walks. Also, since we’re cooking every night, this once-a-week treat has become extra special.
This past Saturday, we ordered from Crave in Beverly, MA and had a delightful picnic in our car. The GF sandwiches are awesome and I cannot wait to order from them again. I’ve heard the cupcakes and scones are excellent, too.
Shop
The Sephora ‘Spring Savings Event’ has begun (for Sephora Insiders). It’s a great time to find savings on your most-used products or try something new at a reduced price. I placed an order for a few items I’m almost out of: multiple types of face moisturizer and mascara. The sale runs until May 1 with some (expected) shipping delays.
Last week I told you about my first order from Nècessaire. Well, it arrived and let me tell you: I’m hooked. I ordered the Body Treatment Set (fragrance-free) and it is excellent. Both products make my skin feel better almost instantly and don’t leave it sticky whatsoever. This is a very cool, fairly new, small business based in California which I am happy to support.
The dairy industry is having difficulties right now (as so many food-based businesses are) and I heard that one of our favorite cheese-makers, Jasper Hill Farm in VT, has a major surplus of Harbison on hand. I’d recommend placing an order and get ready for one amazing cheese to arrive at your door. This cheese is wrapped in spruce and is best served at room temperature with a spoon - it’s gooey and glorious. But while you’re on the site, check out all of the cheese they make and sell. It’s all fantastic. #cheeseloversunite
Enjoy, be safe, and feel well.
Mollie