Sunrise this morning
There is no secret that this is not my favorite time of year. But, rather than get back in bed and pull the covers over my head until the first of May, I decided to challenge myself this morning and see if I could come up with 10 great things for me to do on a cold, Winter day. This is not a list for people who love Winter, cold weather, skiing, snowboarding, skating, cold feet and hands and aching jaws and heads resulting from being out in the cold wind without their faces completely covered, raynaud’s phenomenon and days of limited sunlight, etc., etc. This is a list for people like me, who believe that the best days must start with putting on a pair of shorts and flipflops and feeling the warm sun baking on your skin for copious numbers of hours. So, in my effort to overcome all of my natural inclinations, here goes:
1. go into New York City as often as possible (see below)
2. Read Santa Barbara and Edible Santa Barbara magazines and make believe I live there
3. Enjoy tending to and watching the birds outside my kitchen window
4. Look for great Winter sweaters on sale
5. Work on planning garden activities for Spring
6. Study the history of Venice – my latest obsession
7. Make a list of 10 great restaurants to visit when I go to London in late January
8. a. Make a 90 day list of recipes to make with Winter as their focus – to get me through at least the end of March. Start with a thorough review of my classic go-to: Barbara Kafka’s Roasting. This is clearly the most significant and noble endeavor – and most likely the most rewarding……..
b. come up with a list of at least 10 no-added sugar and gluten-free desserts to satisfy until Spring – other than just a piece of fruit
#1 on this list- as always – Ina Garten’s Roasted Pear and Applesauce – sans the brown sugar – always my favorite – satisfying, delicious and with great aromas when in the oven
9. Work on travel plans to Europe in May.
10. Throw in the towel and get on an airplane and go somewhere warm
Ok, so that was not so hard and it was a fairly honest attempt. I plan to begin work on all… most… some… of these today.
So, in the vein of #1 above, I was in New York City yesterday, roaming around in what had to be a quintessential City winter-weather day. It is always interesting to me to see how New Yorkers and the hoards of visitors are not at all deterred by a biting wind and frigid temperatures. Everyone in the crowds was just going about their business or pleasure as if it were a balmy Summer day – just bundled up – and with the classic parade of the best fur coat collection anywhere. While I actually hate (not an exaggeration) to wear a coat anytime, anywhere, there are tons of New Yorkers who I bet actually look forward to these days when they can partake in this classic winter-garb break-out. It’s kind of the 180 degree opposite of what was once the Easter Parade promenade. There was no snow on the ground (?) and the City just beckoned all in its holiday splendor in midtown, as the Christmas week festivities cruise toward their NY Eve festivities-pinnacle tonight and then skid to a close. There was some sort of dancing/singing thing going on in front of the Plaza and lots of families and the normal shoppers were out in droves. The Todd English Food Hall was a mob scene and I took my “sweet” time looking at all the offerings – especially from the bakeries and chocolate vendors there. I’m always game to take in how people love to spend an afternoon eating and talking – if anyone is like me, it doesn’t take much to get me out of the house to avoid a bad case of cabin fever. I continue to think the Plaza venue is a great use of this space and made me homesick for Harrod’s. I was lucky enough to enjoy an early lunch at the bar at Fred’s. Hardly anyone goes out for lunch before 2pm in New York, so I just walked in and sat down at the far end of the bar and got to people-watch for awhile while I scoffed down my Snapper and delicious roasted brussel sprouts, butternut squash and artichokes. Even though this is a “see and be seen” kind of spot, they actually do a really good job with their fish entrees and it has an upbeat buzz that’s fun for a Sunday outing. I spied Geoffrey Zakarian early on – apparently he does get up early for lunch! I also scored parking for the day for $21. – a real bargain on E 58th Street – at this time of year. This is half of what I have paid on W58th. Anyway, lots of sales were going on and there was some crazy line to get into the Uggs store on Madison??? I didn’t wander too far yesterday and unfortunately didn’t get downtown – where I actually usually roam more happily in the West Village. Well, that’s yesterday’s news……now on to other endeavors….
Now that the Christmas week is nearly over, I am turning my antenna a little more to the classic Winter-culinary garb as well. While I often am antsy to get out of the house at this time of year, I also often enjoy having a large Le Creuset on the stovetop or in the oven, working up a classic braise. The degree to which I enjoyed my vegetable accompaniment yesterday at lunch got me to thinking about great winter vegetable dishes as I sat there at the counter. I am a huge fan of Cauliflower, Squashes and root vegetables and I love to make gratins with just about anything. But braising vegetables is a great way to execute the one-pot dinner deliciously and easily. Nothing beats a great pot roast, osso bucco (veal or lamb) or any braised meat dish on a cold night, or classic stew.
Here is the beginning of my recipe list:
1. Mom’s beef stew
2. Braised Pork shoulder
3. Mom’s classic pot roast
4. Chicken with Roasted Blood Orange Sauce
5. Cauliflower, Leek and Fennel Gratin
6. Potato, Leek and Asiago fritto
7. Lamb or Veal Osso Bucco with preserved Lemons
That’s pretty good for a start, I think.
Since tomorrow is the first day of the year, I am hoping to have a better flushed-out list by then.
In the “sweets for the sweet” department, I am undecided about today’s work. I am thinking of a blood orange and berries melange with a zabaglione or even just a splash of Prosecco – to try to begin to move away from the barrage of cakes, cookies, pies, tarts that have been found around here lately.
Isn’t today that day for flushing out the resolutions?????? Ok. UGH, think I am better off doing this in private -that way I don’t have to share my humiliation at how many times I screw up.
Have a lovely day and don’t forget the Champagne and Oysters!!!!!! (Still hoping and praying that Fin will share their oyster chowder recipe with me) I just sent off a begging email, again, this time to Edible Cape Cod. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Wouldn’t I just love to make this for tomorrow?