This is my best pizza yet… the crust, kneaded to perfection, was also baked to a glorious crispness only available on a stone bed, preferably in a wood fired oven, although an oven with a heating element will do. I’ve found that a gas oven is dreadful for producing a crisp pizza. Recession or no, the economy toppings are the way to go, here with bell pepper, onion, and rain kissed basil.
Archive for the 'Life in General' Category
A. E. Housman (1859–1936). A Shropshire Lad. 1896. XIII.
When I was one-and-twenty
WHEN I was one-and-twenty
I heard a wise man say,
‘Give crowns and pounds and guineas
But not your heart away;
Give pearls away and rubies 5
But keep your fancy free.’
But I was one-and-twenty,
No use to talk to me.
When I was one-and-twenty
I heard him say again, 10
‘The heart out of the bosom
Was never given in vain;
’Tis paid with sighs a plenty
And sold for endless rue.’
And I am two-and-twenty, 15
And oh, ’tis true, ’tis true.
Things are not always as they seem. This could be the result of being wasted and dropping a wine glass…. or, having the olive oil bottle, which had been draining all afternoon, suddenly topple over while my wine glass was positioned directly beneath. The rest is, as they say…. photography.
Here’s a great quick chicken recipe. Caramelize a sweet onion in butter, then add a little sugar until the sugar melts. Set aside to cool
Heat olive oil in skillet. Dip chicken breasts in flour with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, then dip in egg/water mixture, then add to pan until browned, about 7 minutes each side.
Drain skillet (not in your sink, silly. Outside, behind the back steps). Cover chicken with parmesan slices or brie (oh la la) or any nice cheese, then top with caramelized onions. Back 350 degrees until done.
Serve with veggies and your favorite wine.
Growing up in an ever sprawling metropolis, I’m used to driving. Everywhere. To get groceries, to get coffee. To go on a run. To go on a walk. In suburbia, one drives everywhere.
When I moved into the downtown area of the small but distinctly city Charlottesville, I have only slowly begun to relinquish my driving habits.
Having begun such a journey, I’ve found that it’s not for any particular environmental reason that I enjoy walking places, but merely because it’s more joyful to walk. I discovered today that within easy walking distance, in addition to my coffee shop, is my hardware store. Yes, I can walk to my local hardware store. I discovered this as I was driving to Lowes, a good twenty minute drive away. Old habits…
Regardless, I am now a fan of such local beauties, and have also succeeded where my landlord failed….
Home Improvement
For the last month, I’ve employed two of my towels to help seal the gaping holes under our front and back doors. No more. I have sealed the holes and am already feeling warmed by the endeavor. Here’s to keeping out the cold and snow!
The house is quiet. Resting, watching.
The snow outside illuminates where it does not insulate with an earthly glow. Sleep in peace.
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