The only thing they got right was the baking. Izzie used to bake when she was stressed and for me, that is bang on. Only I rarely bake, I cook.
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| action shot |
It was Ryan's birthday on Thursday so I offered him a birthday dinner as his present from me. I love cooking for people anyway, so it's like a double-edged gift sword of goodness (poor mixed metaphor? Whatever, I like it).
So out of the menu options he chose Hearty Wine and Beef Stew with Dumplings, I deviated slightly from the recipe because I loathe parsley, so the dumplings had green onion and basil in them instead. There was garlic bread and home made ceasar salad to start, and for dessert this berry custard and ginger cookie bowl of yumminess. And, naturally some mulled wine--hey, it is almost December. We have a farmers market here on campus I was able to get all organic veggies and even local organic meat (a.k.a happy meat) for a decent price.
Since I started making the stew at 1400h, it was great to study and breathe in the aromatherapy all afternoon. Somehow the different types of collagen and epithelial adhesion mechanisms just weren't that hard to bear.
By the time dinner was on the table I had been able to shake off the horrible feeling that had been churning my stomach all week. This was also in part due to the comments and emails of encouragement from the blogosphere---thank you! I definitely needed that pick-me-up.
School is hard, and most days yes, all encompassing. But somehow when there are people around that you love, delicious stew on the table, and mulled wine in your glass, life seems more than ok.
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| Caught with a mouthful of Ceasar. |
8 comments:
I love Grey's! I yell at the tv too when things are wrong...and I like you love to cook and bake. Especially when things are stressful, something about the mixing and smells of something good cooking or baking relaxes me.
My husband yells at me all the time as I'm yelling at Greys...but I can't seem to shake the bad tv habit! Baking or cooking is always a great option for stress relief (I too am in graduate school as I'm working full time as a PICU nurse)- especially when paired with a nice glass of vino!
Man do I miss your delicious dinners. Lucky lucky Ryan.
FR--Yep. I think I find it relaxing because I am forced to be in the moment and think only about what I am doing. It is a good brain break and de-stressor (with nice edible results!)
Dana--Yes indeedy, doubly good with vino. Props to you for doing both at the same time--I cannot imagine working and being in school...my good friend AM is doing that (and being a supermom/elite athlete) and it boggles my mind. I would be hitting that vino bottle pretty hard if it were me! hahahah
NN--Ha! You are a big part of my cooking inspiration! I still remember that roast you made me at the Cozy Cabin, it blew my mind!!! Miss cooking you delicious dinners. :)
that recipe looks DE-LISH! i am going to have to try it! As for Greys...i just can't bring myself to watch it. It grates the wrong way so often I just can't. :(
Try it! It was sooooo good. That is the 2nd time I've made it and both times it was lovely.
I cook it for about 4-5h though instead of the 3 they recommend. The beef is to die for at that point.
Also, I add 1/2 red chile (with seeds) to mine to give it some heat. It's mild, but a nice kick. Oh and I add some fresh rosemary to the herbs.
Rosemary, not unlike Grey's Anatomy, gives me a rash.
Otherwise, this sounds amazing. I miss your cooking, even when it contains 'happy meat', and I can't wait to pour the wine while you cook for me in the spring when I come visit.
Glad you're feeling better babe.
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