Tuesday, 2/10/26

 Our planned Thursday dinner with Jodi got moved to tonight; she made burrito fillings and we brought chips and guacamole. The kielbasa soup will wait.

Monday, 2/9/25

 Even though it isn't complicated, the stupidly named Marry Me chicken (from the NYT) felt like too much for a week night. It did not help one tiny bit to be on the cold porch, possibly getting chilblains. There are just so many ingredients (tomato paste, cream, onions, garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes plus my own additions of mushrooms and calabrian chilis) and it just needs some futzing to balance the flavors. I also made it with chicken thighs instead of breasts (as that is what we had) and I don't think it was an improvement. Anyhow, the end product was pretty good; served with regular rice.

Sunday, 2/8/26

 Tacos dorados, inspired by a recipe from the NYT. I see that I have actually made this twice before; I didn't like it the first time so I wonder why I tried again? Anyhow, we seem to have it down now, because they came together pretty quickly, despite all the steps. I had made the potato filling on Saturday, and chopped some sweet potatoes beforehand as well, to speed things along. Served with guacamole and some salsa that Jodi refused to eat and so gave to us.

Saturday, 2/7/25

 We finally got around to making a pizza recipe from King Arthur Flour (their recipe of the year, no less). It's basically a slapdash puff pastry crust (only one round of folding). I liked it, but I wasn't blown away. I think we should try again and let is rise for longer, and hydrate the dough a little more. I also used some  store bought sauce since we had it on hand and I think homemade is better on a pizza.

Friday, 2/6/26

 Sadly, we had to come home from the Porches (I almost convinced Jason to spend an extra night). To ease back in we just had Chex Mix (I made a giant batch on Tuesday) and ravioli with Aldi sauce from a jar, plus some leftover broccoli salad. I had read that the Aldi special sauce was the same as Rao's and TBH, it was pretty good.

Thursday, 2/5/26

 Ample breakfast at Porches made lunch unnecessary. We checked out Mass MoCA, took a little walk around town, and picked up some Big Y sushi for me (Jason was still working on the grinders). Fireplace, wine, Scrabble, hot tub. What else could I need?

Jason enjoying (or escaping?) art

Wednesday, 2/4/25

 A little mid-week getaway to North Adams! We stopped in Pittsfield on the way up for Year of Pizza (Crust....Jason was dubious but it was very good). A little visit to the Clark and then we were able to check in early. Dinner was Chex mix, grinders from home, and a broccoli salad with smoked almonds, dried cranberries and goat cheese (OK, not amazing). Chocolate chip welcome cookie for dessert. The room was a bit small but we made it work.