OK, CHEDDAR

Painting My Life The Color Of Mint Frost

originalmf — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:44:59 +0000

It’s hard to believe that I haven’t written since May. Well…that’s not so true. Having both my desktop and laptop break down within months of each other has made the habit of writing not so much of a habit. Just a few weeks ago, however, I finally acquired a laptop. One that I can make long-awaited mix tapes on. One I can continue writing with. One that I can waste away the hours keeping tabs on all of Justin Vernon’s collaborations.

This weekend, I’m getting ready to finally paint these white walls. I bought a gallon of mint frost paint, a case of Sierra Nevada, and I’m ready to paint away. This house needs more character. It’s about time.

The Return of Cheddar Cheese

originalmf — Tue, 04 May 2010 10:19:36 +0000

It’s been a long time….

Hello there, friends! How’ve you been? Instead recapping all that’s happened in the past few months, I’ll just mention a few exciting things happening this week.

In the spirit of homemade gifting and do-it-yourself projects, there are several works-in-progress happening concurrently: The Justin Vernon audiophile collection, ACE (Alex the iBanker Encore) slideshow-making, storybooking, and hand-drawn cards.

Upcoming on the music line-up: Yeah, yeah…YEASAYER!
Phoodie pairing: Sketch burgers (Tuffle butter! Hot dog! Exclamation points! I love you. Period.)

*Videos from La Blogotheque Take Away Shows

Day Dreamin’

originalmf — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:03:47 +0000

It all became very clear to me all of a sudden. If I won the lottery, I’d of course take care of my family and friends, and with the plenty left over, I’d buy myself a plot of land, have a farmhouse and a barn, learn/brew/bottle/can beer from this barn, and decorate it with posters of my favorite bands and happy Buddhas. I’d buy cows to milk and make fresh cheese, and I’d build a fire pit for bonfires and pig-roasts, which would happen often, at all times of the year.

Take away the epig adventures and cheese-making and the place would be something like Spring House Brewery, where the satellite radio’s set to 90′s alternative rock, the samples are plentiful, and when asked what to try, the guys behind the bar will tell you to start with the tap at one end and work your way down to the other. Hint: Seven Gates is not to be missed.

Phoodies, Pitt-ites, and The Friendly Others

originalmf — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:48:14 +0000

It’s that time of the year to reflect upon the events of months past. What a year! If you kept up with the spatter of monthly chatters, then you probably already know that this year went by pretty happily…and you…YES YOU…likely had something to do with it. Thanks for reading and thanks for eating your face off with me. Happy holidays.

More when I get back from the tiny island that is The R.O.C….

The Series Of Series, Continuing Adventures With Pork Belly

originalmf — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:46:48 +0000

There’s something wrong…or maybe sooo very right…about beginning this post by saying: The fat striations will keep you coming back. You see, my friend, pork belly has graced me with it’s unctuous presence to claim it’s place among Wintry Treats, keeping me warm in this biting weather. Of course, the best any one person can do is bite back.

In this iteration of a previously posted recipe, I braised the pork belly portion whole and sliced it (somewhat) thinly after refrigerating. The elemental tastes are the same: fat, a bit of meat, and Asian seasonings (star anise, cinnamon, clove, pepper), but thinly slicing pork belly puts that layer of warmth and insulation at center stage.

This batch is going to hold out for three different servings of pork belly. One: with somen noodles, sauteed spinach, and chopped scallion. Two: with an Asian breakfast classic, sweet potato congee. Three: served simply with fried rice and mustard greens.

[Photo updates, once I find my long-lost camera cord]