The Day After Tomorrow – Basic Tomato Sauce

Isn’t it wonderful when city leaders actually care about citizens? I’d say rather lovely. And all that excessive talk about “going green”, and “new technologies”, and “thoughtful consumption”, and “help 3^rd world countries” – it is always bound to end up in some sort of construction in the neighborhood. It was just the same this time. What’s even more fun is to guess what’s gonna happen next. This time wasn’t that extraordinary – right after “optimization” was finished some minor detail turned to be lousy, and here I am, stuck at home with no heating whatsoever.

On a Spy Lookout – Canadian Bacon Baked Potato Halves

My question of the day is “What is your excuse for being pacifist?”. Answers like “Because it’s a right thing to do” do not count: we’re all human, we all say that. But then I have my good old neighbor, “vecchietta biascicapaternostri” he likes to call himself. 20 years ago he was the head of a military plant. Do not ask me what they used to produce – it’s easier to make my husband admit I’m right than to get the truth out of that old scout. But now – well, when a guy comes over my kitchen in the middle of the day to say that the soup I’m making is not perfect yet, his flair tells some more ginger would do it, something must have gone wrong in his life. He tells it’s those cowards who gave up cold war. And he also tells that with my brain and education I could have made around $250K (current value) a year – you see, it’s always personal well-being that makes me move, or write in my current position.

Country Style Garlic Baked Potatoes

This video can arouse different emotions. You may perceive the whole idea as just something funny to look at, or as a nice guide to morning exercises, or as a bunch of weird guys doing some crazy stuff together. However, what it is is a nice video to teach North American kids patriotism. French Potatoes Lyonnaise and Potato Pancakes, English Chips, Bombay Potato Curry, German-style Potato Salad, Irish Potato Candy, Dutch Stewed Potatoes. Who didn’t fancy those? So delicious, so genuine. And while all the Europe keeps spreading self-promotion about its unique national cuisine, I’ll say “Who? I ask you, who taught you to eat potatoes?”. They even stole fries and called them French fries, while US is left with “Oh, come on, there is no such thing as American cuisine”! I could have forgiven them those fries if McDonald’s or KFC were not American, but with all that Quick, and Flunch, and Wienerwald, and Spizzico, and Big Bite Submarines and YO! Sushi I cannot.

Save the Planet – Milk Shake

Did you know that baboons get addicted to fast food and to sweets? I’ve discovered this precious piece of information today watching my kitchen TV right before family Sunday brunch (thank g*d, no more Love, Hate and Propaganda on weekend mornings). And I felt really moved and touched and obliged to write some big post trying to help those poor animals who have to suffer from our awful mankind trying to ruin the planet. And yes, not to forget to blend in couple of accusations related to global warming, Kyoto protocol and international emissions trading.

P.S. to Delicious and Dangerous

I just wanted to make myself clear. There is certain reason to everything. And talking about Stalin is not my everyday hobby. I just couldn’t think of anything or anyone scarier and spookier to talk about on Friday, 13^th.

I hope you all enjoy safe and lucky day.

Sincerely yours,
Mrs Lovett

Delicious and Dangerous – Plov

Do you often talk to your shrink? I don’t. Actually, I don’t even have a shrink, but sometimes we all want to feel human. So today I followed what my shrink (my saviour, my genius, the main man in my life) would have recommended – I stepped back, paused and reevaluated my actions and contacts. You are always welcome to borrow this precious piece of advice and safe yourself $100/hour.

We All Have Promises to Keep – Apple-Carrot Snack

… I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep …
Robert Frost

Now it’s officially over. When you’re past New Year, there is nothing else to look forward to, unless you have already started looking forward to the end of the world which is supposed to happen one of next 360 days. There remains only one thing that does not let you sleep tight at night – your New Year resolution. And it’s good if you were lucky enough (well, I’d rather say smart enough), and you’ve decided to improve yourself (be more independent, reduce stress and take up self-development course) or take a trip – not too much work to be honest. But even our government tells us that most popular self-delusion is “lose weight”, “eat healthy food”, “get fit”. Kind of wise of them to stress something like “get a better job” or “get out of debt” less and less… It is, for sure, easy to make food-related promises when you’re stuffed and happy. But in case you’re as much of a sweet junky as I am (obviously, meat pies do not count), and if your body requires lots of sugar to survive through the day, it gets more and more tough every day. So here is a little something to help you stick to the resolution and to land into the “Nice List” next year.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Many people actually follow this rule. They do use Apple at least once a day. But for some reason I prefer PC. Maybe, it’s because the last one was around the block longer, and I’m one of those awful laggards, especially when dealing with new technologies. Maybe, because when it comes to taking control over your life (as they teach you in those self-development trainings), it makes sense to choose how to categorize your files. And maybe, that’s because I find the following picture convincing.

How to Restore Your Reputation – Cheese Crackers

No matter which religion you profess (if you are religious at all), it is always hard to resist the temptation of delicious food and good company. But now, when it’s all over, you need to take a break from kitchen duties and spend some quality time on the couch. However, office with all its’ competitive environment is back. And I’m not talking about proving your boss how talented you are and why you need to be promoted – to be honest, you boss doesn’t give a heck about your talents (but don’t reveal this sad truth to your kids, they need some fairy-tale to believe in). I mean those smart guys with their delicious Christmas cookies and treats. And I don’t know about you, but I have never tried a better cookie than from German kitchen, especially around holiday season. Of course, something has to be done to restore your reputation of the best cook on the block. If you think that you can win the battle by simply baking some nice cookies, you’re wrong! When it comes down to Christmas cookies, Germans get deeply obsessed. And the only strategy to help you win over insane is to become tricky – so, we’re not playing the game by their rules. Let’s get creative and kick some ass!

Promise

Since I still have to lure into reading my blog some innocent followers, I have to promise you something worthwhile. Therefore, here goes my “almost New Year Resolution”.