AfricanKelli

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These dinners really are all about me. They are the perfect excuse to try new recipes from my favorite cooking magazines, spend an afternoon sipping a nice glass of white wine and listening to NPR, wear a apron, get the house cleaned up for company, find a new mixed CD to throw on the radio, etc.

It’s the simple things, really, that make me silly with happiness. Last night I cooked two chickens using the French Chicken in a Pot recipe from Cooks Illustrated. You slow-cook a chicken in its own juices for two hours in a Dutch oven, with a bit of garlic, celery and onion. One of the birds came out looking great, while the other needed another hour before it was ready. Thankfully the guests came in shifts last night and we didn’t play musical chairs or chickens. There was more than enough to go around. I let my roommate borrow my camera yesterday, so I didn’t have it around while I was preparing. These last-minute “let me take a photo of that before you eat it!” shots leave much to be desired.

I also heard from several folk that last night was the first time they’d had brussel sprouts. As the self-deemed “Veggie Fairy,” I kept passing this dish until they were gone. This recipe is simple and it got great reviews, although it can be a bit expensive if the nuts aren’t on sale.

The cauliflower steaks were the most aesthetically pleasing. From the same section of new vegetable recipes in the latest Bon Appetite, this recipe was simple enough. I added broccoli to the puree to make a great green creamy vegetable mix as a base.

Next week is potluck. My mom is coming into town to help with my fundraiser next weekend and the free time I have, I’ll be spending happily with her. So, why not invite some friends over to feed me in the meantime? See. I told you — it all seems altruistic, but really I’m quite crafty.

Mango and strawberry Jello, anyone?
~K

When I saw the March issue of Country Living, I swooned a bit. Silly to do so over a magazine, I know. But look! Turquoise, shabby chic, pretty off whites, bright light, clean living space? Giddyup. This is just my style.

I have a domestic bliss folder where I cut out and save photos of houses. One day I’m going to pull this file folder out in front of an architect and say, “I’d like this. And this. And this. Thank you!”
Ten friends or so coming to tonight’s community dinner. This kitchen nook would come in handy right about now, as I scrounge for chairs and space. Thankfully while we may be playing musical chairs, there will be plenty of food to distract from the lack of elbow room. Tonight’s menu: French chicken in a pot, cauliflower steaks, pistachio Brussels sprouts, corn bread and fruity Jello for a low-cal dessert. I wanted to make cherry apricot cobbler, but I don’t want the left-overs and several of my girlfriends eat like birds. I eat like a bird too, a big food-loving hungry bird.

Off to find a clean apron and a three hole punch for yet another entry in the dream house book,
Kelli

Aspens in the winter are nearly as beautiful as they are in full bloom mid-October.

A view of Steamboat from the house where I stayed.

Um, that’s the house. No, I didn’t see Robin Leach. It was silly luxurious and I enjoyed every second of it, including the gourmet kitchen and the hot tub. The funny thing is I would have been just as happy in a snowboarder hostel in town.

Snow shoeing is basically snow hiking. I desperately needed to get outside and do something athletic after tons of traveling. After two miles of hiking around like this, I desperately needed more air. The altitude kicked my ass and I’m pretty sure the hangover didn’t help.

Then again, I can’t wait to return. I feel like I’m dating Colorado and we’re finally getting serious. It’s just a matter of time before it is a passionate affair and I’ve moved in and made myself at home. (Not that I’m the clingy type, but you know. I just don’t see Colorado moving into my condo. It’s a matter of practicality really.)

~K

My blog is down and comments are in limbo. Oy vey, this is driving me mad. Thankfully, my master web guru is working on it as we speak. (Flattery can’t hurt, right?) Be back soon!

I spent the last four days in Steamboat Springs. Initially, the trip was planned because my friends from Mozambique would be there to ski, and we were going to meet to plan a trip down the Zambezi River this summer. A generous donor to the nonprofit where I work has a home in Steamboat. His family was coordinating a weekend of revelry to celebrate the African’s visit. It seemed as soon as I hit the “confirm for purchase” button on the airline web site, everyone else in the group canceled. A family emergency kept my African friends in Mozambique. My Phoenix friends had last-minute change in plans. My brother had a conflict of interest with work; my dad was flying in from Texas to help him in Denver with this project and darn it if I wouldn’t be able to see them either.

All of a sudden it was me and the donor — a sweet 78-year-old man who I’ve known for years. He called to graciously give me an out. I no longer needed to come if I didn’t want to. Thankfully, I could hear a bit of an edge in his voice and when I reassured him that my ticket was booked, the vacation time approved and I even bought a cute new winter vest at Target, I could hear him sigh with relief. He was so pleased I was still coming, even though to add to this recipe for awkwardness, I was arriving bright and early Valentine’s morning.

S picked me up and gave me a big hug. We quickly caught up on his latest travels (Africa, Brazil) and his plans for the weekend. We would be spending the first day in the city and then going up to Steamboat. I knew his wife had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for several years. I did not know that Valentine’s Day was her birthday. I met B before she became ill and I’ve watched S suffer since. He truly misses his best friend — the woman he married 55 years ago, with whom he had five children.
After lunch we drove to the care facility. I waited in the lobby as he visited with his sweetheart, emerging an hour later with tears in his eyes.

I have never been so certain I was supposed to be exactly where I was as at that moment. He needed my hug and friendship that day as much I needed the reminder of the possibility of such love. A sweet day indeed.

~K