tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141414242024-02-28T11:21:47.981-05:00Molly Blogs BaltimoreA dreamer and the delights of a charming city.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-2571242686467470642012-04-05T12:00:00.001-04:002012-04-05T12:00:17.387-04:00I moved to wordpressSorry! The new address is <span id=":23f"><a href="http://mollyprice.wordpress.com/">http://mollypri<wbr></wbr>ce.wordpress.co<wbr></wbr>m/</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span id=":23f">I hope to see y'all there! <3 </span>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-60009787983652113472011-12-28T08:38:00.003-05:002011-12-28T08:39:22.144-05:00Thank you, Eco Experts!Nerdiest spam subject ever: "Receive a government backed RPI linked 25 year incentive!"<br />
<br />
What? No v1agra? No ci4li$? I AM INSULTED. I DEMAND PENIS MEDICATION OFFERS IMMEDIATELY. <br />
<br />
FYI - they were trying to sell me solar panels. In England.<br />
<br />
Wut.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-58227151946842059552011-11-17T09:02:00.000-05:002011-11-17T09:02:16.603-05:00Borrowed time runs out.When you adopt an adult pet, the moment they're yours, you're immediately buying time. An eleven year old Maltese might have another 5 years in him. Six, if you're lucky and can afford trips to the Pet ER. <br />
<br />
This is the table you're invited to sit down at when you adopt any animal. Your new host will let other guests come and take a little bit with them if they leave. Such is the greed of Illness and Accidents. Sometimes Lost comes to take your host from the table for a while, but hopefully not for long and not meeting with Accidents on the way home. <br />
<br />
Yet, at some point you will have to leave the table yourself, and it's a hard, sad goodbye.<br />
<br />
Yesterday I said my goodbyes to Lester. He was my sweet, sweet boy, and I won't ever forget him as long as I live.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/4666611068/" title="Lester on film by mollywrites, on Flickr"><img alt="Lester on film" height="332" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1288/4666611068_f1103a6591.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-26424244412857707482011-11-02T13:30:00.000-04:002012-02-06T11:35:25.074-05:00Recipe: Chicken and Onion PieThis is another recipe in the vein of "what do I have sitting around the house and what can I make out of it?" Last night's dinner was conceived during my drive home from work keeping a few things in mind. It is getting colder, so I wanted to cook something warming. We haven't gone grocery shopping in a while and I was feeling lazy so it needed to be stuff we had in the house. I did a mental inventory: I roasted a chicken a few days ago that needed to either become soup or be frozen in the next few days. We had a sack of onions that was starting to look a little peaky when I roasted the chicken. We had flour, and butter, and some milk and eggs.<br />
<br />
SAVORY PIE. I noodled around on the internet and got the basic idea from a few different websites. I decided to do an entirely different crust and voila: Chicken and Onion Pie!<br />
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Recipe after the jump!<br />
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This is pretty easy, and the most time intensive part is making the pie crust. Don't mind the horrible quality of the photos. The lighting in the kitchen is really bad, and I'd much rather just get on with cooking than take pictures anyway. Maybe in the new place I'll bother to break out the digicam for these.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Two Crust Pie Crust [adapted from the traditional Betty Crocker recipe]<br />
2 C flour<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2/3 cup plus 2 Tbsp butter<br />
4 to 6 Tbsp ice-cold water<br />
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter and start mixing with a pastry cutter or two knives. Do this until the pieces are about the size of small peas. If I can't find my pastry cutter and I get sick of the knives [it's hard work!], I often times get in there with my hands and break up the larger chunks. Try not to work it around too much, or else the gluten in the flour will make the crust less flaky and delicious. Start adding the cold water a table spoon at a time and mix in with a fork. Once the dough is starting to get wet and coming away from the sides of the bowl, gather it into a ball and divide in half. Wrap the halves in cling film and refrigerate for at least half an hour. This will keep for a few days in the fridge, and also freezes really well if you want to make ahead. Move on to the filling.</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Chicken and Onion Pie Filling<br />
4 medium onions, sliced into thin rounds.<br />
3ish C cooked chicken diced.<br />
whatever butter is left over from making the pie crust [like a 3rd of a stick, or 3 Tbsp], plus a tablespoon of olive oil.<br />
1/2 C flour<br />
1 C milk<br />
1 large egg yolk<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
1 Tbsp curry powder.<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. [around 180 degrees Celsius.]<br />
Saute the onions in a medium pot on medium heat with the butter and olive oil. Throw in a dash of salt and pepper, and the curry powder. When they onions have gotten translucent and a little golden, add in the flour to coat the onions and then the milk slowly to make a thick [delicious] goo. Add in the egg yolk [save the whites for an optional eggwash for the pie top] and mix it up.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When the filling is ready, roll out the pie crusts one at a time to a little less than a quarter of an inch, or until it's wide enough to fit over the pie plate. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6305914716/" title="1101111841.jpg by mollywrites, on Flickr"><img alt="roll it out.jpg" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6305914716_285788a611.jpg" width="500" /></a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Don't trim the sides yet [do as I say, not as I do], but make sure they definitely hang over the pie dish all the way around. Add the filling and set the whole thing aside while you roll out the second crust. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6305892966/" title="1101111841a.jpg by mollywrites, on Flickr"><img alt="fill it up.jpg" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6305892966_11644d29d9.jpg" width="500" /></a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Wet the edges of the first crust and set the second on top, pressing down gently to make sure there's contact all the way around. Now you can trim the edges with a sharp knife [just use the pie plate as a guide] and seal as you wish. I prefer the three-knuckle technique, but there's no reason you can't press with a fork all the way round, or use one of those <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062BD2Q/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002UG7QU4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H00S9DR9YGJXDBX6YYT">fancy contraptions</a>. Cut a few steam vents in the top. An optional step would be to do a quick eggwash, which is a fancy way of making the top glossy. Do this if you know how, but otherwise, don't bother, and just check it to make sure it's not burning on top and cover with foil if it gets too dark. It'll be delicious no matter what </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6305366597/" title="1101111847.jpg by mollywrites, on Flickr"><img alt="pop the top on it.jpg" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6305366597_451fe3ed87.jpg" width="500" /></a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Bake for 30 minutes in the previously heated 360F oven. Remove and let sit for a few minutes [if you can stand it]. EAT.</blockquote>
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6306023521/" title="pie 4 by mollywrites, on Flickr"><img alt="pie 4" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6306023521_a5702e15a7.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-47176040655617564992011-11-01T10:56:00.001-04:002011-11-01T10:56:34.806-04:00Oh, hello there.What I have been up to in the last little while:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
- <a href="http://www.spxpo.com/">SPX </a>was AWESOME. I got busy shortly after and never got a chance to post about it, but I managed to wrangle hand-shakes out of several of my favorite internet celebrities. I still haven't washed my hands. [this is possibly a lie.]<br />- Readying our house for a swinging Halloween party. Happy Hallo-Whedon, everyone! I'm dressing up as <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6298491243/">Saffron</a>. [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_characters_in_Firefly#Saffron">wiki</a>]<br />- Readying our stuff to move into a new house. [Coming in December! WE ARE SUPER EXCITED. Same neighborhood-ish - on the other side of <a href="http://www.jhu.edu/">JHU</a>.]<br />- Devoting all the squees over my niece <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6020224169/">Eleanor</a>. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6020223735/">SHE IS SO GREAT</a>. I went out there in early August and got to snorfle her for DAYS.<br />- Resisting the nigh-irresistible urge to both gnaw my hands off and claw my eyes out whilst waiting for the <a href="http://machineofdeath.net/what-to-expect">Machine of Death Vol. 2</a> stories to be announced. I submitted mine back in July and I have been on tenterhooks ever since.<br />- Private personal health issues [Sorry, curious kitties, the only health stuff I'll ever blog about is colds and if I ever get pregnant.] [I'm totes not pregnant.].<br />- Other personal stuff.</blockquote>
<div>
Various and sundry media and literary news:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
- Got my roommate hooked on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_guild">The Guild</a>.<br />- We love <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Once_Upon_a_Time_(TV_series)">Once Upon a Time</a> so far. We're going to start watching <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grimm_(TV_series)">Grimm </a>this week.<br />- I am deeply in love with the new seasons of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leverage_(TV_series)">Leverage</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_(TV_series)">Castle</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psych">Psych</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_(TV_series)">Community</a>. I am going to have all of their television babies.<br />- I quite liked <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones">Game of Thrones</a>. I cannot wait until season 2 arrives. Then I'll have to actually finish book 3 and start 4. Maybe I should do that anyway. THEY'RE SO LONG.<br />- I've just re-read the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Kingdom_series">Abhorsen </a>series by Garth Nix. Y'all, read these books. They're available on all e-readers, and they are the very best kind of fantasy. Strong, autonomous female characters, an interesting and new magical premise, mystery, love, sadness, sacrifice, friendship. THEY'RE REALLY GOOD.</blockquote>
<br />
So there you have it. And by "it" I mean random factoids about three months of my life. ARE YOU HAPPY NOW.<br />
<br />
I am.<br />
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<3</div>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-48852891243396813342011-09-26T15:55:00.001-04:002011-09-26T15:55:50.333-04:00I am testing jumps.<br />
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if you can read this, it worked!Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-73840018103304487072011-09-14T08:17:00.002-04:002011-09-14T08:42:14.678-04:00Things My Momma Taught MeToday is my Momma's birthday, so I decided to share a poem that I wrote for her on Mother's Day this year. Here's hoping she lives forever!<br />
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<menu>Things My Momma Taught Me:<br />
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How to read.<br />
How to say “please.”<br />
How to poop in a toilet.<br />
<br />
How to knit.<br />
How to make a pie.<br />
How to drive a stick shift [Dad helped].<br />
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To enjoy strong tea.<br />
To enjoy music.<br />
To enjoy naps.<br />
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To think before I speak [an ongoing lesson].<br />
To consider others before myself.<br />
To smile before frowning.<br />
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To love words.<br />
To love people.<br />
To love myself.</menu><br />
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Happy <strike>Mother's Day</strike> Birthday, Momma. I love you.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/6147056152/" title="Molly and Momma by mollywrites, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6147056152_f4cf2346d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Molly and Momma"></a>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-21062853151133938342011-09-08T09:32:00.001-04:002011-09-08T09:33:08.613-04:00Heart Walk!I am so close to my goal [which was v. modest, because I am reasonable] and I could sure use your help! I've had wonderful support by my friends and family, and I am so grateful. A little push is all I need to make the goal [and blow it away, if possible!].<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=456070&supId=332923987'><img src='http://www.kinteratools.com/ahanew/createbadge.php?eid=456070&sid=332923987&type=h' /></a><br />
<br />
All donations will be rewarded with a big floppy hug and a few excited squees. <3
<p><p><i>related posts: <a href="http://mollyblogsbaltimore.blogspot.com/2011/07/heart-health-walk.html">Heart Health Walk!</a></i>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-86186225710813682762011-09-07T11:29:00.000-04:002011-09-07T11:29:11.310-04:00SPX is here again!<a href="http://www.spxpo.com">SPX </a>is finally upon us again! I don't know about y'all, but I will be at that hotel in Bethesda on Saturday morning, helping out. AND I AM REALLY EXCITED.<br />
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Pls see <a href="http://mollyblogsbaltimore.blogspot.com/2010/09/10-extremely-compelling-reasons-for-spx.html">last years post about it</a>, and then add on a few more exclamation points of excited.<br />
<br />
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-27567843063854349362011-08-18T09:48:00.000-04:002011-08-18T09:48:02.523-04:00Compost, naturally.So, I don't garden. I've got a black thumb and a bad track record with anything alive that can't tell me when it's hungry. [At least fish move and catch my attention...]<br />
<br />
But my roommates and I eat a lot of fresh produce [woooo <a href="http://www.baltimorefoodcoop.com">co-op</a>!], and I feel terrible just... throwing those scraps away.<br />
<br />
So I have a proposition. We have a large, shaded yard, and plenty of space to keep a compost bin. Would anyone out there who uses a community garden, [or container pots, or something else along those lines] like to get in on some sweet sweet composting action? <br />
<br />
I'd like to vermicompost, with some red wrigglers, so if that interests any of y'all, drop me a line! molly [at] mollyprice [dot] net.<br />
<br />
As much as I'm sure people would like it to be straight-up organic, it won't be. I'm more concerned with supporting local farms, whether they're organic or not. Luckily, many of them are <a href="http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/ipm.htm">IPM</a> at least, so there's that.<br />
<br />
So, whaddaya say? Want my worm poop?Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-47309589147067034352011-07-29T15:27:00.002-04:002011-08-03T10:26:52.493-04:00Heart Health Walk!This October, I'll be participating in the American Heart Association's Baltimore Heart Walk with my office.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">My grandmother died of heart disease, and I know countless others who are affected by heart disease daily. <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/">The American Heart Association</a> works constantly to perform research and promote heart healthy activities, and offers CPR programs at all levels. It is one of my favorite organizations.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you'd like to support me, and in turn, promote heart health, then please <a href="http://heartwalk.kintera.org/baltimore/mollywalks">donate some money to me and my team </a><a href="http://heartwalk.kintera.org/baltimore/mollywalks">here</a>! I will be eternally grateful, and if I ever see you in person, I'll give you a HUGE HUG.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Or a medium-sized one. Depending on my mood. <strike>And how big your donation is.</strike> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><3</span></div>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-87964313306310437712011-07-20T09:07:00.001-04:002011-07-20T14:59:16.352-04:00Wondermark caption contest!So, y'all may or may not know that I am a<i> web comics nerd</i>. I attend <a href="http://www.spxpo.com/">SPX </a>and volunteer every year [<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*ahem* take a look at the author of <a href="http://www.spxpo.com/exhibitors/roz-chast">this little announcement</a>...</span>], and my google reader feed for <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/shared/user/12629907817632678580/label/Comix">comics alone</a> numbers in the hundreds.<br />
<br />
I love web comics.<br />
<br />
So, you can imagine my delight when I saw that <a href="http://wondermark.com/">David Malki !</a> was hosting his third <a href="http://wondermark.com/caption-contest-3/">caption contest</a>!<br />
<br />
I went and entered <i>at least a hundred times</i>. Okay, so it was probably closer to twelve <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>[ETA: I went back and counted, and it was thirty-three. Um. haaaaah...]</i></span>, but that's beside the point.<br />
<br />
The point is: I <a href="http://wondermark.com/caption-contest-3-winners/">almost won</a>! I don't even mind that I didn't actually win, because, guys,<i> I. ALMOST. WON.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Today is a fantastic day! Now, all I need to do is get accepted for the <a href="http://machineofdeath.net/mod2">Machine of Death Volume 2</a>, and my life's work will be complete. WHERE COULD I POSSIBLY GO FROM THERE.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-70195628882559353412011-07-18T09:05:00.000-04:002011-07-18T09:05:23.662-04:00Google+, and various other links.I'm on it! If you'd like to add me, I can be found <a href="http://bit.ly/nr7Uoy">here</a>.<br />
<br />
And as always, the <a href="http://mollexicon.blogspot.com/">Mollexicon </a>continues to be updated Wednesdays. Stop by and see the latest definition!<br />
<br />
I said "other links" in the subject, but I guess I really only had the one. Here, have a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_of_Aquitaine">Wikipedia article</a>.<br />
<br />
HAPPY MONDAY, Y'ALL. GO HUG SOMEONE YOU LOVE.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-31037529926011621742011-07-14T09:39:00.002-04:002012-02-06T11:19:36.452-05:00Recipe: Accidental Chicken StewSo, it all started on Monday evening. Lisa and I went to the grocery store after work and stocked up on a ton of fruits and veggies and some chicken, both a whole roaster and some boneless & skinless breasts [there was a buy one get one sale!].<br />
<br />
We get home, put stuff away, and I turn on the oven in preparation to roast this bird. I am a pro at roasting chickens, y'all, and it's quite possibly the easiest and most rewarding recipe ever. Whole chicken, couple tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper, half an onion and lemon. You shove the lemon and onion bits up the chicken's... cavity, and then rub down with oil and salt and pepper. Then I put it in a pan breast-side down [that is important] and roast at 450 for about half an hour. Then I flip it over and roast at 400 until it's done and golden [165 degrees Fahrenheit].<br />
<br />
This is a recipe that has NEVER FAILED ME. The chicken comes out golden and succulent, with crispy, salty skin, and everyone ends up fat and happy.<br />
<br />
Well, on Monday night? The oven didn't heat up. At all. We turned it off, we turned it back on, we tried lighting it manually, nothing. Bupkiss. So, I wrapped the chicken up, called the landlord, and we ate sandwiches and fruit.<br />
<br />
Tuesday came and the landlord hadn't come by, so there was no chicken again. My roommates were at work and class, so I ate another sandwich [ham, mustard, avocado = YUM.] and some ice cream [what, I am a grown-up, I can eat ice cream whenever I want.] and stared mournfully at the chicken while chewing.<br />
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Last night: still no landlord, and dammit, I wanted chicken. So I improvized, and oh sweet jesus am I glad I did.<br />
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Recipe after the jump! <br />
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<menu>Accidental Chicken Stew<br />
serves 4-5<br />
<br />
1 medium whole chicken [I can't remember how much it weighed!]<br />
1/2 medium onion, chopped in half again<br />
1/2 medium onion, sliced into 1/4 inch slivers.<br />
1/2 lemon, also chopped in half<br />
2-3 tbsp olive oil<br />
salt & pepper<br />curry powder [just keep it around.]</menu><menu>8oz sliced mushrooms [I use baby portobellos, but any meaty shroom will do.]<br />
2 Cups chicken broth or stock.<br />
1 tsp flour [Gluten-free flour would work great in this, for you wheat-free folks]<br />
1/2 C milk<br />
1/4 C white wine<br />
<br />
<br />
Equipment needed: Heavy-bottomed pot with lid. I used my dutch oven, which is one of my most favorite kitchen items.<br />
<br />
Remove neck and gizzards from chicken cavity, replace with onion and lemon. Drizzle with olive oil and rub in. Season <i>liberally</i> with salt, pepper, and curry powder. <br />
<br />
Store in fridge for 2 days because your oven is broken.* <br />
<br />
Heat up a drizzle of olive oil, about 2 tablespoons, in a dutch oven on high heat. Throw in the onions and some curry powder and spread them out to coat the bottom of the pan. Place chicken in and add broth or stock and turn heat to medium. Cover with lid and let it do it's thing for another half an hour to an hour, until the meat is falling off the bones and it's reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes I throw in a splash of balsamic vinegar. Play with it, have fun.<br />
<br />
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. There will be some crusties stuck to the bottom of the pan, and you want these because they are the most delicious detritus ever. While you're waiting for the chicken to cool enough to handle, throw in the mushrooms and the white wine and let them stew a bit.<br />
<br />
Once they're soft and lovely, make a slurry* of the flour and milk and add it to thicken the sauce, making sure to scrape off the sides, because that's a lot of flavor that you don't want to ignore. </menu><menu>Now's the time to taste it and see if you want some more pepper or curry powder - but wait to salt until later.<br />
<br />
Turn the heat down to low and let that hang out while you pick the chicken from the bones. Cut the breasts into pieces and make sure to get the dark meat from the legs. [You don't want the skin. It's great while cooking to keep in the moisture, but it will be sort of soggy and gross at this point.]<br />
<br />
Add the chicken meat back into the gravy and stir it up. This is where you can add more salt, but chances are you won't need any. Let it all sit and get hot again together, and you're done!</menu><menu><br />
</menu><menu>*[this step may be omitted if desired...]<br />** Making a slurry ahead of time instead of adding the flour in alone helps
to avoid clumping. I have a special tupperware for this, but you can
use a mason jar. Just add the milk and the flour and shake it up until
it's smooth. Easy, peasy.
</menu><br />
<br />
Et voila! This would be AMAZING over rice, but we ate it with sauteed zucchini and peppers. <br />
<br />
I really did just make this up as I went along. As usual, my recipe looks long and involved, but this is basically a one pot dish, and I just like to ramble.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy it as much as my roommates and I did! <3Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-13316662734407110852011-07-06T10:20:00.004-04:002011-07-06T13:03:32.278-04:00Change of plans!<strike>Does anyone want to buy MY ticket to the Senator? $10: I accept paypal, and can e-mail the ticket to you.</strike><br />
<br />
<3
<b>eta:</b> Alright, I've had a taker. Hope everyone gets to see it where and with whom they want!Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-38809216736821002822011-07-05T15:10:00.000-04:002011-07-05T15:10:19.005-04:00And now for something completely different...Do you guys have, or know of anyone who has, an extra ticket [preferably 2] for the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 at the Senator in Baltimore/Towson? I already have mine, but my roommate waited too long [part 1 totally threw us off, they didn't sell out] and now they're sold out. We'll pay the online convenience charge, too!<br />
<br />
Please pass this along to anyone you can think of! You'll have my eternal gratitude, and if they're your tickets we buy, some money too!<br />
<br />
<3333333333Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-19340029257993647232011-06-10T15:06:00.000-04:002011-06-10T15:06:16.405-04:00Happy Things - June 2011 edition, y'allHAPPY STUFF, Y'ALL.<br />
<menu>My new niece, Eleanor!<br />
<ul><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/5786202168/" title="Eleanor by spillingvelvet, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/5786202168_1c38e585c6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Eleanor"></a></ul>new bras <small>[it's not TMI, it is a fact of LIFE, people.]</small><br />
iced coffee beverages<br />
pockets of wind on my walk to work.<br />
pony tails<br />
restaurants that give your dog a bowl of water when you're eating out side.<br />
sweet tea<br />
asparagus<br />
love<br />
bare feet<br />
wall calendars<br />
notes<br />
secret codes<br />
books<br />
anti-heroes<br />
alcohol swabs<br />
sun spots<br />
space <small>[♥!]</small><br />
Baltimore.<br />
<br />
</menu>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-9572263066702340842011-06-06T08:46:00.002-04:002011-06-06T11:18:55.203-04:00Dominique Strauss-KahnSo, you're probably aware that <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/06/06/new.york.imf.case/index.html?hpt=hp_t1">this </a>is going on.<br />
<br />
Can we take a minute and talk about the bravery of the survivor? It takes tremendous guts to come forward and report a sexual assault in any situation, but this woman is now probably facing death threats, extreme invasion of her personal life and privacy, and now threats on her credibility. <br />
<br />
I agree with prosecutor Illuzzi-Orbon. It is <i>extremely</i> troubling that the defense is making public remarks about her credibility as a witness and survivor. It is, in fact, appalling. I would even go so far as to say it is nothing less than victim intimidation. If this woman was simply a witness, they would be guilty of witness intimidation. The right to a fair trial goes both ways. <br />
<br />
I call shenanigans, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. You and your defense ought to be ashamed of yourselves. If you're innocent, the evidence will prove it. If you're not, don't be a coward.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-75538594041418698592011-05-18T11:41:00.000-04:002011-05-18T11:41:16.374-04:00New Mollexicon Post!<a href="http://bit.ly/m07zNA">Shakings</a>.<br />
<br />
<small>[I am in Portland right now, eagerly awaiting my sister and brother-in-law's first child. Tomorrow is my birthday, I hope I get a baby!]</small>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-43678453377501122902011-05-13T14:18:00.001-04:002011-05-13T14:18:18.606-04:00Testing out flickr to twitter!<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/5716695624/" title="Testing out flickr to twitter!"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/5716695624_7a69eb5604_m.jpg" alt="Testing out flickr to twitter! by spillingvelvet" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/5716695624/">Testing out flickr to twitter!</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/">spillingvelvet</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p></p>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-30318304628450656932011-05-04T11:26:00.000-04:002011-05-04T11:26:20.073-04:00New Mollexicon Post: YeabThis week: <a href="http://bit.ly/lMU9YG">Yeab.</a>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-8649118005409730042011-05-02T09:45:00.002-04:002011-05-03T07:52:14.961-04:00Happy Things - On a Tumultuous Day...It's been an emotional day, and I think I've said all I want to say about it so far on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/molleeewrites/status/65034092500107264">my</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/molleeewrites/status/65034144299745280">twitter</a>. So let's jump in with some Happy Things.<br />
<br />
<menu>love.<br />
compassion.<br />
peace.<br />
</menu><br />
<br />
What else do you need, in the end?Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-36580698232368342652011-04-28T09:25:00.001-04:002012-02-06T11:36:23.701-05:00Recipe: Hobbit RisottoI've been making this for YEARS and it's consistently my favorite dish to make for company. I first learned how to make risotto in Bizzy and Nina's happy yellow kitchen, about five years ago, from a Best Recipe book. It was the perfect thing for me: kind of fiddly, easy to modify, really hard to screw up. I make it with sausage, I make it with bacon, I sometimes make it with chicken or maybe asparagus. Risotto is <i>awesome</i>, guys. As usual, my recipe style gets a little ramble-y - DON'T BE PUT OFF. I promise it's easy. Recipe after the jump!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<b>Hobbit Risotto</b><br />
1/2 lb bacon, chopped into quarter-inch pieces. <small>[don't get the lean stuff, y'all, it's the extra fat that melts off and gets absorbed by the rice that makes this AMAZING. this is not a low-calorie meal. If you want to use sausage, I generally go for the kind that comes in a tube.]</small><br />
1 medium to large onion, diced small. <br />
2 cups arborio rice.<br />
8oz baby bella mushrooms, cut into small to medium pieces. <small>[shitake and crimini work nicely, as well.]</small><br />
up to 64 oz chicken stock. <small>[what i mean here is, i like to purchase two 32oz boxes of stock and just use what i need. i almost always need more than one, and never need a full two. you could purchase ONLY one box, and use hot water to make up the difference, which works very well indeed, especially if you've got a bullion cube kicking around you could add. vegetable stock is, naturally, just as lovely.]</small><br />
1/2 cup of golden sherry. <small>[i'm actually guessing here, because i haven't measured how much i use. i also have used dry white dinner wines, but find that risotto with sherry is sweeter.]</small><br />
2 to 3 handfuls of finely grated pecorino romano cheese. <small>[this is my favorite hard, grating cheese. I almost always reach for it over parmesan.]</small><br />
<br />
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER.<br />
<br />
In a medium sauce-pan, put one box of stock on a low simmer. it's important the stock is hot when you add it, or the rice will take longer to absorb. when you get low on the first box, add more from the second a cup or so at a time to avoid wasting. <small>[Confession: i often skip the pre-simmer part. I am impatient, and I don't like having to wash a lot of pots.]</small><br />
<br />
In a stock pot <small>[reasonably heavy and LARGE enough to stir this, three quarts is big enough and to spare because the risotto will get very thick and gooey]</small> on medium heat, brown the bacon/sausage. If using sausage, once it's browned and delicious, go ahead and pull it out so it doesn't get in the way when you start adding the rice. Make sure to leave as much fat in the pot as possible. <br />
<br />
IF USING VEGGIES <small>[see notes at the end]</small> - it's better to cook them at the beginning in the bacon fat before the onions. Once soft, and still a little crispy, pull them aside until later. Again, leave the fat in the pot.<br />
<br />
Add the diced onion and saute until soft and translucent. I like my onions brown a bit, so I let this keep going. <br />
<br />
Add mushrooms and saute until they give up some juiciness. <br />
<br />
Add rice and stir well. let cook for a few minutes, stirring often, but do not let the rice burn or stick. You want to brown the grains gently because they'll absorb the stock better.<br />
<br />
Start adding the chicken stock a cup or so at a time. My ladle happens to be very close to half a cup, so I try to add two at a time, or give it six or seven glugs from the box. This is precise business, folks.<br />
<br />
Stir rice frequently. It's time to add more stock when you can drag your wooden spoon against the bottom, and the liquid doesn't rush right into the valley.<br />
<br />
Once you have added the first box stock, but before the rice slows down it's absorbency, add the sherry or wine and keep stirring constantly. you can even forgo this step entirely, if so desired. here is a good place to add back the sausage/veggies that might have been removed.<br />
<br />
I don't add much salt to this, as it will be v. salty from the bacon and cheese, and the stock if you're using the regular stuff. I do, however, add pepper. Freshly cracked, and as much as you can stand, right before adding the cheese.<br />
<br />
When you've added a box and a half of the various liquids and the rice has become v. thick and sluggish, throw in the cheese a handful at a time and stir it all together. sometimes, when coming to this step, my rice is still a bit crunchy. Turn the heat down very very low, and cover tightly, letting the whole thing mellow around for a while and become very thick. Eat a spoonfull every once in a while to test it. When the rice is tender, you're done! YAYE!</blockquote>
<br />
Obviously, I encourage experimentation and have a very cavalier attitude toward the whole process. You may want to add shrimp! Or chicken! Or broccoli! Whatever strikes your fancy, I'm confident will turn out very well. <br />
<br />
This goes very well as a side to chicken (try grilling chicken breasts and topping them with parmesan or pecorino while still in the pan) or beef (excellent with grilled steak, seasoned with just salt and pepper) - or indeed, all on its own. <br />
<br />
Unbutton your waist coat, put your furry feet up, and enjoy this delicious treat. You'll be back for a second supper, to be sure.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58897666@N00/3248428406/" title="Hobbit Risotto by spillingvelvet, on Flickr"><img alt="Hobbit Risotto!" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3248428406_8d97474271.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-3184805012517965442011-04-27T08:51:00.003-04:002011-05-04T11:27:18.099-04:00New Mollexicon Post: ThentAnd we continue with the madness. This week: <a href="http://bit.ly/gTqzVQ">Thent!</a>Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14141424.post-82692922627010046772011-04-19T09:54:00.002-04:002011-04-19T10:27:33.291-04:00A Vignette, by Molly Price.<i>My writers group did a wee holiday exchange this year. We each picked names out of a hat, and wrote that person a secret story to be read aloud at our December meeting. My roommate and I picked each other, yet managed to keep it a secret, despite writing the stories side by side on the couch. This is for Lisa.</i><br />
<br />
Georgia gets home from work at eight o'clock in the evening. She parks her car outside her apartment building and sits for a moment, listening to the radio. The street is quiet and the trees and pavements glitter from the constant rain of the past month. <br />
<br />
She thinks about microwaving some leftover pasta for dinner and maybe watching a movie before bed. If she can stay awake.<br />
<br />
With a tired sigh, she gets out of the car and slams the door. She feels her phone shift in her sweater pocket and it clatters to the ground before she can stop it.<br />
<br />
"Crap," she mutters and bends over to pick it up.<br />
<br />
There's a gust of cold wind that whips her skirt around her legs and when Georgia stands upright, snow is falling all around her. She stares up at the sky in disbelief, catching snowflakes in her eyelashes. <br />
<br />
Behind her, the car rocks and groans, and she whirls around. <br />
<br />
A boy dressed in deep red is crouching on the roof, staring at her with eyes so pale and vague it's like he's looking right through her.<br />
<br />
"What are --" she starts, but can't seem to finish the sentence.<br />
<br />
"Merry Christmas," the boy whispers, and wiggles his fingers in front of his face. The snow begins falling even harder, blanketing the street in white.<br />
<br />
"Christmas is in December," Georgia tells him.<br />
<br />
The boy stops wiggling his fingers and drops his hand. <br />
<br />
"What month is this?" he asks.<br />
<br />
"April," Georgia says patiently.<br />
<br />
"Aw, man, I missed it again." The boy stands and digs a small book out of his pocket. He flips through a few pages and looks at his watch. "Shit."<br />
<br />
Georgia stands mutely, watching him fiddle with his watch.<br />
<br />
"Sorry!" he says and snaps his fingers, disappearing with a crack.<br />
<br />
Georgia looks around at the snow. <br />
<br />
Damn weather fairies.Mollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01915498095675283361noreply@blogger.com0