dumplings

New Favorite Brownie Alert!

~ stephzuniga ~ Leave a comment

So a few years ago– probably more than a few, but less than 10 – so let’s call it several.  Several years ago, I went through a big brownie phase.  From memory, it was pre-baby but post wedding.  So I had lots of time, and went into the office every week/every day and would bring in brownies for my office mates.  

This was also pre-my current job.  A place that has more food and snacks than an army can eat.  A place that I actively avoid because when I go, all I do is eat.  They serve full hot breakfast and lunch every day, have snacks literally everywhere and have loads of social clubs that revolve around food.  

Last week T came to work with me for their kids holiday program and he had crepes for breakfast one day and dumplings another day.   Plus bombe alaska for an afternoon snack, cookies, marshmallows, ice cream– and full hot lunches as well.  

So, needless to say, I don’t bake and bring things into work anymore.

BUT I did make brownies yesterday for our NRL Grand Final watch party– ok party might be overstating it.  But we had people over and I made two things worth talking about: 

Guinness Brownies from the NY Times because I love putting Guinness and chocolate together and these brownies did NOT disappoint.  In fact, they get bonus points for having 3 types of chocolate, Guinness, and coffee in them.  So good.  

Hot Crab and Artichoke Dip inspired by the dip that we had in July at the Old Ebbitt Grill.  The Old Ebbitt Grill holds a special place in our heart- not only is there food always delicious, but we also got married there so we try to go whenever we are in DC.   Plus, I love artichoke dip and had been waiting desperately for an occasion to make it.

A football party was the perfect excuse to make both.  

Last week, we did have fish tacos and chicken and chips as promised.  Meh.  They were dinner, they were good.  Nothing to write home about.

This week, we’re having leftover spaghetti bolognese and leftover dip and brownies.  For Taco Tuesday, we’re doing taco salad with turkey mince.  We might have dumplings one night for dinner since The Runner is in Portugal.  The Runner does not like dumplings for reasons that I cannot understand, so T and I might have dumplings while we can!  We’re also off to the Nation’s Capital this weekend- a mother-son road trip which should be super fun!

Corona update week 4 or 400 who knows?

~ stephzuniga ~ Leave a comment

So, here we are in 2020- in lockdown and safe at home- but slightly bored. I can report that after 4 weeks in lockdown I have accomplished a few things, but not nearly as much as the Instagram Influencers and Motivated Mothers circulating around the internet. I feel both inadequate and accomplished at the same time.

Life skills learned: 1- thanks to a dumpling class taught by my colleague in Shanghai.  I have also learned that I love dumplings and that they’re extremely relaxing to make.   The best part is that Gary does not like dumplings and I’ve gotten to eat every single one that I Made and they are yummy!

New cooking fad appliances bought:  1 – well 2—maybe 3 if you include the Soda Stream birthday gift.  The only one I’ve bought is the Inova sous vide precision cooker, (and the vacuum sealer to go with it.)  I can already tell it’s going to be life changing for 6 months and then sit in the drawer untouched most of the year.  It’s pretty cool though- I’ve already made carrots and asparagus.  Gary was unimpressed.  They tasted great but they were pretty much just normal carrots and normal asparagus.  So, he doesn’t really get what all the fuss is about.

Hobbies attempted:  3- But so far only 1 has been successful and even that is early days.  Apparently I’ve started a garden from seed- I think the broccoli is growing and at least one or two other plants.  I had very low expectations so didn’t bother to mark what is growing where or read the instructions on how to grow it.  I just stuck the seeds in dirt and the dirt in  a pot and now there are green things growing.  Maybe broccoli or lettuce or tomatoes?  Who knows?  It’s like a quarantine wheel of plant fortunes.

So that led me to think about building a planter box for my new victory garden of broccoli and tomatoes- hopefully.  Luckily, Gary talked me out of DIY-ing it and building it myself.  Actually, it was common sense that made me realize it was a bad idea.  That, and asking Gary whether we had a saw and what pilot holes are, knowing full well that I have no business near a saw- and the likelihood of me putting together anything without instructions is low.  So I just ordered a planter box- which is probably a huge mistake since I have no idea how to garden or even what size I need.  How much dirt goes into a planter box and then what do you do next?

And the third hobby that I have attempted is needlepoint/cross stitch-  well I ordered a kit, which wasn’t in stock, and I’ve ordered two more that haven’t arrived.  By the time they come this lockdown will be over and I’m sure they will both be filed away in my drawer of broken dreams. 

I  would love to say that I’m using my corona-cation time wisely but I’m not and it’s not really a vacation.  I’m working full time, and even though I’m saving time commuting and putting on makeup and getting dressed, I still don’t quite have the free time that other people seem to to learn hobbies or organise their lives I’m not making clever videos or memes or macrame-ing anything or sewing a mask or even Kondo-ing my cabinets.  I’m watching Netflix and still have laundry I haven’t folded and books I’m meaning to read.   Not much has changed- it feels like we’ve been stuck on Tuesday for 4 weeks now.  I think I’ll be a bit sad when this is all Over if I have nothing to show for it- or maybe I’ll just have everyone over for sous vide broccoli and dumplings.