Schedules, Ancient Egyptian Sculptures and Dinner: Tilapia, Chickpea and Fennel Salad with Couscous

Tilapia, Chickpea Salad and Couscous
Tilapia, Chickpea Salad and Couscous

The day was scheduled for a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, walk around Central Park, stop by a grocery store and cook a quick meal. It was a good plan for a mild, sunny day. As one would figure out, weekend plans are rarely carried out when different variables come into play.

The trip to the museum turned out to be a headache, because the trains were problematic. Upon our arrival at the museum, our nerves were quickly soothed upon entering the ancient Egyptian exhibit. People in that time period, spanning thousands of years ago, had a beautiful style seen in their clothes, architecture and art. The bolts of linen, miniature sculptures, jewelry and thong sandals are still styles in our culture today. Even their cooking utensils were elegantly carved. We were so intrigued with the exhibit; Central Park was seen from a window.

As the sun was setting, the temperatures were declining to remind us that it was still early spring. We were too tired to stop at a grocery store en route home. Saving the grocery list for another day, we ate out instead. The day’s schedule didn’t work out well, but it was nice to share a bottle Pinot Noir while talking about the ancient Egyptian exhibit.

The next day, another plan was set into action after leaving work. A quick stop to the grocery store and making a simple meal by the early evening was a goal. Again, more subway problems occurred, for the train was stalled in a station for 15 to 20 minutes. The grocery store lines snaked around the aisles. Dinner started when day turned into night. Luckily, this meal was fast to prepare. Including the prepping time, it was served in 30 to 45 minutes. It was the planning that took forever.

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Sometimes, it Snows in April

Magnolia Buds
Magnolia Buds

It would be an careless decision
to spend the year’s first warm weekend in a kitchen.
The ground is still spotty brown and green.
Yellow forsythia and crocuses
announce the appending arrival of Spring.
Magnolias trees hold green pods of blossoms
screaming warmer days are finally here.
Under the Cherry Moon,
Prince once crooned,
“Sometimes it Snows in April.”

Going Bananas in a Few Simple Steps: Banana Bread

Banana Bread with Pecans
Banana Bread with Pecans

Writing this post is driving me bananas. Perhaps the one-bowl recipe is too simple to create a story around it. Instead of forcing creativity, this will be a short post. With this basic recipe using over ripe bananas rapidly turning black, “make it your own” by adding another nut, cranberries, or chocolate chips. Serve with a good cup of coffee or loose-leaf tea. Like this post, making the bread takes a few minutes, and it’ll be ready within an hour. Read more

Ethereal Pancakes

Pancakes Whipped from Thin Air

Ethereal Pancakes
Ethereal Pancakes

In the Southern states, the announcement of a snowstorm sends crowds to grocery stores stocking their fridge with milk and eggs. The following week, the snow is melting, the roads are increasingly accessible and the sidewalks are being de-iced. From a non-cook’s perspective of looking at a fridge full of milk and eggs, these pancakes will look as if they were whipped from thin air. This whipped eggy batter produces ethereal, airy pancakes that will melt in your mouth. Serve these with caramelized apples and toasted walnuts. Enjoy! Read more