Empty Space

In other news, we filled the last empty space in our new place.

We can now have more than two people over for dinner.

Super.

(*Note - Is it my computer, or does the paint color look totally different in all three photos?)

David's 26. And I'm feeling crafty.

Dave's birthday was last week.

In honor of such a day, I decided to pay tribute to the many faces of David.

I like the one with the dolphin.

My partner in baking.
I think he was excited on the inside.

Happy day of birth to my very best friend.

Love and kisses and all of that.

Things I learned in the WiLdErNeSs:

- Seven smores and at least that many cheeseburgers in 48 hours will make you sick

- The game Apples to Apples should always be played around a campfire with friends
- Ambien is God's gift to campers
- Denver in the summer = pack winter clothing
- White water rafting is espcially interesting when your guide jumps ship
- As much as I love the outdoors and hiking and sitting around a campfire....

I still want to come home to a bed and breakfast and a hot shower at the end of the day. =)

DENVER 2009

I was helpful.


Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'm not complaining.
David and Kyle were the fire masters.
TJ and Ashley.
Jess thinks this photo resembles the start of a horror movie. I don't disagree.

I'm a cherry advocate

Cherries are in season. Now. But won't be for much longer.

In honor of one of my favorite fruits (and because I missed recipe Wednesday after binding promises were made) I've included some of the most wonderful cherry recipes I've come across this year.

If anyone makes one of these before I do, let me know how it is.

They certainly look good.
Pistachio Cherry Cake Recipe.


Brandied Cherry Clafloutis Recipe



Cherry Limeade Recipe

Because we're super romantic...

David and I recently celebrated our first anniversary at Feast...
...where David consumed every unappetizing part of an animal you can think of. Feast is actually a fabulous semi-new Houston restaurant that has been haled by the New York Times as "one of the 50 best new restaurants in the country". They boast rustic European fare - and specialize in innards.

Also because we're super romantic, I documented some of the highlights from his nine-course chef's tasting menu on film so others could be repulsed as well. Enjoy.


Roasted Bone Marrow


Chicken Hearts on Toast (I actually tried one of these)


Octopus and Potato Salad


Calf's Liver


Some kind of whole fish


Duck blood pudding

After our dinner (which truly was a fun experience. MY food was mundanely wonderful) we headed home to enjoy our cake topper.


The real one was disintegrated in the great freezer thaw-out of 2008 - aka Hurricane Ike - but our cake maker Susie, of Susie's Cakes, generously offered to make us a new (and fresh!) one.

Here's to the next year!

MAN-PLEASING MEAT PIE

I'm doing it, people. I'm doing it. I'm determined to follow through on the "Recipe Wednesday" thing. Because I love food. And I especially love pretty pictures of food.

Also, I want credit for updating when I've just returned from a Colorado camping trip where I received minimal sleep followed by a delayed flight that dumped us in Houston at 2:30 a.m. ...More on all that later. On to the food!

This is called "Man-Pleasing Meat Pie"

I'm going to say that again - "Man-Pleasing Meat Pie".

Best. Food. Name. Ever.



If I could design the perfect meal for David, this would certainly be it.

This would also be the meal I would create if I wanted to have a massive coronary. Oh well.

Recipe can be found here.

I found this blog via a fantastic website called Taste Spotting. It combines great food with cool photos. It has coined itself as "a community driven visual potluck."

Awesome.

"Steal my heart and hold my tongue..."

COLDPLAY CONCERT

The threatening storm clouds took mercy on us; instead choosing to simply provide a nice breeze.

Waiting.

"...and it was all yellow."

Viva la Vida

"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music." ~ Ronald Reagan