Crème Brûlée to Cap Off a Perfect Steak Dinner
I've gotten so good at making crème brûlée that I can do it while preparing a tomahawk ribeye sous vide for dinner (see related post).
I've noticed, though, that my Iwatani kitchen torch was having problems with self ignition. I had to try it a few times, and eventually had to assist with a pilot light (might have to look for a replacement). Nevertheless, the caramelized sugar delivered by the torch had the satisfying, sought-after crackling sound once you break through it. Still my favorite dessert. So good!
Anxious Times for Jiro
Back from my brief business trip to Detroit, I picked Jiro up from an overnight stay at the doggie hotel. His pre-departure grooming yielded a toenail cut too deep into the quick. Had to take him to the vet to stop the bleeding. These things bleed like crazy. Back at home, I’m using flour to dry and clot up the wound. He’s exiled to his old crate so he doesn’t make a bloody mess on the floors. Definitely anxious times for him.
Michigan Sampler
A flight of Michigan craft beer on a service tray in the shape of the state’s Lower Peninsula! And all excellent beers to boot!
Brownie Party
A party I’d definitely want to go to.
Lunch at Zingerman’s
A trip to Detroit is not complete without a lunch visit to Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor (see related post). My favorite deli, now with hugely expanded seating, is as awesome as ever.
Binny’s Brooklyn Reuben with a crunchy pickle.
Zingerman's Next Door
Launch Day
Today is launch day for my personal website, Mindful Gallivant (www.mindfulgallivant.me). It's been a while that I've been contemplating re-starting the regular blogging that the old, now-defunct Posterous platform offered me, and I finally took the plunge with Squarespace. I've stopped enjoying Facebook and Twitter a long time ago, and in the last year, have been more of a drive-by window shopper rather than active engager in both. Instagram is still enjoyable to me ... for now.
I don't intend to delete presence in those social networks ... yet. But for now, here's where I'll be hanging out.
I'm still experimenting with formats and content, so changes will very likely be afoot in these early days. But do check in every once in a while, and let me know how things are going. And don't hesitate to keep in touch through 'old school' ways. You know ... e-mail, text message, a phone call. Maybe, we can even get together in person, if that still doesn't sound so crazy.
Deer Encounter
One of several forms of wildlife seen during this evening’s sunset walk.
Lording It Over the Manor
... and loving the freshly-mowed front lawn.
My Eye Doctor is a Mac
Basically, Fat Slabs of Bacon
On the grill for dinner tonight: pork belly slabs marinated in garlic, ginger, lemongrass, black pepper, and brown sugar in coconut vinegar and 7-Up. Yep, 7-Up.
Homemade Trail Mix
Ingredient List:
- Roasted salted peanuts
- Roasted unsalted pepitas
- Raw almonds
- Dark chocolate M&M's
- Mixed jumbo raisins
Saturday Shenanigans
The soccer crowd has just left so it’s a good time for some shenanigans on the fields.
Tonight’s Sunset
8:23 PM
Chemical Romance
Treating the spa tub to keep it in tip-top condition, always-ready mode.
Golden Hour at the Park
Alfred in Action
Frozen Treat
Sometimes, a simple frozen plain cheese pizza, sprinkled with some leftover honeybaked ham, is all I need after a long day at work.
More Signs of Spring
Going Bananas
When buying bananas, I always get 2 smaller bunches: 1 yellow, and the other green. That way, I have ripe bananas all throughout the week.
