Trevy Thomas's Blog
Posted by Trevy Thomas
After finishing the book, The Foodie Handbook, which I absolutely loved, I found myself a bit perplexed by the street food chapter. According to the author, real foodies bravely eat street food all around the world. Sometimes they get sick from this bravado, but mostly, they would like to be clued in to the secrets of eating food on the street in a completely safe way, which Ms. Techamuanvivit wisely refuses to advise upon. She does, however, provide tips, such as bringing your own cutlery, never eating fruit that has already been peeled, and sticking with the most popular vendors (who've mostly likely not yet sickened anyone).
While all that sounds like wise advice, the part I find perplexing is how taking these risks is what really makes us foodies. I tend to think of myself as a foodie, and yet I have not eaten much street food. Of course, I haven't traveled extensively, and I suspect that changes the standards quite a bit. The closest I've gotten to street food is a hot dog (an occasional weakness I have, and the only reason I can think of to go to a ballpark), and a hot pretzel (which I've never quite understood). I've passed street vendors in New York, but my trips there are so seldom that I don't want to waste my appetite on the street when there are so many other delicious options waiting for me at a proper table.
So maybe this means I'm no real foodie. There are other clubs I haven't quite fit into, and yet, I've found a place of my own in the world. But I'm not about to let my squeamishness keep me from enjoying all kinds of delicious things and calling myself a foodie in a category all my own. Just don't ask me for any tips on eating street food.
Posted by Trevy Thomas
My yard has been bombarded with bees lately; so much so that I'm having a hard time believing there's really a problem with the bee population. I'm not sure if any of mine are honey producers, but I've definitely got wasps as well as some very feisty carpenter bees.
Shortly after arranging new patio furniture, I settled into my comfy chair to combine work with the great outdoors. In a matter of minutes, a crew of very large, loud carpenter bees began to stare me down in an angry manner. The dog tried to help get them away from me, but after a while, even she gave up.
Determined to get rid of this annoying problem, I did a little research. What I found was that carpenter bees, which look like bumble bees only without the yellow belly, are fabulous pollinators. Since we are growing an organic vegetable garden near the deck, as well as some flowers, I decided I could use a little pollination.
As long as they don't tear the house down (which is made of their favorite material - wood), I'm going to try to tolerate these beneficial bees. So far, everything is intact, including my sanity. Mostly.
Posted by Trevy Thomas
Warm weather is almost here, and nothing says outdoor party quite like fresh guacamole. This recipe is officially named Suzanne's Guacamole and comes from the What Can I Bring? Cookbook by Anne Byrn. Try making some dip where you are and pretend it's warm.
Suzanne's Guacamole
Serves 4 to 8 (about 2 cups)
Prep: 15 mins.
Ingredients:
- 2 perfectly ripe Hass avocados (about 1 pound)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes), or more to taste
- 4 scallions, both white and light green parts, finely chopped
- 2 medium-size cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 packed tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco, or more to taste
- Sea salt
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Directions:
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop out the flesh, and place it in a medium-size non-reactive bowl. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of the lime juice over the avocados, then mash them to a slightly chunky consistency with a fork, making sure the lime juice gets evenly distributed.
- Add the scallions, garlic, cilantro, and hot pepper sauce and mix them into the avocados, making sure that they still keep a nice chunky texture. Taste for seasoning, adding salt to taste and more lime juice or hot pepper sauce, if desired. Serve surrounded with lots of fresh tortilla chips.
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Posted by Trevy Thomas
I grocery shop about once a week, and despite having done that for years, I still dread it. It just seems like such a chore and a big chunk of time that could be better spent making money or sleeping (two of my favorite things).
There are several aspects that make shopping so chore-like to me. One is thinking of seven dinners every week. Did I say every week? Next is making those dinners healthy and nutritious for a variety of eaters (including the occasional vegetarian dining alongside a meat-and-potato eater). Finding organic foods whenever possible is also on the list, as is adhering to a low food budget.
Then there's remembering to take cloth bags, trying to keep the shopping to an hour, getting the perishable items last so as not to spoil and stacking things properly on the belt so the nice, but carefree teen packing my groceries doesn't put cold meat next to hot soup (necessary because I'm surely starving by now).
Today while shopping, I kept a mental tally in my head to keep from going over budget and was unpleasantly surprised to find I'd calculated about $70 under. Really, this is starting to seem like it should be a paying job. Know anyone hiring?
Posted by Trevy Thomas
By now, we've all survived the holidays in its various forms. I talked to many people over the season who claim to despise holidays, but I remain childishly jubilant about them. Like many, I was tempted this year to get frustrated about the extra time demands and chores of the season, but because I still remember what I loved about it as a child, I wasn't about to let adulthood ruin it for me. So many things get lost on the road to maturity. I'm sure I don't even remember some of what I used to take great pleasure in. With holidays, however, it is obvious and understandable how the transition from joy to jaded occurs. I don't want to be robbed of this last shred of my girlish memories, so every year, I put up silly blinking white balls on my porch (that I refer to as the Chinese disco), wrap presents for the man I love, and make my poor dogs wear decorated antlers and jingly collars. How amusingly absurd it all is!
I also attended a few parties this year, and was grateful to be the guest of such thoughtful hostesses. I admit to being somewhat lame in the appetizer and cocktails department (wine with cheese and crackers being my staple), so I am impressed by the efforts I see others put into party fare. If you, like me, need a bit of help in this department, try Mr. Rathubun's new book, Party Snacks! and see if you can't show some enthusiasm, even if you have to wait until summer to stomach it.
