Feeding Frenzy

Mango Sticky Rice

It's been awhile, friends. And this in no way means that S. and I haven't been cooking...it means that it's been so hot around here that turning on the oven becomes something we really have to think hard about because the kitchen will quickly turn into a kiln. But, to make up for my absence, I have posted quite a few new delectables that are (for the most part) oven-free!

See above: Mango Sticky Rice! On Sunday mornings in Berkeley, there's an "establishment" called Thai Temple Brunch that S. and I like to frequent for amazing Thai food and outdoor seating. I call it an "establishment" because of it's suspicious lack of restaurant permits and because it's technically a temple that's only allowed to accept donations. However, if you do not "donate" in exchange for food, well...you don't get fed. I've considered bartering before, but I doubt the "volunteers" would be as grateful for my hugs as for my money. Anyway.

Every time we go, I ask S. if we can get the mango sticky rice. He says No. Then he says Yes. In the same breath. This is because despite the fact that he is both carb and money conscious (neither of which I am), he is always swayed by the thought of those subtly tart, firm mangoes on a side of sticky rice soaked in sweet coconut milk. Sick of waiting for those lucky Sunday mornings, I decided to make some myself and topped mine with some toasted black sesame. That's right, they're not fruit flies that got stuck in my rice.

Next up! Some hearty split pea soup with ham. I don't know why I'm in a yucky mood today, and I don't want to ruin this for you, but on first glance this may look like movie vomit. But it's not, I swear! Observe closely, that's a piece of carrot, and there's some ham in there! I topped it with some homemade potato chips fried in duck fat.

Split Pea Soup with Ham

Mmm, dinner. Last night, S. and I got all fancypants in the kitchen and cooked up some filet mignon. It's very simply done in the pan, and we ate it with a side of green beans almondine, and a bleu cheese sauce. Notice the perfect medium rare on that meat! I did that. :)

Filet Mignon with Bleu Cheese Dressing and Green Beans Almondine

And finally, an extra dose of sweetness, blueberry cobbler. I made the mistake of making this in the morning and then leaving it on the counter with a spoon in it so that every time I walked by I sampled it. You know, to make sure the flavors were uh...settling. By the time we went to bed, it was 4/5 gone. The last 1/5 will be gone by the time I finish this post. Which is now.

Blueberry Cobbler