killing time between meals

where talking about what's for dinner while you're at lunch is totally acceptable

Tag Archives: christi


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Knick-Knack Patty Whack, Give a Girl Some Squash

Yet another CSA box has arrived, and this time I felt like I could post about it because there were some non-green things inside.

Here we have blueberries, beets, onion, bok choy, cauliflower, pattypan squash, kale, snow peas, mint, and green onions.

As much fried, baked, boiled, and sautéd squash as I’ve had in my life, I have never eaten pattypan squash. True story. And after trying this recipe that my friend Christi found, I sure am glad it turned up.

Roasted Pattypan Squash with Herbed Chickpeas
adapted from Chocolate & Zucchini
Serves 2-4

2-4 small pattypan squashes
Olive oil
Salt & black pepper
1-2 scallions
1 handful cilantro
8 mint leaves
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
Cayenne pepper to taste
1 lemon, zested & juiced
1 can chickpeas, rinsed & drained thoroughly

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut off the stem and root ends of the pattypan squashes, and cut each of them into 8 sections, all about the same size. Place the sections on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Roast in a single layer for 30-40 minutes, until cooked through and browned.
  • While the squash is roasting, finely chop the herbs and capers together. Place in the bottom of a medium-sized bowl and add a drizzle of olive oil, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper. Whisk together to create a dressing.
  • Add the chickpeas to the herb dressing, and let rest in the refrigerator. When the squash has cooled, toss with the chickpeas and serve.

I swear it kinda smelled like sweet pancakes when these babies were roasting. And then, they tasted buttery sweet. Yum! So nice to meet you, pattypan squash. I have a feeling this won’t be our last encounter.

Confession: I realize the title of this post is silly. And I’m sorry. But I was at a loss, people. You try making everything you say come out witty and see if you don’t come up short now and then.

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How loose is your goose? (This goose is totally loose.)

It’s been said that good things come in small packages. And when it comes to East Nashville gem Silly Goose, I’d say this is one restaurant that truly fits that clichéd bill. With only four tables, I put off a trip to the Silly Goose for a while since it can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, but this weekend Christi and I arrived at just the right time with no waiting. (We also learned that SG is expanding, so they will probably be closed for most of May, but it will be totally worth it. Still charming, but easier to navigate.) Stepping into the SG feels a bit like stepping into an illustrated fable. Christi had the roast beef. I had none. But I did have the Lyle’s Surprise, which is one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten (hot cappicola, thommé cheese, arugula pesto, basil, shaved fennel, & balsamic syrup on rosemary focaccia). It will be incredibly hard for me not to order the exact same thing on my next visit, but there is so much to try! And Christi assures me that everything is as delicious as my Lyle. I trust her.

Aside from their inventive sandwiches, drinks & ice creams, SG is known for their couscous, which you can get as a fancified entree or as a side. The best part? You can get a little couscous and a little salad as your side. How great is that? I love options where I get to try more food. These locavores use organic, sustainable ingredients, and they even press their own carrot, beet, etc. juice right in front of your eyes! Very fresh. Very impressive. Very, very good.

Christi and I cleaned our plates. And we were so full that we just had to get dessert. We ordered the Sweet Jane—cinnamon cannoli with orange and honey cream filling, shaved dark chocolate, and blackberry sauce. Light, crispy, creamy, tasty goodness. I can’t wait to try one of their snazzy house-made ice creams next time.

Don’t be silly—get yourself to the East Side and try this fantastic eatery. And if it’s busy, don’t let that deter you—order something to go.

Watch out Marché! The goose may just give you a run for your money in my favorite lunch spot hierarchy. This food makes you want to shake your caboose. (Yeah, shake your caboose.)


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Adios las mexican food

Mexican food is like a food group to me. You’ve got fruits, grains, meats, veggies, and cheap Mexican.

I think I’m the go-to girl for each one of my friends when they want Mexican food. I rarely say no. Until tomorrow.

For Lent, I am giving it up. That’s right—40 days and nights sans chips, burritos, and cheese sauce on top. Except when I go to Texas for my cousin’s wedding in April. I plan to take a Sabbath that weekend. But other than that, you will not see these feet walking into a Las Palmas. Cheese dip will not pass my lips.

To commemorate this fast, Christi and I decided to gorge ourselves on Mexican today at lunch. And it was exactly the cheesy, crunchy, spicy, gooey Fat Tuesday meal you would want right before you were giving it up for 40 days.

Let’s take a closer look at my plate.

Mmmmmm …

Not to worry Las Palmas on 8th—your retirement plan will be back after Easter!