Summer Potato Salad

My mom has gotten me into eating food that's as fresh as possible - and I kinda like it. We got to the local Farmer's Market about every other week, buy local produce and dairy at the grocery store whenever possible, and Mom gets an order from something called Farm Fresh every other week.

Farm Fresh buys from local farms/food preparation places and delivers some great food to your doorstep however often you decide to pay for it. It's opened up our eyes to some great food possibilities and revealed to the family some new favorites. Occasionally, when Mom has leftovers (or things she's sure we'd enjoy) from Farm Fresh, she'll pass them along to my sister Emilee or myself.

Last weekend, Mom gave me a half a bag of small fingerling potatoes (I believe) and I decided to be a bit adventurous and craft my own little riff on a classic potato salad using whatever ingredients I happened to have around. I think I was successful!


I think this version is a great salute to the classic potato salad you know and love! The red wine vinegar and horseradish add a little bite, which balances nicely against the cooling sensation of the fresh dill (which I will be growing in my garden this summer!). With the weather warming up, what better time to try out this new take on a well-loved classic?

NOTE: I substituted red potatoes for the fingerling potatoes mentioned about for the second time I made this salad (which is what I based the recipe off of). Any small, thin-skinned potato will work fine, but if you like russets or yukon golds, you'll want to peel your taters first.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. medium to small red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces, skins on!
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled then chopped
  
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise (homemade is best)
• 1/4 c. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 1 dill pickle, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp. fresh dill, roughly chopped
• 2 tsp. paprika
• - salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place potatoes in salted water and bring to boil. Cook until they are easily piercable with a fork (not quite fork-tender/mashed potato-stage - you want them just after al dente).
2. Drain water from potatoes and add to a large bowl. WHILE THE POTATOES ARE STILL WARM, add mayo, mustard, horseradish, and vinegar. Stir together until the potatoes are evenly coated. (If you like your potato salad wetter, add more mayo.)
3. Add eggs, celery, pickle, onion, and garlic and stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
4. Finish with dill, paprika, and salt & pepper, stirring after each to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or until ready to serve.

Serve chilled.

Serves: 3-5
Serving Suggestions: This salad is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite cookout foods - burgers, brats, hot dogs, barbecued chicken, ribs... whatever! Serve it cool on a hot summer day alongside your favorite grilled fare and a cool, refreshing glass of lemonade or beer (if you go in for that sort of thing).

10 Books in 2010

Last month, my department head challenged me to read ten books before the end of this year (2010) and, for whatever reason, I agreed. I enjoy reading, but I often don't have as much time to devote to it as I would like. Last year, I managed to get through something like six or seven books - many of them ones I'd read before.

These are some of the selections I've made for myself this year:

"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck
I first read this American classic in high school, but I didn't really enjoy it then (mainly because reading Steinbeck's "The Pearl" as a freshman left a bad taste in my mouth). However, after reading and enjoying "East of Eden" last summer, I decided to pick this book up at Half Price Books and give Steinbeck another go. I'm almost done with this one and have really enjoyed it the second time through.

"Smoke and Mirrors" by Neil Gaiman
I'm a big fan of Neil Gaiman and have been for years (ever since reading "American Gods" in college). Since then, I like to try and read a Gaiman book every year. This book, Gaiman's second collection of short stories (I own all three), is a favorite of mine, containing a couple of my favorite works of his, like "We Can Get Them For You Wholesale," "Murder Mysteries," and "Snow, Glass, Apples." I haven't read this one in about five years, so it'll be fun to revisit some of these stories again.

"John Adams" by David McCullough
This one is a book that's been recommended to me by my department head, whose opinion I generally trust implicitly when it comes to good books to read (he recommended two books I enjoyed last summer - "Miss Lonelyhearts" and the aforementioned "East of Eden"). I haven't seen the Paul Giamatti HBO miniseries yet, but I figure it'd be better to read the book first. I think it'll be a good start to my summer reading.

"Other Voices, Other Rooms" or "Answered Prayers" by Truman Capote
I read both "In Cold Blood" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" while I was a bookseller at Barnes & Noble and fell absolutely in love with Capote's prose. I vaguely recalled reading one of his short stories, "A Christmas Memory," when I was in middle school... but what eighth grader is really equipped to comprehend the nuance of Capote? I've been stocking up on Capote novels in hopes that I'll later get a chance to read them - now seems like a great time to read one of or both of these books that have been waiting to be read.

"Dubliners" by James Joyce
I got an itch to read some James Joyce last year and got about four short stories into Joyce's first novel. I figured it would be better to start with some of his early work rather than jumping into the more difficult "Ulysses" (which I bought today at Half Price Books) and "Finnegan's Wake." I enjoyed what I read, but had to put it down due to my workload. This is another one I'd love to pick up now that spring is upon us.

"Orthodoxy" and "The Everlasting Man" by G.K. Chesterton
I read most of "The Everlasting Man" in my senior year of high school, but will likely be using it as a basis for one of my classes next year, so this one seems like a logical choice for reading this year. "Orthodoxy" has also been on my 'to-read' list for years and having a mandate to read ten books pushes it to the forefront. I've been an admirer of Chesterton for years and would love to read his masterwork.

For right now, I'm still looking for other books to read. I'm not sure if 'plays' qualify as books or not, because that would likely add a few reads to my list. I actually need some more non-fiction books, having only three on my list at the moment. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Melodic Monday - Within the Recesses of My Own Head

This is an old feature I've decided to resurrect (after almost a year since my previous 'Melodic Monday' entry). I've never really considered myself an overly "musical" person. Sure, I sing from time to time, but I've never been exceptionally gifted in any area of music. Not really. (There are some who will say that I am a good singer and, while I enjoy it, going to college and befriending a number of music majors drove away any delusion that I'm what anyone would consider "gifted.")

With my Acting class no longer meeting during fourth period (it was a semester-long class in the fall), I find that I now have an additional prep period - usually during one of my least lucid moments of the day. Having some catchy music to hum/sing generally helps me get through this part of the day (well, that and caffeine). I usually put on my YouTube playlist and go to town, listening to artists and bands as varied and diverse as Jay-Z and Feist, Kiss and the Swell Season, Fuel and Iron & Wine.

Today, though, I found songs not even on my standard playlist running through my head, which seemed odd to me. Here's a list of the songs that have been running through my head today (complete with YouTube videos, to allow you to get them stuck in your head as well). Enjoy!

Carol Channing - "Hello, Dolly!"
Though I've never seen it, I am vaguely familiar with the musical "Hello Dolly!" and really enjoy it - particularly the title song. Forget Barbra Streisand - for my money, no one captures the wonder and charisma of the titular Dolly than the person for whom the role was written, Carol Channing. Couldn't tell you why, but this song was stuck in my head through the entirety of first period.


Bonnie Tyler - "It's a Heartache"
Much like "Dolly," I'm not entirely sure how this song managed to weasel its way into my head. However, when second period rolled around, who should be mentally serenading me by Ms. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" herself. While others of her songs are decidedly more well-known (particularly "Holding Out for a Hero" and the aforementioned "Eclipse"), this song remains something of an 'unsung hero' in Tyler's repertoire. It captures the emotion of "Eclipse" while using softer elements, showcasing Tyler's vaguely raspy voice to full effect. Lovely!


Janis Joplin - "Piece of My Heart"
This one's been in my head perennially since November. It was responsible for igniting my love of Janis Joplin. There's something about the emotion in the song that pulls me in and want to join her, shouting the bold challenge from the rooftops to any takers out there who would like to "take another little piece of my heart." Awesome. I can realistically see myself devoting an entire "Melodic Monday" to Joplin at some point in the near future. Stay tuned!


Reel Big Fish - "Sell Out"
This was very probably one of the first ska songs I was ever really exposed to. I always loved, even as a middle schooler who didn't really understand the word, the irony of a band becoming famous and 'selling out' as the result of a song all about the dangers and ills of selling out. Lines like "the radio plays what they want you to hear" and "the record company's gonna give me lots of money" always struck me as amusing when juxtaposed with the reality that this song was a huge radio hit in its day. Beyond that, it's just dang catchy!
(*NOTE* - The first part of the music video is pretty obnoxious. The song itself starts at 1:45 into the video. You're welcome!)


Fergie - "Be Italian"
Nine was easily my favorite movie of last year. Part of it was the cast - Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson, and Fergie. This latter inclusion hardly seemed a fitting addition to the cast... until I heard this track. It's easily one of my favorite parts of the show and makes me wonder why Fergie the artist has wasted so much time singing pop music that does nothing to showcase her true talents. This song has found its way into my head a lot lately... eventually, I'm just going to have to break down and buy the Nine movie soundtrack...

What songs have you been listening to today?

A Passing Conversation

So I swung by Rally's tonight, as I do on occasion from time to time when I'm tired and in no mood to cook, and, upon reaching the checkout window, I notice a typed sign facing outward. It reads as followed:

"COMPLETE THE SURVEY ON THE BACK OF YOUR RECEIPT AND RECEIVE A 'FREE' BIG BUFORD!"

I immediately noticed that there were quotation marks around the word "FREE" and found them odd. So, when the woman - I didn't catch her name, so let's call her... Maeve - when Maeve came back to collect my money, I asked her for a reason. The conversation went something like this:

Stephen: "Why is 'FREE' in quotation marks?"

Maeve: "Excuse me?"

Stephen: "On your sign there. It says '"FREE" Big Buford.' Is it really free?"

Maeve: "Umm... I don't know what that means."

Stephen: "Then why is it in quotations?"

Maeve: "I don't know... I guess because our manager's an idiot!"

(At this point, 'Maeve' broke out into raucous laughter and turned to one of her co-workers.)

Maeve: "He asked why 'free' is in quotation marks on this sign..."

Stephen (through the window to the co-worker): "It says 'FREE' (air quotes) Big Buford..."

Maeve: "...and I told him it was because our manager was an idiot!"

(More raucous laughter.)

Maeve: "Of course, he's not here right now, so..."

Stephen: "Yeah, I gathered that from the fact that you were shouting our conversation across the kitchen..."

(More raucous laughter.)

Maybe it's not that funny, but it really amused me at the moment.

2009: A Retrospectacular!

And now, for your viewing pleasure... a 2009 retrospectacular!

What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before? Performed in three back-to-back-to-back community theater productions!
Did you keep your new years' resolutions? Not so much, really.

Reflecting On…
New Years: Hung out at home with my little sister, watching movies and being kinda lame.
Valentine's Day: Nothing special - wanted to watch some Kevin Costner movies, but was too busy with school and the play.
Easter: Overcoming some insane migraines, I performed in Indianapolis First Church of the Nazarene's Easter Production as Simon Peter. Had my world pulled out from under me upon hearing the news that my good friend Annika Dace had died earlier in the day.
Spring Break: Not much special - hung out and got some much needed rest!
Memorial Day Weekend: Not sure I remember. Probably spent some time with family, though.
Fourth of July: Went over to my dad's cousin's house and set off some fireworks with family members.
Thanksgiving: As I do every year, I went over to my cousin Roberta's house and ate amazing food. Then spent the evening with my friend Jade and her gentleman friend, hanging out and chatting.
Christmas: Went over to my sister Emilee's, ate breakfast & opened presents. Then, went over to Mom & Dad's and prepared Christmas dinner - chicken saltimbocca, asparagus & fennel risotto, and delicata squash & gruyere dip.
Your Birthday: Drove up to Illinois to visit some friends and got to hang out with my pals - the Daces (Tiffany, Trevor, and Mama Cathy), the Aumillers, Mandie Gossage, and Cirena Evenson.

Did anyone close to you give birth? Three of my teacher friends from school all had babies just a few months ago at the beginning of this school year.
Did anyone close to you die? My dear friend Annika Dace passed away on Easter Sunday at the age of 26
What countries did you visit? Has Chicago declared independence yet?
What was your biggest purchase of the year? Other than massive hospital bills, I think my biggest purchase of '09 was the topcoat I bought earlier this week.

Remember a ____ Memory
Sad: Finding out that my friend Annika had died.
Angry: Sitting in traffic at Southport & Emerson three days before Christmas
Happy: Any time spent with friends and family
Silly: Performing as John Curtis Buntner in "Dearly Beloved" at MerryMAC Players or Speed Freak in "Insane With Power" at Spotlight Players

What do you wish you'd done more of? Sleeping
What do you wish you'd done less of? Worrying

Favorites of the Year
Movie: Presently, I'd have to say Nine.
Book: I don't think I read any new books this year aside from Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book... so I'll go with that.
TV Program: "Lost," "Battlestar Galactica," "Dexter," "Glee," or "Dollhouse"
Musical Artist: I really got into Tom Waits, the Swell Season, Bob Dylan, and Adele much more this year.
Song: "My Life Would Suck Without You" by Kelly Clarkson
Concert: Didn't go to any concerts in '09...
Restaurant: Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Celebrity/Public Figure: Daniel Day-Lewis
Where did most of your money go? Bills. As per usual.
What song will always remind you of 2009? Unfortunately, "Party in the USA"...

Compared to last year
Happier or sadder? Happier.
Thinner or fatter? Oh, probably fatter. Undoubtedly fatter.
Richer or poorer? I feel poorer. Who knows, that may be the case.

What political issue stirred you the most? Couldn't rightly say...
Who do you miss? Annika, obviously. My paternal grandparents as well. Also, all my other friends around the world - particularly the ones I don't get to see so often.
Who was the best new person you met? New students, new coworkers, and a couple of new friends along the way!
Tell me a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009: Never judge a book by it's author.
Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No - I'm a lover, not a hater.
What did you want and get? The opportunity to act in not one, but THREE different productions this summer!
What did you want and not get? Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men...
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Peace on Earth and goodwill toward men...
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? Business comfortable (not to be confused with business casual)
Who kept you sane? God alone.

Who…
...were you closest to in your family? My sister.
...did you become closer to in your family? My sister.
...were you closest to, friends-wise? Probably my sister.
...won your heart? My students. Love those kids.
...did you lose touch with? I'm horrible about staying in touch, so probably LOTS of people!
...impacted you the most? A lot of people in a lot of little ways.

Top 10 Movies of 2009:
1. Nine
2. Inglourious Basterds
3. Star Trek
4. The Hangover
5. Funny People
6. Julie & Julia
7. Monsters vs. Aliens
8. Up
9. Watchmen
10. Couples Retreat

Top Ten Movies I Wish I Had Seen in 2009:
1. Up in the Air
2. The Hurt Locker
3. (500) Days of Summer
4. Coraline
5. The Invention of Lying
6. A Serious Man
7. District 9
8. Bruno
9. The Informant!
10. Invictus

Top Five Books I Read in 2009:
1. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
3. Candide by Voltaire
4. Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West
5. The Stranger by Albert Camus