Ch-ch-changes

So I live in DC now. So far I'm loving every second of it. Sure I miss Boston, I miss my friends, I even miss my job, but DC is doing me right so far. I live in a great neighborhood, in a decent apt (I've had some interesting interactions w/ my landlord, but its a ton more space, not a ton more $$, and the neighbors are friendly), and the new job is good thus far. Its great to be near old friends, and rebuilding those relationships, while also making new friends. I feel pretty lucky.

I do want to get back into this blogging thing as I explore my new city and enjoy my new kitchen... I've made some decent meals in it, and have really been enjoying the extra space, the huge oven and readjusting to a gas stove.

Went to the market today and stocked up on veggies. Even got some yummy olives too. I love being so close to the market...

Yesterday I picked out a sofa that will be arriving later this week. Other than that, I'm in need of a coffee table and then my apt will FINALLY be complete. Hoping to get a bit more settled this weekend, to make room for the new sofa and chair and to be semi-organized in time for my first dinner party next weekend.

Now back to celebrating the nation's birthday in the nation's capital. And back to enjoying my Yuengling :)

Lions and lambs

Well, here we are on 3/31 and lo and behold it IS sunny and around 50. Not quite what I asked for, but close enough. And it's even supposed to stay nice tomorrow. Thursday is when the April showers start. Now I'm just waiting on those May flowers...

But seriously, tomorrow is April. 2009 is already flying by.

Calzones

This week, I got the craving for calzones. I've been enjoying ricotta as of late, and thought this might be a nice way to enjoy it. I picked up some wheat pizza dough and broke it into 4 pieces. I scooped abt a cup of ricotta into a bowl and added some seasoning (oregano, parsley, chili flakes, basil, s&p), a little of my flavored olive oil and some fresh garlic. For filing, I had green pepper, tomatoes and some frozen spinach.

I smoothed the ricotta mixture on the dough, then added the filing and then topped it w/ some fresh mozzerella. I folded the dough over and pressed the edges. I baked the calzones at 400 for about 20 minutes. My dough was a bit thin in the middle, so I def had some leakage. Not sure if I should have put in some breathing holes or if actually using a roller to roll out the dough would have helped. I just pulled and pushed the dough. I have very limited counter space, and no roller, so this combination forces me to generally try and toss dough. Poorly, but toss I try...
Overall, the calzones were good, altho I probably would use less ricotta next time. Also, my filing worked fine, but if you want to do something like broccoli, you'd want to pre-cook it a bit. My pepper def kept its crunch, which is what I'd expected.

Steamed Artichokes

So this is super easy, but delicious and satisfying. You just cut off the top 1/4 of the artichoke and steam for about 20 minutes. I put bay leaf and dried garlic and a squirt of lemon juice into the water, to add a bit of flavor to the artichoke. The artichoke is done when you can easily pull away a leaf. For a dipping sauce I add some vinegar to mayo. This time I used some yummy red wine vinegar my parents brought back from France. Mmmm.
The first couple of leaves, may be a little tough w/ little meat, but as you go, the more tender and meaty.

Making EC Easy

On Monday, 3/23, a federal court ruled that the FDA must revisit their ruling that limited over-the-coutner (OTC) access to EC to women over 18. Thru the ruling, EC must be available to 17 yr olds within 30 days and the judge recommended that the FDA revisit their entire ruling and consider removing the age restriction altogether. The judge also criticized the FDA for its political and ideological decision, based on the principles of the Bush administration, and not any scientifc merit.

I would like to point out that within a year of me writing my case study Making EC Easy: Improving Access to Emergency Contraception in Massachusetts two of my recommendations have come to fruition! First, Plan B got an ad on TV, which I hope will hape make EC understood as part of a responsible reproductive rights regimen, and now the FDA will reconsider the age restriction for OTC access. WOOT, WOOT!

Article on women in politics

My first of many article links I'm sure--

Former VT Gov speaking to college course, encourages women to run, notes duality (Huffington Post)

Not a lot of new discussion here, more of the same ol', but until that changes we have to keep talking abt it. It's too bad that this is the case, but it is something I can easily relate to.

Heroine?

So, I may have saved a man's life tonight. Working the second job, and one of my last tables was a father and son. After they got their meals, I realized the father was coughing non-stop for a bit and making some pretty horrendous noises. His son didn't seem too concerned, but I brought him over a glass of water, just to show that I noticed his discomfort. Later, much later, after he finally caught his breath, he thanked me profusely for my foresight. No biggie homes, just looking out. All in all kinda scary, but he was making noise the whole time, which is the sign that he's getting some oxygen in. Shook my hand when he left and thanked me again. I mean really, what else would you do in that situation?