Dishes and bad poetry

uhhh my remembering didn't happen (see previous post) it will eventually

I've been out of sorts lately, had the flu, been living in the casa de blues (or would that be azules?) and I've been miffed at who knows what. Mister and I are tired of the suburbs and the routine of life. We bitch and moan about everything and never go anywhere. We've been in this area for over 5 years now (holy. shit.) and we still have no group of friends, no local hangout... It's easiest to say "we're not like the people around here" but really it boils down to us not making an effort. We certainly are shy and weird but we are where ever we go so how is this place any different?
Strangely, during the last year of miffdom Mister and I have been growing even closer and don't fight as much.

So, I got dat goin' for me.

As part of my "Snap Out of the Pity Party Bullshit" campaign, I started a new pottery class this week.
"Potluck Potporri". I was of course, the only person to bring copies of the 3 recipes requested in the class description (NERD). I'm the only one who's never taken a class at this establishment before. (OUTSIDER) I'm the only non-native of the state. (OMG! A YANKEE!!) And to round it off I had to spontaneously speak in front of 12 strangers which means I probably stuttered and sounded like a crazy person.
Thankfully, I don't give a tiny rat's ass* because everyone else in the class was very welcoming and friendly.
Pretty good time so far. It's one of the largest pottery classes I've been in and the teacher is helpful and an excellent speaker/demo guy. This is exactly what I needed to boost my skillz. Point of class: we discuss objects meant for use at potlucks like casserole dishes and bowl platter combos and the pitfalls of said objects then make them.
I imagine most people would rather jam a fist full of straws up their nose than discuss the interactions between humans and their dishes buuuuttt I enjoy the topic.
First assignment is a chip/dip set. I have a few ideas so far. I'm thinking of making a smaller 2 person version but smaller defeats my goal of learning to throw "bigger". I'll have to post final product pics and find some new recipes to fill them with...
At this point, many of my classmates don't seem that imaginative- not risk takers if you will... This conformity is not unexpected though, every class is generally 98% non-art people. All kinds of people are drawn to pottery because it's one of the functional arts like knitting and woodworking**. You create a functional object ("what's the point of a painting if it just sits there?") and with practice anyone can make some very nice items. In fact, one could have an inborn artistic talent, like for painting, but only be able to make 20lb ashtrays because one never practiced.
Pottery: The Great Equalizer

The other SOPPB campaign movements are to find fundage for Mister to resume pilot lessons and to encourage Mister go to open mic nights to read his writin's. So far the fundage business is a wash.
However.
Last night was the first time we've both gone to an open mic since we moved here. Aside from the inevitable "nine eleven" poetry***, I enjoyed the others' writings immensely. I don't think I've developed my appreciation for poetry well enough. (Or maybe I just hate bad poetry and there is a LOT of it out there.) There were 3 poems I really liked and I kinda wish I could get copies of them. Hmmm wonder if I could next time. Mister's reading went over really well. I'm sure it's better to hear "your writing is excellent, please come back to read more" from a total stranger than from me. I'm a supporter of constructive criticism but somehow he never believes that I'd tell him if I think it's crap.

Ok, enough bull shnickety, time to get back to business.
Ta




*Doesn't a tiny rat's ass sound somehow endearing?

**Yes, yes. Sometimes referred to as crafts or arts and crafts. Happy?

***with the exception of the poem of the lady living in Iraq around that time- Really? Are you fucking kidding me? It was 9 years ago. You lived in Clayton, NC. You've never even BEEN to Manhattan. You don't know a single soul who lives in the state of NY or even NJ for that matter. Shut the fuck up because it's beyond disrespectful.

Cupcakes o' Magic

So I'm not providing this recipe today, but I'll try to remember to do so tomorrow.
and now you'll stop reading
heh

Ok, now the real start of post:

America's Test Kitchen how do I love thee?
I think every recipe I've followed from these guys has been tasty. I mean every single one. Their website is http://www.americastestkitchen.com/ and you have to sign up for a membership to view recipes/reviews and the like but if you enjoy that sort of thing then it's worth it. ORRR you can find their cookbook collections. It's geared toward the home cook and those without food education so I like it for that. BUT I also like it because they explain why they're using the methods or ingredients they are...

Last weekend we saw an episode that was an attempt to mimic, or rather better, the little chocolate cupcakes with creme filling and the white curly q's on the top.

This weekend we attempted to make them.

Oh.

My.

A-God.

Cup-ped-cake is so good.



sidebar: There was a Daily Show episode that featured a German man (who I thought was an ambassador or something but he wasn't Scharioth so I don't know his name) and a giant cupcake. It was hilarious and I'm unable to find it again. ("What is de purpose of dis object?")


sider sidebar: Sure I'm in the demographic for those who get their news from The Daily Show. I'm unsure as to WHY this is a mystery to other news programs such as MSNBC or CNN (I refuse to even type the other big news channel). All you really have to do is look at the list of guests the Daily Show's had over the years to know why. It runs from President Obama and Former Prime Minister Tony Blair to Johnny Knoxville and Justin Timberlake... It is an entertaining program, makes fun of all types of political parties


Where was I...
How could I forget?

CUPCAKE


2 ingredients with comments


gelatin: I don't know if I've ever used plain gelatin for anything before but when you heat it, it smells like ASS (big sweaty ones). Blech... I should've expected this I guess, it's basically animal bits like hooves and hide but mamma mia was that a stench.


fluff: Mister had never had fluff before so I made his first fluff experience better by a 100 with the application of peanut butter. I suggest you do the same if you like peanut butter and have never had fluff. Something about the 2 mixed together really is just an enhancement. His comment was "OH. This is magical." and he immediately called his Mother to ask why she never bought it when he was a child. (which was the same reason Mamma DPO never bought it)

Life Updates:
1. Marriage is still on and will be held in the NC art museum. Yay Art! Mamma DPO has agreed to make my dress so it's going to be amazing.
2. I bought a pottery wheel a few months ago (August) and have stopped pretty much all other activities. I'm an addict. Crap part is now it's getting too cold to throw outside and I'm banned from using it inside. Merf. My solution was to sign up for a class. Found a really good place that only charges $185 for 7 weeks. Which is an incredible price for those of you who've never done that sort of thing. Tomorrow night is first class - so. excited. eee!
3. I had the flu last week. Bad News: I missed too much work and I may be a Typhoid DPO. Good News: I had my laptop, I don't need a flu shot now and I've given this dieting business a boost by dropping 7 lbs.
4. Yes a "diet". A "fucking diet" if you will. This consists of me getting off my lazy arse to run and eating smaller portions of food. Like only 1 cupcake a week instead of 5 or one chicken thigh instead of 2. We'll see how long the running business lasts but the smaller portion thing works well. It's a good thing I love eating tiny food.
5. Nephew is well and can really smack a baseball. I'm not sure if this is a taught thing or just because he is his Father's son but that kid is really good at hitting things with a bat. Perhaps this is indicative of his future as Muscle for the mob...
6. Mister wants a French bulldog and wants to name it "Junction Box McQuaid". I will reserve myself on this topic for now.

LUNCH IS NOW OVER.

bye for now :)