Blizzard Survival Guide

If you are anywhere on the East Coast, I am guessing that you have a wee bit of snow outside your windows.  Here in Baltimore we have a good 2 to 2 1/2 feet going.  Luckily, we had a  lot of advanced warning about good ol'Jonas so I was able to prepare accordingly.  

In full on, Blizzard Extravaganza spirit, the main man and I have definitely been indulging with what we are eating.  So after days of all of the snacks, we need to get our eating back on track.  The problem is is that getting to the grocery store will be a little difficult.  So I've put together a list of things that I consider "essential items" that you should have in your pantry in order to survive any "I can't get myself to the grocery" weeks.  

In the pantry:

Canned Beans

Canned Tomatoes (sauce, diced, crushed)

Tomato Paste

Pasta

Olives

Capers

Rice

Quinoa 

Coconut Oil

Olive Oil

Flour

Sugar

Salt

Baking Powder

Baking Soda

Bread/Tortillas

Salsa

In the fridge:

Milk (almond/cow/whatever)

Butter 

Cheese

Chicken 

In the freezer:

Shrimp

Vegetables

Ground Beef

By having most of these items on hand, you will be able to create a variety of recipes!  I always like to stock up when some of my staple items are on sale so that I have a good amount of them at my disposal.  

Currently Reading 2

    

Weightless by Sarah Bannan

Beautiful Cover?  Check

This book is a heartbreak wrapped up in a pretty little bow.    

Please don't be deterred by the less than stellar copy on the back - whoever wrote that must not have really read this book. Yes, this story is about a teenage girl who falls from glory.  Yes, this story is about a high school and the awfulness that that so often entails.  But this story is really about how a life can be changed in a moment.  This story shows you how impactful the choices and decisions of others truly are on other people's lives.  This is the story about how people let others self-combust and this is a story about opening your eyes to struggles.  

Weightless is told by an unknown narrator.  One who tells the story through a series of "we's."  As in,  "We saw her in the hallways."  "We should have said something, but we didn't."  

This novel makes you think about your role in the life of those around you.  Who's responsibility is it to reach out a hand?  To extend an olive branch?  To just show up for someone else.  

Read it.  Then make a promise to be more aware of those who surround you.  

(Image from sarabannan.com)

Eat Well - Zucchini Noodles

Puttanesca Inspired Zucchini Noodles!

What You Need:

4 medium zucchini

2 T (tablespoons) olive oil

4 cloves of garlic, minced

3 or 4 anchovies

1 small can black olives (2.25 oz. can or about a ¼ of a cup), chopped

3 T capers

1/4 t (teaspoon) red pepper flakes

1 can diced tomatoes

½ t sugar

What You Do:

1.Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.  Once hot, bring down to medium heat.

2.Add oil and allow to heat.  Add garlic and anchovies and stir until the anchovies begin to dissolve.

3.Add olives and capers, cook 1 to 2 minutes.

4.Add red pepper flakes, tomatoes and sugar.

5.Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes. 

6.Use a spiralizer to swirl your zucchini into noodles. 

*If the sauce gets too thick, add a little water until you get the desired consistency. 

7.Add noodles to the pan, stir to combine.  Serve immediately!

Alterations:

You can use any noodle you would like with this recipe. 

Try adding chicken meatballs for a more substantial meal. 

Inspired from:  http://www.thelondoner.me/2014/08/slutty-no-carb-pasta.html

Currently Reading

Fates and Furies 

by Lauren Groff

I'll be the first to admit, I will definitely judge a book by its cover.  I can't help it.  As an avid library wanderer, I can't help but be swayed by what a book looks like on the outside.  That being said, Lauren Groff's latest novel, Fates and Furies certainly meets my loveliness expectations.   

I also appreciate that the cover seems to fit with the story inside.  I'm not exactly talking about plot, but more so the feel of the writing.  Lauren Groff's writing is softly peaked and constantly changing, much like the ocean.  The story builds, then recedes, builds, then recedes.  A high tide, then low, and back again.  It is easy to let this book wash over you.

Just like the ocean, Groff's writing shouldn't be trusted.  Fates and Furies isn't necessarily an easy read.  You need to stay on guard and focused.  The writing can lull you into a sense of comfort before quickly knocking you back off balance.  Each cycle shifting just enough to make you feel uneasy.  You need to be on your toes when diving into this one.

The story at its most basic is about a two people coming together in marriage.  The first portion, Fates, is centered around Lotto, the husband.  The ending portion, Furies, rests with Mathilde.  This is a story about building a life together, about the sacrifices, the schemes and the stories you tell while weaving two into one.  

Did I love this novel?  No.  Can I see why others might?  Certainly.  While Fates and Furies may not be for everyone, it will inspire conversation and thought.  You will be left thinking about all that was left unseen in the waters of Lotto and Mathilde's life.  

(Image from Laurengroff.com)