Debate Dinner: Mishells Obamadoro with Bleu State Cheese

Last night I decided to make a special themed dinner for the debate, in honor of our continued support for our President and his re-election.  Here's what we came up with.

Mishells Obamadoro with Bleu State Cheese 
(or Spaghetti Pomodoro adapted for Obama supporters)

Mix up a quick sauce by sauteing 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 cloves garlic, finely minced, for about 30 seconds.  Then add a pinch of red pepper flakes and stir.  Add 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (I like San Marzano), pinch of sugar, a couple shakes dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ground black pepper to taste.

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• Put the sauce over 1 pound pasta shells.   And top with crumbled bleu cheese and grilled chicken (optional).

Now make sure you're registered to vote and get armed with the facts!  (NOTA BENE: The Impossible Plan)

My favorite fall breakfast.  (Okay, maybe not just fall.)
Cakey and crunchy together are so good to me, and the sprinkles doughnut is no exception. 
Mm!

Edited with VSCO for iPhone.

Cory Chisel

On Sunday, my friend Christine and I saw Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, who had a style that made us both swoon.  This Appleton, Wisconsin-based singer/songwriter and new age Johnny Cash-style crooner coupled with spot-on and richly talented vocalist and keyboardist, Adriel Denae, made for a impressive evening.  Edgy, romantic, and original, I recommend seeing them if they come anywhere near.

Lake Michigan

A watery image from my walk with Greta this morning to Lake Michigan.

Like a lobster that has shed its skin

From this weekend:

(1) National Museum of the American Indian, (2) GardenFest at the Enid A. Haupt Garden, (3) A cheeky juggler at the Old Post Office Pavilion, (4) Bandaloop performance, (5) The Second String Band, (6) A timely excerpt from E.B. White, (7) Alicia, the pasta master.

To Chicago in one week!

Picnic Lunch

Thursday was warm enough that a couple of my fellow museum staff and I were able to pinic under the Capitol.  Hoping for an early spring!

love and French parenting

B. Jane Hasson, my beautiful grandmother and one of my favorite people in the world, 1962.
I think my favorite thing about these is how much you can tell she loves the photographer, her husband, A. Gene Hasson.

I know there's tons of buzz about the book, but in case you missed it, here's an interesting and inspiring glimpse into French parenting.