Friday nights are the dreaded nights. At home, they are date night. Out here, they remind me of what is not. But I’m really trying to look at the bright side (last Friday night in Philly for almost a month, people!). One great way has been to cook and host dinner parties.
The guest list is set. My advisor is the consistent attendee, and a variety of others make an appearance for tea and dessert. The Josh/Sam/Donna/CJ contingent often joins us. Tonight Coach Taylor and Tami Taylor were the guests of honor.
I’m finding that the electric skillet may be the best (and most under-appreciated) appliance in the history of the kitchen. The rice cooker may be a close second. Of course there are always snafus, like in any kitchen. But I’ve found the no-stove life sort of suits me (I mean, it’s impossible to almost set the kitchen on fire this way). Tonight a the rice cooker boiled over, and the pasta-water soaked everything in its path — kleenex box, perfume, picture of JPJD and me, and the remote control (since of course the only other free electrical outlet is next to my dresser).
But we make do. She sits in the only chair, and I recline on the bed. We talk about our research days, share tidbits we’ve learned, and enjoy good food. Tonight it was Farfelle with Chicken, Tomatoes, Caramelized Onions, and Goat Cheese (except I made it with feta). This is the best recipe I’ve made in a good long while. Sublime.
And then, the other guests arrive and we laugh at Josh’s arrogance or CJ’s witty remarks to the press and drink Bengal Spice tea.
It’s a rather nice dinner party.
