Ah, a little sun and warmth again, enough for me to be out on the porch, happy, happy. It just doesn't want to be spring around here - two steps forward, one step back, I guess. Not complaining! The cool air, warm sun thing going today is fabulous!

Our Friday lunch date at Lucia's was typically lovely. I spiffed up a bit, always fun. We scored a window table, enjoyed a gorgeous glass of rose, then split a cup of pureed chickpea-carrot soup, topped with a few tiny cubes of crispy fried croutons. Enough to add a hint of richness to the smooth and creamy-seeming soup, absolutely delicious. For our main we both had the salmon, seared crispy, buttery inside, served alongside a few boiled new potatoes (so fresh, so sweet) and sauteed sugar snap pea pods (ditto on the fresh and sweet rave). Gorgeous on the plate, simple and clean, perfect to eat. We left very happy and not at all weighed down.

Then on to the Sex and the City movie. Not completely fabulous, but fun to see anyhow. I'm not giving anything away by saying that it made me appreciate the quality of the TV version even more - more biting, funnier, more beautiful, realer. I came home from Baseball Moms to find John awake and made him watch an (HBO On Demand) episode with me (he always enjoyed the edginess of the show, thought the movie tried way too hard to be girlie; I agree). We chose the one where Carrie's shoes are taken from a party - hilarious. I just needed to put the greatness of it all back in my head, you know? Mission accomplished. And then, I could think back on the movie and enjoy it more, I do like the way the movie ended, satisfying and appropriate. Check out this review on BuzzSugar, good points (I read it this morning, not before I went to the movie). And definitely see it! It's not perfect, but you'll be glad.

It's a grilling day today! Hmmm, I might do hot dogs (Nathan's Famous and Hebrew National are both awesome picks) and a big salad. I'd say I'd only do hot dogs for the kids and throw a piece of fish on for John and me, but when I do that, the hot dogs end up looking so damn good that I totally regret not just going for it. So, I'm just going for it!

Moderate it: one hot dog doesn't have to kill a healthy diet. Yeah, they're not the healthiest choice in the world, but they're not total calorie-bombs either. Have it on a whole-wheat bun, load on the veggies, have a salad alongside, and enjoy every salty bite. Yum.

Andrew Zimmern wrote a great piece on his Chow & Again blog this week about one of my favorite chefs, Doug Flicker. I don't actually know him (Stacey used to work for him), but Doug used to run lovely Auriga (now closed, sniff) and the food I had there...it blew me away. His was the first truly creative, insanely fresh foodie-food I tasted in Minneapolis, and I will never forget it. Plus, Auriga is where I had my first (blind) date with John, so it forever has a special place in my heart. As much as I love on Lucia's, we'd go to Auriga for our pre-SATC movie date today if it were still there. The rave on AZ's blog is that Doug is leaving Mission American (his post-Auriga gig) - can't wait to see where he lands.

And oh, while I'm mentioning AZ, if you haven't seen Bizarre Foods - Russia yet, you should. We watched it last night and it is spectacular. The scenery is breathtaking (St. Petersburg, wow) and the food is gorgeous - I irritatingly fell asleep with my mouth watering and stomach growling (we watched at bedtime). The killer is a scene where Andrew is downing the freshest of the fresh Russian caviars, with warm blini (basically crepes), rich Russian sour cream, and hard-cooked egg... Lord, help me. I can't believe I didn't dream about caviar - although I'm thinking about it plenty this morning, obviously. Which is too bad, because there is none on the horizon (the pic, above, is from this past Christmas). Shucks.

OK! In other reality-based, non-caviar musings, check out this slideshow on the eight foods you should be eating every day. Not too difficult when you think about it - spinach salad with carrots... Quick black bean soup garnished with tomatoes... Yogurt with toasted oatmeal, walnuts, and blueberries... A little inspiration for healthy, colorful, delicious eating over the weekend. Enjoy yours!

Moderate it: you know the cool things about a diet that includes the eight foods above? It pretty much moderates itself. Thank you, vegetables...

I don't know about you, but I'd have a hard time getting through the day without plenty of sips of tea and coffee. It's not about the caffeine - I have to down the decaf/low-caf version these days. (Old much? Sigh...) It's really about flavor and interest. What can I say? My 'buds get bored fast. I've been on a green tea in the a.m. kick these days, experimenting with different high quality brews from TeaSource. A visit to their store is always a blast for sampling various teas and tisanes (herbal teas), but ordering online is quick and easy too, check it out. Recent favorites are Green Arrow green tea and Lemongrass herbal tea. Hot in the morning, cold in the afternoon, hot after dinner, that seems to be the pattern. Tasty, healthy, no-calorie drinks, as stand-ins for a glass of wine or something "dessert-y" at the end of a meal, are a moderate epicurean's best friend, along with:

...ripe peaches and strawberries. I can't say how much I'm enjoying them right now. Pure decadence - but not really. Prrrfect.

...dried red pepper flakes. Yeah, the kind you grew up shaking on pizza slices, I'm a bit obsessed with them right now. Add a generous pinch, along with minced garlic, to olive oil and heat for a few minutes before sauteeing a variety of vegetables. Finish with lots of freshly squeezed lemon (or a drizzle of really good balsamic vinegar), and Kosher salt, and you will be glad. Good for you too, nice.

...grilling food. I'll grill damn near anything at least once. Well, maybe not eggs. But fish, veggies, fruit, bread, pizza, potatoes - yum! I love not having to clean up pans afterward. I love cooking outside. I love delicious results from lighter ingredients. Get thee a grill basket, and a roll of aluminum foil (for making packets), and start experimenting, says I. It's fun!

...iPods. Yay for summer songs! Yay for shameless reminiscing! Yay for looking like a complete dork while you walk/bike and (try to secretly) sing along! Hey, if it helps me get my butt out the door, it's all good, dorkiness be damned.

So, I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow! Yep, I'm talking about the Sex and the City movie, like everyone else, I admit I'm dying to see it. The girls, the clothes, the city (even the food!) - all of it. I have a date to see it with my husband, in fact, since he's the one who introduced me to it. A little lunchy-poo, followed by the 'vie, ooh now that's a nice Friday. Then to top it off, Baseball Moms - how appropriate, right? SATC followed by Happy Hour with the girls? Absof--kinglutely!

Moderate it: pop your own popcorn in a little bit of olive oil and smuggle it into the theater for a healthy treat. We've all heard how bad movie popcorn is calorie-wise, even a small, unbuttered. Plus - I realize I'm in the minority here - I think it sucks and that the freshly popped at home version blows the theater stuff away. Pop that!

Wellll...I did end up scoring a bratwurst after all! We had dinner at my sister Stacey's last night, and she grilled up some brats and burgers, so when in Rome... It was fantastic, by the way, crusty and spicy, summer in a bun. In a nod to moderation, I actually had half of one, on half a bun, with raw onions and mustard. Alongside a delicious green salad tossed with fresh strawberries, a few bites of my mom's potato salad (her trick - she purchases it at the grocery store, then oomphs it up with lots of minced celery, hard-cooked egg, and onion, as well as a healthy shot of mustard, yum), and strawberry shortcake for dessert, it was a hell of meal and the perfect ending to a long, lovely weekend. And the perfect launch for what promises to be a long, lovely summer, right? Yeah, baby!

Today the sun shines, typical. But back to work and school and chores anyhow, snap, snap! Tonight, for a quick healthy din, I'm planning to grill chicken breasts with a honey-mustard glaze (half honey, half mustard, all easy). Alongside green beans drizzled with toasted walnut oil (good stuff, packed with flavor, a little goes a long way) and crunchy toasted walnuts, maybe a few skewers of grilled cherry tomatoes as well, it should be a colorful, tasty meal. Easy too. I'll check back in later with the details.

Have a good (short!) week, everyone.

OK, back for a moment, this has nothing to do with food (or does it? Hmmm...), but it made me laugh out loud, so I'm pasting it here. It's from The Onion, although I caught it on planetdan. In case you're dragging after the three-day weekend and could use a little laugh - well here you go. The models are perfectly smug, the design mocks the NYTimes Magazine exactly, and the title is fabulously nasty. In case you could use more than one laugh, I highly recommend a quick glance at both planetdan and The Onion. Much better for you than a cup of coffee and way more fun anyhow. Cheers!

Moderate it: it's not traditional (gasp), but it works quite nicely to halve brats lengthwise before grilling them. It cuts cooking time dramatically, plus makes it easy and satisfying to eat half a brat - it lies nicely flat on a bun; top with pickles, onions, sauerkraut, mustard...whatever sounds great. (Please don't tell anyone in Wisconsin that I suggest this, I'll get pummeled.)

Grillin' & chillin', that's the goal for Memorial Day weekend, right? Our lovely sunshine disappeared, but that's OK. The grill still works in the rain! (Although the griller will be tucking her hair into a hat - no steak is worth frizzy hair, even if it is tenderloin, sniff.)

As much as I lurve a grilled bratwurst, covered with raw onions, sauerkraut, and mustard, washed down with an ice cold beer (the Wisconsin t-shirt I'm wearing today does not help that craving and in fact probably put it in my head, ack), I had this plan to keep things on the lighter side this weekend...right. Not that we'll feel deprived, heck no. As I hinted above, Nathan and I picked up a beef tenderloin for tonight - smeared with a little olive oil and lots of minced garlic, herbs, and coarse salt, it should come off the grill with a good crust. A couple of slices over a big spinach salad, simple and delicious.

For dessert? Peaches! They're in the store and tasting great, my fave fruit. Hey, sticking with the theme, I could even grill one - mighty nice with a drizzle of best balsamic and a little honey. Yeah, that sounds like a tasty, lovely plan.

PS If you happen to be grilling brats, enjoy one for me!

Moderate it: beef tenderloin is very special (expensive!) and delicious yet quite lean. It's easy to prepare - perfect on the grill. You can get away with buying smaller portions because there is literally no waste - no gristle, fat, or bone to trim away.

Screened Porch Blogging, one of my very favorite things to do! Yep, yet another sign of spring when we drag the cushions up from downstairs and set up the ol' porch. I love it out here, it's cozier than the deck, what with a roof over my head and a spot for stringing up some lights and lighting a few candles. It's a different view too, different angle on the back yard, and that makes it feel more, I don't know - away. I'll be really happy when it's warm enough in the mornings to enjoy breakfast out here. Maybe tomorrow! Sunday morning coffee and paper outside, aw man, that's what summer's all about, right? Along with al fresco meals, after-dinner walks (just returned, the entire world is perfumed by lilacs right now, insanely seductive), and late afternoon swims. How ready are we for summer this year? It's not just me, all of us Midwesterners are in this mood, lalalaaah! It's the payoff for sensory deprivation, my friends - it's the reason we live here. Remind me next March. Right.

If you're looking for the yummiest pancakes in the whole world to eat on your porch/deck/patio tomorrow morning, I suggest Orange Yogurt Pancakes, beyond delicious. Very fluffy and tender - with fresh berries, a few slices of Nueske's Canadian bacon (available at Byerly's), and lots of good coffee... Oh man, you'd be hard put to start your day off better. Enjoy!

Moderate it: Nueske's Canadian bacon is so delicious, you won't for a minute wish you were eating "regular" bacon. If you're trying to avoid cured meats, Whole Foods sells several versions of uncured ham and Canadian bacon. I've not tried whole-wheat flour in the Orange Yogurt Pancake recipe, but I'd bet it could work nicely. For added fiber/nutrients - and great flavor! - add blueberries and/or chopped nuts to each pancake after ladling the batter onto a hot griddle. Flip as usual, finish cooking, and serve.

Do you have big Memorial Day plans? Not me, thank goodness. May has been a crazy-busy (fun!) bacchanal and I'm looking forward to a quiet, healthy reprieve. I took a long bike ride yesterday, and followed by the grilled fish and pile of vegetables I prepared last night, it put me in the right mood for a long weekend of dialing things back a bit, taking a deep breath, ahhh... No restaurants, parties, birthdays, travel, illness, entertaining - nothin'. Just a good book, my deck, exercise, flower planting, light meals, perhaps a movie, and a few good nights of sleep. Dang but that sounds nice! (I may very well not pull it off, but at least I'm going to try!)

Tonight I'm back to the wild-caught Key West shrimp I found at Whole Foods. Since it's just John and me, I'm going to boil them in their shells for a little peel-n-eat action. Served alongside a saute of tomatoes, okra, onions, and a little bacon, I'm going for a Southern-ish feel. Southern light, that is - no fry, no biscuits, no pie. Just plenty of yum!

Moderate it: check out this neat article in Health Magazine - beautiful, quick meal ideas based on farmer's market produce. They bill it as a "diet," but I'd call it an outline for healthy, delicious, every-day eating. Nice!

I've been grilling a fair amount of rainbow trout lately - it's one of my very favorite fish to eat, plus since I've learned that the farm-raised version is of high quality and safe to eat, I feel I can eat it without worry or guilt (source: Environmental Defense Fund Seafood Selector, a must-read site for those of you who love to eat fish). Although the fillets are thin, they're rich enough to stand up to dry grill heat; a basket makes flipping a breeze. I think trout is delicious prepared simply - just a brush of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Kosher salt before grilling for a few minutes on each side. Off heat, finish with lots of fresh-squeezed lemon and a shower of fresh herbs. Simple.

Lots of fresh-squeezed lemon makes a quick saute of spring vegetables mighty tasty as well. Tonight's version was asparagus, morel mushrooms, and ramps (bulbs and greens). Pretty with a nice crunch to set off the tender, pale-pink fish. Light, lovely, and on the table in oh, about 15 minutes. Now that's spring!

Moderate it: fresh fish and vegetables make the perfect moderate dinner, I think. Light, but feels special because it's so pretty and delicious. Grilling fish requires very little added fat - literally just a brush of oil. A sprinkle of salt before cooking really boosts flavor, don't skip it; lots of fresh lemon and herbs add flavor too. A fish grilling basket is a great investment - as you can see from the pic, you can load it up past its borders and it still works beautifully to keep fish from sticking to the grill.

Well hello sunshine! It is some kind of gorgeous outside this morning, wow - bright green, bright blue, crisp and fresh. We forget that a few times per year, Minnesota is where it's at. Take that, New York...

Right. I'm kidding, and only attempt the flabby jab because that's where we were Sunday through yesterday. Oh, New York was definitely cold and soggy - no crisp, no fresh - but it didn't much matter, because it's New York, baby, the greatest city in the world, and it can be whatever the hell it wants.

Especially when it's my experience of New York, ha, the vacation version, completely devoid of reality (per the photo, below, from Sunday's New York Times; fabulous.). Hassle, hustle, grime, crime? Pshaw! In New York, I do what I never do - completely relinquish control. The bossy (er, real) me goes right out the airplane window, and I get...quiet. New York is not my town - it is John's, totally and completely. Which, I suspect, is exactly what makes it so damn fun. I'm just along for the cab ride, relaxing in my in-laws' beautiful apartment, eating the incredible food, strolling through Central Park, watching (and watching and watching) the people... Doing my best to to take it all in. Impossible, of course.

Although this trip I gave 'er the old college try. Literally! We were in town to celebrate to my sister Etta's graduation from Barnard College, of which the actual ceremony was yesterday (Tuesday) morning. In 48 hours I had the pleasure of seeing not just John's family, but my own as well, together in NYC. Way cool.

John and I flew in a bit early, Sunday afternoon, and stole some time to chill with my in-laws Dot and John. Then we all four met John's brother Tom, his wife Valerie, and their kids Allegra and Cameron for dinner at John's beloved Chin Chin. It was an embarrassing feast, I think we ordered damn near every dish on the menu, all delicious. Eggplant in garlic sauce, salt-n-pepper shrimp, dry sauteed string beans, spring rolls, steamed dumplings, crispy beef, soft-shell crabs in black bean sauce, on and on and on. Just...outstanding. We rolled out the door and into (hard-shell) cabs and into soft beds. City noises? Never heard 'em. I slept like a baby. An abusively stuffed baby.

Up and at 'em on Monday morning (still full, by the way, definitely a sign of immoderation, ack), first for some hang time - a rare drive! - with Tom, then for the graduation's opening ceremony... A fabulous cocktail party at (my siblings) David & Etta's light and airy apartment. Stacey was there, and Dad & Susanna too, and we all got to meet a few of David & Etta's fun friends and check out their (twenty-something) Scene in the City. Shrimp, quiches, crab cakes, and cheeses (from Whole Foods, I believe) made for yummy nibbles. After a fair amount of wine and chat, just the fam whisked off for dinner at Il Cantinori. We covered homemade pastas, veal chops and scallopini, shrimp...all lovely. More cabs, more soft beds...

And then yesterday, the big day, Barnard College's graduation ceremony. Despite a little chill and damp (we were thankfully under a tent), it was a beautiful and impressive event. Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered the keynote - relaxed, charming, funny. Thelma Davidson Adair, Billie Jean King, David Remnick, and Mayor Bloomberg all received medals of distinction. And then the money moment - diplomas! Etta was beautiful, of course, in her pale blue cap and gown. And just like that, it was over. Dad & Susanna breathed a sigh of relief - all of their kids are officially through college. Woo hoo! Congratulations Dad & Susanna! And of course, most of all... Congratulations Etta! Well done!

After the ceremony, John and I rushed back to his parents' to pack and head for La Guardia, pausing only to wolf down a one-handed Zabar's feast - toasted sesame bagel with chive cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onion, and tomato. The. Friggin'. Kill.

So today, back in the Minnesota sunshine, bagel-less (sniff) but glad nonetheless to be home. My town, Minneapolis. That means...the beyotch is back, feeling her bossy oats. Sorry, man.

Moderate it: the best way I know to moderate in NYC is to get the heck outta there and just come home. No more Chinese, no more bagels, no more slices on the street. Done.

I think I finally dare to plant flowers and herbs. I'm usually itching to get out there; but this year, with our snowy, freezing, miserable April and May? Meh. Then I walked outside this morning... Oh, it smells like flowers! It smells like (gasp) spring! And just like that, I'm ready.

Hmmm, I think I'll plant pots of basil, rosemary, parsley, sage, dill, and mint. Lots of lavender, because I love the way it smells. And tomatoes, of course, I've had good luck planting them in pots on my deck, this will be the third year. Good output, fantastic flavor and texture. Ripe tomatoes, wow, that sounds just decadent. And soon enough my LaFinca CSA veggie share will kick in (yay!) and we'll be bustin' with fresh vegetables. There is neither moderate nor epicurean without fresh vegetables. Yeah. I'm ready!

Last night we finally got to celebrate Stacey's birthday with the kids. Although it was a brief celebration (enter orthodontist, play practice, and yet another cough), we managed to sing Happy Birthday and wolf down a piece of strawberry cream cake (white cake "iced" with lightly sweetened creme fraiche and piled with fresh strawberries, I won't even post a recipe because that's all there is to it).

Oh, that reminds me, a shrimp tip (we had sauteed shrimp for din): if you've noticed that farm-raised shrimp from Thailand or other Asian countries tastes like mealy, soggy crap...it's worth seeking out wild-caught shrimp. I found frozen 1-pound bags at Whole Foods, wild-caught near Key West, Florida. They're in the shell, but it's worth a little effort to taste real shrimpy shrimp again, crisp and sweet.

With that, (take an allergy pill and) enjoy the gorgeous, sweet smell of all that pollen in the air!

Moderate it: go ahead, bake a cake for a loved one. Enjoy a small slice, then send what's left home with them!

Ooh, I found ramps (wild leeks) at Whole Foods today, yummy. I found (more) morels and fava beans as well. Springy springy! And naughty naughty, because it threw off my whole dinner plan. Or, I should say it doubled my dinner plan - the original plan is still in place, but just for Nathan and John (a quickie din - Whole Foods sushi, sesame broccoli salad, cabbage-almond salad, and Ling-Ling organic chicken & vegetable potstickers, which in a pinch are awfully tasty and not full of a bunch of chemicals). And for me? I got so excited about the ramps I decided to cook them (bulbs and greens, very simply, just in a little butter) with the morels and favas, and a dab of creme fraiche, and call it my own dinner (I would have shared if pressed, but neither J nor N would be one bit interested, whew). I can have take-out sushi any dumb day, but ramps and morels and fava beans? Together? Spring on a plate, baby, now that's a real treat.

Moderate it: a little butter and creme fraiche go a long way - small amounts = big flavor. Enjoy!

And now it's Monday. The parties are over, Mother's Day has come and gone, and it's high time to depuff. Bites of pastry, pizza, and lemon tart are lovely, all things in moderation after all... But fresh fruit and vegetables are lovely too, and given the havoc that too many refined carbs, drinks, meat, and dairy wreak on my face and waistline since achieving 40-something, I get downright excited to get back to "normal". Green tea and grapefruit? Woo hoo! The fact is, I have become supremely sensitive to over-indulging (I blow up like a balloon, to put it mildly - see Cancun '08) which is either a sad reminder that I'm aging (I get it already!), or a lucky reminder to, you know, embrace moderation. I'll consider it the latter (snarl).

I actually enjoyed a lovely transition meal last night, at lovely Lucia's, with my lovely mom and sister. I know I say this over and over (and over), but Lucia's does amazing vegetables. I had a cup of pureed tomato soup - no cream, but creamy; perfectly seasoned to taste like soup, not spaghetti sauce (always a risk with tomato soup). All three of us ordered the roasted French-cut chicken breast (boneless, with skin, and the first joint of the wing attached; do any of you ever request this cut from your butcher? I haven't, but I'm going to soon, I'll let you know if they oblige) served alongside a small dollop of mashed potatoes, a tangle of al dente green beans (seasoned with what I'm guessing was butter with a bit of horseradish whisked in - delicious), and wilted greens topped with crunchy walnuts and kalamata olives. Too comforting to be light, but not ridiculously heavy either. Pretty damn perfect.

Tonight? Well, we are not going out for dinner! I'm thinking miso soup and a simple saute of whatever veggies I can scare up from the cooler. More tea, grapes, and a few almonds to finish. Simple and light and clean tasting. My palate (grocery bill, butt, John, dishwasher, eye bags) will thank me.

Moderate it: back-on-track, depuff favorites are green tea, grapefruit, raw almonds, fish, arugula, and kale.

Ahhh, Happy Mother's Day! I hope you're all enjoying a lovely day! I sure am - John's doing the dishes from last night's dinner party - now that's a gift. (As you can see in the pic, we put a fair amount of tableware through its paces.)

So, last night's dinner menu (recipes posted in comments, below). I leaned pretty heavily on one of my favorite cookbooks, Sunday Suppers at Lucques by Suzanne Goin. The book is broken down into seasonal menus, eight/season - I didn't follow any one menu to the letter, but pulled favorite little gems from here and there, all spring-y, all tasty. Stu and Rudy brought fabulous wines to taste and share, also listed below.

Swiss Chard Tart with Goat Cheese, Currants, and Pine Nuts
Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin Champagne, Reims (France)
Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2006, Sonoma County
McGrath Farms' Watercress Soup with Gentleman's Relish Toast
Adrian Fog Pinot Noir 2003, Anderson Valley, Savoy Vineyard (brought by Stu)
Chambolle-Musigny Clos du Village Monopole 1999, Domaine Antonin Guyon, Cote d'Or (France;
brought by Rudy)
Grilled Lamb Chops with Garlic & Herbs (my recipe)
Artichoke-Potato Hash with Black Olive Aioli (because there were no artichokes available at Byerly's - very odd - we instead had Asparagus-Morel-Potato Hash, worked quite nicely)
Faiveley Echezeaux Grand Cru 1992, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Cote d'Or (France; brought by Rudy)
Cain Five 2003, Napa Valley
Buttermilk Lemon Tart (the almond crust is via Sunday Suppers, from the cherry tart recipe; lemon filling is mine)

Despite being pretty wiped out from his birthday party the night before, Nathan was able to join us for (most of) dinner (he's a BIG fan of Bizarre Foods). Man, it was great to finally pull this party together, I'm kinda bummed that it's over. We've had good intentions, but getting Zim and Rudy in the same room, in the same city, at the same time, is a bit of a challenge - how crazy we pulled it off twice in one week! I particularly had a blast cooking all day, I don't get to do that very often these busy days. The only thing that could have made the day better was a lot less rain, and just a bit of warmth, for appetizers on the deck. But whatevs, we have all summer for outside fun (listen to me, so nonchalant about summer, ha), and having everyone in the kitchen with me while I cook is pretty damn sweet.

Today, leftovers baby! Already had some soup for lunch, nice. Perhaps a bite of a lamb chop in a bit. Dinner tonight a la Lucia's, with Mom and Stacey, to celebrate Mother's Day (natch) and Stacey's Birthday - Happy Belated Birthday Stacey Pooh (here with Cooper; I know she's having a Happy Mother's Day, ha.)

Moderate it: Stace, you may feel older, but you're never as old as me. After party - enjoy the party leftovers! It's too much work for just one meal - just be ready to pare back to normal. Er, tomorrow.

OK, here's the deal. It's just about midnight (which makes it Sunday, Mother's Day, Happy Such to all you Madres out there)... I got oh, about five hours of sleep last night due to Nathan's Boy Soup birthday sleepover... I have a cold... I just spent the entire day prepping a three-course dinner for nine (John & moi, Nathan, Rishia & Andrew Zimmern, Rudy Maxa & Ana Scofield, and Debbie & Stu The Wine Genius Williams)... Aaaaand I therefore have pretty much no right to be sitting here on the computer writing about said (fun!) exertions. That said, a quick overview of this weekend's kitchen kitsches (menu/recipes to follow tomorrow; er, make that later today):

• I love watercress soup.
  
• If your grill isn't firing perfectly evenly, monitor your lovely lamb chops carefully. (Smoke=fire, well, always.)
  
• If Stu Williams and Rudy Maxa bring wine to your dinner, drink it.
  
• Potatoes taste good with almost anything.
• Dinner by candlelight and flowers tastes better.
• Grilling meat in high heels rather sucks.
• Drinking champagne in high heels rather rocks.
• I must go to bed.

And with that, having experienced a lovely night, I bid you a fond farewell (of the goodnight variety). Sleep tight....

Moderate it: if you cook in heels - and who doesn't? - I suggest a bit of a platform sole. Easier on the ball of the foot; plus, a wider heel is more stable. Especially when grilling on a rainy, slippery deck.

Hallelujah, dining al fresco has finally arrived! Everything tastes better outside, in the fresh air, don't you agree? It's all about hitting the Sensory Sweet Spot - a perfectly balanced stimulation of the five senses (my definition). A little wine and cheese in your kitchen? Nice. A little wine and cheese on your deck, alongside pots of beautiful, fragrant flowers, perhaps birdsong overhead, perhaps some favorite tunes, on a balmy summer's eve? Oh yeah, you want to die it's so perfect.

Simple foods taste best outdoors, otherwise that sensory balance is completely whacked. (Have you ever been full, sweaty, and sleepy at a picnic? We all have, and it sucks.) Grilled meat or fish, crisp salads, fresh fruit desserts - nothing too hot or heavy. The goal is not exactly cozy, but clean and light and of course, delicious.

That said, my family doesn't dig eating outdoors nearly as much as I do. The kids fret over every bug, John likes to eat as fast as possible and be done with it...but I don't care. I'm happy to sit there alone and savor the experience, it's rare (in Minnesota) and entirely lovely. Maybe tonight I can pull off grilling a piece of salmon and recreating the killer couscous with dill vinaigrette I enjoyed (twice) at the Post Ranch in Big Sur (yes, I'm still obsessing about it). If I achieve nailing it down, I'll post the recipe. Stay tuned...

Moderate it: look for whole-grain couscous; I've found it at Whole Foods.

Congratulations Rudy Maxa! Rudy's new series, Rudy Maxa's World, debuted Saturday, May 3, and tonight was the celebratory party at Nick & Eddie. I went early, left early; John arrived late, left late - we overlapped by oh, about 10 minutes. But that's cool, I get to see my Johnny all the time - but hardly ever get to see Rudy & Ana, Stu The Wine Genius & Debbie, Tessa & Greg Becker, Andrew & Rishia Zimmern, and a boatload of other fun people we've met along the way (and just tonight!) like Lindsay & Ralph Bashioum. (Side note of personal humiliation: Ralph is a plastic surgeon, and major foodie, who was describing to Stu and me the boned guinea hen he will be serving at an upcoming dinner party. I asked him 1) if he was a good boner (egads), and 2) to cover for the first gaffe, if he was good with a knife. Plastic surgeon. Good with a knife. Yeah.)

Other than inserting my foot (feet) deeply into my mouth, I had a great time, downing tasty appetizers (fried walleye popsicles, barbecued duck, chicken liver on croutons, steak tartare) and sipping lovely wine. I'll admit, my 5-inch heels caused me a bit of pain after all the standing chat (and you know, after eating them, sigh), but sitting a spell on a set of bleachers - to catch the end of Nathan's baseball game - took care of that. All in all, a blast of a night, and a fine way to launch Rudy Maxa's World (showing locally on TPT at 2 pm on Saturdays) - thanks Rudy & Ana for the great party!

Moderate it: cocktail party strategizing - if you're prone to bad puns, think carefully before you speak, Stephanie. And at 100 calories apiece, choose only your very favorite canapes. It helps to skip anything that's more than one bite - I do it to avoid food in my teeth/awkward spills, but it also tends to wipe out the cheesiest, creamiest, deadliest little mothers.

Here we are, Little League baseball season once again, the third time since I started this blog - time flies, eh?! I have to say, it feels good to be back in the fresh air and warm sun, eating a little dust, catching up with the Baseball Moms (outside of McCoys, ha), and watching my nephew Cooper Cuteness running all over the place, thinking he's ready to play some ball. "I want to go in there!" says Cooper, age just-2, pointing over the fence at the Big Boys, the cool ones, the ones hitting and throwing the ball as hard as they possibly can... Eeek!

We had a game yesterday too, an appetizer of sorts before the dinner I made for Dad, Susanna, Stacey, Cooper, John, and Nathan. We all ended up here by four or so, in time for Jake (my parents' dog) to take the inaugural '08 swim in the pool (splash!), while I pulled together some (real) appetizers and Cooper and Nathan ran around chasing Jake. We vegged out - literally - with sauteed artichokes and roasted asparagus, followed by a first course of thin fresh pasta with favas and morels (hey, what can I say, 'tis the season) and a dab of creme fraiche. Oh, don't worry, we beefed up plenty - a whole beef tenderloin roast, rubbed with minced garlic, herbs, olive oil, and coarse salt, grilled crusty and served over slices of grilled bread with sauteed cherry tomatoes, spring onions, and Brussels sprouts. With zabligione for dessert, oy we were stuffed, daring to ring in spring with a truly spring-y meal.

Today, due to a lovely, sunny visit with my friend Kathie, I actually achieved sun rash, itchy and bumpy and...completely welcome. Hey, I'll take any sun at this point, especially on Kathie's pretty patio, especially in comparison to gray clouds and snow. Rash on!

Moderate it: roasted vegetables make delicious - and not overly heavy - appetizers. The goal is to set out a nibble, not fill everyone up before dinner.

Heck if I'm not seeing green out my window, lalalaaa! Even if it snows again, that green isn't going away until like, October, baby. Yes, we Minnesotans have officially stepped out of our dreadful black-n-white photo-prison into the alternate world we call Not Winter, like Alice Through the Friggin' Looking Glass... Man, is it good.

As was the Halibut with Fingerlings, Fava Beans, Meyer Lemon, and Savory Creme Fraiche I made for dinner last night. I've been just itching to try this pretty recipe, from Sunday Suppers at Lucques by Suzanne Goin (killer cookbook, seriously), and a visit from our friend Niko provided the perfect reason to give 'er a scratch. The slightly overwrought name makes the dish sound complicated, but the steps are easy and can be completed ahead of time, so the actual plating is a breeze. I used small red new potatoes (no fingerlings at Whole Foods, where I knew I could find favas, easy enough trade) and fresh sorrel instead of savory (again, an easy and tasty substitution). The end result was tender halibut, delicious over crushed potatoes and fava beans, made zesty-creamy-glorious with spoonfuls of lemon-parsley sauce and rich creme fraiche. Lovely combo. Mmmm. Hmmm. (Recipe posted in comments, below.)

Niko crept out at the crack of dawn (not in shame, merely for a very early flight back home to his family), so John and I were off on our own today. Errands...followed by an utterly romantic window-table brunch at La La Lucia's! Popovers and roasted potatoes and a fried egg sandwich - open faced, with bacon, tomato (real, ripe tomato, in May, how does she do it?), arugula, aioli, and but of course - a fried egg. Any take on the Spanglish sandwich is just...scrumptious with me.

Tomorrow, stay tuned, dinner for the fam and if I do say so myself, I'm on a bit of a roll lately and I have big plans. BIG plans. Well, not caviar or lobster big, but beef tenderloin big, and that's something. You know I'm done with neither favas nor morels (although John wishes I were, I can tell; he kindly feigns enthusiasm which I do appreciate).

Welcome Not Winter!

Moderate it: OK, there are healthier ways to eat fish than with buttery potatoes and creme fraiche (I considered this a special occasion). To lighten the dish without stripping it bare, serve the potatoes without butter, grill the fish (instead of sauteeing it), and let the creme fraiche (you only need a small dollop) pull it all together. Still delicious!

I don't drive all that much, so rising gas prices - while a shocker - aren't outright killing me. However, I do eat all that much, and YOWZA am I getting socked at the grocery checkout! I'll admit, morel mushrooms and fresh fish are never bargains, but man, just the usual fruits, veggies, bread, and dairy are really adding up. Ouch! I obv didn't live through WWII, and we're hardly experiencing WWII levels of deprivation, but if you're looking for a little scrimping inspiration - not to mention one of the best food books/writers ever - check out MFK Fisher's How to Cook a Wolf. What a book, in fact, just thinking about it makes me want to reread it immediately. She makes even a tin of bouillon sound utterly sublime. Read all of her books - I started with the The Gastronomical Me and it changed me forever (seriously - Consider the Oyster, Serve it Forth - it's all fabulous, whether you love food or not, what a writer). And talk about sensual... Rarrr, rarrr, roar...!

Luckily, I completely enjoy some of the less expensive (yet more flavorful) cuts of meat - tonight, for instance, I braised beef short ribs, which John and I ate alongside my version of thin pasta with spring vegetables (artichokes, fava beans, morels), with pan juices from the short ribs spooned over the lot. With a nice Pinot Noir to sip alongside, it was quite lovely and suddenly, look at that, it's bedtime. Good night!

Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly. - MFK Fisher