back to reality

Yesterday was gorgeous weather. That one day in the year when the demon spirit of Northern California lays claim to the soul of Minneapolis and we all pretend we're better off for putting up with the bitter cold for 6 months followed almost immediately by 5 months of brutally hot, humid, eternally sweaty summer- starting early and ending late, the same way winter does. If I sound bitter, it's only because I've spent the last 6 months being bitter. Yesterday was the day of hope. Today was the day of truth. It rained all day long. But there is a definite silver lining. Two silver linings.


The first is this picture. Jon claims it is the best picture of him ever taken. He likes it because of the way it captures his sneakers. White. I like it because of the way it captures my mood towards Minneapolis. Bleak.


In addition to the greatest picture ever taken of Jon, the total drear provided the perfect opportunity to test my new popover pans. The popover recipe I use is from Martha Stewart's baking cookbook. A tome of baking from which I can attest to no failures. Among the triumphs: Maple Buttercream, Almond Macaroons, Graham Crackers, various scones and Date Bran Muffins. Any one of these recipes is worth buying the cookbook for.


The recipe goes something like this...

Popovaires

1 1/2 cups milk
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tablespoons powdered sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all together with whisk until combined. There will be lumps. Pour into buttered tins. Bake at 425 for 30 minutes. I think the most important thing is to generously butter the tins. No matter what, a few of my popovers always stick to the pan. It's annoying. You pull on the popover trying to loose it and end up deflating and mutilating it. Emotionally, it's a lot like trying to get the pit out of a very ripe peach and ending up with a piece of mauled flesh. If you want to adapt this recipe to make a deep controlled rage- omit the butter completely.