As we continue to experiment with ways to bring you content and facilitate community among our growing number of readers, I thought that maybe we’d try having a thread on Mondays. Sometimes the thread will be on a political topic, but today I just want to know what you’re watching, reading and cooking. Here are my answers:
What are you watching?
Melissa and I are very into Homeland, and can’t wait until the series finale this Sunday. I’ve been rewatching the series to try to get a sense of where things are going this final season, and I’m starting to get concerned that I’ve set my expectations too high that they’ll somehow put a bow on all of the themes/plot-lines of the series. Regardless, this season has really been fantastic.
What are you reading?
I have been trying to work through Christopher Lasch’s The True and Only Heaven for some time now (Liz Bruenig mentioned Lasch in a panel we were on together a while ago, and I thought “I better read that guy!”). I’m enjoying it, but it’s also making my list of to-read books grow exponentially as there are all of these interesting citations. I’ll be working my way through Lasch’s major works this year.
I’m also listening to David Garrow’s Bearing The Cross on Audible, and feeling both sad and joyful/grateful for those who sacrificed in the Civil Rights Movement, and that I had the extraordinary honor of meeting so many of the individuals cited in the book. I wish I had known some of the little factoids when I was with them…particularly the stories in the book that I did not know about Rev. Lowery.
What are you cooking?
Melissa bought me The Silver Spoon a few months ago, and it is the most challenging cookbook I’ve ever tried to work through. I really like it though, and I feel like it’s helping me become a better cook. I’ll be making fresh pasta with onions from that cookbook this week, as well as a cake with orange frosting. Maybe I’ll share photos later this week.
What about you? Have you found that you are able to get to longer-term projects in this season, or are you just struggling to keep up with essentials? I have to say, it’s oddly been a mix of the two on this end. I’m still trying to wrap my arms around what this looks like in the longer-term.
Hi all! This is Melissa -- thought I'd given my own opinions here.
1. Besides Homeland, I've been going through Mad Men and The Office again for the zillionth time. I've also started "Making The Cut" on Prime, which is a re-done version of Project Runway with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. It is more about the designers and their craft, rather than being based on a cut-throat competition. I recently watched "Making It" (also HIGHLY commend to you) with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. There's something happening in competition reality shows these days. Great British Baking Show has really had an effect on the genre. Making The Cut is a lot gentler to watch than Project Runway, even though I do enjoy the latest version of Project Runway with Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano. I also tried "Next In Fashion" from Netflix (hosts Alexa Chung and Tan France) and I just wasn't a big fan. I wish I could read a nice think piece from someone like Alissa Wilkinson on the GBBO effect and how reality shows are becoming kinder and less cut-throat--though not all of them, obviously. We have The Bachelor for a reason.
2. I am going through a YA Fantasy/Supernatural/Dystopian/Science Fiction book about once every couple days on Kindle. I'm not a fan of the fancy contemporary literature that everyone says they like. Give me a clear plot, magic, and a hint of romance, and I'm good. I don't need complicated prose. I actually hate flowery or descriptive writing, even if it comes from one of the masters. Sorry to anyone I am offending right now. ;-) Michael has been practically begging me to read Lasch's book so we can discuss it, so I will be doing that one ASAP too. I don't read a lot of non-fiction unless it's foreign policy, politics, or diplomacy-based, or some sweeping argument on society. Lasch's book fits the bill. We don't often agree on books to read together. *chuckle*
3. I don't cook. You don't want me to cook. Michael is our cook, and he's really talented at it. I made tacos about 5 days ago to help out the monotony for Michael and the seasoning was too spicy, and I forgot to buy sour cream. It...wasn't pretty.
What’s up guys? Just recently became a paid subscriber. Looking forward to more content!
1)My wife and I will occasionally watch The Office. We reached the point where you can just turn on an episode and know what’s going on. Could be a bad thing! Lol! We finished Jack Ryan. Thought the first season was stronger than the second. We’re also watching The Last Dance documentary on the 1998 Chicago Bulls. So far, it’s been great!
2) Been reading “Meat Market” by Bruce Feldman. It’s spends an entire year following the recruiting cycle for Ole Miss when Ed Orgeron was the coach there. Which of course it all bizarre to read this now. He was fired from that job but has now won a national title and been named coach of the year.
3) I’m not really a cook. But I will try to help my wife where I can. We’ve been experimenting a lot with spaghetti squash here recently. Not too bad!
It's all I can handle to keep up with normal stuff and trying to stay in touch with a base number of family and friends. Work is just email triage and I don't sleep well.
I try to read newsletters and blogs.
I haven't made anything unusual to eat.
But I live in Georgia so it's already over down here, officially on Friday but I'm gonna guess people will basically interpret that as effective immediately. What's in theaters these days? Any restaurant recommendations? Wanna get reservations for bowling? There's one with an ice cream shop next door so we can go for ice cream after 🙄
"Email triage" is a really great way to describe my work as well right now. I'm sorry you're not sleeping well :( I've had to take melatonin now for the past week when usually I'm fine falling asleep.
Ha, I love French Press and Comment Mag, too! Newsletters: Axios AM, Axios PM, Popular Information (Substack), Attention to Onions (Substack), Letters from Quarantine (Substack), ParentData (Substack).
I'm watching Schitt's Creek and the Heist right now. I'm reading the Myth of the American Dream by DL Mayfield and it is so good!! Highly recommend for anyone who likes memoir non-fiction. I love the way she writes essays about her life and thought process that invite me to think more critically about how I live out my values. I'm cooking through my two Allison Roman cookbooks - make a very good and simple roasted salmon, asparagus, potatoes with browned butter peas and green herb-y sauce. and a great foccacia pizza!
We STILL haven't invested in Schitt's Creek. We know we need to. I see too many gifs of it not to ;-). But now I see that you answered my question above on any favorites. Have you don't any of her desserts? --Melissa
1. I’m not a huge tv show person anymore, but I am a BIG fan of Daredevil and Jack Ryan. The latter took up any free time I had for about half a week. I couldn’t stop myself. My daughter and I are currently watching Ken Burns’ documentary on the National Parks.
2. I’m 2/3 of the way through Taylor Branch’s trilogy on the Civil Rights movement. I get the feeling that I’m only taking in a small portion of the actual events, but it is fascinating to read about everything that came together to create the greatest human rights movement in the country’s history. Most convicting to me are the countless individual acts of sacrifice.
In addition I’ve got Keller’s book on vocation and Crouch’s on culture.
3. My wife and sister in law have been baking ceaselessly since the quarantine began. My wife’s pound cake with lemon glaze is going to become a permanent staple on our counter once we get students back. I made red eye gravy for the first time which was delicious. I’m now trying to convince my extended family to make a large lemon, chicken, and olive tagine complete with Moroccan bread.
Tagine is one of my favorite things on the planet. I had had it at several restaurants. My Syrian/Algerian friend made it for me a short while ago so I'm afraid to make it for ourselves!
If you like lemon cake, Mary Berry's lemon drizzle cake is my go-to.
I just couldn't really get into Jack Ryan. I don't know what it is! I finished the whole first series and started the second and I've never been hooked by it. And I loved The Americans, Killing Eve, Homeland, etc...so I'm not sure what's wrong with my brain on this one.
I’m watching Veep, Final Table & the new Burns Roosevelt docu. Also watched American Factory & Hillary since this all started ... also Cheers for a nightcap.
Reading ... work email & kids school lessons (wahoo!). But just finished Team of Rivals a couple weeks ago and haven’t had the heart to pick something up because I’m still sad that Lincoln died. The hazards of reading history ... every character you like dies.
Cooking mostly scratch, no-recipe-needed dinners. Did a nice rhubarb & cream cake for Easter and a couple cheesecakes over the last 6 weeks. We just got a grill, so I’m looking forward to starting to experiment with some chicken thighs, sausages, and pizzas, but nothing too fancy. Hoping the weather warms up so I can get a bunch of herbs going, which is basically all you need to make something meh taste great! (+butter)
So I used this recipe for the sponge & frosting, and instead of strawberry filling I did a quick rhubarb “jam” with some frozen rhubarb I had from last summer ... basically just simmered the rhubarb with some sugar and then mashed it.
I loved the whipped cream/cream cheese frosting + rhubarb. Not too sweet, but fun & spring-y.
1) Just started Westworld. Intense! Looking forward to seeing how it develops the themes of humanity and autonomy. Also re-watching The Good Place, this time with my wife. We were horrified last night noticing a line Jason says about having a flu virus named after him because he licked a bat. WHAT DID YOU KNOW, MIKE SCHUR?!
2) Rainbows for the Fallen World by Calvin Seerveld. Reading this as part of a cohort of colleagues. Only read the intro, but it’s fantastic, as Seerveld always is. It’s a look at art and aesthetics through the Kuyperian/Dutch Reformed worldview. Wrapping up Jake Meador’s In Search of the Common Good. Really good, really helpful. Also The Water Dancer, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ novel. The man can do everything.
3) Broke out the grill on a beautiful evening for some deliciously marinated chicken breasts and did some sliced potatoes in the cast iron skillet. Simple, but joyful. Also getting a sourdough starter going and can’t wait to bake my first loaf tomorrow!
1. We’ve been watching Once Upon a Time - basically fairy tale characters get transported to our world. There are some interesting themes about how love can change someone for the better and what happens when you make love an idol instead.
2. Today I read an essay from Chesterton’s The Well and the Shallows. It was written in 1935, but there was a lot that could apply to social media and the partisanship we see today.
3. I made carnitas a few weeks ago, and if I had known how easy and delicious it was, I would have tried making it a long time ago.
I’m watching Homeland too! I’m afraid either Carrie and/or Saul will die. I’m also watching
Better Call Saul and Bosch. Too much tv I’m sure
but high quality. I’m reading a lot of poetry: A small book by N.T. Wright-“Quiet Moments”; also waiting on “Spirits in Bondage” by C.S. Lewis. We’re cooking a lot at home. Nothing too fancy. Today I’m making my dad’s Hamburger Soup and
1. Watching: "Boy Meats World", "Lidia's Italian Kitchen", and "Criminal Minds." Also just watched Mrs. America and thought it was very well done. Cate Blanchett's voice and mannerisms were exactly like Phyllis Schlafly's.
2. Reading: Reed of God. I started it two Advents ago but want to really dig into it this time. I am waiting to dig into Ron Chernow's Grant once I am finished with my paper for my masters program. Carolyn and I are also reading The Dawn Treader together.
3. As I said via Twitter last December, The Silver Spoon is great. It's simplicity is really wonderful, but keep in mind that its serving sizes are about 1/3 the size of ours. If you are trying to go a long time between grocery trips, I'd suggest really digging into that cookbook. They have so many recipes that do not take many recipes, and weird combos you'd never think of. For example, before our milk went bad I made onion and milk soup. It's good, not great, but we got an extra meal out of something we otherwise may have tossed.
I went through Lidia's book, Silver Spoon, a soup cookbook that I have, and Julia Child's cookbook yesterday to flag recipes that are only a few ingredients that I can test out during the quarantine. I'd be happy to share as I go!
I did not try the onion and milk soup... it looked suspicious.
1. Also watching "When Calls the Heart" and "Call the Midwife." It appears I have a thing for shows about calling right now. Both are extremely wholesome and pleasant and "Call the Midwife" has babies, so that's a win all around.
2. "The Grace of Enough" by Haley Stewart and "A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War" by Joseph Loconte. Haley makes me wish I was cool enough to move to a farm, but I think we'll settle for trying to grow some herbs this summer and live simply. I also read the sequel to "City of Brass" by S.A. Chakraborty and I think I finished it in a day or two. I need to get the third book on Kindle ASAP. Melissa, I'd love to hear more about what you're reading! It sounds like we have similar tastes.
3. I got "Nothing Fancy" by Alison Roman out of the library right before everything shut down and I've been reading it like a book. So far I've made her focaccia, sweet potatoes with maple and sour cream (but forgot the sour cream when serving), and chicken with caramelized lemons and dates (flavorful and not too complex, but want to make it again with an entire chicken). I've also been enjoying the recipes in "Zaitoun" by Yasmin Khan. Her stuffed peppers and za'atar salmon are delicious with a simple list of ingredients.
Carolyn!!!! I read very cheap (but not trashy) KindleUnlimited YA books. But if I were to pay money, Sarah Maas’ first two series and Keira Cass were worth the $$. For my fave KindleUnlimited series rn, I like Samantha Britt’s Shadowguard Academy series. “When Wishes Bleed” was another good one that I read I think a month ago.
My friend Catherine is now only cooking from Alison Roman and I’ve had the focaccia and her simple onion and tomato sauce. She tweeted the other day that she hates risotto. I think I need Michael to get her main book and we need to give it more tries. Samin Nosrat has taught me that 3-4 ingredient recipes can work. —Melissa
PS: I lol’d when you said you didn’t try the milk soup. Michael also did something with milk one time that I was like yeah I’m gonna make a box of mac and cheese...
Ah! I started the Throne of Glass series years ago and really enjoyed them! I've been meaning to re-read and get back to where I left off. Thank you for the other recommendations, I'll have to look into them. I need more escapism :)
I definitely want to try other Alison Roman recipes, I just need to be not limited by quarantine grocery shopping. There's a short rib one that looks pretty good. I have some questions about the risotto hate however... mainly, excuse me!?
I'm actually make a YA list for Joy Beth Smith so I'll share it with you once I get around to making it. Sarah Maas' stuff tends to go on too long for me, but the first 3-4 books I'm usually invested.
I'll hop in on this, although I haven't been cooking much (unless Trader Joe's frozen Indian food packets count)
1. Watching -- just finished the first season of Mad Men. Going to wait a bit before starting season 2 as I'm finding myself both angry with every character and feeling sad for them, really well done though.
2. Reading -- Rutledge's Crucifixion, recommended to me by a friend. Not far into it yet, but really enjoying it. Stott's Cross of Christ was one of the most formative books in my college years and this reminds me of it in many good ways. Also N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series, seriously enjoyable and well-written fantasy.
We absolutely LOVE and ADORE Mad Men. I'm rewatching the series again right now, for probably the 5th or 6th time. It's in my top 5 TV favorites. I love Roger the most, probably. --Melissa
I am reading a brand new book by my friend Ned O'Gorman, a professor of communication at the University of Illinois. The book is _Politics for Everybody: Reading Hannah Arendt in Uncertain Times_ (University of Chicago Press, 2020). The basic point is that authentic politics is a kind of collaborative human community and that "sustained and widespread public happiness depends on public happiness," i.e., the freedom and flourishing of individuals can only happen in a society where citizens freely come together as equals at all levels of society to speak and act regarding matters of common concern. It is a defense of a republican (small "r)" tradition of politics that informed our founders and that is more public minded than the individualistic turn of political liberalism (small "l"). And it uses the work of Hannah Arendt as a source of its major themes and thus functions as a short primer on the major lines of thought in her work.
Thanks! I think he would be a great guest on your podcast. He is a Christian scholar (with a master's in theology in addition to his scholarship in rhetoric), and he embraces the basic vision of the & Campaign.
I'm a big fan of this, though I'm going to hate answering number 3 since my cooking is...weak.
1. Michaela and I have been watching McMillions, the HBO documentary about the McDonald's Monopoly crime. It's a little too dramatic and overly detailed, but it's enjoyable to learn about.
2. I'm reading Thomas Merton's 64&65 journals, which is bound in a book called "Vow of Conversation" and is incredibly good. It inspired me to start journaling. I've also been devouring long podcasts dedicated to societal and structural change and asking how that is accomplished.
3. I've been cooking lots of quesadillas and baked or fried chicken. Earlier this year we decided to remove beef from our regular diet and I'm not a fan of most porks, however we've also been making lots of calzones this year and they're great.
1. I'm kinda picky and can't find anything on netflix that interests me now, but we had a baby last summer so now we're renting from redbox all the good movies that were in theaters in our early post partum days. Watched Harriet last weekend, and plan to watch eithet Little Women or Just Mercy this weekend. In lieu of a nightly show we've been playing games. Azul, Bohnanza, and Unearth are our favorites.
2. Since my very curious 9 month old is exploring every corner of the house, reading has been squeezed out of my daily routine most days. But I decided to read through my Greek New Testament this year and am keeping up with that routine--so good for my soul. When I do get to read, I started True and False Reform in the Church by Yves Congar. He's concerned with addressing serious moral failings in the church without giving way to individualistic or ideological zeal that tears the body apart. Seems...relevant. And his catholic commitment to institutional unity as he weighs these questions is a healty corrective to my low-church evangelical ecclesiology.
3. So I decided a couple months ago to incorporate more plant-based food into my eating habits, and its actually been just the right thing for me now. When I want downtime on the internet I'm spending more time scrolling through vegan blogs and less time on twitter. Also the challenge of getting plenty of protein while eating only delicious foods in a budget has given joyful momentum to my days. And I still eat meat or creamy, custardy desserts when I really crave them.
1) Recently finished The Leftovers (oddly comforting during all this). Just started The Wire for the first time, as well as a PBS Masterpiece show about WWII called World On Fire.
2) The Brothers Karamazov (first time!)
3) I'm trying to perfect gluten free biscuits for my celiac wife. It's not going well...
1. I'm missing football, so in place of spring practice I've been watching old NFL games. I just finished the 2015 Dez Bryant "catch" game against Green Bay in the playoffs. I can't decide if watching these games is more helpful or hurtful! My wife and I started Downton Abbey last week as well.
2. I am currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia. They have been a welcome follow up to American Carnage by Tim Alberta. I found American Carnage to be very insightful. I usually enjoy books on politics and I did enjoy that one, but that one hit me a bit harder than I was anticipating. I walked away longing for the GOP of a different era.
Hi all! This is Melissa -- thought I'd given my own opinions here.
1. Besides Homeland, I've been going through Mad Men and The Office again for the zillionth time. I've also started "Making The Cut" on Prime, which is a re-done version of Project Runway with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. It is more about the designers and their craft, rather than being based on a cut-throat competition. I recently watched "Making It" (also HIGHLY commend to you) with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. There's something happening in competition reality shows these days. Great British Baking Show has really had an effect on the genre. Making The Cut is a lot gentler to watch than Project Runway, even though I do enjoy the latest version of Project Runway with Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano. I also tried "Next In Fashion" from Netflix (hosts Alexa Chung and Tan France) and I just wasn't a big fan. I wish I could read a nice think piece from someone like Alissa Wilkinson on the GBBO effect and how reality shows are becoming kinder and less cut-throat--though not all of them, obviously. We have The Bachelor for a reason.
2. I am going through a YA Fantasy/Supernatural/Dystopian/Science Fiction book about once every couple days on Kindle. I'm not a fan of the fancy contemporary literature that everyone says they like. Give me a clear plot, magic, and a hint of romance, and I'm good. I don't need complicated prose. I actually hate flowery or descriptive writing, even if it comes from one of the masters. Sorry to anyone I am offending right now. ;-) Michael has been practically begging me to read Lasch's book so we can discuss it, so I will be doing that one ASAP too. I don't read a lot of non-fiction unless it's foreign policy, politics, or diplomacy-based, or some sweeping argument on society. Lasch's book fits the bill. We don't often agree on books to read together. *chuckle*
3. I don't cook. You don't want me to cook. Michael is our cook, and he's really talented at it. I made tacos about 5 days ago to help out the monotony for Michael and the seasoning was too spicy, and I forgot to buy sour cream. It...wasn't pretty.
Love to you all! xx
It's now officially in writing...Melissa will be reading the Lasch book. Expect all of you to be her accountability partners on this one
What’s up guys? Just recently became a paid subscriber. Looking forward to more content!
1)My wife and I will occasionally watch The Office. We reached the point where you can just turn on an episode and know what’s going on. Could be a bad thing! Lol! We finished Jack Ryan. Thought the first season was stronger than the second. We’re also watching The Last Dance documentary on the 1998 Chicago Bulls. So far, it’s been great!
2) Been reading “Meat Market” by Bruce Feldman. It’s spends an entire year following the recruiting cycle for Ole Miss when Ed Orgeron was the coach there. Which of course it all bizarre to read this now. He was fired from that job but has now won a national title and been named coach of the year.
3) I’m not really a cook. But I will try to help my wife where I can. We’ve been experimenting a lot with spaghetti squash here recently. Not too bad!
Thanks so much, Trenton! So glad to have you!
As Melissa commented earlier, we tried with Jack Ryan, but couldn't really get into it. May need to give it another go.
Like I said, I thought season one was much better than season two.
I also forgot to mention that I’m reading Strength to Love by Dr. King.
It's all I can handle to keep up with normal stuff and trying to stay in touch with a base number of family and friends. Work is just email triage and I don't sleep well.
I try to read newsletters and blogs.
I haven't made anything unusual to eat.
But I live in Georgia so it's already over down here, officially on Friday but I'm gonna guess people will basically interpret that as effective immediately. What's in theaters these days? Any restaurant recommendations? Wanna get reservations for bowling? There's one with an ice cream shop next door so we can go for ice cream after 🙄
"Email triage" is a really great way to describe my work as well right now. I'm sorry you're not sleeping well :( I've had to take melatonin now for the past week when usually I'm fine falling asleep.
What other newsletters are you reading?
Also, RE Georgia: SMH SMDH.
--Melissa
What newsletters or blogs do you read & recommend?
(also I have Comment magazine in my RSS feed)
newsletters... Alan Jacobs, Mike Sacasas, Christian Study Center of Gainesville (college friends/mentors), David French
Ha, I love French Press and Comment Mag, too! Newsletters: Axios AM, Axios PM, Popular Information (Substack), Attention to Onions (Substack), Letters from Quarantine (Substack), ParentData (Substack).
I don't read many blogs anymore!
--Melissa
I'm watching Schitt's Creek and the Heist right now. I'm reading the Myth of the American Dream by DL Mayfield and it is so good!! Highly recommend for anyone who likes memoir non-fiction. I love the way she writes essays about her life and thought process that invite me to think more critically about how I live out my values. I'm cooking through my two Allison Roman cookbooks - make a very good and simple roasted salmon, asparagus, potatoes with browned butter peas and green herb-y sauce. and a great foccacia pizza!
We STILL haven't invested in Schitt's Creek. We know we need to. I see too many gifs of it not to ;-). But now I see that you answered my question above on any favorites. Have you don't any of her desserts? --Melissa
1. I’m not a huge tv show person anymore, but I am a BIG fan of Daredevil and Jack Ryan. The latter took up any free time I had for about half a week. I couldn’t stop myself. My daughter and I are currently watching Ken Burns’ documentary on the National Parks.
2. I’m 2/3 of the way through Taylor Branch’s trilogy on the Civil Rights movement. I get the feeling that I’m only taking in a small portion of the actual events, but it is fascinating to read about everything that came together to create the greatest human rights movement in the country’s history. Most convicting to me are the countless individual acts of sacrifice.
In addition I’ve got Keller’s book on vocation and Crouch’s on culture.
3. My wife and sister in law have been baking ceaselessly since the quarantine began. My wife’s pound cake with lemon glaze is going to become a permanent staple on our counter once we get students back. I made red eye gravy for the first time which was delicious. I’m now trying to convince my extended family to make a large lemon, chicken, and olive tagine complete with Moroccan bread.
Tagine is one of my favorite things on the planet. I had had it at several restaurants. My Syrian/Algerian friend made it for me a short while ago so I'm afraid to make it for ourselves!
If you like lemon cake, Mary Berry's lemon drizzle cake is my go-to.
I just couldn't really get into Jack Ryan. I don't know what it is! I finished the whole first series and started the second and I've never been hooked by it. And I loved The Americans, Killing Eve, Homeland, etc...so I'm not sure what's wrong with my brain on this one.
--Melissa
My sister-in-law loves Ken Burns' work. How do you like the national park ones?
I’m watching Veep, Final Table & the new Burns Roosevelt docu. Also watched American Factory & Hillary since this all started ... also Cheers for a nightcap.
Reading ... work email & kids school lessons (wahoo!). But just finished Team of Rivals a couple weeks ago and haven’t had the heart to pick something up because I’m still sad that Lincoln died. The hazards of reading history ... every character you like dies.
Cooking mostly scratch, no-recipe-needed dinners. Did a nice rhubarb & cream cake for Easter and a couple cheesecakes over the last 6 weeks. We just got a grill, so I’m looking forward to starting to experiment with some chicken thighs, sausages, and pizzas, but nothing too fancy. Hoping the weather warms up so I can get a bunch of herbs going, which is basically all you need to make something meh taste great! (+butter)
whoa that rhubarb and cream cake sounds amazing
Let me elevate this to a desperate plea for the recipe lol
So I used this recipe for the sponge & frosting, and instead of strawberry filling I did a quick rhubarb “jam” with some frozen rhubarb I had from last summer ... basically just simmered the rhubarb with some sugar and then mashed it.
I loved the whipped cream/cream cheese frosting + rhubarb. Not too sweet, but fun & spring-y.
And by “this” recipe, I mean this one: https://natashaskitchen.com/strawberry-cake-recipe/
1) Just started Westworld. Intense! Looking forward to seeing how it develops the themes of humanity and autonomy. Also re-watching The Good Place, this time with my wife. We were horrified last night noticing a line Jason says about having a flu virus named after him because he licked a bat. WHAT DID YOU KNOW, MIKE SCHUR?!
2) Rainbows for the Fallen World by Calvin Seerveld. Reading this as part of a cohort of colleagues. Only read the intro, but it’s fantastic, as Seerveld always is. It’s a look at art and aesthetics through the Kuyperian/Dutch Reformed worldview. Wrapping up Jake Meador’s In Search of the Common Good. Really good, really helpful. Also The Water Dancer, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ novel. The man can do everything.
3) Broke out the grill on a beautiful evening for some deliciously marinated chicken breasts and did some sliced potatoes in the cast iron skillet. Simple, but joyful. Also getting a sourdough starter going and can’t wait to bake my first loaf tomorrow!
Michael watches Westworld and so therefore I watch it by proxy and it is a wild, wild show. I’m constantly confused 😂😂
Even being only one episode in, I hear that.
1. We’ve been watching Once Upon a Time - basically fairy tale characters get transported to our world. There are some interesting themes about how love can change someone for the better and what happens when you make love an idol instead.
2. Today I read an essay from Chesterton’s The Well and the Shallows. It was written in 1935, but there was a lot that could apply to social media and the partisanship we see today.
3. I made carnitas a few weeks ago, and if I had known how easy and delicious it was, I would have tried making it a long time ago.
oooo what recipe did you use for the carnitas? and I'll look into that Chesterton book
I’m watching Homeland too! I’m afraid either Carrie and/or Saul will die. I’m also watching
Better Call Saul and Bosch. Too much tv I’m sure
but high quality. I’m reading a lot of poetry: A small book by N.T. Wright-“Quiet Moments”; also waiting on “Spirits in Bondage” by C.S. Lewis. We’re cooking a lot at home. Nothing too fancy. Today I’m making my dad’s Hamburger Soup and
Chicken quesadillas for dinner. God Bless!
Thanks for the N.T. Wright recommendation, Pamela
Just gonna write on here for historical purposes that I think Carrie is going to figure out a way to fake Saul’s death!! —Melissa
1. Watching: "Boy Meats World", "Lidia's Italian Kitchen", and "Criminal Minds." Also just watched Mrs. America and thought it was very well done. Cate Blanchett's voice and mannerisms were exactly like Phyllis Schlafly's.
2. Reading: Reed of God. I started it two Advents ago but want to really dig into it this time. I am waiting to dig into Ron Chernow's Grant once I am finished with my paper for my masters program. Carolyn and I are also reading The Dawn Treader together.
3. As I said via Twitter last December, The Silver Spoon is great. It's simplicity is really wonderful, but keep in mind that its serving sizes are about 1/3 the size of ours. If you are trying to go a long time between grocery trips, I'd suggest really digging into that cookbook. They have so many recipes that do not take many recipes, and weird combos you'd never think of. For example, before our milk went bad I made onion and milk soup. It's good, not great, but we got an extra meal out of something we otherwise may have tossed.
I went through Lidia's book, Silver Spoon, a soup cookbook that I have, and Julia Child's cookbook yesterday to flag recipes that are only a few ingredients that I can test out during the quarantine. I'd be happy to share as I go!
I did not try the onion and milk soup... it looked suspicious.
1. Also watching "When Calls the Heart" and "Call the Midwife." It appears I have a thing for shows about calling right now. Both are extremely wholesome and pleasant and "Call the Midwife" has babies, so that's a win all around.
2. "The Grace of Enough" by Haley Stewart and "A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War" by Joseph Loconte. Haley makes me wish I was cool enough to move to a farm, but I think we'll settle for trying to grow some herbs this summer and live simply. I also read the sequel to "City of Brass" by S.A. Chakraborty and I think I finished it in a day or two. I need to get the third book on Kindle ASAP. Melissa, I'd love to hear more about what you're reading! It sounds like we have similar tastes.
3. I got "Nothing Fancy" by Alison Roman out of the library right before everything shut down and I've been reading it like a book. So far I've made her focaccia, sweet potatoes with maple and sour cream (but forgot the sour cream when serving), and chicken with caramelized lemons and dates (flavorful and not too complex, but want to make it again with an entire chicken). I've also been enjoying the recipes in "Zaitoun" by Yasmin Khan. Her stuffed peppers and za'atar salmon are delicious with a simple list of ingredients.
I am also cooking through Nothing Fancy!
What are your favorites so far? --Melissa
Carolyn!!!! I read very cheap (but not trashy) KindleUnlimited YA books. But if I were to pay money, Sarah Maas’ first two series and Keira Cass were worth the $$. For my fave KindleUnlimited series rn, I like Samantha Britt’s Shadowguard Academy series. “When Wishes Bleed” was another good one that I read I think a month ago.
My friend Catherine is now only cooking from Alison Roman and I’ve had the focaccia and her simple onion and tomato sauce. She tweeted the other day that she hates risotto. I think I need Michael to get her main book and we need to give it more tries. Samin Nosrat has taught me that 3-4 ingredient recipes can work. —Melissa
PS: I lol’d when you said you didn’t try the milk soup. Michael also did something with milk one time that I was like yeah I’m gonna make a box of mac and cheese...
Ah! I started the Throne of Glass series years ago and really enjoyed them! I've been meaning to re-read and get back to where I left off. Thank you for the other recommendations, I'll have to look into them. I need more escapism :)
I definitely want to try other Alison Roman recipes, I just need to be not limited by quarantine grocery shopping. There's a short rib one that looks pretty good. I have some questions about the risotto hate however... mainly, excuse me!?
It's.......sacrilegious.
I'm actually make a YA list for Joy Beth Smith so I'll share it with you once I get around to making it. Sarah Maas' stuff tends to go on too long for me, but the first 3-4 books I'm usually invested.
You can tell I was thinking about food when I wrote this... Boy Meets World, not Meats World.
Chris, I truly thought "Boy Meats World" was a new food show. I'm crying. --Melissa
Michael will be more able to substantially speak with you on food, but as the grocery shopper PLEASE SEND THE SIMPLE RECIPES, YES PLEASE!
I love Boy Meets World very much. Rewatched the series last year.
PLEASE DO SHARE RECIPES
I'll hop in on this, although I haven't been cooking much (unless Trader Joe's frozen Indian food packets count)
1. Watching -- just finished the first season of Mad Men. Going to wait a bit before starting season 2 as I'm finding myself both angry with every character and feeling sad for them, really well done though.
2. Reading -- Rutledge's Crucifixion, recommended to me by a friend. Not far into it yet, but really enjoying it. Stott's Cross of Christ was one of the most formative books in my college years and this reminds me of it in many good ways. Also N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series, seriously enjoyable and well-written fantasy.
3. Cooking -- ...
hey, you changed the state of the food...it counts! Mad Men is a pretty fantastic show. And, gosh I need to finally get on Rutledge's book.
We absolutely LOVE and ADORE Mad Men. I'm rewatching the series again right now, for probably the 5th or 6th time. It's in my top 5 TV favorites. I love Roger the most, probably. --Melissa
So far I agree, though Joan is a close second!
I need you to get through all of the seasons, and then we can talk about Joan and her character arch. I also love her! --Melissa
really appreciate the Stott suggestion as well...just picked it up
I am reading a brand new book by my friend Ned O'Gorman, a professor of communication at the University of Illinois. The book is _Politics for Everybody: Reading Hannah Arendt in Uncertain Times_ (University of Chicago Press, 2020). The basic point is that authentic politics is a kind of collaborative human community and that "sustained and widespread public happiness depends on public happiness," i.e., the freedom and flourishing of individuals can only happen in a society where citizens freely come together as equals at all levels of society to speak and act regarding matters of common concern. It is a defense of a republican (small "r)" tradition of politics that informed our founders and that is more public minded than the individualistic turn of political liberalism (small "l"). And it uses the work of Hannah Arendt as a source of its major themes and thus functions as a short primer on the major lines of thought in her work.
oh hey that sounds really good. Thanks for the recommendation.
Thanks! I think he would be a great guest on your podcast. He is a Christian scholar (with a master's in theology in addition to his scholarship in rhetoric), and he embraces the basic vision of the & Campaign.
I'm a big fan of this, though I'm going to hate answering number 3 since my cooking is...weak.
1. Michaela and I have been watching McMillions, the HBO documentary about the McDonald's Monopoly crime. It's a little too dramatic and overly detailed, but it's enjoyable to learn about.
2. I'm reading Thomas Merton's 64&65 journals, which is bound in a book called "Vow of Conversation" and is incredibly good. It inspired me to start journaling. I've also been devouring long podcasts dedicated to societal and structural change and asking how that is accomplished.
3. I've been cooking lots of quesadillas and baked or fried chicken. Earlier this year we decided to remove beef from our regular diet and I'm not a fan of most porks, however we've also been making lots of calzones this year and they're great.
hey quesadillas are delicious
This is Melissa. HOW WAS "BABIES"??
Michaela didn't like it because it was very academic so I've only seen one episode. Pretty great for that one however!
1. I'm kinda picky and can't find anything on netflix that interests me now, but we had a baby last summer so now we're renting from redbox all the good movies that were in theaters in our early post partum days. Watched Harriet last weekend, and plan to watch eithet Little Women or Just Mercy this weekend. In lieu of a nightly show we've been playing games. Azul, Bohnanza, and Unearth are our favorites.
2. Since my very curious 9 month old is exploring every corner of the house, reading has been squeezed out of my daily routine most days. But I decided to read through my Greek New Testament this year and am keeping up with that routine--so good for my soul. When I do get to read, I started True and False Reform in the Church by Yves Congar. He's concerned with addressing serious moral failings in the church without giving way to individualistic or ideological zeal that tears the body apart. Seems...relevant. And his catholic commitment to institutional unity as he weighs these questions is a healty corrective to my low-church evangelical ecclesiology.
3. So I decided a couple months ago to incorporate more plant-based food into my eating habits, and its actually been just the right thing for me now. When I want downtime on the internet I'm spending more time scrolling through vegan blogs and less time on twitter. Also the challenge of getting plenty of protein while eating only delicious foods in a budget has given joyful momentum to my days. And I still eat meat or creamy, custardy desserts when I really crave them.
1) Recently finished The Leftovers (oddly comforting during all this). Just started The Wire for the first time, as well as a PBS Masterpiece show about WWII called World On Fire.
2) The Brothers Karamazov (first time!)
3) I'm trying to perfect gluten free biscuits for my celiac wife. It's not going well...
The Leftovers is one heck of a show
1. I'm missing football, so in place of spring practice I've been watching old NFL games. I just finished the 2015 Dez Bryant "catch" game against Green Bay in the playoffs. I can't decide if watching these games is more helpful or hurtful! My wife and I started Downton Abbey last week as well.
2. I am currently reading the Chronicles of Narnia. They have been a welcome follow up to American Carnage by Tim Alberta. I found American Carnage to be very insightful. I usually enjoy books on politics and I did enjoy that one, but that one hit me a bit harder than I was anticipating. I walked away longing for the GOP of a different era.
I've been a fan of Tim for a long time, but I just think he's done excellent work over the last year.