Ribs, asparagus, pilaf, and snow...

My feet are much smaller than his

So, this winter has been a strange one, as anyone in the Midwest will probably attest.  Last year around this time, I was huddled in a shower with my best friend because of tornado warnings in Berea.  This year, I finally got to play in snow - on the fifth of March!  Not that snow in March is unheard of or anything, but it's a bit odd for the first - and only, really - big snow of the year to come late.  Anyway, we made the most of it.  Tuesday, we walked to our most regular diner during the late afternoon's snow, intending only to drink some coffee before heading back.  After our one-way trek, however, it became clear that sustenance was required.  Ordering something new off the menu seemed like a good way to approach such an entity as snowy walks.  Some serious time spent talking and shuddering at the arrogance and ignorance of some of our fellow customers, breakfast wraps, fruit, and coffee gave way to the inevitable: the walk back.  For the first time in a very long time, I ate all of my meal.

Cool one 1

Then the next inevitable thing happened: I started throwing snowballs.  I was also compared to a child a few times.  I can't help it, though!  I haven't been able to enjoy serious snow in a few years, much less had the equipment necessary - my snow boots, a coat that fits, and a sure-fire way to warm up afterwards - to do so!

Other than the bruise I sustained during our first snow fight, there were no casualties.

Cool one 2

Friday evening seemed an appropriate time to explore some of the area around us, so we went to a park.  I'd just like to say that it never occurred to me how much untouched snow there is in a city park that hasn't a hill in sight.  A few snowballs were thrown.  "You throw like a girl," was tossed at me, which resulted in a few snow clumps being fired at top speed and in perfect form.  An indignant, "No I don't!" was vaulted in response.  This trip out into the great white wilderness of the park resulted in pictures being taken outside.  I haven't taken outdoor pictures in quite a while.  My trip to Turkey yielded some, but I think I was almost too distracted by catching everything perfectly that I didn't see some of the most raw and natural beauty.

I snapped a couple cool ones.

Although I've noticed it many times before, the sizes of our feet became even more obvious in the snow.  Our bootprints are quite different, looking a little more like a parent and child than a couple, but I can't change it!  In fact, if I do, it'll probably be someday when I can afford smaller boots that fit properly.  These are from the first year I lived here.  Every time I start to lace them, I can hear my great aunts and Nana echoing in my head, "Your feet will grow more.  You're only in seventh grade!"  When I was at my highest weight, they fit a little better, but now they've returned to being too big for my little feet.  For the record, I've lost about a shoe size, four ring sizes, and 6-8 whole pants/dress sizes.  Not that that's important, but it's related to my renewed snow-induced joy.  It's a good time, running through snowy fields, throwing snowballs, and coming home to drink a warm liquid, though nowadays, I drink coffee more often than hot chocolate.  I still love cocoa, though!

Because I've been mostly writing about cooking here, I'll also share the big meal I made this week.  In addition to the now-weekly batch of yogurt, I tried my hand at ribs for the second time.  Shopping the sales led me to spare ribs, roasted asparagus, and instant brown rice pilaf.

Clockwise from top left:  rice, homemade bbq
sauce simmering, the full meal, roasting
asparagus, and ribs right from the oven.

For the ribs, I tried to follow Alton Brown's Who Loves Ya Baby Back recipe, but forgot to buy chili powder, which is a pretty key component.  If you think this looks good, it totally is, but please watch the video clip before cooking and believe the estimated time when it says four hours and thirty-five minutes.  I underestimated how long the sauce would take (about half an hour).  Still, it was totally yummy, but next time I make these, I'll cook them a bit longer, as they were a little too firm for my taste!

Roasted asparagus has always looked fantastic to me, but I've never had it.  Turns out it's super easy.  I believe in the snapping off the bottom method instead of arbitrarily cutting every piece.  I tossed mine in olive oil, pre-heated the cast iron pan, and sprinkled salt and pepper all over when I put them in to sizzle.  I read somewhere that covering them keeps them moist, so mine were covered except when they were being stirred by my helper.

Since I made pilaf last month, I've been eyeing the box of store-brand instant rice in the cupboard, wondering how I could make pilaf with it, as the stock of regular rice was reduced so much with the first time I made pilaf.  It turns out Minute Rice has a pretty great recipe section on their site.  You can even search by product!  Anyway, I did that and found this, which I followed pretty closely, sans the mushrooms and peas.  I used their measurements, but changed the time a bit to match the asparagus.  It turned out fairly well and re-heats decently enough with some added chicken broth.  Also, I suggest adding more salt and some pepper to taste.

This week wasn't the best I've had lately, but the asparagus was delicious, the snow made me turn into a little kid, and I have someone fantastic who gets me through all the tough stuff.  I think having someone to throw snowballs at, help me stir the pot, and drink coffee with can sweeten even the bitterest of moments.

Forging a path