Monday, January 11, 2010

Banya Calda


Anchovy lovers, rejoice!

Himself just turned me on to this out-of-control heart stopper. It's the darling recipe of one of his oldest friends--perfected over many years of traditional Italian family gatherings.

While beyond delicious, it should come with the following disclaimer:
Eat at your own risk!
Fat, fat & more fat!
Will add an extra hour to your work-out!
Face-stuffing will likely ensue!
Serious probability of burning your tongue (and totally worth it)!



Banya Calda
2 sticks butter
7 oz. chopped garlic
4 oz. flat anchovy fillets

In skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and anchovies.
Saute, stirring often, until anchovies are dissolved.
Serve as warm dip with french bread, green cabbage, celery, or other vegetables.
Serves 6.
Similar recipes also incorporate cream or half & half to thicken mixture. But I'm thinking that kind of artery-clogging might be overkill...

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Today's Joy: putting things in order. Himself & I are spending the day getting ready for our upcoming move. Feels great to get organized.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Today's Joy: a job well done. A crazy busy day at my day job--helping dozens of shoppers find great bargains & decorate their homes with fabulous finds. Love to make a difference!

Friday, January 8, 2010


Back Yard, Feb 2008
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Warmth!!
All right, Reader. I know cold. I'm from Chicago. I've even spent a handful of winters up in New England. I know the joy of a good Nor'easter and relish the occasional white-out (when equipped with the appropriate chains and snow tires). I've been known to do donuts in an unplowed parking lot. Whilst living in the northern climes, I rarely complained about below-zero cold; didn't grumble too much about vehicles getting stuck or ice on the roads. 'If you can't take the weather, move south!', I'd say. I didn't mind shoveling boat-loads of snow, as pictured here at our IL home in 2008. And I always considered myself a hearty, northern girl.

But I have moved on from that phase in my life. Himself & I have braved our first sweltering summer in Texas, and through all the heat and perspiration, I held on, complained minimally--thinking of how lovely the winter would be. What a treat to have 50's & 60's in December. Maybe the occasional 70 degree day. Shoot, even if the temp hung around freezing all of January and February, wouldn't that be a delightful step up from the 30-below wind chills of Chicago?

Yep, I was all ready to become a thin-skinned, hot-house flower. Trouble is, here we are--all thin-skinned--and the temps have plummeted to single digits! We had snow before Chicago did this year! Granted, nowhere near the volume, but still! Everybody is saying this is practically the worst winter in Texas history! I am freezing my unmentionables off in a drafty apartment, ill-equipped for this kind of cold, and driving around on roads where they follow the wing-n-a-prayer philosophy of snow removal.

So....my (hoped-for) joy today is warmth. And hopefully, when I go home, turn the heat up and grab a steaming cup of cappuccino, I will actually find some. Under a blanket. Wearing fuzzy socks. Where are my dad gum mittens?!

Thursday, January 7, 2010


Maxwell Street Polish
Originally uploaded by talekinker
Today's Joy: Unexpected Opportunities. Took this shot of a Maxwell Street Polish at the fabulous Weinberger's Deli in downtown Grapevine, TX in early December. While having lunch there again recently, Himself and I had the opportunity to meet the owner, Dan Weinberger--a kind & delightful man. Was very pleased to share with him some of the shots I've taken of his magnificent sandwiches. I do love supporting a great, local business!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Today's Joy: Matching fuzzy bathrobes. 2 cups of cappuccino. Taking a moment to wake up together. I heart good mornings.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Dear Reader, Today's Joy comes to you from the waiting room of our local Urgent Care center.
While I was away last week, Himself re-affirmed his "Man of the Year" status by cleaning every inch of our home. He even bought Easy-Off and scrubbed the oven! Unfortunately, his gallantry resulted in several chemical burns that are now red, puffy & infected. Chemical burns are not a joy for anybody. But I would like to take a moment (while Himself fills out a huge stack of insurance forms) to thank all of the dedicated partners everywhere, who risk life and limb and unprotected forearms--all in the name of doing something thoughtful for the one they love. Three cheers for the Practical Lover! And yes, Honey, chicks dig scars.