a world without mondays

That would be the kind of world I'm talking about. Why am I up at the crack of dawn, happily, on the weekends, but it feels like serious, potentially fatal, pain to have to wake up on Mondays? The only explanation I can think of is: speed of light vs. speed of heat. Which doesn't, actually, make me feel any better at all.

I skipped the North Side farmers market on Friday since I was going to the one in the Strip on Saturday, and assumed I could get my brussels sprouts there. But, no. Not a single brussels sprout to be found in all of the Strip District! What the hay-ell? So, no sprouts for the potluck. I was flailing about trying to find a substitute, and saw some big, beautiful fennel. So, I made a slapdash fennel relish. Here's what I did. It was really tasty. I took a 'before' picture (but left it at home), and forgot to take an 'after'. (slacker!). All amounts are approximate:

Roasted Fennel Relish

-2 big bulbs of fennel (with some fronds, for cuteness)
-1 large onion
-olive oil
-sea salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 375. Chop the fennel and onion into chunks, and mince a few tablespoons of the fronds to add for looks. Toss with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet for about 40 minutes or until really soft and starting to brown, stirring occasionally.

In the meantime make a vinaigrette with:

-the zest of one orange
-the juice of half an orange
-splash of white vinegar
-1" piece of ginger, grated
-1 t. honey
-some canola oil (2-3 T.?)
-sea salt and pepper, to taste

When the fennel and onion is done roasting, gently mash a little (just a little bit!) with a fork, then stir in just a tiny bit of the vinaigrette (save the rest for salads or whatever). The orange and ginger is really subtle. Very roasty and delicious. It would be great for Thanksgiving or something like that. I served it with slice of baguette, but go crazy with other serving ideas.

....

I still have another fennel bulb. I might make some soup this week. If it ever stops being 80+ degrees and gets down to the business of being fall!

Otherwise this weekend, I attended a couple events for the Pittsburgh International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. E-dawg and I went to the VIP Opening Reception (we're VIPs!), but didn't get to stay for the movie (other plans). It was really nice. Yummy hors d'oeuvres and it was fun mixing and mingling. Then I went to see Good Dyke Porn/One Night Stand on Saturday night. Awesome, but weird. I mean, it was straight-up porn, and I was watching it (in its entirety) with a roomful of friends and acquaintances and strangers. Odd. I'd like to have a copy of One Night Stand for my only self. Just sayin'. For, like, research or some other plausible excuse. French, genderbendery, nekkid. Hott.

I'd love to see ALL the films in the festival, but realistically that's not going to happen. But, I'm hoping to see another four or five. Fun!

ps. I'm still not a diva. Eff divas.