Buschemel

I made lasagne for dinner on Friday night. Mike's parents were up, and they enjoy traditional, comfort food -- what better than lasagne? The only problem is that there is a marked difference between British lasagne, and American lasagne. In all honesty the British version is probably closer to being Italian...but still! I like MY American lasagne! So what's the big difference? Buschemel. Instead of using Ricotta cheese (or, heaven forbid Cottage cheese), the Brits make a special white sauce called Buschemel. It consists of milk, butter and flour, whisked together over a simmer for about 5 minutes. Add some grated nutmeg, and it should be beautiful. And it is...but it's not ricotta cheese! I think I'll just have to give into this one and go with the Buschemel. It is cheaper, but oh...I ache for the cheese. Give me the cheese! For the recipe I used go here: Buschemel (from Hell!) Fab, cheap, and makes two -- freeze one for later!

Lunch Break Thoughts: What the World Needs Now, Is ...

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we 'accentuate the positive.' I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort." Thanks President Hinckley, for that reminder.

Sometimes (like today), it seems that in Corporate America, tempers and timelines are too short, we're over budget, under-slept, people on the defensive, blah, blah, blah. So...what is my strategy today? I ate my salami and swiss sandwich in the car, deep breath in, deep breath out, chin up, look for the sunshine (figurative sunshine - it's raining here as if it were a spring day in Glasgow), and scatter sunshine.

Who can use a kind word or a smile from me today? How can I "cheer and bless and brighten"? And ohhh...thanks to my cubicle neighbor, who just offered me some Jelly Bellies (coconut and black licorice are my favorites. She fishes those out of her jar just for me.) A little bit of sunshine sent my way too.

Pastries for Lunch

Mmmm...I love days like this, when we have pastries for lunch. Wish we could justify that more often! If you ever happen to make it here, I recommend a slice of the Chocolate Royal cake, a pain au chocolat, and the hot chocolate alone is worth the trip. Their quiche is yummy too, though Hubster says he likes mine better (awww...100 points for Gryffindor).

What this really means is that our a mini day trip today + our bi-weekly lunch date yesterday = I'm one lucky gal.

{At Fleur de Cocoa, and G stuffing
a huge piece of baguette into his mouth}

On My Mind...

My daydream du jour: New York City. We're doing a housing swap this summer. (Is that gutsy? or no big deal? We'll see!) A friend's sibling wants to come to the Bay Area for a week-long vacay, and we raised our hands to swap our humble abode for their Brooklyn condo.

The other party and I have been exchanging emails, sharing our favorite day trip ideas and local eateries (and everyone knows I love a good day trip, and that Hubster can't pass up a good eatery). Add to the list also: Grom, our favorite gelato place from Italy that now has storefronts in The City.

Stay tuned as this adventure (and others), unfold.