Christina Nagey

A recent cold night out at Molly Malone’s with a delicious cup of Sausage and Cabbage soup inspired this.  It proved to be a great at-work lunch- delicious, easy to make, surprisingly reasonable in terms of calories, and economical too.

My version is a little less Irish (I used Italian Sausage) and a little less carby (turnips instead of potatoes) but still delicious.

Italian Sausage and Cabbage Soup

• 1 package hot italian sausage (4/5 links)
• 2 turnips, peeled and cut into small slices
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into small slices
• 1 head cabbage, cored and sliced into bits small enough to eat with a soup spoon
• 2-3 cubes beef bullion
• red pepper flakes, oregano, fennel seeds (I’d probably use garlic too if it wasn’t lunch for work)
• Parmesan (to serve)

1. Remove sausage from casings and saute.
2. When sausage is well browned, add carrot and turnip cubes, and saute for several minutes.
3. Add several cups hot water, bullion cubes, and seasonings, and being to a boil.  Let simmer approx. 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are almost tender.
4. Add the cabbage (yes, all of it, mash it down some), and if needed add more hot water to nearly cover.  Add a lid and cook an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring regularly.  Stop when the cabbage is just tender and still bright- no one wants overcooked cabbage.
5. To serve, top with shredded Parmesan if desired.

Some bright ideas, some less so...

It always marks a milestone on my personal calendar when I stop shopping for heavy sweaters and the perfect pair of boots, and start going home with sundresses and short sleeved shirts.  It’s not spring yet (I don’t need the 3 feet of snow outside to remind me of that!) but Spring feels closer and more real, and lighter clothes seem like the investment as the cold days are becoming numbered.

I’m always eager to find new inspiration from runways shows and fashion magazines and blogs, but it’s a creative process to put it through my real-life filter.  Sequins, feathers, and sky-high heels, no matter how beautiful, would never see the outside of my closet.  I sift through, kicking the tires and looking for ideas with mileage.  I’m looking for clothes that fit the life I live, that go with things I already have, that won’t look ridiculous in 3 months, but that are also unique. Clothes that are fresh and have force of personality, but nothing gimmicky or impractical.

So anyway, that’s my trends-but-not-trendy manifesto- stay tuned for the specifics.

Image courtesy of Jacci Howard Bear http://desktoppub.about.com/

It’s been so strange to have a real winter here the days that would otherwise be remarkable are blurring together.  Even still, some things are particularly memorable.  When we walked down the frozen canal a few weeks ago, one of the hockey players had on a vibrant striped sweater and furry earmuffs.  In my (apparently Riveria-saturated) mind, stripes always seem summery, but this was perfect for winter.

The continuing frozen-ness (when did I move to New England??) is keeping a goodly portion of my wardrobe in the closet.  Out of challenge, though, comes opportunity, or at least opportunity for more creative thinking.  At least for me, these tan fur boots and the more refined gray scarf and hat don’t really mix, but as a whole I rather like it.  And, I have warm feet!

In light of the weather, it’s really all about snow.  I’ve been alternating between a variety of Snow Personas (I-Shop-at-EMS Girl for a snowball fight on the Mall, Skinnies-and-a-Big-Sweater-Girl for apres-fight drinks) but I find that Vintage Ski works well for all occasions.  I have a lovely wooly red ski sweater that’s quite cozy despite not having any wool in it (at least, I don’t think it does- the label is in Austrian) and a fantastic shearling coat that belonged to my grandmother-in-law and that my mother-in-law gave to me.  Gotta stay warm!

We decided to go for a drive on Saturday to check out the ice around town- it’s pretty rare that it gets cold enough here for things to really freeze over, so we wanted to take advantage of it.  We checked out the tidal basin and the fish market, but the gem of the trip was the C and O canal.  It had frozen solid, and groups of people were stretched out along it playing pick up hockey games.  We climbed down onto the ice and walked along the canal, watching the hockey.  I did learn though, that Chucks are not the footwear of choice for ice-walking- it’s time to go home when you’re numb up to the balls of your feet.

What I’m wearing:

• long sleeved T
• Black wool half-zip sweater
• Dark skinnies
• Black Chucks
• Black pea coat
• Gray slouchy beret
• Aviators

A morning of culinary scavenger hunting had left us both with a hunger that isn’t quenched by Diet Dr. Pepper.  Luckily for me, Stefan is an excellent cook, and omelets are his speciality.  We hadn’t really planned anything, but after a quick rummage in the fridge and a short stop in front of the stove he emerged with this.  Perfect.

Omelet with Smoked Ham, Grafton Cheddar Sundried Tomatoes and Chipotles

For each omelet:

• 3 eggs
• Pepper and hot sauce to taste
• 1 pat butter
• 1/4 c. sliced smoked ham
• 1/4 c. shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 tbl. sliced sundried tomatoes packed in oil
• 1 chipotle, sliced

1. For each omelet, beat three eggs with a fork until smooth, and season with pepper and hot sauce to taste.
2. Heat a thin, well-seasoned pan over low heat.  Add the butter, and when it is melted but not browned add the eggs.  Sprinkle the toppings evenly over the omelet, cheese first, and cook gently until the eggs are mostly set.  Slide the omelet onto a warm plate, folding it over, and place in a warm oven while cooking the other omelets or until set to your liking.

It’s absolutely freezing out, but I was eager to get going this morning and do all the things that I never seem to get to after work.  The theme for the day was procuring obscure kitchen equipment- our local Southern States for canning jars, Whole Foods for rennet tablets, Sur La Table for a silicone muffin tin.

Clearly casual and comfortable were going to be the order of the day.  I saw a tomato red long-sleeved T recently that I couldn’t resist, even though it’s going to be a while before I can wear it solo.  Layers with a light sweater and jeans it’s perfect for riding in the car though, and a red wool felt jacket and bulky scarf add enough insulation for out of doors.

I love these boots. Like the best sort of treasure, I found them where I least expected to. I had seen and coveted them on past visits to the Alps, but always thought they were far too pricey for someone who wasn’t likely to be scaling Mt. Blanc. Clearly someone else couldn’t resist their delightful red laces, and brought them home as a souvenir, only to donate them to Goodwill.

What I’m wearing:

• American Eagle jeans- boyfriend style, medium wash, light distressing
• Tomato-red v-neck long sleeved tissue T from Target
• Cream pointelle henley sweater from American Eagle
• Red wool coat, Pennys/Primark
• Leather hiking boots with red laces
• Khaki cargo pocket tote, self made