Best speech yet?

Wow. The President begins around 15:00 but the whole service is worth watching. Do they have Aaron Sorkin from 10 years ago locked in the basement of the White House? Or is Jon Favreau as obsessed with President Bartlett as everyone else from my generation? I'm actually guessing that, just like the breath-catching speech on race delivered during the campaign, this one is a solo writing credit for Obama. Either way, it'll be worth revisiting when health care politics are driving you crazy.

Fall TV Review: "That's how I make my horsey go"

Okay, this show is hilarious. Since my TV world is usually full of procedural dramas, cooking competitions, and depression addled 1960s housewives, Wednesday has become a light-hearted night full of pop culture references and witty banter thanks to Glee and ABC's Modern Family. I was hooked after the first show and then I realized why. The show's co-creator, Christopher Lloyd, has a great track record.

In this clip from last night's episode Cameron (one half of the gay couple who adopted a little girl from Vietnam) is trying to tone down his gayness per Mitchell's desire to blend into the toddler play group. Making fun of straight men dancing is always funny.

Hiatus

I'm crawling into a literary hole for the next few days due to what arrived in my mailbox yesterday:

Not even the return of fall tv can keep me away. I may be posting a blueberry oat bran muffin recipe, but no promises. Until my return I recommend perusing my recent less then 300 hundred word reviews at Goodreads.

Ta-da!

Here is my chocolate showpiece (jazz hands optional):

And it made it home in one piece!! I think it's an attest to the pink line when you're carrying a 2 and 1/2 foot tall chocolate sculpture on a Friday night and no one did a double-take. Which is fine, it's not like I wanted to talk about how I made it and it's pure chocolate or try to hawk it to a complete stranger or anything. According to the Chef, I could sell this for $150. Any takers? I can't guarantee delivery...

Okay, it's official

Wednesday night is my new favorite night. First Top Chef, then the wonderfulness of Glee: DeVoe's Poison, Color Me Bad's I Wanna Sex You Up?!? Best. Show. Ever. Oh, and Jane Lynch? The greatest comedianne/actress evah.

Sue: Iron tablet? (Offering some to him.) Keeps your strength up while you're menstruating.

Will: I don't menstruate.

Sue: Yeah? Neither do I.

A Recipe and A Promise

Pictures of my recent adventures in pastry are coming soon, but until then here is a non-pastry related recipe of deliciousness.

Chicken and Couscous with Onion and Apple

(adapted from Cook's Illustrated)

2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless

1/4 C flour

1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 red onion, sliced thin

1/2 C couscous (I like the whole wheat version available at Trader Joe's)

1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced

Curry

1/3 C apple juice

1/3 C chicken broth

Dried mint

Time Saver: Slice the onion while the chicken cooks and mince the garlic while the onion cooks.

Prep Oven: In the lower middle position place a baking dish (for the chicken) and heat to 200.

Cook Chicken: While heating 1 Tbsp of oil over medium-high heat, rinse and pat dry chicken and season with salt and pepper. The oil should just be smoking. Dredge chicken through flour and shake off excess. Brown lightly on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to oven dish and cook until 160 or no longer pink in center. About 15 minutes.

Cook Couscous: Add 1/2 Tbsp o oil to skillet and return to medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion and a dash of salt; cook until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in couscous, garlic, and pinch curry, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in 1/3 cup of apple juice and broth. Bring to simmer, cover, and let sit off heat until liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes.

Seasoning: When couscous is done, fold in some dried mint and season with salt and pepper. Dish up!

In Memoriam

Best Chippendales' dancers ever.