I’ve discovered a bit of a silver lining to the early winter, when winter rolls in and the days get shorter and the nights get colder. That is, because the dark and cold conspire to keep me inside, I’m forced to look elsewhere for evening entertainment and ways to pass the time. While spring and summer is often filled happy hours, patios, and outside activities, I’m not nearly as motivated or willing to leave home on the weekdays after I’ve returned from work.
The result? I end up spending more time in my kitchen preparing evening meals. (If this were the NY Times or another form of modern journalism then I would have used the word “upshot.” For whatever reason, “upshot” is everywhere the past couple of years. Has anyone else noticed the proliferation of the word? Better yet, can anyone explain it? It kind of annoys me to be honest.)
I digress.
The fall here in Columbus ended in traditional style. Which is to say, schizophrenically. Less than a week ago, the high was 80 degrees. This morning, there was snow. And so it was, as much of the east-coast hunkered down at home, involuntarily sheltering in place, I did the same. But unlike them, it was of my own volition.
Not too long ago, I came across a fantastic sounding recipe for Chicken Thighs and Mushrooms. Not only did the picture make it look incredibly appetizing, but the instructions also made clear that it was relatively easy and quick to make. I love elaborate cooking as much as the next guy, but when it’s a cold Monday night, sometimes you just want something that will come together without much effort. If it looks and tastes like it required greater work and skill? That’s just icing on the cake. (Or sauce on the chicken?)
Pie are Round 