Vegetarian Quinoa Chili and a Catch Up

Well, shucks! I could have sworn that I posted between last Tuesday and today, but apparently not. While Charlie was out of town last week, I kept busy with a girls' throwback movie night, happy hour, pilates, and many walks filled with Lucy pulling me to three discarded slices of pizza in bushes nearby.

On Sunday, we hosted a small game night at our house. I tried my hand at making Vegetarian Quinoa Chili for the first time and thought the results were pretty delicious, despite the inappropriateness of chili in 90-100 degree weather. I was the only non-meat-eater of the bunch, but everyone else still seemed satisfied :) Our friends also brought mozarella, basil, and heirloom tomato salad and a decadent (but airy!) chocolate pudding/cake dessert. Wavelength and Cards Against Humanity were our favorite games of the night, and I can't wait to repeat soon... Any suggestions for future game nights?

My parents are in town, so tonight, we are headed out to meet them for dinner at a Peruvian restaurant in Hollywood. I can't wait for the ceviche mixto (and to see Mom and Dad)!

Jalapeño Fingers

I made some really delicious guacamole last night, but this morning, I'm still dealing with the painful aftermath of chopping up and removing seeds from jalapeños with bare hands. I should have learned my lesson the last time I made green curry and wanted to cry from burning-hand-syndrome for a full 24 hours, but, alas. I had no gloves at home and once again thought I was invincible.

I've heard that milk, tomatoes, acetone, shampoo, oils/lotions, and a mixed bag of other things help to remove or reduce the capsaicin-induced sensation of hell, but I've had poor (read: no) success with any of them. Any other suggestions?

The Terrible Tragedy of the Healthy Eater

Veggies at the Naschmarkt, Vienna (mine)

As a pescetarian, internet self-educator, and lover of all things Michael Pollen, this clever article made me laugh.