Cause to Celebrate
I’ve tried to write this post a number of times over the past three weeks and failed. I’ve learned that when you get to be a certain age and you tell people you have big news to share, they assume you’re pregnant. You assure them that’s not it. Engaged! Nope, that’s not it either. We’re not getting a puppy and we’re also not buying a house. Or a new car. But I am staying up late at night, pacing a lot, alphabetizing our spice cabinet, and cleaning odd nooks and crannies to try and really acquaint myself with the task at hand: I’m writing a cookbook! I will be working with the wonderful folks at Ten Speed Press on a whole grain breakfast cookbook coming out Fall/Holiday 2013. It will feature Marge granola recipes along with mueslis, warm grain cereals, breakfast bars and cookies, yogurts, seasonal fruit toppings and all sorts of other start-the-day goodness. There will be stories of mornings in San Francisco and here in Seattle, of starting a small business, and moving to a new city. I’ve been so looking forward to toasting with you all here, and can’t wait to share some of this journey with you. It’s going to be one busy summer. To be completely honest, I have had a little bit of trouble beginning the cookbook. I sat down to write a friend the other day and the words to describe how I’ve been feeling finally came to me: I’ve been circling it. I truly feel like it’s been this thing in my life, in our house, and at the table that I’ve just been kind of walking around, keeping my distance, and checking out from afar. Sam and I talk about it as if it’s a living being. A sibling or a child. A pesky one. A sleepless one.
This is odd because I tend to be a go-get-em’ kind of gal. I’ve written large graduate papers, designed and taught composition courses, and started my own business. But for some reason when it comes to delving into the cookbook, I turn to something else. You can’t possibly start developing whole grain recipes unless you have pretty jars to store all those grains in, right? Errand #1! It’s probably a really good time to organize your hard drive, get those finances in order, and really learn the ins and outs of Evernote. Task #16! Maybe it’s time to research a new camera, try that sandwich spot across town, and write a letter to your grandparents. Now that that’s all done and I’ve circled and circled, I’ve run out of errands and tasks.
When I was talking to my mom the other day on the phone, expressing concern that maybe I’ve been avoiding this project, she assured me that I’d actually been working away on it. Then Sam told me the same thing. Subconsciously, they said, I was tackling it. All of that organizing and cleaning, all of those errands — that was my way of making space for it all. Clearing the decks, I call it. In a way the project is kind of like when you walk into a dark room and you can see the shape of a figure or an object perfectly but can’t quite make out the details just yet. You probably know that feeling.
It’s a feeling I experienced when I taught freshman writing during my last semester of graduate school. I spent the summer beforehand planning the course I’d teach. I knew the shape of it very well. But on the first day, I doubted myself. All of a sudden I realized that the big picture was clear but the details were far from it. I didn’t look much older than my students, I’d memorized the rules for comma usage at 3 a.m. the night before to make sure I knew exactly what I was talking about, and my left eye started twitching nervously. My cheeks became hot and I wished I’d worn different shoes. That night I had a pep talk with myself: You know more than these kids. You know a lot. The shape and content of this course is well-researched and engaging. But the outline was just the beginning–next came the time to really dig in. The second day I wore more comfortable shoes, pulled my hair back, and walked in more assured. As I did the rest of the semester. And the following year. The details became clearer and clearer with each day.
And now here we are. At a juncture where I know I have so much to share with you. Making perfect granola and yogurt at home, getting acquainted with morning whole grains, how to make awesome breakfast cakes, savory porridge, homemade maple butter, jammy fruit toppings. It’s the way I eat in the morning, and I’m being given the opportunity to share that with you all. In recipes, narrative, and photos. That’s major. So, maybe we can have a drink to that. And then I think it’s time to get down to business.
This cocktail was inspired by a drink I saw over on Design Sponge recently called The Moroccan. It features coriander simple syrup, orange liquor, and dry vermouth. I wanted to add a touch of gin and then balance that out with some Rachel’s Ginger Beer (if you’re in the Seattle area and you haven’t tried RGB, you’re missing out. It’s not at all too sweet and loaded with real ginger. I love it straight on a warm afternoon or in many a cocktail.)
For this drink, the coriander simple syrup lends an earthy citrus flavor; pick up coriander seed in bulk at your local market so as to avoid buying a whole container that will likely sit around for months. They’ll be fresher this way, too. I usually make my simple syrup a little less sweet than most. If you like yours sweeter, add a whole cup of sugar. Save leftover simple syrup in a mason jar in the fridge for future cocktails. And last: thank you for being here, now, on this little ride with me.
The Major
- Yield: 2 cocktails
- Prep time: 5 mins
- Cook time: 5 mins
- Inactive time: 1 hr
- Total time: 1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
Simple Syrup:
Cocktails:
Instructions
To make the simple syrup, heat the water, sugar and coriander seeds over medium heat in a heavy-bottom saucepan until the mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. The longer the syrup sits, the more the flavor will develop. Drain the liquid away from seeds and set aside (store what you don’t use in a mason jar for later).
To mix the drink, combine the vermouth, orange liquor, gin, simple syrup and bitters over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Pour into cocktail glasses. Pour ginger beer on top of each cocktail as a floater. Garnish with orange slices. Chee
Healthy Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn't heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I'd start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we'd never travel internationally again or have a sit-down meal in our dining room. Would I ever eat a cardamom bun in Sweden? Soak in Iceland? I loved the heck out of our tiny Oliver, but man what had we done?! Friends would swoop in and reassure us that this was just a season, a blip in the big picture of it all. They promised we'd likely not even remember walking around the house in circles singing made-up songs while eating freezer burritos at odd hours of the day (or night). And it's true.
Oliver is turning two next month, and those all-encompassing baby days feel like a different time, a different Us. In many ways, dare I say it, Toddlerhood actually feels a bit harder. Lately Oliver has become extremely opinionated about what he will and will not wear -- and he enforces these opinions with fervor. Don't get near the kid with a button-down shirt. This week at least. He's obsessed with his rain boots and if it were up to him, he'd keep them on at all times, especially during meals. He insists on ketchup with everything (I created a damn monster), has learned the word "trash" and insists on throwing found items away on his own that really, truly are not trash. I came to pick him up from daycare the other day and he was randomly wearing a bike helmet -- his teacher mentioned he'd had it on most of the day and really, really didn't want to take it off. The kid has FEELINGS. I love that about him, and wouldn't want it any other way. But, man it's also exhausting.
Cheesy Quinoa Cauliflower Bake
I just finished washing out Oliver's lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable dance party or band practice that precedes the bedtime routine lately. Before becoming pregnant for the second time, I'd have had a glass of wine with the back door propped open right about now -- these days though, I have sparkling water or occasionally take a sip from one of Sam's hard ciders. Except now the back door's closed and we even turned on the heat for the first time yesterday. The racing to water the lawn and clean the grill have been replaced by cozier dinners at home and longer baths in the evening. You blink and it's the first day of fall.
Stuffed Shells with Fennel and Radicchio
I'd heard from many friends that buying a house wasn't for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I've started (and stopped) writing this post a good fifteen times which may indicate something. BUT! First thing's first: we bought a house! I think! I'm pretty sure! We're still waiting for some tax transcripts to come through and barring any hiccough with that, we'll be moving out of our beloved craftsman in a few weeks and down the block to a great, brick Tudor house that we wanted the second we laid eyes on it. The only problem: it seemed everyone else in Seattle had also laid eyes on it, and wanted it equally as much. I'm not really sure why the homeowner chose us in the end. Our offer actually wasn't the highest, but apparently there were some issues with a few of them. We wrote a letter introducing ourselves and describing why we'd be the best candidates and why we were so drawn to the house; we have a really wonderful broker who pulled out all the stops, and after sifting through 10 offers and spending a number of hours deliberating, they ended up going with ours. We were at a friend's book event at the time when Sam showed me the text from our broker and I kind of just collapsed into his arms. We were both in ecstatic denial (wait, is this real?! Did we just buy a house?) and celebrated by getting chicken salad and potato salad from the neighborhood grocery store and eating it, dazed, on our living room floor. Potato salad never tasted so good.
Smoky Butternut Squash and Three Bean Chili
If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn't our most inspired in terms of cooking. We're all suffering from the post-election blues -- the sole upside being Oliver's decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he's trying to tell us that pulling the covers over our heads and hibernating for awhile is ok. It's half-convincing. For much of the week, instead of cooking, there'd been takeout pizza and canned soup before, at week's end, I decided it was time to pour a glass of wine and get back into the kitchen. I was craving something hearty and comforting that we could eat for a few days. Something that wouldn't remind me too much of Thanksgiving because, frankly, I can't quite gather the steam to start planning for that yet. It was time for a big bowl of chili.
To Talk Porridge
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it's true. It doesn't have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn't have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn't crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery shards like a well-made croissant. But when you wake up and it's 17 degrees outside (as it has been, give or take a few, for the last week), there's nothing that satisfies like a bowl of porridge or oatmeal. It's warm and hearty and can be made sweet or savory with any number of toppings. The problem? Over the years, it's gotten a bad rap as gluey or gummy or just downright boring or dutiful -- and it's because not everyone knows the secrets to making a great pot of warm morning cereal. So let's talk porridge (also: my cookbook comes out this month! So let's take a peek inside, shall we?)
El
Great news. I suspect this will be a very successful adventure. I look forward to getting your new book (autographed I hope!) Keep us posted. Congratulations!
olga
what great news!! congratulations!! the book is going to be terrific, i just know it!
Danielle
Hooray!! So glad I had the opportunity to celebrate this news with you last week. Looking forward to doing the same when you hand in your manuscript and when your book comes out! Wheee!! xo
dervla @ The Curator
Congratulations, Megan! Can't wait to get a copy of this!
Elizabeth
Congratulations, Megan! I've loved your blog for years and have no doubt that I will love your cookbook just as much. I can only vaguely imagine what a huge project it must be, but I'm sure you will do a great job!
Rose D., Frenchtown, NJ
That's fantastic news!!!! Can't wait for it.
olga
Also, would like to add that having spend the last almost year working with Ten Speed Press, they are amazing, incredibly talented people!! Yay again!
Kristina @ MouthFromTheSouth.com
I wish I could toast you with this drink in person. I'm THRILLED. THRILLED!!!! Have I mentioned I'm THRILLED FOR YOU!!! Such happy news.
Nicole
So excited for you! A breakfast book at that. BTW...wanted to say that I loved the Marge Granola in my Full Circle CSA here in Fairbanks. I actually don't get Full Circle in the summer as I like to support my local farmer's during the season, but I look forward to more Marge Granola in the fall and eventually a cookbook.
Janet
So excited and proud of you! I cannot WAIT for this cookbook. Whee!
tracy
Dude. DUDE. This is sooooooooooooo exciting. I can't wait for that book. If anyone knows breakfast, it's you. I'm sooooo happy for you, friend!!
Ryan
Congrats Megan! I cannot wait to read your book!
kamran siddiqi
Major congratulations, Megan! I simply cannot wait to get my hands on this book when it's out! :)
Lily
Congratulations!!
Abby
Congratulations! I'm excited to read the book once it's out--breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day. Good luck working on the cookbook!
jenny
huge congrats! I have loved your blog ever since I discovered it via shutterbean about a year ago, so I'm sure your cookbook will be fantastic. speaking as one who has tackled a book project, I can also add that I'm the kind of writer who doesn't like to sit down at the keyboard until the story is clear in my head. so all that "nesting" you've been doing is actually valuable thinking time, even a sort of writing time. don't doubt it; embrace it! and enjoy. :)
emmycooks
Sounds like a delicious project! I look forward to seeing it.
Have you planted cilantro in your garden yet? You probably know this but be sure to let some of it go to seed--the pods are kind of amazing to cook with when they're green and then they dry out into the coriander seeds you're using here. (And I love cilantro root as well, pounded into Thai curry paste!)
megang
Emmy...Thank you! Cilantro is the one thing I've failed with this year. It actually never took off and was very delicate and almost grass-like until it bit the dust. I was excited to try the coriander seeds, thinking they'd be so much more flavorful than store-bought seeds, but alas. Maybe next year? Thanks for the tip ... have a great week! ~m
Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite
Absolutely thrilled for you girl! I can't wait to see it!!!! Hugs XO
Anna
Congratulations! I'm sure it will be amazing and a challenging and fulfilling experience!
Sam @ The Second Lunch
That is absolutely thrilling! I'll toast to that!
Kasey
I am so so thrilled for you, Megan. I can only imagine how wonderful your book is going to be. And, I don't think you need to fret about all that circling...you're just building up to that creative purge :) xo
Jess
A breakfast book - how perfect! I can't wait to cook my way through it. I'm thrilled for you, Megan. And for all of us, of course! xo.
megang
Thanks, Jess!!!
Ashley
I couldn't be happier for you sweet friend. In whatever way, shape or form in which you need it I am here to help.
megang
Thanks so much, Ashley. I'll take you up on that :) And maybe we can figure out a way to have you and Gabe over for dinner one of these nights ... Hope your week is off to a calmer-than-last-week start. ~m
molly
Ahhhh, a win/win, if I ever heard one! You might think yourself the lucky one, but we all know it is us.
BTW, I'm keening to write up a spin on the buttermilk yogurt you posted a while back. It quickly became a staple in our home, and I want to spread the word (with credit where due, most certainly!). Would you mind?
Now, off to organize those jars, I mean, write :)
xo,
M
megang
Molly! Thank you so much for your nice words. Made me smile this afternoon. Of course you can use the recipe on your site! I can't wait to see what you do with it -- reminds me that it's been far too long since I've made it around here. Have a wonderful week, ~m
Amanda@EasyPeasyOrganic
Congrats! And bet that combo of flavours would make one helluva cookie ...
Aunt V
Congratulations Megan.
Will your book be out for Christmas and Kwanzaa?
megang
Yes! The plan is that it would be available for Holiday 2013. Thank you, V!
Suzanne Perazzini
Congratulations. I know that feeling of circling a big task well, but we writers say that half the writing is in the thinking and percolating, so percolate away.
Lisa Waldschmidt
I am so proud of you! That is such exciting news. I can't wait to read it.
Casey@Good. Food. Stories.
Hooray! You are just the person to write this book - I'm so looking forward to it!
megang
Thanks, Casey! I'm really looking forward to it, too. Love to chat cookbook-ness with you sometime; I'll reach out to you b/c I know you're in the trenches now too. Hope all is well (no Greenbrier this year!) xox, m
Eileen
Congratulations on the book! And I can't say I would mind tipping back one of those beautiful cocktails--especially in a champagne coupe. Or am I the only one who fetishizes champagne coupes? :)
megang
Oh you're not the only one, Eileen. We get them for practically nothing at our local Goodwill. They make me really, really happy. ~m
Mary
Can. Not. Wait. Buying a truckload. Congrats, Megan!
Shila
That is so wonderful and exciting and I imagine also a bit stress-inducing. Congratulations! I love to savor your writing and recipes on the blog and cannot wait to sit in a cozy chair and devour your book too.
megang
Shila-Thank you for your sweet comment about the blog. So glad you're enjoying it. ~m
tea_austen
Woot, woot! You know how delighted I am for you.
And for what it's worth, I spent 8 months avoiding my book, 4 months writing it. While I don't recommend THAT ratio, you're in good company.
Does this mean I get to come over for breakfast in the nook? Consider me a volunteer taste tester, at your service (hard job but someone's got to do it...:-).
megang
Thanks for this, Tara. It is worth A LOT, actually. Yes to breakfasts in the nook. Sam and I were actually talking about having a breakfast party at the house with many of the recipes, take some photos etc. Probably in the fall ... You're now officially a volunteer taste tester. xox
Brandi
if you need a test audience, you know where to find me :) Congrats!!!!
megang
I'm adding you to my list of testers, Brandi! Thank you :)
Kimberley
As always, so much that I can relate to. But first, congratulations! Ten Speed seems such the perfect fit. And making it about the ritual of morning, and your mornings in the places you've lived, makes it feel really extra special. Cannot wait.
megang
Kimberly-Thanks, lady. You're up next. I just know it.
lori
Congratulations Megan! It will be a great book.
Your description of how you felt the morning before class reminds me of something that Molly O'Neill said at a writing conference. She was describing getting a big project and how she suddenly felt like a phony--as though she didn't know why she was qualified for it. Of course she was and of course your book like the class you taught will be awesome--full of Meganess!
megang
Thanks, Lori. Yes I essentially felt that way all through graduate school: like "you guys have made a grand mistake." And of course that wasn't the case but it's a pretty real feeling. I've heard Molly's classes are fantastic. Thank you for the congratulations! It's going to be one wild summer. Hope you're doing well, and staying cool (I hear it's been HOT!) Have a great week, ~m
ileana
So fantastic. Congratulations! And it's not just you, my home is never cleaner than before a deadline.
Dafna
Wow! Congratulations Megan!! How perfect! And I agree with them - you have been working on it. It's the calm before the storm! Great ideas are brewing... P.s. I think the word "sugar" was omitted from your ingredient list. Xo!
megang
Dafna! Thank you so, so much! I was really excited to tell you the news -- was going to write to you this past weekend. And thank you for the "sugar" correction. Kind of a big omission there :) Hope all is well in jam-land!
nicole
What fantastic news! Congrats! I'm sure it must feel a tiny bit overwhelming at the start, but once you get into it ... you'll be *in it.* And it will be awesome. Can't wait to read + cook from it!
Denise | Chez Danisse
Oh, Megan. I'm so looking forward to your book. Enjoy the process. I know it will be great. Take care, Denise
meatballs & milkshakes
Congratulations!! That's so exciting!
Evi
Congratulations! I'm so excited for you. This will be wonderful, and I cannot wait. I've been a reader for quite some times, and I cannot wait until this hits the shelves. Passing on a great hug from DC! =)
cheryl
M,
I'm just thrilled to bits for you, and I can't wait to hold your book in my hands. I think what you're facing is almost like what happens before a toddler says his first words. He's listening the whole time, absorbing, paying attention, getting ready to jump in. That's not wasted time, all that quiet listening. All that circling.
It's preparation.
Take a leap! You're ready.
c.
megang
Cheryl- Thank you. I like this analogy very much, and I do think it's true. I've been thinking about it non-stop ... now time to put pencil to paper, so to speak. So wonderful seeing you this weekend (and happy birthday!!!)
momgordon
Ah, I was waiting for this post. I am so very proud of you! But that, of course, is what moms do. More importantly maybe is that I am inspired by how you thoughtfully craft a life and then share glimpses with us that inform, enrich or just bring a smile. I love you!
susan
I love you are doing this! Let me know if you want a reader at any time!
megang
Susan: Thank you! I will. Maybe you'd like to test a recipe somewhere down the line??
Jen @ Savory Simple
Congratulations on the cookbook!! How exciting. And your intro cracked me up. Ever since I got married I've learned never to say "We have good news!" I said that to my father one time and the way his face lit up with hope was both comical and heart-breaking.
megang
Yes, quick lesson to learn, Jen! I now phrase things much differently. Thanks for your sweet comment, ~m
Jessica
Congratulations! I can't wait to buy a copy!
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction
Congratulations!! I know your cookbook will be a smashing success... Can't wait to get my copy. :)
megang
Thanks so much, Jen!
Julie
Hi Megan,
I'm VERY excited about your cookbook! :)
I love reading about your adventures and trying out your delicious recipes and always wait in anticipation for your next post.
Thanks for giving me something to look forward to!
Julie :)
Julie @Savvy Eats
Congratulations on your upcoming book -- it sounds like it will be great!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen
I´m so happy for you Megan! And for us too, since writing about what you love will turn out into a great book no doubt.
I agree with your mom and sam about making space for this. In your own way. Without even realizing it. Relax and enjoy the process, it is part of the whole thing and you´ll do it in your own style, which is what we all like!
Y
Awesome news! Congratulations!
merry jennifer
I'm catching up on my Google Reader after close to a month away, and I was so thrilled to find this as my first read of the day today. Granted, I'm late, but congratulations anyway! I'm so thrilled for you. Plus, a book is like a baby, but you don't have to deal with poopy diapers, so I think you're coming out on top.
Ashley
Congrats!
P.S. Would it be possible to have full length posts for people who read your blog via a feed reader? I'd appreciate it.
megang
Thanks so much, Ashley. I'll look into the reader -- good idea, I just don't know how to do it, but I can look into it. Enjoy your week, ~m
Tawny Catudal
Wow! Yay, I'm really excited... but bummed we have to wait so long to get the book! I've been using your ideas and recipes for so long (grains and breakfast are a challenge for me) so thank you thank you. Congrats!
The Cozy Herbivore
Congrats on the book! Sounds so exciting/exhilarating/intimidating! But you are a wonderful writer, I know it's going to be amazing. Can't wait to read it, and I can't wait to make this syrup-- it's just the thing for a summery cocktail!
Aimee @ Simple Bites
Congratulations!! This is the best kind of news because we all will eventually benefit when we hold your book in our hands and bring it into our kitchens.
Cheers!
Allison | bunandbiscuit.com
Congratulations! I can't wait to read your book and try out your beautiful and delicious recipes.
kickpleat
Hooray!!! I've been catching up on all your news since I've been away for 3 weeks and this is the BEST! You'll be fine, you know breakfast and it's always nice to get jars :) Yay! I'm super thrilled for you.
Angel
Congratulation on the cookbook! I love love love breakfast...can't wait to get hold of your collection of breakfast recipes in a year! I hope the cookbook writing is going well and that you're enjoying yourself through the process!
Kristina @ MouthFromTheSouth
Just stalking your blog for a recipe roundup. And now I'm all excited and proud of you again. You're a rockstar!
megang
Thanks, Kristina!!! You're the best + I would love to see that face of yours sometime in the not-so-distant future. Hope you're doing well, my friend. Gearing up for tomato season??