It’s been a long time since I’ve posted a Friday Favorites list.
Frankly, I’ve missed it.
There’s something strangely therapeutic about compiling a list of inspiring and lovely things. It reminds me how much I have to learn, and how much there is to explore and enjoy. Even in the midst of winter, there’s so much to see and do.
Here, in no particular order, is a list of a few of my favorite things. Happy Friday!
1. Turmeric Tea. I first saw this tea on 101 Cookbooks, and thought the tea looked incredible. My friend Kirsten recently posted her own Turmeric tea recipe on her blog, and I finally decided to give it a try. Let me tell you, it’s amazing. It’s unlike any tea I’ve ever had. It’s full of all sorts of wonderful things (for the mind and the belly!) and it also happens to taste great.
2. The introduction of Sriracha Kettle Chips and Juanita’s Chilepeno Tortilla Chips. Game changers in the form of chips.
3. My new freelance website! I quit my job in August, to pursue the freelance life. So far, I’m absolutely loving it. I recently launched a new website, which explains a bit more about what I do. I’m really proud of the site, and if you’re so inclined, take a look!
4. Happy Yolks. I can’t say enough good things about this blog. Not only are the photos and recipes stunning, but Kelsey is a really wonderful and thoughtful person. I’m constantly inspired by her writing, her outlook, and her food. My goal is to cook more of her recipes this year.
5. Rabbit Cafes. YOU GUYS THERE ARE REAL CAFES IN JAPAN THAT LET YOU HANG OUT AND DRINK COFFEE AND SNUGGLE REAL LIVE BUNNIES. That’s it. I’m moving to Japan.
6. MACARONI SALAD. I’ve had the strangest craving for macaroni salad lately. You know, the store-bought stuff that is strangely sweet and drowning in mayo and comes in a giant plastic tub. I love it. But, I generally don’t allow myself to buy the giant tubs of macaroni salad, because I know it’s unhealthy/processed/fattening/gross food. So, I’ve been searching for a homemade version that might suffice and I think this recipe looks mighty tasty. It might not be anything like the macaroni salad from church potlucks in my youth, but I think it’s time I let that macaroni salad go.
7. Kimchi. I can’t get enough of it. I love making it. I love eating it. I’ve been putting kimchi on tacos, burritos, stir fry, breakfast bowls, rice, soba noodles, salads, and more. I’ve been known to eat it straight out of the jar. (My favorite brand of kimchi is Choi’s, which is made in Portland. Usually, though, I just make my own or pick up a jar at the PDX Food Swap.)
8. Kefir. This week, I made my very first batch of kefir. I just poured some milk into a jar with kefir grains and let it sit on the counter for 36 hours. I then strained out the grains and was left with a wonderful and fermented milk drink, which is full of healthy bacteria (which makes for a happy gut).
9. The new Volcano Choir record. I can’t stop listening to it.
10. This recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprout and Carrot Salad with Cara Cara, Avocado, and Orange Tahini Dressing. (Recipe by the lovely folks at Brooklyn Supper.) I could eat this salad all winter long. It’s dreamy.
11. Bollywood Theater. This is the best Indian food in Portland. Period. (Granted, we don’t have a lot of good Indian food in Portland but that is beside the point.) The beets braised in coconut milk are to die for. Currently, they have one location in Portland on Alberta Street but they are opening up a second location on Division. I can’t wait.
12. Punk Domestics. This site is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in canning, preserving, curing, fermenting, and more. There’s just so much good stuff on this site. (After a quick browse today, I now want to make hard cider mustard, blue cheese paté, homemade yogurt, duck ham, and gravlax.)