blue artichoke

The weather has gotten cold and we had to turn on our heat. I like this sort of weather because I like standing over a hot stove in the midst of a cold house. And I like eating winter comfort foods. As I was heading out to the farmer's market two weeks ago, I saw a recipe in the newspaper for a curried lamb casserole. I thought it looked good, so I bought some lamb from the Lamb Guy at the farmer's market. I asked for stew meat. Lamb Guy said he was out. I asked what would be a good substitution; he recommended a boneless leg. I asked for the smallest one he had. He gave me the $22 one. And I paid for it, even though I thought I was being cheated. Lesson learned: don't ask the Lamb Guy for recommendations; he'll sell you the expensive one. Any old cut of lamb with some fat on it would have been just fine. Or I could have gotten it much cheaper at the grocery store. The lamb casserole was excellent, though; I like to think that expensive lamb boosted its excellence. And I still have half a leg for another use.

Last night I made Mediterranean Sausage Ragoût, using the beer brats I had intended to grill last week had the rain not interfered. It was hot, soupy and comforting as well. And made lots of leftovers. I like cooking, but occasionally even I don't feel like cooking. Having a freezer full of good food is the biggest comfort. Except that now there is no room for frozen chocolate chip cookies!