Apr 11, 2009

My week in review

I don't know if I'll make this a regular feature, but there are some random things that I thought were worth sharing but not really worthy of their own post.

The highlight of the week was definitely initiating the payoff for my student loan. Once that goes through, we'll be debt-free except for our mortgage!

I don't know what my problem is, but I've screwed up what's supposed to be an incredibly easy bread recipe twice now. It's the focaccia recipe I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Camille from Growing Up Gabel made it and said it was great so I was really looking forward to it, but I obviously lack her breadmaking skills. The problem is probably that I'm not using all white flour - it's just so hard for me to not substitute half white whole wheat flour, but of course it's much denser. I'm guessing that if I want to do this, I need to add some gluten, even though the dough seems to rise beautifully in the bowl and pan. I'm going to try it soon with just white flour and that will at least help me determine if it's me or just the ingredients.

Just because I've done something well in the past doesn't mean I can do it well again - at least, not on the first try. I made calamari for dinner this week for the first time in at least six months. It had been so long that I kind of forgot how to deep fry the things. It took a few batches before I was able to keep the oil at a consistent temperature, and I even overcrowded the pot once. But the pieces that came out well were amazingly delicious, as always. I don't really have a recipe, but here's my technique: Marinate the squid in buttermilk for a few hours. When ready to cook, heat the oil and dredge the squid in cornmeal. Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.

Our federal tax refund seemed to come especially fast this year. I think it was within two weeks of our accountant e-filing our returns. We had to pay the state, so I don't know how quickly state refunds are being issued, though apparently they are being issued now (for a while during the budget crisis, refunds had been withheld). This year was the closest we have ever come to getting our federal and state taxes exactly right (i.e., not owing any money nor getting a refund). Of course, I try to get as close as I can every year so I think it was just luck.

Thanks to all of your suggestions, I think I put together a pretty good non-food Easter basket. Of course, I'll know for sure after their reaction tomorrow. But thank you again for your help!

2 comments:

Camille said...

Try subbing less whole wheat flour. Using whole wheat is tricky business, that's for sure! I've never successfully subbed half wheat in. Usually with 6 cups of flour, I can get 1 cup of whole wheat in. Don't give up!!

Chief Family Officer said...

@Camille - Thanks! I guess I'll have to be less ambitious :)