The Proper Binge

This unseasonably cold weather (snow? really?) has got me in the mood for keeping my oven occupied and my stove on fire (so to speak) over the weekend. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about food over the past few days, and helping a friend plan what promises to be a lush seasonal dinner party menu has kicked me into gear to put thought into action and get cookin’…On my mind:

- Heading out to an orchard (finally, and undeterred by rain and a sneaking suspicion of imminent under-the-weatheriness) to load up on the remains of summer produce hanging on for dear life. Maybe there’ll still be some tomatoes for sauce and salsa-making and I’ve seen lots of pretty peppers for jelly, too. Then, of course, apples galore. I’m hoping to put up some apple sauce and I’m thinking some spiced apples in cider or wine would be nice to have on hand, too.

- Slow-braising a big ol’ piece of meat into luscious, rich submission. Coaxing out those deep, rustic flavors with wine and roots and herbs. Oh yes! And what the heck, maybe a roast chicken while I’m at it.

- A batch or two of pizza dough, just to have around. And some pumpkin-flaxseed muffins for breakfast next week.

And wine. I think I’d like to curl up under my faux-furry blanket with Ruhlman’s Ratio and some Pinot.