Dinner for one

Saturday, May 17, 2008

I think the main reason why the universe gave me a family for which I am responsible, is so that I stay in line. 

I have once again proven that, if left to my own devices, I surely would subsist strictly on a diet of red wine, peanut butter, salsa, crackers, refried beans and the internet.  Behold, my dinner:

This is what happens when I eat alone.  Having no responsibilities to feed my only son a nutritious dinner, nor to remind my boyfriend how lucky he is to have a partner who cooks fabulous meals, clearly means one thing to me:  LAZINESS.  I won’t let this deter me, however, for I have actually convinced myself that this meal was a good choice, not an irresponsible one. Readers of this site will be with me I know, once I point out that this meal is comprised almost completely of local ingredients.

Aw yeah, just what I need:  reinforcement by way of rationalization to continue with this ridiculousness.

The wine is Chaddsford Winery’s 2006 Pinot Noir 25th Vintage.  It’s said to be a “light, delicate red with a mouth-filling combination of fruit and earthiness,” and I must whole-heartedly agree.  At about $15 a bottle, it’s my favorite, stand-by local red wine.  And that adorable little jar is filled with a sweet and sassy Rosemary Rosé herb jelly from Little Isobel.  The texture was a bit more watery than I’m used to, but the flavor was absolutely refreshing.  The unique labels and little sprig of Overbook Farm-grown rosemary suspended in the jelly really makes this product a local gem.  The crackers are not local and not remarkable.  They simply served as a vehicle to get the jelly to my mouth, and to cleanse my delicate and sophisticated palate in between sips of wine.  Ahem.

I’m thinking of using this dinner-for-one theme during One Local Summer.  But first, I suppose I’ll have to get rid of that family.