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For March’s Of the Month, I talk about reading about Ina Garten and wrestling at the same time, writing projects I’m excited about, and the highlights of what I ate this month (lots of fried food in the last thirty days.)

Reading 

I’m still reading Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America by Josephine Riesman. It’s a tome and has become my bedtime book which kind of cracks me up because I’ll go from reading about brawling wrestlers to trying to sleep. From my library I picked up Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten (which I’m breezing through) and Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations by Alton Brown (my first and most major Food Network crush.) Ina’s book is fascinating because I’ve never paid much attention to her beyond the “store bought is fine” and giant cocktail memes. I haven’t started Alton’s yet but I loved his first cookbook I’m Just Here for the Food and always thought Good Eats was well written, so I have high hopes. At very least he’s looking hot on the cover.

I’m also reading Black Food Geographies by Ashanté M. Reese for ’s book club and Rose Books Reader Vol. 01 - Primal Scream – an edition of prose and poetry put out by one of my favorite indie presses. I got an early look at the book because I helped edit some of the stories, and I’m not surprised it’s currently sold out. I hope they restock soon!!

I’ve been going through a bit of a burnout/overwhelm and feel incredibly behind on the reading of newsletters that I love. But I feel myself already coming out of lurking mode and I’m very interested in what , Lauren Pinkston, and Jessica Goudeau are up to at The Injustice Report where they are reporting on injustices in their own communities. I’m also reminding myself to make sure to read Meg Conley’s The Pocket Observatory. As my brain demanded a short break from the constant reading and synthesizing through sharing that I usually love and am compelled to do, I read fashion newsletters, namely from Chava Studio, Phoebe Philo, and Noihsaf Bazaar.

Writing 

I’m working on an interview that will be published sometime soon. Also some grant writing and newsletter editing for Wasted Ink Zine Distro – Catch the March issue, I’m really proud of it. And, because this is a private space, I’m also working on my book proposal! I don’t have an agent but want to get this proposal ready to send out in the next few months. I’m close – just need to stay focused.

Eating 

Hummus (recipe from Arabiyya by Reem Assil) topped with sauteed beet greens, feta, Burlap & Barrel za'atar, and olive oil. A few times I wrapped this combination in a tortilla and toasted it in a pan. Roasted sweet potatoes, also with hummus. Miso-Creamed Collard Greens (sub coconut milk and dried shiitake mushrooms.) Crispy tofu with a sweet sauce and roasted jalapenos at RICE PAPER on 7th. Kale stems thrown into a leftover jar of bread and butter pickle brine. Grapefruit and chia cake (recipe from Snacking Bakes by Yossy Arefi) with and without frosting. I was out of poppy seeds and threw chia in instead, right at the last second so they wouldn’t absorb too much liquid. Roasted Romanesco and parsley baked rigatoni. I wasn’t thrilled with the consistency of the green sauce but it was good enough. A slice of The Bees Knees pie (lemon cream with a layer of Flora Adora Hendrick’s Gin gelée and topped with a fluffy honey meringue) on Pi Day when I was picking up my CSA at Tracy Dempsey Originals. A pile of fried potatoes on St. Patrick’s Day. Frozen potstickers and rice with broccoli was the go-to home convenience meal. Tasting all the pastas at St. Pasta for a friend’s birthday dinner. Wine club to celebrate getting through the month. Kung Pao Tofu (but I made it with a bunch of kale thinly sliced instead of the red bell pepper) with rice, eaten so late and so quickly that no pictures were taken. TY to the comments section / notes feed, that’s where I’m finding my favorite recipes recently!

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