FUN FRIDAY: Sometimes we need to loosen the apron straps and write about some of our influences outside of food. Don’t worry, it always comes back to food. This is a recap of some of the fun the Apronites have had devouring the internet this week.
After what felt like the loooooongest winter ever, the sun began shine, the birds began to chirp and the Apronites got their drink on. Amanda continued her tasty exploits of UK’s elderflower season with a brilliant backyard Elderflower Martini. A generous delivery of lovely cordials and sparkling waters from Bottlegreen Drinks has had the team concocting summer cocktails for upcoming posts. And in preparing for this Sunday’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations, talk turned to tequila for this week’s ‘Potluck’ post. Speaking of, Reagan went all Mad Max on a traditional Mexican treat (one rumoured to be Frida Kahlo‘s favourite) with her Limones Rellenos de Coco Challenge.
What exactly is Cinco de Mayo anyhow? According to latinamericanhistory.about.com, Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican Holiday celebrating the Battle of Puebla, which took place on May 5, 1862. In 1861, France sent a massive army to invade Mexico. The French army was much larger, better trained and equipped than the Mexicans struggling to defend the road to Mexico City. It rolled through Mexico until it reached Puebla, where the Mexicans made a valiant stand, and, against all logic, won a huge victory. It was short-lived, as the French army regrouped and continued; eventually taking Mexico City, but the euphoria of an unlikely victory against overwhelming odds is remembered every May fifth.
For most outside of Mexico this has really become a day to celebrate the fresh flavours of the vibrant culture: tacos, burritos, jalapenos, cilantro, guacamole, margaritas, churros… As if we really need an excuse.
What We’re Reading:
Reagan introduced the gang to thisrawsomeveganlife.com this week and had everyone swooning over the 19 year old author, Em, and her rawsome life.
Ship: I hope my kid grows up to be as socially aware and smart as this gal is!
Caitlin: Avocados, chocolate, and the future of the Sisterhood–i’m so happy right now!
Dana: Delicious. BTW, my Vegan Goddesses, Gwyneth Paltrow’s sparkling blue eyes hypnotized me in the bookstore today and lead me to purchase her new book ‘It’s All Good‘, and it actually is. From what I’ve read so far, it’s really good. The first portion of the book discusses meat and the 2nd half is mainly dedicated to healthy (hearty) vegan recipes. I’m impressed. As it turns out, Paltrow loves the Veganaise as much as some Apronites do.
I also have to mention Humans of New York. I miss life in New York terribly (especially lately for some reason), and having their Facebook page feed me beautiful pictures of the characters roaming Manhattan’s streets has made me feel that much more connected with it all.
What We’re Listening To:
Caitlin: This week I can’t get enough of the Born Ruffians’ bornruffians.com new album, Birthmarks. I’ve been a longtime fan of their amazing melodies, close harmonies, and bouncy indie rock sound–these guys are amazing songwriters and musicians. Birthmarks is a little poppier than their earlier records, but every song still has the wistful, warm quality that made me a fan in the first place. I recommend Permanent Hesitation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSToZBv0KOQ for dancing around your kitchen, and With Her Shadow http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbZdU13o4M8 for your next foot-stomping spring walk.
Kristina: I can’t get enough of the new The Flaming Lips album, The Terror.
This single isn’t from the new album but the video is just too good not to share with a group of foodies.
Dana: Since watching the trailer for Kick-Ass 2, I’ve been trying to convince my hubby to wire the house so Sleigh Bells ‘Infinity Guitar‘ plays anytime I walk into a room. I would be much more eager to fold clothes if a bad ass guitar riff started whenever I entered the laundry room.
What We’re Watching:
Caitlin: Dana sent me a link to this hilarious bit by Tig Notaro on Conan’s show, and I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. Tig Notaro made entertainment news last year with her perfectly human, glib reaction to her cancer diagnosis. This clip has everything: mindfulness, cat pictures, a delighted Jeff Goldblum.
Dana: As if we need another reason to adore Amy Poehler. Ms. Poehler is now producing a YouTube Channel called ‘The Smart Girls Channel‘ offering music, advice, glimpses into other cultures, nice things to put into the world, all in a boy’s minute. Check out the ‘Ask Amy’ segments – there is a clear and apparent reason why this woman is my personal hero.
What’s Coming Up Next Week?
We have posts on catering a weekend yoga retreat (and all of the allergies/intolerances/preferences that come with it), a veganized peanut butter and BACON sandwich recipe (yes, you read that right!), and more. Amanda has spent this past week vacationing with her hubby in the exotic land of Malta. By the sound of things, she’s invested in stuffing herself to the brim with flavour inspiration.
Amanda: “Last night: fresh caught prawns with potato gnocchi in a creamy tomato Tagine, covered in crushed pistacios. Gawjus! Also loving the local goat’s cheese. Served one of two ways – either with the texture of mozarella but a richer stronger flavour (which I had served in ravioli earlier smothered in sage butter) or as a hard cheese, similar in flavour to a strong cheddar, marinated in black pepper (which I had roasted). Buff.”
That is one hard working Apronite.
Be sure to share your foodie discoveries from the week in the comment section below.
Enjoy those tacos this weekend! xo


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