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Posts Tagged ‘#365Ways2021’

The Brownie Lady

Mr. Man’s mechanic dropped him a text the other day, mentioning that he now had a new location and was ready for business, and to come on down whenever he needed work. He sent along Happy New Year’s wishes for Mr. Man and (here’s the fun part) The Brownie Lady. That’s me:)

Quick bit of info: We spent a considerable amount of time in Cambridge, Massachusetts and also listening to the much-loved Car Talk. Along with the many (many) jokes and bits of car advice, Tom and Ray also devoted a lot of time recommending customers bring their mechanics brownies. 

Self-interested? Sure. But if the mechanic’s happiness is indeed equated with customer happiness, doesn’t everyone win? I decided to find out. 

I’ve shared my brownie recipe here before. It’s quick, easy to whip up at almost any time, and good. I like it, Mr. Man likes it, and it turns out our mechanic likes it. Not that he wouldn’t have done a good job without added incentive, but does he do it faster than he might otherwise? Maybe. And who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? Win win win.

I don’t know if the mechanic knows my name, but he associates me with chocolate and kindness, and remembers that I cared enough to send him a treat. I like that. 

Photo by Jb Jorge Barreto on Pexels.com

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Today’s entry reminds me that unexpected delights can wait around any corner.

Cauliflower Salad

I’m not positive of this recipe’s provenance but I believe it came from a boyfriend’s mother, a long time ago. This is one of those dishes whose ingredients repel (me at least) but tastes fabulous. I tend to avoid cauliflower, dislike mayonnaise on textural grounds, and am reluctant to approve of anything with sugar and bacon in the same bowl.* Except this.

1½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sugar
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
1 onion, finely chopped
1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 head lettuce, chopped

1.     Mix together mayonnaise, sugar, cheese and onion.

2.     Add cauliflower, bacon, and lettuce. Mix and let stand an hour or so.

* This recipe predates the candied bacon craze, which I admit is delicious.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

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The internet is a strange, wild, and sometimes twisted thing, but (today’s obvious understatement) it can certainly be useful. 

Take the matter of finding era-appropriate names for characters. If you’ve ever needed to know whether Madison would be a good name for a baby girl born in the U.S. during the 1890s, this handy resource from the Social Security Administration is here to help!

Top names of the 1890s

Short answer: no. You’d be better off with Edna, Ethel, Bessie or Minnie. But check out some of the other options on the site. If your character was born in Alabama in the year 2000, Madison would be right on target (it was the third most popular name that year!) And if you’re wondering why I sometimes use my initials, check out #3!

* Brought to you by Obscure Information for Writers, Inc. (not a real thing, except oh wait, that’s basically the internet in a nutshell;).

Nineteenth-century woman in white drinking from a china tea cup.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

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In these, my last days of vacation, I bring you a delicious discovery: the guava cranberry mimosa!

So that’s my afternoon. Hope you’re enjoying yours too!

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Happy New Year!

I know we’re still deep in Covid winter and things are still 110% not good. But. The vaccine! The holidays! The New Year! At this point, I will take all the hope I can get:) While saying goodbye to 2020 is not the end of our problems, I do hope that it is the beginning of the end.

In that spirit I made a “So Long, 2020” word search puzzle. Stay safe, stay well, and enjoy!

Photo by Brigitte Tohm on Pexels.com
So Long 2020 Word Search Puzzle

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