AGAINST THE GRAIN

I have never strived to be ordinary. Strike that. As an adult, I have never strived to be ordinary. I did come of age in a small Midwestern town where fitting in was more a means of survival than a character flaw. Yet secretly, in the depths of my psyche, I longed to march to the beat of my own drummer. I consider my swift decampment from that region evidence of this inner desire.

No longer hemmed in by the threat of abuse from others, or rather not caring about their trifling opinions, the opportunities are limitless. And yet, it only occurred to me today that I had unwittingly submitted to the confines of convention regarding one most basic principle of life, mealtime.

Allow me to elaborate. Modern Americans subscribe to the idea of three meals a day. Some may even incorporate a couple of snacks scattered throughout. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Even those who skip breakfast acknowledge the meal’s existence. I have always gamboled along in this rhythm, never pausing to question what works for me. In fact, upon careful examination, I found I rather dislike the concept of lunch. Lunch, for me, has always been an unconquerable obstacle. I’ve spent hours thinking about what to eat for lunch. While, yes, this may sound a bit compulsive, and maybe admittedly it is, I simply have never jived with that midday meal. It always occurs a tad too early or far too late. I’m not even a fan of standard lunch fare - sandwiches of grey meat slapped between two overly thick slices of bread, salads that fill on demand yet never truly satisfy, soups that sedate, and on and on. Which is not to say I don’t enjoy salad and soups and sometimes sandwiches. I do indeed, just not midday.

Henceforth I will be ruled by this intrepid declaration: I’m abolishing lunch. No longer will I fret about what to eat at the noontime hour. Instead I will fill my day with quaint dalliances, simple affairs to quench my hunger. Breakfast, Elevenses, Afternoon Tea and Dinner. It all sounds quite delightful, doesn’t it?

Dear readers, how do you live against the grain?

SLIMMING REGIME

Image courtesy of the glorious Nigel Slater.

‘Tis that time of year when waistbands become a bit snug around one’s middle and resolve is mustered in an effort to shed the unwelcome flesh which has appeared over the holiday (or in my case, the past 12 months). Methods are researched and poured over, in some cases with greater care than our university studies in days past, each promising swift and effortless results. I’ve indulged in my fair share of snake oil and though I find a bit more of myself embracing this new year, I refuse to embark on a fool’s journey to weight loss.

This year, common sense will prevail. Planning will prevent last minute pizza ordering, the recipe book will enjoy newfound activity as will my body. It’s quite simple, really. After all, licorice tea is a suitable surrogate for those delectable and charming Scottie Dog confections I devour with abandon.

What are your resolutions for this new year?

Ingredients to Heal One's Soul

Photo courtesy of 101 Cookbooks

At a certain point, one must move on from grief and apply their efforts to something far more constructive. Today that took form in a bit of kitchen experimentation. BTG is a lover of Madeleines and I of baking; however, such delights can take their toll on one's waistline. In an attempt to mitigate the impact of indulgence and on BTG's suggestion, I baked whole wheat Madeleines. My loyal recipe was sourced at 101 Cookbooks; simply substitute 3/4 cup flour minus 1.5 tablespoons whole wheat flour for the all-purpose.