Veal Scallops with Lemons and Capers

I'm not sure, but I think this picture is in 3-D

Hi folks, and Happy New Year from Rockport, MA, where it's raining. Very strange for 12/31 in New England! But I'll take it over snow. 

I've decided to take a vow of internet moderation when I'm at home, which hopefully means I'll be doing more things like cooking, blogging about cooking, writing, reading, and maybe even a little housework from time to time. Kind of crazy!! And doing less things like swimming in the river of Facebook, shopping on ideeli and Fab, reading the news on the NYT and Slate (and Google Reader and popurls) and downloading porn. KIDDING. Just checking to see if you were still paying attention. 

Anyway, I actually cooked a dinner last night, which involved planning and stuff. Well done me! Since I had some veal scallopine in the freezer, I settled on Veal Scallops with Lemons and Capers, which since it also involves butter and white wine makes it pretty much the perfect flavor combo. Why don't they have gum with these flavors? Or at least popcorn? COME ON AMERICA GET IT RIGHT.

If you're feeling kind of ambitious but are really actually sort of lazy at heart this is the perfect dinner for you! Here's how you do it. Melt butter in a pan with some olive oil, and fry two or three pieces of veal scallopine that you've dredged in flour. Don't wander off to watch TV--these cook fast. Cook on both sides, and put them on a plate or something in a warm oven. Warm means like 135 degrees.

When you've cooked all the veal and it's staying warm in the oven, pour the white wine and chicken broth in the pan to deglaze and let it reduce for a bit, to about 1/3 cup. Then add butter, 3 tbsp, and let it melt. MMM BUTTER. Then throw in some drained capers, sliced lemons, and chopped parsley and swirl it all around together, and admire your mad mad culinary skillz. 

Time to eat! Pour the sauce on top of the veal! Add some salt and even pepper! Glory in the deliciousness that you've created! By the way, the lemons are actually not really edible unless you're super drunk or stoned. If you are, go for it! Don thought they were yellow summer squash and nibbled at one, but since he wasn't drunk or stoned, he figured it out pretty quick. 

Hey, what's up with the possibly 3-D picture above? Well, I got a new camera for Christmas (thanks Maddi and Don!!) and IT TAKES PICTURES IN 3-D. Now I just have to figure out how to view them in 3-D! Do I need special glasses? A new computer? Will it make me want to lick my monitor? 

Stay tuned, dear and lovely readers! And have a great effing year! 

The Songs of 2011: music to cook (and do other things) by

I will be eternally grateful for my brother-in-law, John Waters, for introducing me to Radio Paradise. This internet radio station is lovingly curated by a California couple, and I've found some great stuff through their eclectic sets. 

So in the spirit of "Best of 2011" as we slouch towards the end of the year, here are some of my musical favorites from the past 11 months, discovered on Radio Paradise. And (as you'll discover)--this music wasn't necessarily released in 2011, but 2011 is when I found it. So now, in no particular order, 28 of my faves of the songs I've sung, danced, worked, cooked, driven and memorized the words to this year. 

1. Tropicalia by Beck
I know, it came out in 1998 but it counts (to me anyway). Fun, upbeat and quirky.

2. That Man by Caro Emerald
Sexy and so stylish, this neo-forties tune is totally danceable.

3. Ride by Liz Phair
I used to say this prayer when I was a kid and it scared the hell out of me. Of course, I didn't say it exactly like this, but maybe I should have.

4. Sticks and Stones by The Pierces
All I can say is: Girl Power.

5. Days Go On by Greg Laswell
This song is perfect for driving at night, on a dark highway.

6. Fishies by Cat Empire
Stand-up bass, castenets, piano, horn section and a reference to Homer's Odyssey, all wrapped around a song about a beautiful woman on a dance floor. Seriously, what's not to love here?

7. Mixed Bizness by Beck
Beck, where have you been all my life? How did I miss you? This retro-70s tune could not be more perfectly crafted for the dance floor.

8. Oh My My by Jill Barber
For some reason this reminds me of The Lime and The Coconut song, but 10K times better. Catchy.

9. Senegal Fast Food by Amadou and Mariam
I like to listen to songs in French even though I can only understand random phrases and words. But it makes me optimistic that I'll actually be fluent someday if I can sing along.

10. The Devil's Paintbrush Road by The Wailin' Jennys
Mandolin? Uke? Not sure exactly, but this song is easy to sing along to. Okay, it's not the cheeriest song, but who cares?

11. Unsquare Dance by Dave Brubeck
Brilliantly mesmerizing in 7/8 time, whatever that is. Well, I guess it's this song. YOU figure it out.

12. Gone Man by The Eels
A lot of these songs are linked in my mind to moving to a new dojo. This song was how I felt after my first real sparring lesson.

13. Build a Wall by Burlap to Cashmere
Some songs I like for their dance or kissing potential, some I like for workout potential. This is one of the latter.

14. Long Time Traveler by The Wailin Jennies
I can carry a tune, but it's one of my fantasies to be able to sing tight harmony like this performance, which is hauntingly beautiful.

15. Supermassive Black Hole by Muse
I was crushed when I found out this was in the credits somewhere in the Twilight movie series (I feel so cheap!) but this is still a kick-ass song.

16. Shooby Shooby Do Ya by Mocean Worker
Another fun workout song with a retro feel.

17. Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz
I liked this tune until I saw the official video (linked here) and then I loved it. Need a little upbeat dystopia with a hip-hop groove? You got it.

18. Seven Nation Army by Ben L'oncle Soul
Great beat, fun retro album cover (I think this is a trend) and apparently a cover of something by the White Stripes?

19. Destiny by Zero 7
Mellow groove--this is the second song of theirs from this album that I've really liked (In the Waiting Line is the other one). It's a decade old, but new to me.

20. Painting Pictures by Adele
She's got kind of an Amy Winehouse thing going on. Great voice.

21. Machu Picchu by The Strokes
This guy sounds just like the lead singer of Franz Ferdinand. Is he? Somebody tell me.

22. Starlight by Rachael Yamagata
Catchy. Sexy.

23. The Sea by Morcheeba
For chilling. Nice and mellow.

24. Everybody Knows by Leonard Cohen
This is an old one but it fits our times so precisely that it raises the hair on the back of my neck. If you're feeling bitter and disillusioned, you're in good company with Leonard.

25. Once Around the Block by Badly Drawn Boy
Ten years old but new to me. Such a great tune!

26. In Amsterdam by Katzenjammer
I have no idea how to categorize this song with the manic trumpet riff. Sort of half carnival, half calvary. It elevates my heart rate just listening to it (in a good way).

27. Options by Gomez
You've probably heard this on the radio. Did they steal the chorus from Dr. Seuss? Love the bari sax.

28. Without You by Eddie Vedder
And to finish, a love song on the uke by Eddie Vedder. Sweet and beautiful.