August shouldn't feel like the end of summer

But it does, when classes begin as early as they do this semester. It's just wrong.

Meantime, here are some delicious things...

Salmon-potato-asparagus salad with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, with a slice of The Bread alongside.

Next, an irresistible pad thai with tofu...

...with a side of Best Ever asparagus and peas with shallots and basil.

Then, very simple gnochetti with tomatoes and kale. Nothing to it.

And, as a test run for next weekend's MFA meet-&-greet, a rice salad (wild rice & basmati, edamame, pistachios, dried cherries).

Finally, on the kitten front, we are making progress, as documented below.

Actually, they are now mingling freely, but this pic captures the spirit of the relationship...

January

Catching up, again. And just hitting the highlights.

Buttermilk bread:

Eggplant and zucchini parmigiana. An excellent Lidia Bastianich recipe. Lots of pics of the process:

No-knead oat bread. 10-hour rise (overnight). Again, excellent. KAF recipe.

A couple of sewing projects. Apron #2, the whimsical one, with a pocket. 

And a faux fur collar. Still needs a hook & eye, but it looks done, which is good enough for picture-taking.

The pattern came from one of my favorite sewing blogs, Tilly and the Buttons. 

Then there was more baking... chocolate muffins. 

And last, and best, here's a young buck who kindly posed for a photo.