The Book of Tea

The Book of Tea by Okakura Kakuzo. Admitted, embarrassingly, this is the first book I have read and finished in quite awhile. A book on living consciously; critiques on different cultures and their stigmas; art, architecture, flowers; history and religion; ceremonies; masters. I highly encourage everyone to pick it up. I was jotting down notes the entire time. Here, a couple of quotes that stuck:

"The Present is the moving Infinity, the legitimate sphere of the Relative. Relativity seeks Adjustment; Adjustment is Art. The art of life lies in the constant readjustment to our surroundings."

"It is not that we should ignore the claims of posterity, but that we should seek to enjoy the present more. It is not that we should disregard the creations of the past, but that we should try to assimilate them into our consciousness."

I have had this song on repeat for weeks now, and it's never getting old.

Lately, I have been using Japanese clay pots for steaming veggies and cooking rice. But, this... I am at a loss for words.

NYC

I promised myself a few years ago that I would live in NYC for at least a year. Last week, I visited my best friend Sally, and she convinced me that I need to make this happen sooner than later. I fell hard. Totally in love with the place. I am still trying to process everything that happened, but to say the least, I came home inspired and with more clarity about where my life is heading. 

We spent about 97% of the time eating, big surprise. My two favorites were Roberta's in Brooklyn and Eataly. The rest of the time, we walked, explored, shopped, went to the MET, Central Park, the list goes on. The people, the architecture, the weather, the smells, the subway, it is vibrant with limitless energy; it was all mind-blowing. I am thinking the next time I go back, my stay might be a bit longer. 

So, after six years, I finally move back to Los Angeles. My mom and I are having the best time being back in the same city. And, of course, I decide to go out of town the weekend of Mother's Day (which is upcoming on May 13th, for all those who might have forgotten). To make up for it, we had a great morning filled with baking and cooking at home.

Raspberry scones with meyer lemon whipped cream. Asparagus, mushroom, and manchego frittata. Intelligentsia Panama blend in the french press. Sparkling wine. Little Mosey spying from the window.

Asparagus, Mushroom, and Manchego Frittata. Serves 4.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 red onion, chopped

1 green onion, chopped

5 asparagus spears, diced

5 cremini mushrooms, sliced

handful Italian parsley, coarsely chopped

6 eggs

1/4 cup sour cream

1 1/4 cups grated Manchego cheese

kosher salt

Chives

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sautee onions with 1 tablespoon butter for 2 minutes, on medium heat. Add the asparagus and mushrooms, and sautee for another 2 minutes. Set aside.

Whisk eggs in a bowl until light yellow. Mix in sour cream. Stir in 1 cup Manchego and the onion/veggie mixture. Add the parsley and a couple pinches of kosher salt. Sprinkle the remaining Manchego on top.

Use the remaining tablespoon of butter to grease a small pan (I used a 6.5 by 7 inch square glass pan). Bake 45-55 minutes, until the egg is set and slightly browned on top.

Cut up the chives for garnish, and serve with additional sour cream, if you like.

Recipe adapted from "Egg Cookery".