Sometimes you learn the most when things go wrong.
That's my parting thought for the unbelievably weird year that was 2025.
I haven’t blogged much lately and there’s a reason for that. A lot of what has been on my mind is not fit for publication! I don’t even know what to say about what is going on in DC.
On the home front, my mom turned 93 a few days ago. That’s a blessing in and of itself although communication is increasingly an issue. I’m feeling older, too. I certainly never thought I would be single at this age, but the idea of sharing my personal space with anyone makes me shudder. Nothing makes me happier than a quiet dinner out with Lisa, or cooking at home with my dogs and a nice bottle of wine. I have to push back against my tendency to become a total curmudgeon!
I drank some nice wines in 2025… most recently I especially enjoyed this Domaine Serene Pinot Noir from Oregon!
And just to finish out the year, let me add that sometimes you learn the most from recipes that just don’t work out. I am nominating this recipe for the Worst Recipe of the Year. I swear I followed the instructions exactly! And maybe it is because I know what real Trout Almondine (or any fish Almondine) should taste like…. but this was an abomination. No matter the nostalgia this dish evokes for Ree Drummond, she should have omitted this one from her latest cookbook. I am now inspired to go to the fish market in Bucktown and pick up some good fresh trout or snapper and do it the right way.
