Blog - biscuits and such
southern food blog
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Lovely Internet 5.2.14

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1. THIS IS AMAZING.

2. I’ll probably stick to the glass-of-water-after-each-drink trick instead, but this is an interesting approach to drinking all night and staying lucid.

3.  I knew dolphins were the best. (And even though this was years ago, it still makes me so incredibly happy).

4. I had no idea these existed!! Life changed. Why didn’t I order a pair 10 years ago?

5. Banned books? The cops called? This is insane.

6. I’m more afraid of encountering sharks when I do open water distance swimming than I am when I’m diving, but in either circumstance I could see these wetsuits coming in handy.

7. Great advice.

8. Just perfect. That last sentence kills me.

9. You go Glen Coco.

10. The work this group is doing is inspiring.

For more tidbits from Elena the person, follow me on twitter (@elenabrent or @biscuitsandsuch), instagrampinterest or facebook. Follow along with MissElenaeous for thoughts on everything other than Southern food.

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Garlic Skillet Smashed Potatoes

smashed potatoes 3

 

I know that I’ve been talking about it here a bit, but the past few months have been crazy. And while I know I’m guilty of saying that all the time, this winter and spring have blown other crazy times out of the water. We (or I) have been on the road every weekend since the end of January, and some of the week days (like our recent trip to San Francisco). My months have blurred, projects that need my attention are being ignored, and I feel a little bit less than grounded. I’m barely staying afloat and what I mean by that is, I’m sorry. It’s been months since I’ve had as much time and energy as I’d like to devote to this space, and I know it’s been apparent. That said, things are finally starting to clear up. We have a few more big trips planned in the next few weeks, but things are slowly settling down and I am working to get back to my routine.

 

smashed potatoes 2

 

The wonderful thing is, that in life, things are coming together. My school is moving to a beautiful new space that is giving me the opportunity to build a huge organic fruit and vegetable garden, an orchard, a chicken program, and more (like two pet lionhead bunnies that I’m naming Humphrey Bungart and Ernest Hoppingway THANKS THIS IS THE BEST FOREVER). We’re looking at moving into a new house in a new neighborhood that is still downtown but closer to school and slightly bigger (with more space for a potential studio space), which will hopefully give me the creative inspiration I need to finish a few big projects. Dan finally cut off his pony tail. We’re living the good life over here.

 

smashed potatoes 4

 

While we cheated slightly (sometimes more than slightly) on our April diet while we were in San Francisco, we’ve mostly stuck to the plan. Today, after a lot of green smoothies, apples dipped in peanut butter, and edamame I was ready for something substantial. Call in the garlic skillet smashed potato. The basic premise of this masterpiece is- cook a potato, smash it, season it, roast it in high heat for optimal crispness. Paired with sweet and spicy Brussels sprouts and a fried egg this was everything I wanted it to be.

 

smashed potatoes 1

 

Garlic Skillet Smashed Potatoes

6 red potatoes

4 tbsp olive oil

4 tbsp butter

3 garlic cloves

Salt

Pepper

Red pepper flakes

 

Preheat the oven to 350F. Toss the potatoes in half the olive oil and seasoning. Roast for 30 minutes or until a fork easily penetrates the potato. Let cool to room temperature, then heat the oven to 425F.

 

Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes to flat. Top with remaining oil, half of the butter, and seasoning. Cook for 15 minutes. Flip, top with remaining butter, and season. Cook an additional 15 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Serve hot.

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Lovely Internet 4.18.14

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1. Who else is craving a mint julep?

2. The truth about gentrification.

3. The oldest living things in the world.

4. Dan and I still quote this video constantly. And, 11 years later, STILL FUNNY.

5. This is a pretty powerful statement.

6. I had breakfast yesterday with Tracy and, much to my delight, my avocado toast and farm fresh egg were both drizzled with sea salt and marash pepper. Have you tried this before? It’s fantastic!

7. Even though I knew this was inevitable, my natural response is still WHAT.

8. How much do I want this?? (a lot)

9. Shoveling while black.

10. I will definitely be making this when I get home next week.

For more tidbits from Elena the person, follow me on twitter (@elenabrent or @biscuitsandsuch), instagrampinterest or facebook. Follow along with MissElenaeous for thoughts on everything other than Southern food.

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