Mid-February to the end of March is my annual slump. I’m less inspired, less motivated, less… everything. I fought the slump for many years, but I’ve grown to accept it as my personal cycle and become more okay with it. I’m able to plan for it now - I put a little less on my to-do list, I don’t schedule any big projects, and I plan a little early afternoon break into most days (check out one of the latest episodes of NPR Life Kit about why naps/breaks in the day are natural for most of us and how to “properly” nap/take a break.)
So this issue of House Creature is all about the little things that are keeping me going during my annual late winter slump - I hope you find something here to bring you a little joy too.
East Fork Pottery
Let me be clear that I was unaware of how much of a cult East Fork Pottery was before I purchased it…. but now I’m going to try to bring you all into the cult with me!
I’m slowly replacing our dishware with something I actually like (because 24-year-old me making a wedding registry was just like, “These look nice, I guess!”). I found East Fork through David Chang, who did a collaboration with them a couple of years ago. I bought four soup bowls and two everyday bowls (“seconds” quality), and now they’re all I want to eat out of. They’re heavy-duty without being cumbersome, they retain heat almost too well, and they look beautiful.
How are they a cult, you ask? Well, beyond me wanting to give them all of my money, there are Instagram accounts solely dedicated to buying/selling/trading retired colors and styles. People also mention making “pilgrimages” to Ashville to visit their retail store. And there are plenty of people out there just like me, planning to one day have a cabinet of only East Fork pottery. I feel a little bad about it, but not completely, because it is totally worth the hype.
“The Recipe” with Kenji & Deb
This podcast was announced in October and has been “coming soon!” since then. This week they finally put out the first episode. J. Kenji Lopez-Alt and Deb Perelman are the ultimate home cooking expert duo, so I’m really looking forward to the episodes ahead. The first episode is about stovetop mac and cheese, which fits perfectly into this little joys theme!
Stuff I’m pulling out of the freezer
My past summer self is giving. Here’s a little list of what I’ve been pulling out of the freezer and what I’ve been doing with it:
chili garlic paste - ok, so this goes in everything. Guacamole, curry, stirfry, minestrone… it really is in the base of most things I cook.
Pesto - pizza!
Thai curry paste - coconut curry with rice noodles.
Kale - I’ve mostly added this to soups, stews, and omelets.
Fruit - I made a bluebarb pie last week, and have big plans for pie day! (3.14)
Corn - cornbread of course, but also this tofu and sweetcorn egg drop soup is one of my favorites.
Khao Soi paste - for Khao Soi!
Tomatillos - for pozole verde.
Cilantro mint chutney - as an accompaniment to Indian dishes with naan.
Harissa paste - for roasting vegetables and making Moroccan bean stews.
Linen Sheets
I finally bought the linen sheets, and they are everything I hoped they’d be. They really are somehow both warm and breathable. I got them on “last call” sale from Brooklinen, and I definitely recommend checking out their sale section for a more reasonable price.
There are a few companies making “knock off” versions of these sheets, which I haven’t tried, but they have great reviews. Do you have linen sheets? What are your thoughts?
“Heartbreaking but so well done.”
If you’re a friend or family member, you’ve probably heard these words from me lately. I don’t normally read or watch “heartbreaking” things, but I have been lately. Maybe this is a part of my annual slump? If you’re in a place where taking in some heartbreaking-yet-wonderful things sounds good, here are my suggestions:
One Day - a limited series on Netflix. I know this is also a book, but I haven’t read it yet. The show will make you cry, so I think I need a little break before I crack open the book.
Demon Copperhead - by Barbara Kingsolver. I know you’ve heard of this, it won a Pulitzer for goodness sake, but have you read it yet? It’s long, but the audiobook is also very good, so give it a listen if the length of the book is feeling like a barrier. It won a Pulitzer AND my award for the most heartbreaking book I’ve ever read.
None of this is True - by Lisa Jewell. Want your heartbreak in psychological thriller form? This book is for you.
Finishing up my Fellowship with MN Upstream
This week is my final meeting with Minnesota Upstream and Springboard for the Arts to finish up my artist fellowship. I’ve loved having the freedom to create whatever I want, and have made some pieces I’m very proud of. This series is called “Moments in Jars,” and it’s all about how preserving food is more than just a way to eat; it’s cultural, it’s a way to reflect, and it’s a way to travel. I have one more piece in the works, but here are the three I’ve finished so far.
A very House Creature-ie Video
If you haven’t watched all of the New York Times Cooking On the Job videos, you can start with this one and then watch all the rest of them afterward. They are all so, so good. Priya Krishna is a wonderful interviewer, even in other languages! The latest episode (below) is about being a dishwasher in a busy NYC restaurant. Other favorites include: working in a middle school cafeteria, making bagels, and managing the fish department at a grocery store.
See you in a month! In the meantime, pass on the hominess and share House Creature with a friend.
Joe and I just finished watching One Day. Yikes! I wasn't expecting that end.
Been lusting over East Fork Pottery for ages - glad to hear it lives up to the hype!