(no subject)

Tonight's experiment: chicken en papillote. I used skinless, boneless chicken breasts and wrapped them in heavy duty aluminum foil along with diced red bell peppers sauteed briefly in 1/4 cup of chicken broth, a dash of salt and black pepper, Penzey's bouquet garni and some chopped fresh parsley. The original recipe called for snow peas and shallots as well, but I had neither on hand and was utterly uninspired to go back out. I threw in a couple of baby carrots instead. Supposedly they should cook for 18 minutes or so at 450, but these took closer to 30 to be completely cooked through. Served with black rice, which has an interesting flavor and a gorgeous color. I think it turned out pretty well, myself, although next time I'll do a better job crimping the sides of the foil packets.

(no subject)

Why my typing speed at home is much slower than in the office:

( That would be Mr. Gateway )

He is for some reason compelled to flop down on my desk and drape himself over my arm every single time I sit down at the keyboard, and it's hard to type with a 15 pound cat on your forearm.

(no subject)

My copy of Atlanta Nights showed up today. I'm only a couple of chapters in, and already I am quite convinced that it is a book unlike any I've ever read before, or ever will again. The prose is absolutely stunning. The author's use of dialogue must be seen to be believed, as my own words could not possibly do it justice. This book has already brought me to tears more than once, and I must say that I am absolutely astounded by the level of talent displayed even from the very first page.

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As John Scalzi points out:

Here's a quick rule of thumb: Don't annoy science fiction writers. These are people who destroy entire planets before lunch. Think of what they'll do to you.

(For the few of you who don't have the slightest idea what I'm on about, read this post over at Making Light, or perhaps this page here.)