I’m sorry for the silence — I’ve been a terrible blogger lately. When I started this blog I underestimated how hard it would be to keep posting regularly while juggling college, research assistant work, a relationship, and everything else. Right now is dead week: the week before finals when final papers, surprise assignments, extra credit opportunities, and cramming all collide. It’s intense. So far I’ve had four final papers, two formal discussions, and several smaller assignments, and I still have four finals to study for.
Many students cope by crashing in the campus café:
I usually cook as a way to unwind, but this week I barely have time. Between writing and studying, my cooking has been minimal — though I did manage a few meals worth sharing.
A trip home always means coming back with a bag of frozen provisions; this time it included venison. Our easy and satisfying Sunday dinner was venison nachos.
They were just like classic nachos but made with ground venison instead of beef — leaner, but still completely delicious under a blanket of cheese. I like to pretend the lean meat balances out the indulgence.
Monday was rough, so we ordered Papa Murphy’s pizza. Some nights you just need pizza.
Yesterday I needed comfort food, so I actually cooked: sirloin steak with mashed potatoes. I seared the steak on the stovetop in a little melted butter and it came out perfectly — too good to pause for a photo before digging in. I love steak; I blame my parents.
Tonight it was Chipotle — we’re definitely hooked on that place. For lunch earlier I did make something a little more deliberate: grilled cheese sandwiches spread with leftover chipotle-mayo from our fish tacos. The spicy mayo gave the sandwiches a fantastic kick. Have I mentioned we like bold flavors?
I’ll be sharing a cookie exchange recipe this weekend that I think you’ll love — it’s one of my favorite holiday treats. Hopefully I’ll have time to post it soon.
Hang in there, everyone — especially fellow students. Dead week is almost over. If you make it through, I’ll bake some of my cookie exchange cookies for you.