Housekeeping (and a Green Burger)
Here's what we had for dinner last night--rosemary burgers with leftover spinach/parsley/blue cheese/celery spread (from my fridge cleaning) and more oven fries. I'm not going to give recipes for anything, but it proves you can grill burgers without going to the store for tomatoes.
The other thing that happened last night--I finally caught the virus the kids have had. I think I'm on the mend now, but don't expect much to be coming out of my kitchen in the next few days. The thought of food pretty much undoes me, so you know it's serious. Wyatt and Loretta were very fascinated by the whole thing. For starters, I fell asleep on the couch after dinner, which I don't think they've ever seen. Wyatt went and got the camera and took this photo. He's very proud of it and thinks it's funny.
And they were fascinated by the fact that I had a strawberry popsicle for breakfast. They were diligently eating their toast and yogurt (Yancey is home today, thank God) and Loretta couldn't handle seeing me eat a popsicle in front of her. So I had to share, and she probably wishes I got sick more often.
Since cooking is out of the question, I thought I'd take today to catch up on a few housekeeping details. If you're new to this blog, now would be a good time to flip through the archives!
The Leftoverist Teaches a Cooking Class
I'm excited to announce that I'll be teaching a cooking class out on Whidbey Island the end of this month. It's part of WSU's Extension Program's Island Living Series. On Monday, June 29 from 6:00-8:30, we'll be making 3 mostly meatless main dish salads and it's by donation (love that). You can register or learn more about it by clicking here.
Following along with a Menu
A few of you have suggested posting a menu plan and shopping list on the weekend so you can cook with me during the week. It would include one or two "free days" for using up leftovers so you wouldn't be totally constrained. At the very least, you could have the same groceries as me for a week and mix and match from there. Are there others out there that would be interested in this?
Site Feedback
If you read other food blogs, you'll notice that there are often lots of sidebars with recipe categories, lists of recent posts, etc. I have purposely put any information like that on separate pages because I don't want to clutter up the site--I want you to feel like you get a breather when you come here instead of feeling yelled at. (Which is how I feel on some sites!) BUT I'm willing to reconsider if you're finding it hard or cumbersome to navigate my site. Now that you've been using it for awhile, what's frustrating? What do you wish you had easier access to? What works well? I would love any thoughts you have about that on the comments page or in an email to me.
I'm Serious about This
It's probably clear by now, but I'm serious about this blog! And I'm serious about promoting it. It's funny. I've always said I'm not an entrepreneurial person and most of the time, I hate official self-promotion (even the thought of resumes or marketing plans gives me hives). But my inner promoting self has been out in full-force since the advent of this blog. I post it on my facey pages (or Facebook, is it?), hand out my card to anyone who so much as glances at me. It's like I'm dating someone new--I remember when Yancey and I were first together, I was trying to work his name into everything. That's how I feel about In Praise of Leftovers. I love doing it, I love connecting with you. So, I'm about to make this preamble a request, which is--could you tell a few friends about this blog? However you do it--word of mouth, facey page, twitter twatter, email, a large banner hung from your roof. Thank you. I am so grateful that you have read past the sleeping photo of me.
And I'll be cooking again soon.
June 2, 2009
Reader Comments (24)
I love the simplicity of your site. I think it's a good design choice and the recipes are easy to find. I have sent friends & family your way and none of them have had difficulties. I am already reaping the reward of my referrals; this morning at my mom's house I spied your cookies!!! Hooray!!! Thanks for putting yourself out there and sharing your talent with us all. I hope you feel better soon.
Hi sister,
Sending some get well soon wishes over your way.
And I love the simplicity of your site. It is visual relief instead of visual overload! I love the clutter free presentation with everything else I need a click away.
I went to a church gathering this Sunday night and put one of your cards out next to the cabbage/almond salad with Lemony Lickin' Dressing. I also made some cookies and attached your card to my apt. manager's package. So I'm outta cards now and ready for a refill :)
Rest up lamby! (I'm channeling Pigeon for you)
Love, Em
I love your site. However, today I was looking for the sour chickpea recipe and couldn't find it in your recipes column? I do love the simplicity of it, but also find it convenient to look up something to the left or right instead of scrolling up?
Yes, I have expressed interest in following with a menu plan! I think I'm finally getting the rhythms of your blog! I always have spinach, basil, lemon/limes, chickpeas, rice, blackbeans, lentils, flatbread, oats, eggs, cabbage, onion, garlic, ginger, the indian spices on hand, and all the other basics!
Hope you feel better soon!
oh, and canned tomatoes!
Hey Sarah,
Ha, came to leave a comment and noticed em is above me!:) wanted to tell you I like the idea of a grocery list and cooking along with you for a week. That sounds totally fun. I had an idea...a passing idea the other day...speaking of getting the word out, I had thoughts of asking the director of the natural food store where I work if I could make your granola and sell it in our store with your information on it (if you wanted to make me cool labels to attach to the containers). Or if you wanted to make batches of it, and ship it to our store. Great way to get your blog out there and make a few bucks....just a thought.
I wish I had more time to try all/any of your wonderful recipes. Seems like there is not enough time in the day right now.
Take some time for yourself. hope you feel better soon.
Jessica
oh...sarah, would you send me some of your "cards." I would like to have one and I can give some to those I think would be interested.
I also love the simplicity of your website. I hadn't thought about it until you asked but now I realize that it probably contributes to how relaxed and stress-free I feel while reading your updates. I would love to have a weekly grocery list to get ideas about what to pick up. I now always have on hand: lemons, limes, greens, grains, dried beans, tomatoes, avocados (for rice & beans), onions and basil. Those few items have significantly increased my willingness to experiment in the kitchen. If you ever get around to it, I would love a list of items you always have in the cupboard or fridge. I've already noticed quite a few things that you seem to have on hand that I wouldn't. I hope you feel better and I will keep on publicizing your website.
Would a "search" option be better than the recipe option? Or both?
dearest sarah, i hope you are feeling better. it's so ridiculous to get sick...who has time for it!? :) i also love the beautiful simplicity of your website but i do agree that finding recipes is not all that simple. there have been times when i was looking for something and had to click away a few times to find the right category with the right recipe. a search option, as pds suggested, is a swell idea. it could be done by ingredients? like "spinach" or "tom yum paste"? anyhow, i would love the grocery/menu idea...would you do it consistently? it seems like an awful lot of work for you... AND, i can' t believe i don't have any of your cards...i could have used them (and still would use them) so much!!! i think i reference your blog at least once a day! well, rest up. i really hope you feel better soon. xoxo
Hi Sarah - I love your site and your stories. You have kind of become part of my morning routine and I am telling everyone I know about it! So how about that? Hoping you are feeling better soon - praying for a quick recovery so you can chase around the kids. Hey - we are officially, at least according to the state, Foster Parents! We just got our paperwork. Now for the adoption Home Study and placement. Hopefully have it ALL done in July!!
Just wanting to echo the request for a "always in the pantry" posting.
xo
Hi sister. Hope you are all better soon! I have found it very easy to navigate your site. I like the simplicity as well. I will keep posting on my fb, but will send out some emails too to people who aren't my "friends!" That is so funny about Wyatt taking your pic. Like it. Also...you were here the other night when all I had for burgers were buns, pepper jack and ground beef. Thought I was going to have to make a trip to McP for a tomato and lettuce. BUT, I had some green peppers, mushrooms and onions around. Sauteed them with garlic and olive oil. Yes, I could have grilled them, but it seemed quicker to saute. With that and some avocado, they were delicious...even without a special Macrina bun!
Hello everyone! Thank you for your well wishes. I'm definitely feeling better than I was this morning, and even managed to get back into the kitchen. You'll hear about it soon. Thanks so much for your feedback, suggestions, and encouragements. Here's what's in the works: 1) More varied search options (Priya, THANK YOU!) 2) An occasional "follow-along" week with a menu 3) Thoughts on pantry staples, either as posts or it's own page. Em, Bethany, and Jessica, watch for some cards in your snail mail. Beth, CONGRATULATIONS! Can't wait to see what happens next.
I like the search option. Someone like me wouldn't know which to click on first...main course or side dish?
By the way, great job on the site!
Sorry about the illness. I hope it's over soon. How fun, you're teaching a cooking class. I would attend if I lived closer :)
I've had no trouble with your site. I love the simplicity. I also so understand the desire to promote your site. I am actually doing something similar. And because I do like your site, I have put a link to it on my blog. Good luck with all of this.
I love the recipes tab on top instead of a sidebar - I agree that the clean look of your site is part of the appeal. And no ads! Did you build your page yourself? Your site is linked on my blog too, for all four of my friends that read it. :) The menu idea is interesting - it'll be a bit of work to put it together w/ a shopping list, but it could be a fun experiment, just to see where it leads.
I love this blog and the new site looks GREAT! I am a personal chef, and my clients often tell me to take home unused ingredients...they for sure won't use them! So I end up with a refrigerator and freezer full of the most interesting jumble of things. It's always a challenge and a joy to put dinner on the table. Kind of like that show "Chopped" on the Food Network...have you seen it? It's the BEST! Three chefs have to put a meal together from whatever ingredients are in the "mystery basket". Like arctic char, watermelon, bacon, and tamarind paste or something. It's very educational!
Sarah- I've been reading your blog and enjoying it ever since John and Jordan told me about it. It is wonderful! I check it most days and have made several of your recipes. The bits about your life are delightful as well. I, too, like the simplicity of the sight and have looked back several times for recipes and have not had a problem with it. Good job with the self promoting! I have already passed your blog along and will keep doing so.
Blessings - Sara (Johns cousin)
Sarah,
I attend Hillcrest & my dad is also one of the pastors (Brad), your mom was telling me about your food blog. I am a lover of food, cooking & baking & recently made some delicious brownie truffles that your dad devoured! :) I think this blog is wonderful & simple & fabulous! I'm a new reader but am excited to try some of your recipes. I just wanted to stop by & introduce myself & say hello. I also have a blog which is www.becominglittlekatie.blogspot.com...I'll add you to my list of Favorites on my sidebar since you are looking for more readers!
Hope you are feeling better!
Katie
Sharing the time with you in the kitchen, has been fun,and fruitful,everything you take pictures of and write about makes me want to get cooking.
Sara, Katie, and Karen, Hello! Thank you for reading.
Rebekka, I'm flattered that a personal chef likes my blog :). I quite like yours as well. We have basic cable, so the Food Network is not part of my world. Believe me, we have considered changing that, but I'm a little nervous that I wouldn't have a life anymore.
Beth (not the one from Bellingham!), my friend Priya did my site for me. I had lots of ideas, but am pretty much incapable of carrying them out. She is amazing.
Your site is amazing! It is a true treat at the start of my day or the end of my night to read through the latest thing that you are cooking up. So inspiring. A menu and grocery list would be fantastic and super fun to try! I have spread the news. My dear friend who has inspired me in my own kitchen so much over the years adores your site and I just saw that she posted it on her FB status today.
Is the cooking class full? The link wasn't working for me.