Za'atar Beet Dip, Why Do Cats Somersault?, Cats Cradle, Vonnegut, The La's & Harry Chapin
Originally Published August 8, 2021
Like most somewhat fully functioning adults (physically, mentally, work/fun-wise), weekday mornings can be a joy or complete chaos. Most of the time, I can balance the ridiculousness with agility- ever since relegating “control” over to the universe while caring for my daughter and husband. One particularly morning was especially challenging because during the previous night, one of them wanted attention after bedtime and at one point both were competing for my attention. Bedraggled, exhausted and trying to talk through the demands and schedule of the day, they both decided to start yelling, letting loose. Seeing my irritation, this is what I was shown on a phone to mellow out.
Cat Somersault
Yes. I did not know cats somersault. Did you? As a total dog person surrounded by cat people, I still have a disconnect with cat behavior. Truly mystifying.
9 Quirky Cat Behaviors Explained | The Cats Inn
With the hot mess that is our news, I’m confused almost daily with what is happening in the world. Technology, information, the ease and speed of its delivery and the ethical and moral boundaries now crossed due to accessibility makes me wonder how to navigate simple pleasures while still functioning in today’s world. (I love electronics btw…). It’s made me question how scientists and researchers value their discoveries and what determines their estimation? The age old question of labor vs. management. Well, luckily… here it is all wrapped up with cats… Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle.” Here’s a refresher.
Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle Quotes
Since nowadays, we’re all a mixture of labor and management (since we’re hopefull, fully functioning adults), I hope this makes you think, laugh, and hopefully, assess the value of your time, energy, resources, and the relationships that mean the most to you. Here’s to more laughter and fun and hopefully, some extra energy to spare to evaluate and enjoy our present chaos! Hope this inspires you to do something fun! Thanks for reading! Have a great week! Xo, Melissa
How can you not have this in your head after reading the Vonnegut title? As disturbing as this sounds, I remember hearing this when I lived in Indiana, while ice skating. (I had a red, mini dress with pop-poms on my white ice skates!) Crazy.
Harry Chapin- Cat’s Cradle
This popped in my head watching the cat Sommersault!
The La’s - There She Goes - Glastonbury 2005
Because her lip color is till to die for (I think I have a tube similar somewhere) and sometimes, a piece of music is actually better the more accessible and well produced it is. Yes. Watching Bennifer 2.0 is giving me flashbacks of the late 90’s and 2000’s.
Sixpence None The Richer-There She Goes (Official)
And, to take it back to the present. Because purple foods are the bomb.
J Balvin - Morado (Official Video)
Za'atar-Spiced Beet Dip with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts
by Yotam Ottolenghi
Here's the original link.
Ingredients
6 medium beets (1 1/2 pounds), trimmed 2 small garlic cloves, minced 1 small red chile, seeded and minced 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1 tablespoon za’atar Salt 1/4 cup roasted skinned hazelnuts, chopped (I didn't have hazelnuts so substituted pepitas which I had on hand.) 2 tablespoons goat cheese, crumbled 2 scallions, thinly sliced Warm bread, for serving
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Put the beets in a small roasting pan and add 1/4 cup of water. Cover with foil and bake for about 1 hour, until tender. Let cool slightly.
2. Peel the beets, cut into wedges and transfer to a food processor. Add the garlic, chile and yogurt and pulse until blended. Add the olive oil, maple syrup and za’atar and puree. Season with salt. Scrape into a wide, shallow bowl. Scatter the hazelnuts, goat cheese and scallions on top and serve with bread.
#zaatarbeetdip. @ottolenghi, #whydocatssomersault, #catscradle, @vonnegut, @thelas, @harrychapin
