Happy Hour: A Warm, Cozy Dinner

It’s cold. So, so very cold. The high today in Montana is -2.  The windchill is as low as 45-below-zero.

In fact, it’s so cold that my garage door opener won’t work if I leave it in my car.  You don’t see that on Yellowstone.

I have a confession: I don’t cook anymore.  When Kyle and I moved in together, we divided the labor thusly, he cooks and I clean.  Then, after Sloane was born, I discovered CookUnity, so no one had to cook for a few days a week.  And now, that I am solo-parenting in Montana for the duration of the Legislative Session, I realize I have forgotten how to cook.

Luckily, this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder is so easy that no one can screw it up.  With apples, onions, and herbs, the resulting dish can be served over any starch (I like mashed yams.).  You can also use any leftover meat for tacos, just add a cabbage slaw.  It’s a good meal for a cold day.

I’m also loving African Peanut Stew (with or without chicken).  It’s perfect over rice with cilantro.  I always add more peanuts, because I just love the flavor.  Or to give it a different kick on day 3 (because leftovers are a thing), I add the Brooklyn Delhi mango chutney for a fruity, sour note.

Life is a little stressful right now, so at the end of the day, I just put on my pajamas and call it a night.  Lately, thanks to the chill, I’ve been tossing on a chunky cardigan.  It’s either that or a bathrobe, and the cardi makes me feel less frumpy.

Because winding up covered in formula is always a concern, I like a cardigan that I can wash, and this Fuzzy Popcorn Cardigan from Amazon is a good choice.  I also like this oversized cable cardigan.  Both are the kind of thing I can toss on over pjs or with leggings and a t-shirt, but if something happens to them, I won’t be heartbroken.  Life with a baby is deciding which of your clothes you’re willing to burn if necessary. 🤷‍♀️

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