nytimes

I really really love this image of intestines. (Yup, that phrase just happened) And the article in the NY Times that accompanies it is equally as rare and exciting.

Reading through the piece, I also got the feeling that perhaps I am a honey bee. Beyond being fond of flowers, I just kept thinking about the "mysterious" decline of honey bees in the past decade. That there is some environmental shift that is occurring, but humans are still struggling to figure it out. The timeline isn't the same, but that huge explosion in the number of persons with celiac disease, and who have the gene markers for the disease, has gone up exponentially in the past 50 years.

The article touches on environmental research as one of several different factors in "triggering" celiac disease, including changing gut flora. This is really cool from the dorky science perspective, but it has real implications in understanding celiac and other autoimmune diseases. Part of me thought that this type of research would never happen. I am really excited. Even if it doesn't mean a cure for me - perhaps we can work towards eradicating the triggers of the disease for future generations.

labeling leftovers

The freezer is a blessing and a curse. It is a magic ice box that transforms things - it saves perishable food from rotting, but it also can crystallize things beyond recognition. I have tried wax pencils (rubs off), sharpie (rubs off faster with condensation), masking tape (glue that is nearly impossible to scrub off), and for a while was just throwing things into the freezer in different size containers hoping that would jog my memory to what's what.

No more!

A friend recommended painters tape - the blue stuff you can use to help keep paint of floors and trim when paining interior walls and surfaces - and it rules. It sticks to things, holds up to being in the freezer, but comes off without leaving gook on your glass or plastic. If you want to make it even easier for yourself, or anyone with less than dexterous hands (kids, people with arthritis, etc.) you can fold the edge of your label back on itself and you create an instant pull-tab.

Also yes,  you should be jealous of my goat curry. It is awesome. 

when one gets two feet of snow, one bakes

Apple tarragon tart. 

Not perfect, but a flavor combination that only could be inspired by random left-overs in the fridge. I cannot wait to try to re-make this again. Tarragon in the crust dough was amazing. 

unexpected surprise

Sometimes it is hard to believe one's eyes when gluten free flours are discovered at Ocean State Job Lot for half off.

*I filled two baskets!