The Best Pizza Ever (Outside of Italy)

Ok... so, I've been posting about food a lot lately. And this isn't at all a food blog. Oops. I guess I didn't get the memo on that one. But the thing is, I just want to share these recipes because the food is so good! I just can't help it. I hope you don't mind. =)

Today's recipe is going to be for pretty much the best pizza... EVER. I'm so not even kidding. Granted, I haven't been to Italy, but let me share a bit of my train of thought as I took my first bites:

"Wow, did I really make this? Is this my doing? And is it really as good as I think it is? Hmm, I better take another bite just to be sure... and another... ok, this is ridiculously good!"

And that's pretty much the story. It was confirmed by both Josh and Jacob (my little brother who was visiting Philly at the time). It's beyond delicious. And it's not in the least bit complicated. In fact, I made it again just to be sure. I actually convinced myself before the second go-around that it wasn't as good as I remembered... but then I made it again, tasted it again, and decided that yes, I probably could exist eating just pizza if it tasted like this.

I found this recipe in Cooking Light, May 2010 (I've been making a lot of their recipes lately -- all very satisfying, by the way). I did make quite a few of my own tweaks, including using pre-made dough and sauce from Trader Joe's (delicious and huge time savers). My version is listed below, but for the original recipe (including dough and sauce), click the link above. However, I think my edits are better, easier, and faster. ;-)

Also, note: I did use a pizza stone and pizza peel to make this. I'm not sure the crust will come out the same without them, so I recommend picking them up if you don't have them. Together mine were about $20 from Target. You can buy them for much more than that... but I figure since I'm not running a restaurant, the cheap stuff is good enough for me. =)

Pizza Margherita 

... or, the Best. Pizza. Ever.

Makes: 1 pie (it "should" serve 5 people... but it's so good it'll really only serve 3)

Hands-On Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45-55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough -- if you live near Trader Joe's, they carry three kinds of fresh dough (white, wheat, herb & garlic) which are all delicious and easy. They last about a week, and the best part? They're ready to go and only $0.99 each. Can't beat that! Also, I used the white both times I made this.
• 1/2 jar pizza sauce -- again, I used Trader Joe's. I think it's $1.89 a jar. Yes, I could probably make it more cheaply (and have at times), but it's a big time saver and lasts two pizzas. Also, since I'm convinced this is the best pizza ever and I made it the same way twice (using Trader Joe's dough and sauce), I'm a bit reluctant to try substitutions!
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1 Tablespoon yellow cornmeal
• 1 1/4 cups (5 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped -- the original calls for 1/3 cup, but we love basil and have a ton of it from our garden, so we pile it on!

Directions

1. There's a little bit of prep work involved here. But it's very easy. First off, if you're using the pizza dough from Trader Joe's (which I think you should), you have to pull it out to let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. At the same time, you can put your pizza stone in a cold oven, then preheat the oven to 500. Quickly slice your mozzarella cheese, then walk away for 20 minutes. See? Totally easy prep work.
   
2. Once the dough has been sitting out for 20 minutes, sprinkle a surface with flour and/or cornmeal. This is where I'm not an expert in the least, but have just figured out something that works for me. I tend to work and roll the dough into as best and as big of a circle as I can. I transfer my dough from the counter to the peel once I get it into a large circle. Crimp the edges to make a 1/2" border. Be sure to sprinkle the peel with cornflour so it doesn't stick. (This is pretty important.)
   
3. Once your dough is ready and on the pizza peel (or a well-floured cookie sheet without a lip), sprinkle the dough with the 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, then pour on 1/2 of the jar of pizza sauce and spread evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2" border. Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over pizza.
   
4. Very carefully, slide the pizza from the peel onto the heated pizza stone. A spatula can be very helpful here! This is by far the hardest part, and why you need to make sure to use cornmeal!
   
5. Bake at 500 for 12 minutes or until the crust is golden.
   
6. Remove pizza and sprinkle the fresh basil over the top. Slice and serve immediately... and get ready for some of the best pizza you've ever tasted! =)

I don't have any process shots... but, mmm, I've got some finished ones, and honestly, if I had the ingredients to make this RIGHT NOW, I totally would. It's just that good.

Fresh Summer Dinner -- Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti

Some of you might remember when I wrote a while ago about my recovering relationship with spaghetti. Josh and I ate a lot of spaghetti at his house back in his bachelor days (in his defense, we were both teaching and it was cheap, quick, and easy). But since then, I've had a hard time really enjoying spaghetti like I used to. Every now and then, though, I find something fun that makes me give it a try again as I try to learn to love spaghetti once more.

That said... this recipe (adapted from one in Cooking Light, June 2010) is something that I could probably eat almost every day. My psychological block with spaghetti prevents it, but oh my goodness, this is so simple and so delicious. With summer coming in full swing, this is definitely going to be on our menu. The ingredients are simple, so be sure you use quality ones. This largely means make sure you have good tomatoes, fresh basil and parsley, and a cheese you like. Even once it's ready, it doesn't necessarily look like much, but don't be fooled! It's a whole bunch of deliciousy goodness, especially with a simple salad and garlic bread.

A word of warning: this meal could get expensive if you buy all the ingredients at the grocery store. This is definitely a seasonal meal, so enjoy it while these things are in season! Buying from the store, this could probably cost $10-$15. Which, for 6 servings isn't horrible, but it's definitely not great, either. However, if you have a garden, or at least an herb garden (which I definitely recommend), you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for the basil and parsley, which will significantly cut costs. And, pretty soon those cherry tomatoes will be ripe, too! (Ours are a tempting green right now... I just want them to hurry on up!) If you live in Philly, I recommend visiting Greensgrow Farms to pick up some plants, but you should be able to find them at any local nursery -- including somewhere like Home Depot.

I don't have any photos -- we ate it too quickly! I guess you'll just have to make it and see for yourself!



Quick-Roasted Cherry Tomato Spaghetti
Makes: 6 servings
Total Time:  25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt*
• 12 oz spaghetti noodles (3/4 of a box)
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar (either is fine)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt*
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3/4 cup (3 oz) feta or semisoft goat cheese

*If you use sea salt instead of kosher salt, cut the amount of salt used in half.


Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Bring about 4 quarts of water to boil in a large Dutch oven (a big pot, also known as a French oven). As you wait for the water to boil, combine the tomatoes, 1 Tbs extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper in a bowl. Toss gently to coat tomatoes well. Place tomatoes on a jelly roll pan (basically a cookie sheet with a lip) and bake at 450 for 8-10 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft and lightly charred.
3. When water comes to a boil, add 1 Tbs salt and the spaghetti. Cook 10 minutes or until spaghetti is al dente (still a little firm). When spaghetti is done, reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Then drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
4. Add tomatoes and any tomato juice to the spaghetti. Add 1/4 of the reserved cooking water to the jelly roll pan to loosen and scrape up any brown bits. Carefully pour the jelly roll pan contents into the spaghetti mixture, and add the remaining 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil, 1/4-1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (the more you add, the hotter the dish will be), and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
5. Turn heat to medium. Add the rest of the reserved cooking water slowly into the spaghetti, tossing/mixing frequently. Mix in the basil and parsley. You can either add the cheese to the pot or serve it separately, adding to individual plates (or letting people add it themselves. Eat immediately and enjoy!

Springtime Dinner - Pasta with Asparagus & Pancetta

With it getting warmer around here, Josh and I are starting to get our garden going. Perhaps I'll post a little bit more on that later, but we're hoping to grow a bunch of vegetables and herbs again this year, as well as receive lots of delicious goodies from our community garden CSA. Along with various farmer's markets starting up, I'm hoping to significantly cut back on what we need to buy from the grocery store. It's a happy time. 

Along with the promise of fresh, local produce again, I've been pulling out some of my cookbooks and magazines, and searching for recipes that capitalize on some of this Spring goodness. Below is a recipe I found in the March 2010 issue of Cooking Light. I haven't actually used pancetta before, but have been wanting to, and this looked like a great opportunity to try. Not to mention it makes great use of fresh asparagus, which is the first local produce to hit our area.

This recipe went together really easily and pretty quickly, and Josh and I really enjoyed it. The flavors are delicate and rich at the same time, and it was a deliciously light and filling Springtime dinner. The only adjustments I made were to add a little more garlic (the original recipe called for 1 teaspoon - I used 3 cloves), and a little less than 1/4 cup cheese, but aside from that, it's pretty much all the same. Enjoy!

Pasta with Asparagus, Pancetta, and Pine Nuts

Makes: 4 servings

Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz cavatappi pasta - I couldn't actually find cavatappi, so I just used rotelle
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and diagonally cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 oz pancetta, diced
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (1 oz) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, crumbled
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400.
2. Cook pasta according to directions, omitting salt/fat if it calls for it. As you wait for the water to come to a boil, trim and diagonally cut the asparagus into 1 1/2-inch pieces. Add the asparagus to the pasta for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Also, while the pasta is cooking, go ahead and mince the garlic and dice the pancetta.
3. When the pasta is done, drain and sprinkle pasta mixture with garlic. Return to pan and toss well.
4. When the oven is ready, arrange pine nuts in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan (baking pan with edges). Bake at 400 for 2-3 minutes, or until golden and fragrant, stirring 1-2 times. Take out and place in a small bowl.
5. Increase the oven temperature to 475. Arrange the pancetta on the same baking pan. Bake at 475 for 5-6 minutes, or until crisp.
6. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper with a whisk. Drizzle over pasta mixture; toss well to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts, pancetta, and cheese.

Some Good Ol' Fashioned Applesauce

Guess what? It's time for some recipe love!

It's been a while since I've put any up here, and since I promised some tasty apple treats, I figured I'd better get on it. And you know I've been using apples a lot lately, since Josh and I picked about 18 pounds....



Yeah, we definitely picked a lot of apples.


Anywho, when I was little, I have a very distinct memory of my dad fixing lunch for me when I was sick. I'm guessing my mom had probably already taken a few days off from work to stay home with me, so it was his turn (or something like that), because usually it was my mom who cared for my sickly self. But for whatever reason, it was my dad that day. And he fixed me a lunch of chicken noodle soup, toast, a hard-boiled egg, and applesauce. Maybe that was just what was in the pantry, or maybe that's what I requested... I don't know. But I do know that after that, whenever I was sick, I always asked for those things.

I know, I know, weird story to tell. But those foods have all definitely become some of my comfort foods, and the things I want to eat when I'm not feeling well, or when I just want to cuddle up and be all comfy-cozy.

So naturally, I have to share a recipe for applesauce with you. This is applesauce the good ol' fashioned way. It's a mixture of a couple recipes I've found... but, for the most part, applesauce recipes are largely the same. I've settled on this because it really lets the apple flavor shine through, instead of focusing on other ingredients like, oh, SUGAR. (And we know we all live in a way over-sugared society.) This one does use a little bit of sugar (1/4 cup), but if you're diabetic or just don't want any sugar, it's quite easy to take out - just make sure you're using sweet apples, not tart ones.

Sadly, I don't have any pictures of the process or product for you - we ate it up too quickly. However, this recipe is very easy and simple, and you won't believe how GOOD it tastes! I doubt you'll ever be able to go back to store-bought applesauce...


Applesauce, the Good Ol' Fashioned Way
Makes: about 3 1/2 cups (6-8 servings)
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Note: If you have a food mill, you don't need to peel the apples beforehand. However, if you don't have one (like me) OR if you prefer a more coarse applesauce (also, like me), you can simply peel the apples before coring them. Then, after they're done cooking, you can simply use a potato masher or a wooden spoon to break them up.


Ingredients:

• 4 pounds apples (about 8-12), cored and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks (There is so much debate about what kind of apples to use for applesauce, and if you need to have more than one variety. I've been using Jonagold or Jonathans, which both have a balanced sweet/tart flavor and thus eliminates the need for a lot of excess sugar (some recipes call for up to 1 cup). Pink Lady apples are also supposed to be a good choice, and I've heard Macouns work well, too. Just remember that if you go with too tart of an apple, you'll have to add more sugar, and if you go with too sweet of an apple, it might be more like candy than applesauce.)
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt (or a little less than 1/8 teaspoon, if you don't like measuring by "pinches")
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg (again, a little less than 1/8 teaspoon, if you don't like measuring by "pinches")

Directions:

1. If you are NOT using a food mill (see note above), peel your apples. This is pretty simple, and if you haven't done it before, here's a quick video:

Once you're done peeling your apples, or if you are going to use a food mill, core the apples and cut them into 1 1/2-inch chunks.

2. Mix the apples, water, sugar, and salt in a large pot/Dutch oven. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and begin to break down.

3. If you are using a food mill, process the apples. If you're going for the more chunky variation, use a potato masher to break it up to a consistency of your liking. (If you don't have a food mill and want a more smooth texture, you can puree it in a blender.)

4. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, and add sugar or water as needed to adjust the consistency. My personal favorite: serve warm! And enjoy! Or, cool to room temperature (about 1 hour), and enjoy! If you don't eat up all the delicious goodness right away, you can store it in an airtight container for up to a week in the fridge.


And there you have it! Incredible, amazing, and oh-so-good homemade applesauce, done the ol' fashioned way! And trust me, it's just the right snack on a breezy, somewhat chilly, beautiful Fall day.

Fall Adventure! Part II

What better way to lead into this post than with that picture, right? It pretty much says it all... when the Fall Adventure! continued, it was time to go pick some pumpkins! And not just any pumpkins, as you can see above, we went to the "Pick yo own" pumpkin patch! However, we had some traveling to do before we got there...

After we left the apple orchard, we took a little drive through the PA countryside, and came upon the Skippack Days street fair in Skippack Village, PA. (I love that it's a "Village"!) There were tons of vendors everywhere, selling all sorts of crafts, jewelry, antiques, and, of course, lots and lots of food. We grabbed some lunch (though we passed on the deep fried Oreos), and wandered around for a bit. Since our day's budget was already allocated to the apples and pumpkins, we passed on purchasing other goodies, but it was still great to walk around and see what kinds of things creativity inspires in people.

After a jaunt through Skippack, we hit the road again on our way to Winding Brook Farm. Although I wanted a tourist-free setting for apple picking, I totally gave in to the touristy side of things with the pumpkin patch. Part of the reason was that originally, Josh and I were thinking of going through a corn maze... however, after a day of scenic driving, apple picking, street fairing, and pumpkin hunting, we decided corn mazing would just need to wait for another time because our tummies were getting hungry and our feet a little tired.

But! Did we ever have fun hunting for our pumpkin in the pumpkin patch (the "Pick yo own" pumpkin patch, mind you). There were plenty of very gloriously orange pumpkins to choose from...

However, some of them just weren't tall enough to ride the rides.

We found a few other visitors along the way, too:

But then! Oh, then!

I found a tiny little pumpkin to love, and decided it must come home with us.

While I was swooning over my adorable little pumpkin, Josh was busy on the hunt (and graciously carrying the camera case for me). He stopped to inspect a few... and I looking at how tall Josh is (there he goes with his 6'4" business again), I realized how much bigger a pumpkin patch must seem to a small child, with so much amazing, glorious orangeness surrounding you (reminder: my favorite color is orange).

We looked and looked and looked... we had to find one that was just the right shade of orange (very bright), and just the right size (not too big, since it needs to stay inside our house), and just the right shape (round and sturdy, with a big enough side to carve into). And trust me, when it comes to hunting for pumpkins, you just can't settle for anything less than perfect.

Finally, Josh found it! Figures, huh? I think I was too busy being distracted by my cute pumpkin and running around being impressed by all the really enormous pumpkins. Sometimes he's much better than me at focusing on the goal at hand. But I agreed it was perfect, and we were able to go home happy. (Don't worry, the dirt came right off.)


As an end to our Fall Adventure! day, we went to Rock Bottom and celebrated with a belated birthday dinner for Josh. I took him there 3 years ago for his birthday, and he's asked to go every year since. It's just a good place for steaks and micro brews, especially after a Fall day filled with cavorting. Now, we just have to carve our pumpkin and roast us some pumpkin seeds... mmm, pepitas, here we come!

Fall Adventure! Part I

A couple weekends ago, I hatched a plan for a Fall Adventure! with Josh. And yes, just to clarify, it does need to be read with the exclamation point. It wasn't a Fall adventure, or even a Fall Adventure. It was a Fall Adventure! And it was pretty fantastic.

I don't know about you, but when I think about Fall and taking in some of the best things it has to offer, I think about things like apple picking, and hunting in the pumpkin patch, and being outside at fairs. So those are exactly the things we did, with some scenic driving and a great steak dinner at Rock Bottom thrown in, too.

This first installment features largely the apple picking portion of the day. We went up to Frecon Farms in Boyertown, about an hour outside Philly. It was a lovely drive up, and who can beat apples for $0.80/lb? Plus, it was the kind of orchard I wanted... a real orchard and not a tourist trap. So many of the farms around Philly are totally set up to just be moneymakers. I wanted the real deal, and found it. It was great.

To start off, the day we went was bright and clear, but it had been raining for a few days before so it was VERY buggy. However, bugs go for the highest part on your body (usually your head), so Josh decided to add the basket to his 6'4" frame and try to keep the bugs out of his face...

There really were a lot of bugs... check out the one on the sign... fortunately, there were lots more apples than bugs, so the fun wasn't spoiled.

I promise it's not a poison apple - it's the first one I picked! It just looked so delicious that I wanted to share it!

Josh found some good ones, too...

They looked so tempting that I just couldn't help biting into one...

Once we started putting apples in the basket, Josh had to figure out a new bugs-away technique. Good thing orchards have lots of sticks around...

And yeah, I kinda like him. He's my bestest best friend. Ever.

Some of the apples were a little high for me, since I'm only 5'6" and not 6'4", and I had to work a bit to get them (because you know the best are always the highest up)...

But success is so sweet.

Check out the apple jackpot Josh found... though I must admit that's pretty much how all the trees looked...

As you can see, I'm not nearly as sophisticated as Josh. I decided I need to attack the apples. Think bobbing for apples without the bucket. Or the water.

Josh engaged in a little silliness, though... here he's working at "being one with the tree". You can't really see it, but he's actually holding sticks in each hand, adding branches to the tree. Too bad he wasn't wearing brown pants, since he totally had the green shirt thing going on.

Me? I was just happy to be picking apples. Hooray!

And a very buggy picture... as this was being taken, a bug kamikazied into my eye. I'm not kidding in the least. It took about 3 minutes to get it out, and it was BIG. Definitely not a pleasant experience. I think you can even see my right eye twitching in this picture when you look at it close up... but hey, it's still a fun shot anyway.

After paying for our almost 20 pounds of apples (check out the picture here) and a couple cups of apple cider, we bid farewell and hit the road to continue our Fall Adventure! Which, of course, included the street fair and pumpkin picking... but, you'll just have to wait until next time to hear about that. And don't worry, there will be some yummy apple recipes coming along in a bit, too. After all, Fall just isn't the same without the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon and nutmeg and cloves being mulled and baked together. Until then, I hope you get a chance to go enjoy the sights and smells of autumn in your own backyard.

Best. Garlic. Bread. EVER.

I kid you not. This is probably the best garlic bread you could ever want to make -- or eat. Which is really the important factor in this.

Yes, I know what you're thinking... why would you need a recipe for something like garlic bread? Well, just try a slice of this stuff and you'll know why.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Italian bread, sliced into 1"-thick pieces (you'll have about 12-14 slices)
• 8 Tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 gloves carlic, pressed or minced (if they're small cloves, go with 5-6, don't skimp on the garlic)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

1. Place a baking sheet into the oven, and then preheat the oven to 425. Having a hot baking sheet is a must.

2. In a small bowl, use a fork to beat the butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar until well mixed and smooth.

3. Spread the butter mix onto both sides of the bread slices, and put aside on a plate.

4. Once all the slices are buttered, take out the hot baking sheet and carefully arrange the slices on it. Bake for 8-10 minutes for the first side, then flip and bake for 5 more. They should be a deliciously and appealing toasty brown when you take them out.

5. Let cool for 2 minutes... then serve and ENJOY the wonderfully amazing deliciousness!

Note: This also freezes well. After step 3, place the slices on a plate and put them in the freezer for 15 minutes to set. Then, take them out, put them in a freezer bag, and stick them back in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, just add 2 minutes to the bake time for the first side. Just don't forget to preheat the baking sheet and oven, first! =)

To Whet Your Appetite...

I like pictures. We know that, yes? Of course.
I like Seattle. We know that, yes? Of course.
I like desserts. We know that, yes? Of course.

SO... what could be better than pictures of desserts in Seattle, right?! Well, aside from eating the desserts yourself while in Seattle... not a whole lot!

A few weeks ago, one of our Seattle adventures was a trip to the zoo with some beloved friends. This trip happened the day after my birthday... meaning I had my new camera. Now, the zoo was fabulous and wonderful, as all zoo trips should be (more on that later, I promise)... and it was also tiring, as all zoo trips should also be (it's just in the rules). So, what better way to refresh ourselves after a trip to the zoo, than by going and getting delicious cupcakes?!

I can't thank Patye enough for introducing me to Trophy Cupcakes. For one thing, the cupcakes are INCREDIBLE. They are carefully handcrafted, completely unique, and absolutely beyond delicious. For another, this place is just so darn cute! Beyond their beautiful and scrumptious cupcakes, they've got a whole variety of vintage decor and party supplies... not to mention an assortment of lattes and espressos. At $3 a cupcake, it adds up quickly (we bought 4: ate 1 there and took 3 home to share), but it's definitely worth it. I'm already looking forward to going back at Christmas!

I'm not going to say much else, other than this: Trophy makes the BEST cupcakes I have ever had in my life, and if you live in the Seattle area, you need to go. There's one in Wallingford and a new store in the U District. They are fabulous. Check out their website for hours... and for FLAVORS. There are five core flavors available everyday, then another 4-5 available depending which day of the week it is... ranging from Lemon Coconut (my favorite of the ones I tried), to Chocolate Peanut Butter, to Snickerdoodle, to Chai Cardamom. Seriously, people, go get some.

The Windy City

So, remember a reeeeaaalllly long time ago when we went to Chicago? Yeah, back in April.... well, I'm finally writing about it! Better late than never, right?

One of the great things about working at a school is that I get school holidays off. I don't get the summers off anymore, but it's still pretty fantastic to get 2 weeks off at Christmas and a week off for spring break. This year, Josh and I found some good ticket prices, and jetted to Chicago for my spring break. He'd only been to Chicago once for a day when he was in college, and since I went to Wheaton College (right outside Chicago), I have a bunch of friends who moved to the city after graduating. Josh also has some friends there now, so we were pretty excited for our trip.

Despite the fact that my camera was being seriously moody (it has since been laid to rest after a prolonged, painful death), I still managed to get a few pictures. Not many, but a few. So, here's to them.


The first day we were in Chicago, it snowed. Even though it was the beginning of April, I suppose we shouldn't have been too surprised. But my dear friend, Peju, put us up in her cute apartment, and we warmed up quickly.

The next day, we went out to Wheaton, and got to see some of my old friends (who were freshmen when I was a senior), spend a good bit of time at Arena Theatre, as well as meet and catch up with a bunch of my old professors. We sat in on chapel and a few classes, and even led a class with my mentor, Dr. Henry Allen. A lot of my friends tend to stay away from Wheaton after they graduate, but I found it really encouraging to be back for a couple days, visiting and talking with friends and professors, and sharing that part of my life with Josh. I think he "gets" that side of me so much more now.


After a couple days in Wheaton, we headed back into the city to see more friends. We got to see some of Josh's friends (including one of his best friends and their week-old baby!), and some of my friends. (Above are some of my most favoritest women ever.)

We also ate at a lot of great places. While I can't say it was the best food I ate all week (though it was quite good), probably the most interesting was America's Dog. It's a hot dog place that serves hot dogs from all over the US... pick a city, and you'll get what they put on their "traditional" dog. Devin got really hungry and wanted to eat them all... and yes, I admit it, I tried a fried twinkie. (Which totally made me think of Wall-E, and how the only remaining food after hundreds and hundreds of years were twinkies... how's that for all chemical preservatives and no real food food?)


We also played a few games of Munchkin and Munchkin Booty (a great game which I'll need to review at some point). Devin proceeded to carry both games around all day, which elicited a number of comments and questions, especially about Munchkin Booty (the pirate version of Munchkin). I think the best was the astonished woman who asked, "Does that say Munchin' Booty?!"


We went to Millenium and Grant Parks, walked by the Art Institute, went to the Bean and took Bean pictures (very important), and also walked up the Magnificent Mile and out by Lake Michigan...

All in all, it was a pretty fantastic trip, and wonderful to see so many good friends (many of whom aren't pictured here -- remember the camera that refused to work). I only wish we'd had longer to catch up more. So, my suggestion is all you Chicago people come visit us out here in Philly! We've got a very comfortable guest bedroom that could be all yours. =)