I live in a bubble. It’s not something I’m proud of but it’s something I can’t escape. Sure, every now and then I can expand this bubble but I can’t break it. My only consolation is you have a bubble too. We all do. We’re all locked in a collection of our experiences and from these personal triumphs, let downs and lessons we construct our worldview. There’s nothing wrong with this – it’s human nature. The problem arises when we forget about our bubble. And, as the news cycle continuously and mercilessly remind us, not recognizing our bubble can lead to hurtful and disastrous actions. But this isn’t that kind of blog. Instead, let’s talk about the more lighthearted misunderstandings that come from suddenly seeing beyond one’s bubble. For instance, when I set out to make this Granny Smith Potato Gratin, I had no idea I was wading into controversy.
When you’re a child, Valentine’s Day is simple. Get a card for everyone in your class and it’s smooth sailing. If you want to up the anti, tape a mini chocolate heart to each Valentine and you’re golden. But somewhere along the way, this non-holiday holiday gets a lot more complicated. Around Jr. High the cinnamon heart eating contests give way to tears, embarrassment, and general bewilderment. But why? How can a violently pink holiday have so much sway over our health and well-being? It’s kind of bullsh*t, right? So, by way of half-hearted protest, the only thing I’m doing this Valentine’s Day is giving you these Victoria Sponge Cupcakes. I made them appropriately cute but that is all. I’m no longer engaging in this farce.
The holidays are kind of tough. Well, the lead up is tough, it’s like a frickin’ marathon. But the actual holidays are pretty nice. Well, Christmas Eve can be nuts and Christmas Day is…I like Boxing Day. The point is it’s a busy time, that’s why I gravitate towards dishes that require minimum effort but deliver maximum reward. Take today’s French Onion Tarts for instance. They’re simple to put together and they’re bonafide flavor heavyweights.
Ever gotten bored? Stupid question, of course, you have, but have you ever gotten bored of something you positively adore? It’s a hell of a lot worse than being generally bored, right? You expect that adored something to bring stimulation or even joy but, inexplicably, it doesn’t, it’s just meh. That’s how I feel about ginger molasses cookies.