When it was just the two of us, a "date night" didn't seem all that imperative. Yes, of course for the reasons of continuing courtship and chivalry, but as for conversation and quality time, I didn't feel we were lacking that. Hugh's office is at home, we work together part-time, and we were both happy spending evenings in or grabbing something easy out. I never really felt like I missed him, for lack of better or longer explanation, until we had a baby. We have this spunky little fellow that while ridiculously cute, consumes time, attention, conversation and energy that we had more of to give to each other previously. And he doesn't even speak! Or walk! I wouldn't change a thing. Time simply becomes rearranged given the same amount of hours in a day, and I do miss Hugh. I see him most of my day, but I miss how easy and effortless our time felt before we had a 7 month old to fend for and figure out. You can adore having a child and pine for the days you could come and go without a second thought. I think that's healthy and normal. Especially for an introvert. So, one of my resolutions for this year, which I hope to make habit of, is to savor the hours we share between when Curran goes to bed and when we do. So starting now, I resolve to date my husband.
Inspired by Ashley's series on her blog, Dating My Husband, her new cookbook is a collection of genuine short essays about her story and relationship with her husband, Gabe, met with gorgeously photographed recipes that set up an entire menu for you. They may be good friends of ours, but bias aside, I am so touched by the humility and intention on each page. The story and purpose of the book are personal and truly, that is what sets a cookbook apart these days. Ashley cooks the kind of food Hugh wishes I made :) A nudge towards decadent while still being fresh and colorful. He has bookmarked the burgers and peanut butter frosted brownies and last night I made the raddichio and apple slaw and these roasted potatoes. I've made my share of roasted vegetables, but these, with their crust of parmesan and fragrant thyme, tinker to be described like a top notch french fry with a crispy outside and creamy center. They were super quick to throw together and such a fabulous texture. So here's to a fresh start - the best of intentions for time well spent with people who fill us up. Grateful I can always start over again in months besides January if I don't get it right this time around.
THYME + PARMESAN ROASTED SWEET POTATOES // Serves 2
Recipe from Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez
All I tweaked here was the salt for our taste. I used two medium-smallish sized sweet potatoes and found 1/2 tsp. to be plenty, could maybe even go for less. Personal taste. Adjust to your preference.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4" coins
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- fresh ground pepper
- Preheat the oven to 450'. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large plastic bag, toss the sweet potato coins in the corn starch to coat. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, drizzle the olive oil and toss to coat. Add the thyme, salt, parmesan and a few grinds of pepper and give it a couple more stirs to coat.
- Transfer the coins to the parchment lined tray and bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get nice and crisp.
- Serve with bbq sauce, ranch dressing or dip of choice.
