Tales from Social Distancing

Like many of you, I'm in Week 3 of working remotely from home. Trying to find small joys every day to keep me sane and happy in very overwhelming and challenging times.

I suggest bringing in some of those spring flowers to brighten up your home, play some music you enjoy, and light a candle. All of these small elements have helped create a pretty pleasant home office atmosphere.

Mr. H has been cooking even more than usual through this.

Sometimes tackling new-to-us dishes that take more time and care, and sometimes quick and easy is what fits us best. Like these Smash Burgers the other night while hanging out in the garage after some yardwork!

We've been getting a lot of use from the bread maker and the pasta maker my mom bought us this past Christmas.

We continue to try and do our part to support local, independent businesses through carry-out or delivery services. That even included stocking our fine cheese supply with a delivery through Mercato from Old Brooklyn Cheese Co. this week!

Which led us to trying to recreate their Raclette dish over baby potatoes, prosciutto, pickles, and their Pepped Up Mustard.

Alllllmost as good.

We committed to getting takeout from The Black Pig once a week, since it really is our favorite restaurant and we'd be devastated if it doesn't make it through this. They've done a phenomenal job with minimal-contact takeout, and I've felt very safe picking up our food each week. Every Wednesday, they announce the week's menu for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. So far, we've enjoyed sharing their Burger and Pork Collar, then a family-style Taco night...

...and Sandwich Night this past week.

With the Italian and the Banh Mi, it was a smashing success in this household!

One day each week, we rotate ordering from other restaurants we love. This past week, it was Mexican from Cozumel in Independence.

They make my favorite Stuffed Poblano in town. I get the vegetarian version.

It may get challenging given the circumstances, but I'm still going to try and work through the 2020 To Dine Challenge. I think we'll be ordering carry-out from one of the spots this week, so stay tuned!

How are you balancing cooking from home and/or ordering out? Any local businesses that you'd like to give a shout-out to? Any great dishes you've tried making at home for the first time?