u/lacelionlair

I used this pretty simple pesto recipe, but adjusted the measurements because I didn't have quite as much basil as was called for. Also substituted toasted walnuts for the pine nuts, and went a little heavy on the lemon.

I’ve read all of these but The New York Stories of Henry James, which I just picked up. Very excited about it. From the library, I’ve gone through My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley, The New York Stories of Edith Wharton (adore Wharton), Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, Chess Story by Stefan Zweig (LOVED), and Talk by Linda Rosenkrantz. And I’m halfway through The Oyster Diaries by Nancy Lemann right now!

Would love to chat about any of these, and if anyone has recs for me, I’m happy to take them :)

I've wanted to do a little herb garden on my fire escape for a few years but always felt kind of nervous about it. Finally decided to go for it over a month ago, and they've been growing well!! Parsley is on the left, and basil is on the right; I buy both very often. The soil was given to me by a friend who's into gardening, and I already had both of the small planters stored away. They're tucked inside a bigger planter that was left behind by the previous tenant -- the plants are so lightweight and I was worried they'd get knocked over during a storm if I left them standing on their own.

It's been really nice to watch them grow, and now that I'm feeling more confident, I might branch out and try some other things. And if anyone has some good gardening advice, I'm very happy to listen!

Recipe is Sally's: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/lemon-crinkle-cookies/

One of my favorite cookie recipes! I love all things lemon in the summer. I went a bit light on the cornstarch, and they turned out well -- really soft and full of flavor.

I've been enjoying this for the past month, so I figured I'd share the recipe (and how much everything costs)! It's super easy to make your own refried beans at home, and I prefer them over the canned kind. I use black beans, but pinto beans also work really well. Lots can be added to make the meal even heartier. The basic bean recipe is:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cans of black beans ($2)
• 1 white onion ($0.40-$0.60, depending on size and store)
• 2 Tbsp butter ($0.18) and/or 1 Tbsp butter ($0.09) and 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.18)
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Dice white onion or chop into thin half-moon shapes. Drain one can of beans; keep the liquid in the other can.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter OR 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil on medium-low in a 2 quart pot until the butter has melted, then add the onion. Saute until onions are translucent and edges are starting to turn golden brown.
3. Add the beans, including the liquid in the second can. Add salt and pepper to taste, and about one tsp of cumin and one half tsp of chili powder. Adjust to your preferences. 
4. Let the beans simmer for about five minutes, then begin to mash them against the side of the pot with a wooden cooking utensil. Continue until desired consistency is reached. More mashing results in a creamier texture; less mashing results in more intact beans.

All of this makes about 4 servings of beans; one serving costs roughly $0.70 (without counting the cost of the spices, admittedly) and can be scooped into three tortillas. I buy packs of 30 corn tortillas for $3, so three tacos with just beans ends up coming to $1 total. Usually I'll scramble two eggs and add those, along with some pico de gallo (hence the second photo); this ups the total cost, but it's still under $2 by my count. Prices for groceries are going to vary depending on your location, of course, but I've found that beans, onions, and tortillas are still pretty inexpensive across the US.

What I like most about this basic formula is a lot can be added to it, including some affordable items: eggs, potatoes or sweet potatoes, cheese, avocado, pico de gallo or salsa, roasted cauliflower, crumbled tofu. I don't eat meat, but I think chicken might work with it, too. Would happily take other suggestions! It's been a fun and versatile meal for me, and I hope you all like it, too.