what might be wrong with me… The happiest moment today was when I found chuck bacon and clarified butter at the grocery store nearest my house. I was thrilled that I didn’t have to drive all over going to specialty stores to find these items–required ingredients for boeuf bourguignon. I walke dout of the store beaming about my find. I bought the stew meat earlier, but that store only had sliced bacon and regular butter. The weather here is perfect for stew. It’s a bit rainy and slightly chilly. Although when it stops raining the weather is beautiful.

I have quite an appreciation for Julie Powell who cooked all the recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1. The recipes require a lot of planning, list making and trips to the store. I have made far more trips to the store than usual, and I have only cooked one sauce.