Aw, Vortex. Right this minute my bartender ex-BF is sitting in his little in-law apartment a few blocks from here, feeling suddenly, tragically sorrowful although he has no idea why. He would never have tolerated that kind of gimlet ineptitude at his bar.

Semi-random question, especially for Jess or beth or Raq or anyone else with a good knowledge base for things either foody or Greek: We're going to my family's monstrous big all-afternoon-and-evening-long Easter feast tomorrow, and the hosts have handwaved away my request for what to bring and said "Oh, whatever you want, or don't even worry about it." Nevertheless, I feel somewhat obliged. I've been eyeing some vegetarian moussaka recipes -- I made the Moosewood version many years ago, and while it took a metric fuckload of prep work it was fully worth it, every glorious bite. But now I'm feeling vaguely lazy.

Are there any less-prep-intensive veggie versions out there, or some other veggie dish I haven't yet thought of? (Spanikopita is always a dish of last resort, but I think a couple of other folks will be bringing some already -- though none as good as the Moosewood.) Or possibly I should just suck it up, remind myself that the results are worth the prep time, and just make the damn moussaka.

Also, why the hell do I not already own the Moosewood cookbook? What's wrong with me?

Gimlets are the only way I like gin, though I learned to make them 2:1. And I can't really have Rose's lime, which is a shame because it's so darn yummy.

You could do some variation on spanikopita. Cook's Illustrated online had a recipe for Spinach Feta Phyllo triangles (and if I could remember my pw there I would copy it for you).

Um, tzatziki, taropita, melitosalata (baba ganoush, although anything with eggplant is usually more work than I want to do, same for doulmades), or just olives for mezes.

If you want to bring a dessert, little pastries like baklava or profiteroles are a frequent guest-brought item. Galaktobouraka is one of my favorite desserts - it's basically flan with phyllo on top.

Red eggs baked into bread, of course (will they already have that?) or just dyed eggs to crack with each other.

simmit:

main recipies: [link]

From CI:

Spinach Dip with Feta, Lemon, and Oregano

Partial thawing of the spinach produces a cold dip that can be served without further chilling. If you don't own a microwave, the frozen spinach can be thawed at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours then squeezed of excess liquid. The garlic must be minced or pressed before going into the food processor; otherwise the dip will contain large chunks of garlic.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons thin-sliced scallions , white parts only, from 3 medium scallions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill leaves
1/2 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 small clove garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
2 ounces feta cheese , crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
table salt
1. Thaw spinach in microwave for 3 minutes at 40 percent power. (Edges should be thawed but not warm; center should be soft enough to be broken apart into icy chunks.) Squeeze partially frozen spinach of excess water.

2. In food processor, process spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, dill, parsley, garlic, pepper, oregano, feta cheese, and lemon juice and zest until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to medium bowl and adjust seasoning with salt; serve. (Dip can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 2 days.)
Spinach, Leek, and Feta Phyllo Triangles

To keep phyllo sheets from drying out, cover them with either plastic wrap or two dish towels. Place a dry towel directly over the phyllo, then cover the dry towel with a damp towel.

Makes 3 to 4 dozen small phyllo triangles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large leek , white part only, washed thoroughly and chopped fine
10 ounces frozen chopped spinach , thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley leaves
3 tablespoons minced fresh dill
1/2 cup feta cheese (about 2 1/2 ounces), crumbled
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg
Table salt and ground black pepper
1 pound phyllo , thawed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add leek; cook until softened, 6 to 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, mix spinach, parsley, dill, feta, and egg in medium bowl. Add cooked leek and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove one phyllo sheet. With the shortest end of the phyllo sheet nearest you, brush phyllo with butter; top with second sheet. Cut these sheets lengthwise to make two 6-inch wide double layer strips, then fold each strip in half lengthwise and brush the tops. Place two rounded teaspoons of filling on the bottom left-hand corner. Fold up the phyllo to form a right angle triangle. Continue folding up and over, flag-folding style, to end of strip.

4. Brush triangles with butter and place seam side down on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 15 to 18 minutes.

Happy Saturday! I'm on my way to get my hair cut (haven't decided whether I'm getting a trim or an angled bob). Last night GF and I went to an animation event for The Brothers Quay. I'd already seen most of their stuff, but it was so cool to see it on the big screen and to hear them talk about their work. Just beautiful stuff.

Ooh, Raq, the spinach dip sounds fabulous, and not crazy with the prep. That and some pita chips and soft pita triangles ought to do it. Thanks!

mmm spinach

nap or play with beads ? ( I need to decide what kinds of beads I am looking for to spend my gift certificate on )

Bookmarking the dip. It sounds yummy.

More packing done. Everything is by the door waiting for Dave to load up the car tonight. I don't know what I would do without my mother's help. She has done so much the past few weeks.

Ooh, that dip looks good. (And if you want to make it look fancy, you could bring it in a bread bowl.)

More pictures of the apartment starting here.

A picture of my older nephew from our fun day out last week.