Dreaming about Obama

I dreamed last night I worked for the Obamas. I was going out to the Smithstonian Institution with them and Sasha and Melia. We ran into my brother and sister in law on the way, and when my SIL was introduced to them, she fainted. I wanted to ask Mr. Obama to find a job for my brother, but I figured I'd wait for a while rather than be pushy.

I spent this morning in training in the City, then spent my lunch hour walking around Holborn looking at "very old buildings." Tonight J and I are celebrating our 16th anniversary (two days early) by going to see Giselle. It will be the first time I have ever sat in the stalls at the Opera House, and I'm kind of excited about it.

As for right now - I'm just kind of sleepy. It's a deliciously quiet Wednesday afternoon, of the sort that would be enhanced with a cup of tea. Too bad I can't make a really good one.

Recipe: Pasta with cauliflower

Normally I wouldn't eat cauliflower - but I will give this recipe a try - only without the anchovies.

1 lb bucatini (hollow spaghetti)
1 med cauliflower
2 oz golden raisins
minced onion (actual amount not listed in recipe! one small?)
1 oz pine nutes
1 small bag of saffron (no idea how much this is but use your judgment)
2 oz fillets of anchovy in oil - only, not so much, as in my mind fish would ruin it!
5 T extra virgin olive oil
Salt, pepper to tast

Cut off tops (florets) of caulifower and parboil in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain (reserving the water) and put aside.

Brown the minced onion in a saucepan with plenty of oil. Add the anchovy, drained and chopped, until it dissolves. (Or skip it. I will.) Add raisins, pine nuts, cauliflower, then brown on moderate flame.

Dissolve the saffron in 1/2 C of the cauliflower broth. Add salt and pepper to taste and cook for 15 minutes. Boil the pasta until done in the remaining brother, stir into the sauce, rest for one minute, then serve.

Why am I not in bed?

I remember now: I got home at 10:40 PM. And then I called my sister.

However, I'm off the phone now, so I can fix that not sleeping thing any old minute now. First: step away from the computer ...