Top Chef

It turns out, 4 months is a long time. Yesterday I reflected back on all that has happened in 4 months for me out here. But, no matter how much I try not to think about it, a lot has happened back at home too. As much as I want life to stand still in my absence, I know it does not. Dan found a new job, traveled to the East Coast a few times, hosted many visitors (including both of our parents and some siblings) and traveled to Mexico, LA and New Mexico. One of our good friends (Clark & Becca) celebrated the birth of their baby girl, Isabelle Grace on New Year’s Day. My best friend Rachel got engaged. And countless other things. So yeah, a lot has happened.

However, despite all of the things that I missed and won’t be able to travel back in time to experience myself, something has happened that time will only make better and is something that I will be able to enjoy and experience for many years to come. What you ask? Well, that would be my husband’s new found joy in COOKING! From baked goods such as rugalach, to the family’s delectable hummus to local fresh produce and catch from the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in Little Italy, Dan is definitely America’s Next Food Network Star (ok, maybe not quite that level, but certainly the West Coast Laufer’s Next Food Network Star).

I thought that maybe it was just every now and again he would cook. But recently Dan has definitely been expanding out and trying new ingredients and techniques. After reading his last email, I couldn’t help but smile at this phrase: "I picked up a piece of fresh mahi mahi (a really nice, tender fish) and then I picked up some roasted anaheim chiles. I'm planning to bake the mahi with just some lemon, olive oil, and lemon pepper seasoning, and then make a reduction sauce with the peppers and pour it over the top of the fish.”

I didn’t even think my husband knew what a “reduction” was! And he even included these pictures of his meal. I’m so proud! Sounds like he’s been watching a little more Food Network than he’s led me to believe this whole time J For so long, I was so excited to come home to my kitchen and all of our great cooking utensils and tools. Now, I can’t wait to come home to those things- and Dan using them to cook me delicious dinners!

Dijon pepper sauce

Left: Baked Mahi Mahi and below is the complete meal