Mâche with Fennel and Orange, December 2004

Man, nothing beats a Cara Cara orange. I got outside of this excellent salad while watching some charismatic physicist on PBS reduce string theory to a 3rd grade level.

Mole-Flavored Pork Loin with Charred Onion Salsa, Tomato and Onion Gratin, and Garlic Spinach, December 2004

I absorbed this highly oniony repast while considering the tortures I would like to inflict on musical groups who think they have any business performing sensitive renditions--or, in fact, any renditions--of "Little Drummer Boy."

Israeli Couscous, Central Market, December 2004

Sometimes I go on binges, and this is my current one. Although there is no doubt in my mind that I could make this dish better than the supermarket does, I continue to buy it at the carryout counter. God help me, I'm hooked on the convenience!

Beef Filet, Pan-Roasted, with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Gorgonzola Mustard Sauce, Green Beans, and Oven-Roasted Herbed Potatoes, December 2004

Finally I deemed my punishment complete. I would take no more flaccid, dried-out store-bought dinners. Sure, they'll keep a gal from starving, but there's more to life than not starving. OK, no there isn't, but all the same I whipped up this bistro-y steak dish that would have been 26 clams in a decent restaurant but ended up costing me about 68 bucks on accounta all the crap I had to buy to make it: cheese, port, dishwashing powder. Rosemary.

Mango Salad, Part II, December 2004

I ate this while watching "Law & Order: SVU," whereupon I came to a conclusion I should have drawn months ago: this show sucks.

But not as bad as "Crossing Jordan."

TV Dinner Relapse: Store-Bought Chicken with Spinach and Proscuitto, the Daily Servings of Israeli Couscous and Cucumber Salad, December 2004

I'm still not sick of that cucumber salad. They put dill on there. Dill, cucumber, red onion--how could it suck? It doesn't suck.

OK it sucks. But not as bad as "Crossing Jordan."

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