Fab Friday – Hurricane Sandy Edition

Apparently, if you listen to some of the news reports, there’s a Category 1 Hurricane headed smack dab for Philly and it’s time to panic.  (According to other reports – it’s also headed for Long Island, Delaware, New York – I can’t keep track).  If you are listening to the media all you are hearing is:

Pull out those generators. Rush to the grocery store and buy eggs, milk and bread. Do you have extra batteries for the flashlights? You have extra candles, right? Oh – did you charge your cell phone and, don’t forget, gas up your car! It’s Frankenstorm!

(Sidenote: I never understood the eggs, milk and bread issue. If your power goes out, what happens to the eggs and milk?)

Ok – all kidding aside, let’s look at what’s facing us in the Northeast. By all weather reports, apparently we’re going to get LOTS of rain come Monday/Tuesday. Granted Tuesday is the day that Barefoot Contessa is slated to visit King of Prussia but, as everyone can pretty much agree, Mother Nature is not as predictable as we think. Things can change in a heartbeat – but panic not, my friends. Just calmly think things through. When I hear hurricane, I know to keep my stilettos inside, make sure my pantry (and, of course, liquor cabinet) is stocked, make sure the back patio is cleared off, charge the cell, cozy up with the SousPug and Evil Minx, and relax.

This weekend is busy with TechMunchPhilly on Saturday, leaving Sunday for just a wee bit of hurricane prep.  It’s pretty much the same routine I’ve followed since my Orlando days: Minx and SousPug are going to want lots of treats, I’m going to just pick up a couple things as I would like to chill on Monday/Tuesday and relax and play with some recipes, break out my fave slow cooker and all will be fine. Hopefully the majority of the rain will be done by Tuesday morning and Ms. Ina will be in KOP at noon. If the weather changes, just punt is my motto. However, no threat of a hurricane will ever stop a Fab Friday so, let’s get to *virtual* shopping.

1. When I first started my “investment shoes” section of my shoe arsenal, the first stilettos that captured my heart were from Stuart Weitzmen – my tortoise lovelies. You want to know what stilettos have me at hello now – these Dagger Glitter stilettos in Navy from my first stiletto love – Stuart Weitzman.

2. Last night, Chef Thomas Keller and Chef Sebastien Rouxl were at Sur La Table and, after a fabulous Q&A and book signing, I took a bit to do some retail therapy. Added bonus: I finally got to meet the ever amazing Heather, formerly of the Marlton store but now has made the Sur La Table in KOP her home. While wandering the aisle, I started making a mental birthday list and one of the lovelies that made the cut is this Mauviel  Sur La Table  Anniversary Fait Tout. Stunning, right?

3. Confession:  even with a hurricane approaching, there’s a bit of a chip shortage in the pantry. With trying to snack a bit healthier, I think there will be no time like the present to break in this Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker that’s been sitting in its box for a spell. Now – let’s see if the SousPug’s new vet will allow him to have one since it’s only air popped.

4. Counter space is at a premium in my house so I would love to take the time while things are raging outside to organize the kitchen a bit.  My Keurig Vue should arrive right after the hurricane so the coffee area is on my radar to prepare.  One of the items I’ve been debating about is this storage carousel for the Vue cups. Keurig lovers: how do you organize your K-Cups or Vue Cups?

5. While I’m on a kitchen organization spree, I think the time has come that I get rid of the old Southern Living glass jars that I have had for centuries and get something that actually seals better – like the ones the Barefoot Contessa uses – these Heritage Hill glass jars. I really only need one for flour and another for sugar and it should streamline things a bit (and clear up the pantry of bags of sugar and flour that don’t fit in the old canisters).

6. One other great thing about hurricanes is that I will have a plethora of cookbooks to leaf through and experiment with. First up is Bouchon Bakery. As you know, my baking skills are far from perfect, but I figure if I can make a béchamel, I can at least try to bake. Chef Rouxl suggested that I go “front to back” with the book and that would help. I mean, I’m not going to attempt a macaron any time soon but baby steps, people – baby steps.

7. Another cookook I was thrilled to get is Aida Mollenkamp’s Keys to the Kitchen: The Essential Reference for Becoming a More Accomplished, Adventurous Cook. I’m excited to start cooking from her book over the weekend. From everything I’ve seen, it’s well laid out, organized and will definitely help me tap into that inner chef.

What do you have planned for “Hurricane Sandy” – are you in the path or have you avoided it?

[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate and/or referral links which help offset the cost of hosting this site. However, as always, my opinions are 100% my own]

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