You might remember, I was hesitant at first about moving out to the ‘burbs. I love my city, and I love city life…being able to to pick up an emergency roll of toilet paper from the corner Foodery at 11:30pm, to bike to school, to turn a corner and land in the Italian Market, to walk 100 yards to the Emergency Room (ya know, in case I happen to fall off my bike a block from home). To be practically non-reliant on a car or any form of public transport, it’s a beautiful thing.
But where we live now, just outside city limits, is unlike any suburb I’ve ever known. Maybe it’s because we’re a five-minute walk to the light rail. Maybe it’s the young, somewhat hippie-ish energy of our neighborhood. More than that, however, I think it’s the town feel of a it all. We’re surrounded by independent businesses, by people who support them, by organized community gatherings, by scenic outdoor areas. It doesn’t just feel like an extension of Philadelphia.
Today I took advantage of one of the Groupon Now! deals, and attended a $5 yoga class at this local studio I’d been dying to try. (And now I’m just sort of dying a little, because Mark kicked my ass! I swear, every single one of my intercostal muscles is sore…is that even possible?)
I got to talking with another woman in the class (who’s an ophthalmologist–jeez!), who recommended I go to the neighborhood cheese shop for their iced coffee. They use ice cubes made out of coffee–brilliant! Dear Dunkin’: maybe if you took a page from the cheese co. book, you wouldn’t have to double brew your iced beverages.
On the way home, I stopped byour nut store because our basil plant is growing like a freakin’ weed, I have to keep making pesto. (Does anyone know if this stuff freezes well?) The Head Nut also sells like every spice known to man (in bulk!) and gluten-free soy sauce (in original, organic, and low sodium varieties).
I think I’m becoming a townie. Weird.
anna in med school 
Pesto does freeze well – there are mixed opinions about whether to leave the cheese out for freezing, but I add it as I normally would and it does quite well.
Awesome! Thanks! I really should have just asked you directly…you are so my go-to person for all things culinary! Miss you!
yes, pesto freezes really well– i made pistachio/mint/parsley pesto with leftover mojito supplies- very yummy on seafood and very summery- another friend did a dill walnut one that also sounds tempting…
my god! recipe please! i made a simple pine nut and pecorino one (nummy!), then a cheese-less toasted almond, pine nut, and lemon variation (needs salt, otherwise divine!).
i hear you might have received a text from me last night… 🙂
Wait, you’re in Narberth?!? I am in Wynnewood — less than a mile away from that cheese shop. You really should have a beer with me sometime.
ha! I’m near Narberth (I’ve been warned to not disclose my exact location 🙂 ). I’m going to send you an email straight away. I would love to meet you for a drink! I’ve been told the area has some great pubs!
It’s great that you’re loving your new home. I’ll be by to take some of that pesto off your hands pretty soon =)
Please do! We cannot wait to have you over! John just thanked me this morning for bringing you into our lives. Guess you’re stuck with us!
My aunt freezes her pesto in ice-cream trays… SUPER easy to defrost exactly how much you need at a time.
And by that, I mean ice-cube trays. I don’t know what ice-cream trays are, though they sound like something I’d like to have in my fridge. xoxo
oh i love it! great idea, thanks kristen! it’ll be just like those trader joe’s frozen cubes of garlic, basil, and cilantro!
Anna, you are so talented. I never thought to freeze pesto. Quite honestly I have never made it! But I will tell you that after spending a week with you guys in turmoil we are eating a little different ourselves! I am using the herbs I grew, I try new italian recipes, and we eat more veggies. I love the garbanzo beans even more today! You both have been quite the example for us. And I have lost wt eating live we are. lol Only 8 lbs, but for now really trying I think that is quite a feat. lol I love basil!!!
Well, I don’t know about that, but thanks so much for the sweet comment, Christine! You and Rob are certainly an example to us at all, and I’m glad you like the way we eat…we love eating! I just stumbled upon a new chili recipe that you might like…John loves it, so I’m thrilled!