Ann Mah's newsletter / October 2018
October 2018 newsletter
Bonjour!
I can't believe it's October, but that probably has something to do with the weather, which is currently in the high 80s, hot and muggy (oof). I'm hoping autumn temperatures are just around the corner because I've been missing fall soups and stews especially the Moroccan chickpea soup with tomatoes and harissa – not to mention the pork stew with cider and apples – from my new cookbook, Instantly French! :) Both are a snap to whip up in the Instant Pot.
This month I have been working on some fun projects, including styling this sumptuous cheese board for my friends at the Comté cheese association, and working on Thanksgiving recipes (in 90ºF real-feel no less!). I'm also excited to be heading to Austin in a couple of weeks! It'll be my very first visit to Texas and I CANNOT WAIT to eat everything and especially breakfast tacos.
Here's what else I've been up to!
What I've been eating
–Crème brûlée is one of my favorite bistro desserts and it's actually super easy to make... in the Instant Pot! I included a recipe in Instantly French and also did a recipe demo on Instagram Stories. I'll be doing a few more videos in the next few weeks, so stop by and say hi!
–I am a huge fan of sheet-pan suppers and I loved this New York Times article from Melissa Clark with meatless versions. Her ideas are so super clever! I need to buy more sheet pans.
–Ever since the summer, I've had Emiko Davies's recipe for lemon pasta on repeat. As she says in her book, Acquacotta, it's the ultimate quick comfort food, only five ingredients and everyone loves it.
–Speaking of pasta, this recipe for zucchini spaghetti is a great way to sneak veggies into unwilling participants :) ***Kid friendly!
What I've been reading
–I splurged at the bookstore last weekend because the new books this season are completely irresistable. I just finished Lisa Brackmann's chilling political thriller Black Swan Rising, and now I can't wait to start Transcription by Kate Atkinson (post-WWII spy novel) and Lethal White (number four in the genius crime series by JK Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith). What are you reading this month?
–This New York Times article about a Jewish woman hiding in Nazi-occupied Vienna, a lost painting, and complicated issues of ownership, ethics, and international law was truly fascinating.
–I enjoyed this charming Washington Post essay from that rarer breed of trailing diplomatic spouse – a dad.
–Finally, If you're in Washington DC on October 19, I would love to meet you at the Alliance Française where I'll be appearing in conversation with noted author Ellen Crosby. There will be wine and refreshments. Please join us!
A bientôt!
I don't know about you guys, but we've had a countdown clock to Halloween ticking down since about July :) Now it's only three weeks away and serious costume preparation has begun! I hope all of your outfits are as cute as this taco dog – and that your holiday is spooky in all the right ways. Happy October, happy Halloween – and see you next month!
Amitiés,
Ann