Pavlova-Mania

Okay, I haven't actually gotten as far as making one, but I've been thinking about it for a long time. Specifically, since I started making ice cream and needed something to do with the egg whites. Other than throw them away, which is what I've *been* doing. But only after assiduously putting them in an airtight container in the fridge with the intention of making Pavlova out of them, and then leaving them there for weeks (or months, if we're being honest).

I think you're missing the point. Maybe I've never made one. Or eaten one (again, with the honesty!) But pavlovas are awesome. They're going to be big. And crusty. With a marshmallowey center.

The Long Da Svidaniya

I've never been all that fascinated with Russia. The literature's depressing, it's cold, and the cuisine seems to be fairly meat-centric. But lately Russia seems to be popping up everywhere. Russian poetry to be exact. I don't know what that means, but thought I'd say it now so that later I can say "я сказал вас так." And, hey, it turns out that Russian poetry, unlike Russian novels (shudder), is pretty darn good.

Oh, and you should definitely get a copy of Regina Spektor's Begin to Hope immediately. Unless you hate innovative, catchy, good music by a talented singer-songwriter. In which case... you shouldn't.

www.amazon.com, $13.99