Sometimes my brain hurts.  This week my brain hurts 'cause I'm tired... but it's for a good reason.
It's pretty sunny here this week.  That's a good thing.  I've been able to run and cycle easily throughout the work week.  That's helped my brain hurt a little less.  Really.
It does kinda keep my sane.


I also got to go to a Sara Bareilles show down at the Phoenix this week.  Jeez, it was rad to see GOOD live music.  She was fab.  Seriously.  Songs all sounded great live.  She's a fantastic musician and her voice was in great form.  The Toronto crowd was .... get ready for it... seriously into it!!!  I know.  Who would've guessed that.
Funny story though.  Here's how long it's been since I've gone to something like this (at least a show where I'm not backstage 'cause D is performing).  Tickets read 7pm.  I thought, 'Cool, they know it's a work night and we'll get the show going and then be out of there by about 9'.  D then told me I was in lala land.  Why?
1.  The doors open at 7pm, the show doesn't start at 7pm.
2.  There will always be at least one opening band (in this case 2)
3.  The main show won't start until 9:30 - 9:45.
4.  If you are not willing to go early and line up then you will be standing (didn't care about that, would rather stand anyway)
Well, duh... how naive was I.
There I was at 9:40 texting D to tell him that he was exactly right.  I felt dumb and old (mmmk, not THAT old) but I didn't let it stop me from thoroughly enjoying every second.  I stayed out that night later than I wanted to.  I've felt tired since but haven't regretted it for a second 'cause it was just what I needed.  If you get a chance in the next little while, do something for you that you haven't done in a long time.  Something that even though it might take a little more effort than normal will give you some true and deep pleasure.  My only regret?   That I can't go and see Kate Nash playing in the same place 5 days from now... Jeez, when it rains...
All this really has nothing to do with the food.  I just couldn't make my food on my normal 'cooking' day because I went out, had fun and blew it off.  The stew is good.  Very good.  It's been a hit and I'm glad 'cause I might've felt bad if it sucked... just maybe ;-)


Pork and Sweet Potato Stew adapted from the milk calendar '10
serves 4

1 lb pork (or beef, or...) cut into chunks or strips
1 onion cut into large chunks
1 green pepper, sliced chunky
1 rib of celery, cut in chunks
2 med (about 3 cups) sweet potato, partially peeled and cut into chunks
2 tsp each (or so - that's how I cook Peeps) cinnamon, cumin, ginger, coriander,  saffron
2 tbsp honey
2 - 3 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups milk
1 cup (scant) broth
salt, to taste

1.  Heat large pot.  Over medium heat, add oil (use leftover fat or butter).  Add veggies (including the sweet potato) to cook for a few minutes.
2.  Once the veggies have cooked down a little (about 5 - 7 minutes) add in the sliced meat.  Cook for about 8 minutes together.
3.  Turning the heat down a bit to low or med/low, add in the spices, honey and tomato paste.  Mix everything well.
4.  Add in the milk and the broth.  Cook over low heat for about 30 min.
5.  Check the tastes and adjust as necessary.