Pumpkin and Spice

Hi! Remember me? I know I've been a bit negligent lately. Honestly, I've been busy, and a little stressed out... between family (family with babies- whoo, those'll wear you out!), friends (some from out-of country, and some with babies), a vacation and work, I've been lucky to check my e-mail once a week during the past month! Hopefully, though, things are going to be a little less hectic (not to mention that I'm feeling refreshed from my hiatus), and I'll have more time for bloggin' and internet time wastin'.

I am returning to you with a recipe that'll make you forgive my recent absence- Dr. Pepper Baby Back Ribs! I'm kinda so-so on ribs in general... it seems that so often they're dry and stringy and kinda disappointing. Not these- they're succulant and moist, with the flavors of cinnamon and allspice permeating the meat, glazed with a sweet and slightly spicy Dr. Pepper barbeque sauce. Seriously, these ribs are so tender and fabulous that the meat barely stays on the bones!

Kyle has had a little more free time since I've been away- I'm pretty sure I'll arrive home to find the apartment immaculate and spotlessly clean, because he's had more time to clean, and also because I haven't been there to mess things up. That's right- I'm the messy one. (You know what they say- creative minds are rarely organized.) Another thing he's had lots of time for is cooking.

One of his favorite foods is gyros. There's a little Greek joint near where he works, and he and his co-workers get gyros for lunch every Friday. Recently, however, they've been having a "Biggest Loser" weight loss competition at work, so they've all been trying to eat healthier. Inspired by an episode of Good Eats where Alton makes gyros, Kyle decided to try his hand at making a healthier version.

I love my job, I really do. I like getting to make cakes, cookies and goodies and getting paid for it. However, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't homesick. I miss Kyle, and my friends, and our hangouts. I think that if I wasn't married or if Kyle was here, I wouldn't be yearning for the comfortable and familiar quite so much. Another thing that makes it difficult here (aside from not having a kitchen) is that Park City is a pretty upscale town- dining out here on a budget is tricky... There are lots of really great restaurants, but very few that cater to a gal who has to watch her pennies.

One of my favorite local places is Squatter's Brew Pub. Based out of Salt Lake City, Squatter's is bar-and-grill style restaurant that serves their own, locally brewed beers on tap. They place a strong emphasis on sustainability and the environment, and proudly use locally raised, free-range, beef, chicken and bison.

It's been a busy two weeks! As I mentioned, I've switched to the midnight baker shift at work, Kyle and the family have been in town, and I've been fighting a wicked cold (and missed a few days of work because of it! Blegh!) Before I tell you about all that, though, I have the promised Kyle-blog! (Kyle declined my invitation to write the blog entry himself- instead he gave me the 411 and the pics so I could write it myself.)

Kyle is a wonderful guy- he's patient and understanding, he puts up with my clutter, he didn't complain when I decided to come to Utah, and he gamely tolerates my Alton Brown/Good Eats obsession. He even watches the occasional episode with me... I'm not sure he likes it as much as I do, but I do appreciate the time together.