Jam of the Week: “Beep Street” by Squarepusher

Last week, I wrote that I was rushing to make chili as the weather was likely to make a good turn soon. The cold, rainy weather this week is a nice reminder that optimism and midwestern weather patterns don’t mix. However, two things that do mix well are chili and cornbread.

Of course, a batch of chili isn’t just a one-meal commitment. No, chili stares at you when you open the freezer door reminding you that you have to finish it sometime. Thumbing through more of the recipes I’ve been given, I found a notecard with an easy cornbread recipe. Well, I don’t think you can make cornbread complicated but I’m a beginner. If you’re an experienced cook and don’t find the recipes informative, I hope it’s cute to read about baby’s first batch of cornbread.

Cornbread

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

8 oz can of clean style corn

1 1/2 cup self rising corn meal

Mix all and pour into greased 8×8 pan, bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes.

Who needs summer weather when you have some good chili and cornbread? Probably me, because denying that I don’t miss nice weather isn’t really working anymore.

When I cook, I usually listen to music, news or podcasts to drown out my roaring stomach that tries to remind me that it might not be in my best interest to make dinner at 9 p.m. That’s where I usually pick out my jam for the week. It’s a nice addition to an already relaxing hobby. This week, I took some time to listen to the recording of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling that resulted in his lifetime ban from the NBA which was later announced on Tuesday.

By the time I picked up the story, it had been a day since it broke. Most of the coverage I saw had moved past directly quoting the recording and was instead discussing what the consequences would be. Rather than browsing inane opinions on Facebook comments, I’d urge those interested in the story to actually listen through the tape. It’s very enlightening, by which I mean it shows how unenlightened Sterling’s private thoughts are.

Next week, I’m looking to try a new breakfast dish. I was told about a restaurant in Cedar Rapids that serves a great salmon omelette. Rather than driving four hours there and back, I’m digging around for a good recipe. Salmon sounds like a nice warm weather dish. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to see if that’s true soon.