Spaghetti Carbonara

I found this recipe in Cook's Illustrated, I was intrigued because the article was about cutting back the fat that traditionally goes into Carbonara (like in this Jamie Oliver Recipe).  I thought it was good, but not as good as the traditional.  It's a completely different animal.  Although that being said I appreciate having a lower fat version of the dish to turn to, I have made and enjoyed it several times since, more times than I would ever dare to eat the regular stuff!

My only bone of contention with this recipe is that they have you cook the bacon in water so that it turns out more like guanciale.  I have never tried real guanciale but I didn't like how the regular bacon cooked in water turned out at all.  I have made it with bacon cooked the regular way ever since, I just chop it up and add it in at the end.

The sauce is made primarily of raw egg and needs to "cook" by being tossed with the hot pasta, so once the pasta is drained you will need to work quickly.  I threw the spaghetti back into the still warm cooking pot with the egg mixture sauce instead of in a separate bowl at the end for some extra warmth.  Be sure to toss quickly or you will end up with scrambled eggs.

Also a note about the pasta water, you are supposed to use only 2 quarts of water to cook the whole pound of pasta, this creates an extra starchy pasta water that is later used to help stabilize the sauce since it doesn't have as much fat as normal.

I also added about a cup of frozen peas at the end.  What's Carbonara without peas?

Better, Lighter Spaghetti Carbonara
from Cook's Illustrated #121

8 slices of bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup water
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 ounces of Pecorino Romano, grated (1 1/4 cups)
3 large eggs plus 1 large yolk
1 tsp pepper
1 pound spaghetti
1 tsp salt
(I also added a cup of frozen Peas)

Bring bacon and water to simmer in a 10 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Cook until water evaporates and bacon begins to sizzle, about 8 minutes.  Reduce heat to medium low and continue to cook until fat renders and bacon browns, 5 to 8 minutes longer.  Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.  Strain bacon mixture though a fine mesh strainer set in a bowl (I just used a slotted spoon).  Measure out 1 Tablespoon of fat in medium bowl and whisk in Pecorino, eggs, yolk, and pepper into the fat until combined.

Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts of water to boil in Dutch oven.  Add spaghetti and salt to pot, cook to al dente.  Drain spaghetti in colander set in bowl, reserving cooking liquid (I didn't do this either, you just need to save 1 cup of the pasta water so I just scooped out a cup before I drained it over the sink).  Measure out 1 cup of cooking liquid and return spaghetti to the now empty bowl (I just used the cooking pot)

Slowly whisk 1/2 c of reserved pasta water into Pecorino mixture.  Gradually pour Pecorino mixture over pasta, tossing to coat.  Add bacon mixture and toss to combine.  Let the spaghetti rest, tossing frequently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the pasta, 2-4 minutes.  Adjust the consistency with remaining cooking liquid if needed.  serve immediately.

Mangalitsa Pork Chops

I saw these fancy Mangalitsa pork chops at Cookbook, a gourmet food store in Echo Park near where Mark and I live.  They were really expensive but I have been obsessed with only eating fancy meat lately so I went for it.  It was a little difficult to find a recipe, this breed of pig has much more marbling than traditional American pork,  I read that it should be cooked slower for longer.  Anyway this recipe turned out great.  You can find the original here. The meat was much more flavorful than the pork I am used to and the apple, onion, and sage was the perfect accompaniment.  The apple was especially delicious after roasting in pork fat.  There was some fat we trimmed off the edges of the chop after cooking that I put in the freezer, I'm dreaming of a future recipe where we render it and use it to flavor something...


1 Mangalitsa pork chop

1 small onion, diced

sage leaves

1 small apple peeled, cored, and sliced (I used fuji because I had it on hand)


1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
2. Wash and pat dry chop thoroughly with paper towel. Lightly salt and pepper and let sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Add a small amount of oil to a small, heavy oven-proof skillet. Over medium-high heat, sear chop for about 30 seconds on each side to brown, then remove from skillet.
4. Turn heat down to medium and add 1 small sliced onion with several sage leaves cut or torn into smaller pieces. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally until browned lightly and beginning to soften. Add 1 small apple, peeled, cored and sliced. Cook for a few minutes to warm apple, then remove pan from burner to cool several minutes.
Add chop to pan and settle into onions and apple. Cover, and place in oven for about 45 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees (the USDA’s benchmark for safety).
5. Remove skillet from oven, remove chop to a plate, and place skillet back on burner on medium-high heat for a few minutes until juices are reduced, then serve with chop.

Kale, Butternut Squash, and Cheddar Bread Pudding

I made this recipe the first time for breakfast for my family and it was a huge hit!  I used whole grain bread instead of baguette and it turned out great.   When I had this with Mark I paired it with a steak for dinner, which wasn't such a great pairing.  I feel like this dish is more of a main, and more appropriate for brunch.  Maybe with an arugula salad, and some bacon if you are feeling meaty.  Originally from Epicurious

• 2 pounds peeled seeded butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt plus additional for sprinkling
• 7 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups half and half
• 6 tablespoons dry white wine
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 day-old baguette (do not remove crust), torn into 1-inch pieces (about 10 cups)
• 1 cup chopped shallots (about 4 large)
• 2 bunches Tuscan kale (about 1 pound), ribs removed, kale coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with 1 tablespoon oil on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse salt; bake until squash is tender, turning with spatula occasionally, 20 to 25 minutes.

Whisk eggs in large bowl. Add half and half, wine, mustard, and 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt; whisk to blend. Add baguette pieces; fold gently into egg mixture. Let soak 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté until soft, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Add kale; cover and cook 2 minutes. Uncover and stir until kale is wilted but still bright green, about 5 minutes (kale will be a bit crunchy).

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Generously butter 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Using slotted spoon, transfer half of bread from egg mixture to prepared baking dish, arranging to cover most of dish. Spoon half of kale over bread. Spoon half of squash over bread and kale; sprinkle with half of cheese. Repeat with remaining bread, kale, squash, and cheese. Pour remaining egg mixture over bread pudding.

Cover bread pudding with foil. Bake 20 minutes. Remove foil; bake uncovered until custard is set and bread feels springy to touch, about 20 minutes longer.

Preheat broiler; broil pudding until cheese browns slightly, about 2 minutes. Cool 5 minutes and serve.

Read More http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/printerfriendly/Butternut-Squash-and-Cheddar-Bread-Pudding-355792#ixzz2aaKLbTnD

Blinders

Hi Laurel here...who would have known...a show about Texas football and race turns out to be an issue?!

So in the beginning of the episode assistant coach Mac makes some racist comments, on camera, in front of reporters.  He's sort of a Paula Deen about it, he totally doesn't even realize that he is being offensive...he refers to his black players as being "junk yard dogs" and thinks that he's giving them a complement.

Anyway it turns out it causes a bunch of race issues at school.  Tami Taylor tries to have a forum at school so kids can hear and be heard and maybe some of the racial tension can be dissipated.  Much to Tami's chagrin it turns out to be too volatile of an issue and the forum blows up in her face.

Smash in the beginning doesn't care about Mac's comments, he only cares about football.  But Waverly convinces him that it has more far reaching implications than just football.   At the same time he witnesses his mom getting turned down for a loan which may or may not have anything to do with her race but the show leaves us with our suspicions.

To Smash's credit he goes to Coach Mac to discuss the issue and Mac overreacts and tells him to "quit his whining".   Aren't educators supposed to listen to their students and respond appropriately?  I know I'm looking at this with liberal 2013 los angeles eyes but I really think this guys should be fired.

Mark here...I agree with Laurel.  The assistant coach is kind of dense about his comments.  What's weird is that Smash, unbeknownst to Mac was actually on his side prior to their confrontation.

The other plotline of the episode is the powder puff football game which Tyra and Julie are forced to join by Tami Taylor for cutting class.  What's funny is that Tyra becomes really serious about it and eventually Julie gets into it as well.  Although she's pissed initially.  Matt and Tim Riggins are coaches of the team and Matt unfortunately picks Julie 3rd for his team.  In any case both shine through, but Tyra develops a chip on her shoulder because of her mom and Buddy Garrity.  She is super suspicious of her mom's new job with Buddy after they suddenly have work to do after hours.  She takes her anger out on Lyla.  Although I've come to like Lyla, I understand Tyra's anger. She calls Lyla out as a spoiled brat.  Weirdly, I'm waiting for these two to find common ground, maybe that's crazy?

Upping the Ante

Mark here... Laurel and I are sitting down for the next episode of Friday Night Lights, "Upping the Ante".  I've made us some blue cheeseburgers with heirloom tomatoes and sweet potato fries with honey mustard dipping sauce.  This episode wasn't totally riveting but there were some interesting points.

The episode picks up on the tension between Jason and Buddy Garrity as the Garritys have Jason over for a barbecue.  The tension between the two of them bubbles over into an argument about Lyla's future and Jason's ability to take care of her.  Jason blows up and announces that they are getting married.  This prompts Buddy and Lyla's mom to walk away.  Later, Lyla and Jason are talking and it's clear Lyla has changed from the beginning of the series.  She's suddenly concerned with going to school and all the things she was ignoring prior to Jason's injury.  She clearly still loves Jason, but isn't willing to just be taken care of.  This isn't to say she thinks Jason is incapable of providing, but its hard to deny the situation has forced her to realize she needs to be independent, something she should've realized before.  Of course, Jason isn't happy with this.

Separately Tyra and Julie form a bond when Matt is pulled away by the football team during a date and Julie needs a ride home.  Tyra proves a good mentor to Julie.  Sure their backgrounds are different, but they are both smart and Tyra's worldly enough to help Julie.  This is particularly clear when Matt asks Julie to babysit his grandmother, she calls on Tyra to help and Tyra excels.  She brings along some white wine and does grandma's toenails!

Another storyline was Tim Riggins needing his absent dad's signature on a form to get out of a speeding ticket.  His brother warns him about going to see their dad, but it ends up being a bonding experience.  There is a point where they are talking and it's clear Tim is drinking beer and the dad is drinking soda...made clear to us by the bottle vs can.  The whole thing plays out well, though I can't help feeling anxious about the ultimate outcome.  The two are playing golf, if Tim wins the dad has to come to a game.  Dad wins and Tim is angry and it doesn't end well, but then at the end of the episode the dad shows up at the game...

Hey Laurel here...first of all dinner was delicious!  Mark started with really good ground beef from our local fancy butcher, McCall's.  but beyond that the meat was seasoned so perfectly!  Might be the best burger I've ever had, at least in a really long time.

Ok on to the episode...The only thing I wanted to add is the situation between Smash and Coach Taylor.  We see Coach giving Smash a really hard time.  Smash is relegated to team manager and forced to do the team laundry, fold towels etc.  But later in the episode Coach goes to visit him at home showing that he does still have compassion for and respects Smash, he's not just making him be the "ball boy" for no reason.  In the end we find out he is letting Smash start in the next game, which as we know is dicey for Coach.  He is really sticking his neck out.

Just to add a little to what Mark said I'm so glad Tyra and Julie are becoming friends.  I feel like they have so much in common, they are both smart independent girls, it's just that Tyra's mom has no self respect and her sister is a stripper while Julie's family is totally perfect.

Also I think it's important to note that Julie and Matt are really on the rocks now because Matt is totally getting sucked into being a football star.  The whole reason Julie was willing to give Matt a shot in the first place was because he was sort of the anti-football player, he was on the team but didn't act like a football A-hole like all the rest of the guys.  But now he is getting into all the attention and accolades (what teenage boy wouldn't) and Julie feels like she's not getting what she signed up for...it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Bubble & Squeak

This recipe come from the 2 Fat Ladies.  Its meant to be hangover food for late nights but we though it worked perfectly well for breakfast as well.  The original recipe militantly called for lard, but we had leftover duck fat, which I think is a fine substitute.  The general idea is that butter won't do the recipe justice...and don't even think about oil!

Ingredients:

cooled cooked potatoes (I used 4 for the 2 of us and had extra, I boiled them until tender)
duck fat
1 onion, chopped
half a cabbage, shredded and blanched
kosher salt
pepper

First mash/chop the potatoes up.  In a cast iron skillet fry the onion in about 2 tablespoons of the duck fat over medium heat.  Add the potatoes and cabbage and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Add more duck fat on top, a few dollops around the pan.  Press into the fat and cook about 15 minutes.  Flip or turn over to brown the other side.  Again dollop the skillet with more duck fat.  Once, its all evenly browned and not burned, its done.

Steak & Eggs

Mark here... this recipe was for out steak and eggs breakfast.  It's fairly simple although the steak cooking times will depend on the cut and size of the steak.  We find it's best to ask the butcher.

Ingredients:
2 NY Strip Steaks
2 eggs
butter
kosher salt
pepper

For the steaks, it's best to let them come to room temperature for at least 15 minutes.  While they are doing this, liberally salt and pepper each side.

Once ready, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter over a medium high heat.  Add the steaks and cook roughly 3 to 3 and a half minutes per side.  Remove them from the heat and promptly cover with foil tent to sit for 10-15 minutes.

For the eggs, melt a tablespoon of butter over a medium heat in a skillet. Crack the eggs in a separate bowl and remove any shells (be careful not to break the yolk as well).  Drop the eggs into the skillet and cook roughly a minute.  Cover and cook another 30 seconds.  The result should be cooked whites and slightly runny yolks.  Serve!

Artichoke and Red Pepper Salad

This recipe again comes from Ina Garten.  I tweaked it a little because I didn't want to make as much.  I made about the same amount of dressing but didn't use it all.

Ingredients:

2 red peppers
2 boxes of frozen artichokes (defrosted)
Extra virgin olive oil
salt
pepper
1 shallot
dijon mustard
lemon juice
champagne vinegar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
capers
red onion
parsley

First to roast the red peppers, coat with olive oil and place on a sheet pan and roast at 500F for about 35 minutes.  Be careful to line the pan with foil.   When done, let the peppers cool, then peel and set aside

Lay the artichokes out an a sheet pan and roast at 375.  Toss with a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper.  Roast about 15 to 20 minutes, tossing them occasionally. Separa

To make the dressing, chop the shallot and put in a food processor ( I cheated and gave it a few pulses in the food processor).  Add 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dijon, 1 tablespoon vinegar and a teaspoon of salt and pepper.  Pulse, then add the basil and while the processor is going, slowly add 1/2 cup olive oil.

Put the artichokes in a bowl and coat with dressing.  Add 2 tablespoons of capers and half a chopped red onion.  Cut up the red pepper and add.  Roughly chop a handful of fresh parsley and add. Toss and serve.

Baked Potato with Yogurt / Sour Cream Dressing

This was another Ina Garten recipe and it's really easy!

Ingredients:

2 Baking Potatoes
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Sat
Pepper
Greek Yogurt
Sour Cream
Chopped Chives

Preheat the oven to 400F.  Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and rub with the olive oil, then salt and pepper each side.  Bake for an hour or until tender.

The sauce is just one part greek yogurt, one part sour cream, salted and peppered to taste and with a handful of the chives.

Crack open the potatoes and dollop the sauce on top.

Meatloaf

Mark here...I got this recipe from Nigella Lawson and honestly it's the best meatloaf I've ever made/had.  Key to it I think is using good ground meat and duck fat.  I've tried other recipes involving different meats and none compared to this.

Ingredients:

2lbs ground beef ( I believe we used sirloin from our neighborhood butcher, McCall's)
duck fat (the original recipe calls for 5 tablespoons, I was quite liberal and eyeballed it)
4 eggs
4 onions
bacon
kosher salt
breadcrumbs (I used store bought)
Worcestershire sauce

Preheat the oven to 400F.  Boil 3 eggs in water for 7 minutes.  Peel and chop the onions and heat the duck fat in a large pan.  Once heated add the onions and lightly brown, then remove from heat and let cool.

Separately add a tablespoon of worcestershire to the meat.  Add the (cooled) onion mixture to the meat and add about a cup and a half of breadcrumbs (I eyeballed this as well as I was using store bought and did not want my meatloaf to get too dense).  Finally, crack the last egg into this.  Gently mix with hands, trying not to let the mixture get too dense.

Separate the meat in 2, and mold one part into the bottom of the meatloaf on a sheet pan or roasting tray.  Peel the boiled eggs and nestle them in a row (on their sides) on the bottom meat portion.  Then gently apply the top portion of meat over the eggs and mold the entire thing into a meatloaf.  Be careful not to break the eggs as they may still have soft centers.

Wrap the whole meatloaf in bacon, trying to tuck the bacon so it won't curl up.  Put it in the oven for an hour or until juices are clear, then slice and serve.

Sautéed Kale

Mark here... This recipe is a bit inspired by a recipe from the "2 Fat Ladies"  The original recipe uses swiss chard and real anchovies...

Ingredients:
Butter
Kale
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Anchovy Paste
Lemon Juice

First, I used about half of a bunch of kale (and had leftovers), cut the thick stems out from the leafy parts.  Chop both the stems and the leaves but keep them separate, they cook at different times.

I melted about 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat.  Add maybe 2 inches of anchovy paste and 3 garlic cloves (sliced).  Cook another minute.  Add the cut stems and about a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper.  Stir and cover.  Turn the heat down slightly so the stems steam and don't burn.  Check on them but it should take about 10 min., Once they are soft, add the leaves, some lemon juice (1 tablespoon) and stir.  It should only take a couple minutes until the leaves wilt and cook, then its ready to serve.

Seafood Newberg

Mark here... I originally saw this recipe on an episode of Food Network's show Party Line with the Hearty Boys.  After watching the Mad Men episode where Betty Draper orders it, I thought it would be appropriate.  Laurel doesn't eat shellfish (though I think some day I may be able to get her to try scallops) so I tried to find a firmer fish to substitute.  In this case I used Sea Bass and Halibut.  I also made more than enough and was able to give leftovers to friends.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs of fish (Sea Bass and Halibut in this case)
Salt
10 Black Peppercorns
2 Bay Leaves
1 Large Shallot, chopped
4 tablespoons of flour
butter
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon curry powder
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of cayenne
2 cups milk
1/2 cup cream
tomato paste
dry sherry
parsley

asparagus
salt
pepper
olive oil
white rice


First poach the fish in boiling water with about a teaspoon of salt, the bay leaves and the peppercorns, for about 2 minutes.

In a separate pan, heat the milk, cream and add a tablespoon of tomato paste.  Do not let it boil, but bring to a simmer.

In a large sauce pan, sauté the shallot in 4 tablespoons butter for a few minutes, until shallot softens but doesn't brown.  Then add the flour.  Let the flour cook about a minute then add the spices (paprika, curry, nutmeg and cayenne).  Add 1/4 cup of the sherry, and let the alcohol cook off.  Slowly add the milk and cream mixture to this. Finally, cube and add the fish.

Serve over white rice with a side of roasted asparagus (I just tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted on a sheet pan for about 15 min).  Top with chopped parsley.

Farfalle Abruzzese

This recipe was from Mario Batali.  His original recipe called for ground veal.  I couldn't find any and had to go with ground beef.  While the result was definitely tasty, I think the veal would've been better.

Ingredients:

3 oz dried porcini mushrooms soaked in hot water to rehydrate
olive oil
5 thinly sliced garlic cloves
1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or veal)
salt
pepper
tomato paste
white wine
basic tomato sauce I used Mark Bittman, which can be found under the Eggplant Parmesan posting)
1 box farfalle
8 oz baby spimach
grated parmesan

First drain (set 1 cup of liquid aside) the mushrooms and chop them.  In a large pan, add olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) and heat over medium high.  Add garlic and cook a minute, then add mushrooms and the meat.  Cook until browned evenly.  Add salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons tomato paste, then cook another 5 minutes.  Add a cup of white wine and the mushroom liquid.  Cook until wine has evaporated and then simmer.

Cook the farfalle in boiling salted water, drop one ladle of the pasta water into the sauce, then add the spinach to the sauce.  Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing it through.  At this point I added some grated parmesan and let it melt through and then added sprinkled some more on each of our plates after serving.

Baked Stuffed Potatoes

Mark here...this recipe was my contribution to the Mad Men pilot night...I believe I may have re-appropriated a Tyler Florence recipe

Ingredients:
2 Baking Potatoes
White Truffle Oil
Sea Salt
Pepper
Bacon
Chopped Broccoli
Butter
Flour
Milk
Grated Cheddar
Chives

Preheat the oven to 400.  Coat the 2 potatoes with the oil, salt and pepper and bake for about an hour.

While the potatoes are baking, chop the bacon and fry in a frying pan.  Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for about a minute or two.

To make the filling, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large sauce pan.  Add 1 tablespoon of flour and cook another minute.  Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the milk slowly.  Then add about 1/4 cup of grated cheddar. Add the bacon, broccoli and chives.

At this point, when the potatoes are done, I just cut them in half, scooped out some filling and mixed it with the sauce.  Then I re-filled the potatoes, topped with some more cheddar and baked a couple more minutes.

Demi-Glace / Foyot

This recipe is from way back when we watched the Buffy Season finale, "Prophecy Girl".  I won't repeat the recipes for steak or fries.  The Bearnaise recipe is also already posted, the difference with the Foyot Sauce is that I added about a tablespoon and a half of demi-glace.

This recipe uses Anthony Bourdain's recipe as a base, though I was nowhere near as exact as he is about it...:)

Ingredients:

Bones (I had beef/steak bones)
Tomato Paste
Flour

Peeled, roughly chopped onions
Peeled, roughly chopped carrots
Peeled, roughly chopped celery
2 bay leaves
peppercorns
fresh thyme

Bourbon
Peeled, chopped red onion


First preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  On a baking sheet toss the bones with about a tablespoon or so of tomato paste (depending on how many bones) and same amount of flour (just dust the bones). Roast the bones to a brown color.

On a separate baking sheet, add peeled onions, carrots and celery.  The Bourdain recipe says to add about half as many onions as you have bones. I certainly didn't do that.  I probably had equal as many onions, only a couple carrots and a quarter celery.  Be careful about adding salt and pepper.  I may have added a little but remember this will reduce.

When everything has roasted and is carmelized/browned.  Dump into a large pot, top with water, add 2 bay leaves, a bunch of fresh thyme and some peppercorns.  Simmer for several hours. When done, you'll have made stock.

This is where I deviated from the Bourdain recipe.  In another stockpot, I added some Bourbon and chopped red onion, then added all the stock and reduced.  It takes a while and you only get a little demi-glace in the end, but I only use a little each time.  Again, for the Foyot Sauce, I only added about a tablespoon and a half.  The rest can then be frozen.

Little Girl I Want to Marry You

Mark here... We're on to the next episode, "Little Girl I want to Marry You".  This was another really good episode with lots of character development. Laurel and I discussed how the show is so good with conveying even subtle points.  One plot line here is Tyra trying to get her mom to stop being dependent on men and get herself a job.  As it turns out there's a position at Buddy Garrity's for a receptionist.  Tyra convinces Buddy (with Tim Riggins help) to give her mom an interview.  On the way to the interview they have a flat tire and the mom can barely handle fixing a tire.  Tyra has to convince her mom that they can change a tire without a man and the mom is barely willing to even try.  When they finally arrive, it's after the big game and Tyra goes up to tell Buddy his mom is here.  Buddy tells her he filled the position, but once he sees Tyra's mom he conveniently forgets this and hires her.  With just a look Tyra conveys that she knows whats going on.  We've seen the good and bad in Buddy but we can't help thinking the mom got the job because of her looks.  When the mom tells Tyra she got the job, Tyra asks how her mom did with the typing test (it was supposed to be 50 words per minute) and what the salary was.  Her mom responds it never came up.  Tyra at first questions this while the mom is oblivious.  You can see Tyra choose to just let it go...one battle at a time!

Separately Matt Saracen's dad has to go back to Iraq.  Unfortunately he has to leave before the big game.  It's the right decision for all, but it's too bad the dad can't express any emotion.  Even leaving, Matt hugs him goodbye and he can barely manage a hug in response.

There's also a subplot of the Taylors going to dinner at the Mayor's house.  The town mayor is a tough salty older woman, who apparently has a female partner the town is unaware of.  Laurel and I talked about how the town doesn't see that the mayor is a lesbian.  I think the town just sees what they want to see. Also the fact that the mayor is an older women means that (unfortunately), the town just doesn't see her as a sexual being, so it's easier to just see her as a single older woman.  In any case, she wants Tami Taylor to be a part of her re-election campaign.  I can't help but thinking trouble is ahead, this being a small town in Texas.  The coach is clearly uncomfortable and thinks the mayor just wants the coach's wife on her campaign (probably true).  But Tami's response is classic, "Get Over It".  She knows this may be true but she sees potential for what she could get done.

Also, Smash's steroid use is finally discovered by his mother.  It sorts itself in a not so dramatic way though.  Eventually Coach and his mom forgive him and it seems like all are willing to brush it under the rug, provided Smash agrees to private drug testing. It's a bit anticlimactic to be honest, but Smash is an interesting character so its good he didn't get kicked off the team.

Hi Laurel here..I just wanted to add in the Smash situation what a tough position both the coach and Smash's mom are in...The mom immediately ran to the coach to chew him out when she found the steroids because she couldn't even imagine that her son would have done this on his own.  This put coach in the terrible position of reporting this like he should and ruining Smash's football career, or keeping it to himself and sticking his neck WAY out in the process.  We'll see what happens but it's not a good situation for anyone.  It just goes to show how much pressure these kids are under, and that they don't see any other path besides being successful in football whatever the cost.

Also I think it's so awesome that the show is exploring a lesbian character.  The whole town is obviously totally in denial about the Mayor's sexuality and it would be super easy for the show to not address this but I think it's a real credit to the writers that they are making this an issue, even if it doesn't go anywhere.  At this point it remains to be seen...

Also Mark and me talked a bit about Tyra and her mom.  I think their whole family (mom, Tyra, and sister) are stuck in a situation that they all decide to handle in different ways.  They are all super hot, and of course they all want to use their feminine wiles to their advantage...The mom in just oblivious that men are trying to take advantage of her, the sister is fully aware and just goes with it, but Tyra is trying to walk the line somewhere between the 2.  She is too smart to ignore her feminine powers completely but also knows she is much more than that and she shouldn't put herself in a position to be disrespected.  I see both sides it's tough to know where to draw the line with that stuff.  We'll see what happens...

What To Do While You're waiting

Hi Laurel here...pretty good episode!   Lot's of character development which me and Mark both like.  First of all Julie really gets to see some of what Matt is going through.  He stands her up for a date at he library so she comes over to his house to give him a piece of her mind.  Instead she finds his house in total turmoil!  He is in the middle of chaotic cleaning, making dinner, and dealing with his grandma.  It gives her a little perspective and comes home to tell her parents how much she loves them and they are the best parents in the world!  I'm glad she got to understand Matt a little better and understand that she has it really good in comparison.  On the plus side Matt's dad decides to own up to his responsibilities and stay and help out with grandma, on the minus side it becomes obvious that he is totally miserable and it wont be good for any of them if he stays.  But at least he tried, and everyone including Matt gets to see that the next best thing is for them to keep doing what they have been doing and try to make it work.  Matt's dad will go back to Iraq and Matt will keep taking care of his grandma.

The second big thing this episode is Jason finds out he is suing Coach Taylor because he reads it in the paper at the local market.  I'll let Mark tell you more about this because he seems to have a more balanced perspective than I do.

We also learn a little more about Tyra's situation.  Her mom has a terrible boyfriend.  They get into a huge fight and the guy ends up hitting Tyra's mom in front of her.  Tyra is so awesome!  She grabs a fireplace poker and goes after the guy, chasing him out of the house.  Her mom is obviously sort of weak willed and one of these women who always has to have a boyfriend, whatever the cost.  When he finds them at the rodeo and begs Tyra's mom to take her back the mom at first seems like she is going to take him back, but Tyra wont have it and tells the mom she will move out if the mom let's him move back in.  She is literally packing her bags when the mom comes in and tells her she would never choose a man over her daughter.  I don't have a lot of faith in their situation, I still think the mom is weak and may continue to make bad decisions but at least Tyra got through to her mom on this one.

Mark here...I agree with what Laurel said about Tyra.  Its nice to see a bit of character development with her.  We see why she's a bit of the town bad girl and why she's sort of used dating men as an excuse.  We also see why she's drawn to town bad boy Tim Riggins.  But when Tim tries to get back together she turns him down, determined not to fall into a destructive pattern.  I don't feel like this is the end for them, but it's nice to see Tyra stand up for herself and say, no you can't just get back with me because Lyla is back with Jason.

Onto Jason...I agree with Laurel that the lawsuit is bad.  However I sympathize with the parents.  They are looking at crazy bills and clearly a lawyer has told them they can get more money.  Faced with an uncertain future for their son, I can't really say I don't understand their decision.  They decide to sue the school, against Jason's wishes.  But they really aren't seeing other options.  They live in Texas, where state help is minimal at best.  Sure the town says they'll help them out, but Jason is facing years and months of rehabilitation.  Can they be sure the town won't forget them when next season rolls around?

One more thing...the part with Matt Saracen and his dad...there's really no win here.  Matt could get sent away to Oklahoma, his dad could stay and try to work in Dillon (his future as a car salesman was not looking bright), or dad returns to being a soldier.  They chose the latter but I think Laurel's right in that Matt needed to see his dad trying to make it work to realize it wasn't going to.  Soon Matt will be off to college and the grandmother will need to go to into some sort of assisted situation sooner or later. Meanwhile the dad will have given up the only career he was good at to live in Dillon.  The best part of this storyline was after Julie sees Matt's life (as Laurel describes above), she goes home and declares to her parents, "I love you guys so much and you're the best parents and the world!"  On hearing this Coach Taylor smiles and goes back to his football game...Tami Taylor's reaction is priceless!  She turns to Coach and goes "No!" as in, no your daughter didn't just come home to say this because something good has happened.  The two of them both get up to talk to Julie then, but Tami's reaction is amazing (as is Coach's).

Another plot line was we see a bit of Smash trying to make it work with the preacher's daughter.  We're left not sure of their future.  Smash is very into himself but seems willing to work on this relationship.  She does seem into Smash, but she's still in the dark about his steroid use...

Nevermind

Mark here...Laurel and I are watching the next episode of Friday Night Lights.  This on is called "Nevermind" and Laurel has made us some delicious BBQ pork sandwiches (using part of the leftovers from the Pot Roast dinner with some homemade BBQ sauce), Blue Cheese Coleslaw and Corn Pudding.  This episode opens with Jason Street rummaging through his house to find his Nirvana CD.  When he can't find it he chooses to wheel down to the record shop to purchase a new copy.  WHile there he runs into Lyla and one thing leads to another.  Soon the two are back at his house trying to get it on, which doesn't go so well.  Apparently, he's physically not capable.  The rest of the episode finds the two of them trying to work this out (and figure out if they can actually work things out between the two of them).  Lyla comes across as a bit too over eager to fix things, at one point suggesting they watch a video on sex with spinal injuries.  This is too much for Jason, who after talking to his friend, realizes that there is no quick fix and that it may take quite a while before he can have a healthy sex life again.  For Lyla's part it seems like she may be trying to get over her guilt by "supporting" Jason, but again she comes across as a bit too eager.

There is another plot line with Matt Saracen's dad coming home for leave for 2 weeks.  At first this seems like a godsend.  He will come home and take care of everything.  It quickly becomes clear that the dad isn't equipped to deal with what's going on at home.  His mother, Matt's grandmother is suffering from alzheimers and the dad has no idea how to cope.  At the same time he offers Matt little support, leading Matt to blow a football game and blow up at his dad afterwards.  The impetus for this is his dad's idea of sending Matt away to live with an aunt in Oklahoma and putting the grandmother in a home.  By the end of the episode, things are still unresolved.

One last plot line is that Tim Riggins has apparently been skirting by his studies by getting others to write his school reports.  Tami Taylor picks up on this right away and lets him know he won't be cruising through anymore.  To her credit she sees Tim is smarter than he lets on, but he's never challenged himself.  He also seems to realize people expect little of him.  Tami assigns Landry to work with him.  At first Tim is reluctant to do anything, but as the episode goes on he starts to pull through.  By the end of the episode, he thanks Landry for his help (showing up to see Landry's band, Crucifictorious, who sound as band as their name!)

Hi Laurel here..I agree with Mark on all points.  I feel sort of bad for Lyla because she's a teenager and your partner having a traumatic spinal injury is a lot for anyone to deal with, but she is handling the situation all wrong.  She keeps trying to fix things and this situation is just unfixable.  She needs to start empathizing with Jason instead of trying to make everything OK.  Everything is not OK.

Poor Matt Saracen!  He thinks his Dad coming home is going to be a blessing, and he's finally going to get some help with his tough situation but the Dad is just trying to delegate all of his responsibilities so he doesn't have to deal with anything.  It's really disappointing.  Also Matt has really become a man while his Dad has been away but his Dad still treats him like a kid.  It's really disrespectful considering what Matt has been going through.

Tami is totally right about Tim Riggins, he really hasn't been living up to his potential, and is way smarter than he or anyone else gives him credit for.  Side note Tami and Eric have a fight about Tim's academics and how to proceed...they are so good at fighting!  They both get heated but the whole time they are really communicating and hearing what the other has to say.  It was very constructive.  I wish I was so good at fighting.