The plan for tomorrow night is a simple one. Get dressed up, have a few drinks and forget everything.
Forget the entanglements and the frustrations. Wipe the week away as we dance and flirt. Eradicate every event and start fresh.
It gets to this point every few months. We are tired, worn out, and don’t want to be around anyone else. One of us says it, “Let’s get dressed up and talk to boys”…and we are off. Locations are volleyed back and forth. Options are considered. Probably too many places are written off because so-and-so may be there.
When things are hectic, unclear, confusing…I want to be near friends like her. Tier Ones, Cindarella calls them. The people who really know me. Conversely, it’s the same when I am truly happy; the urge to share with everyone is strong, but it is only with a select few that I feel I can truly relish in it. We often say to each other “Thanks for listening” or “I know this is insane, but…” Those things are said, but thanks are never necessary and if we cannot be insane with each other, who can we unleash the insanity on? She is one of the ones where I can be me..even if me is hard sometimes.
The more I look around, the more I realize how many people are faking it. They tell themselves they are happy (they aren’t). They lay awake at night, hoping their partners will change (they never will). Hours tick by as they attempt to convince themselves that everything is okay (it isn’t). They think all the things, possessions, that surround them make it all easier (it doesn’t). Years slip by and they assert that they have no regrets (they do).
There is nothing wrong with telling yourself a few lies to get through the day. A little self delusion never hurt anyone. But with good friends, the special ones, the ones who drag you out, share your pain and your accomplishments, that is never fake. She told me the other day that sometimes we need to fake it to make it. With her, it is never faking it.
(So, these are not french fries-they cannot be faked. That being said, they are damn good. The panko and parmesan make the outsides crispy and there is a perfect amount of salt. Dipped in loads of marinara, they are a perfect little summer treat that you don’t have to feel an ounce of guilt over.)
Zucchini Fries
from Cooking Light
1 large zucchini
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup egg substitute
Cooking spray
Preheat oven to 400°.
Cut zucchini in half crosswise; cut each half lengthwise into 8 wedges. Repeat procedure with remaining zucchini. Combine breadcrumbs, panko, cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Dip zucchini in egg substitute; dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Place zucchini on a wire rack coated with cooking spray. Lightly coat zucchini with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.
I feel like you and I are sharing the same thoughts this morning. You are right…far too many people are faking it (whatever ‘it’ is) and at the end of the day…that is no way to live. =-) I don’t like zucchini much, but I will be trying these fries b/c I feel fairly sure anything coated in Panko and Parmesan is a friend to Ryane.
Sure isn’t a way to live. I think this is actually a good one for folks who are hesitant with zucchini…they aren’t mushy at all, which is what drives people away.
Yum, that looks good - I print out all your good stuff, going to start my own little 3 ring notebook with all your recipes.
I have a three ring binder too…if only I could find a good way to organize it.
Yeah, I’ve eaten zucchini and I’m fairly convinced that it’s not for me. I think much of it is the texture, as has been mentioned, but even the taste of it doesn’t do much for me either.
Granted, they’re not like mushrooms to me (which are as coconut is to you, maybe worse), but I’ve tried and tried them. I’m not sure there is hope, even though fried food and I do have a rich history.
I say give it a shot. Nothing to lose…
A little dark today, no?
And, yes, zucchini are my coconut sorrow. Pity me, love.
I don’t think dark at all. Maybe a tad introspective, but dark? I love my friend, good times and bad, and I am celebrating that.
There is a continuum on which people move, calibrating what they reveal about themselves. At the one end, we have our built in skepticism and closure from strangers and on the other end we have those we reveal everything to. Or do we? How much do we fake to our friends, our family? As a movie buff, I’ve enjoyed the way filmmaker David Cronenberg (A History of Violence, Eastern Promises) has focused his latest films exploring this aspect of his characters. It’s especially compelling when it’s on the “familiar” end of the spectrum. Even in the latest Batman, the Dark Knight, the notion that faith is more important than truth is very heady for a comic book film but relevant today.
This is most interesting. I have a very similar recipe for cassava fries but I love zucchini. What’s up with all the zucchini haters?
I often wonder this myself. Do I show everything to everyone? I have two people in the world who know ALL my secrets, but even then, am I painting the picture of what happened to suit how I want to be perceived? It’s not only faking friends and family, but faking ourselves. “History of Violence”, by the way, is in my top 5 favorite movies. It is spectacular.
If your zucchini is mushy you’re cooking it too much. Al dente is best.
Agreed, this is why this is so perfect.
awwww, this is so cute and shit
That’s me…cute. Goodness and light.
Zucchini seems to be an ever-present component in our weekly CSA crate. I have been cutting it in small pieces and sauteing it in lemon olive oil with fresh mint (very Italian). It’s time for a new zucchini recipe and yours looks like a winner!
It’s so abundant. I made a frittata recently and used zukes…will post soon. I like the mint idea…yum.
It’s awesome that you have someone(s) with whom you can share everything. Mine live pretty far away (Philly & San Fran), which means that sometimes I feel lonely and long for that closeness - but it also means that when we’re together it feels like coming home, like breathing deep. Plus (and maybe this is me faking it, I’m not sure, really) it forces me to be more independent, more reliant on myself.
Thankfully I have lots of local pals - maybe not Tier Ones, but present and loving nonetheless.
I love zucchini, so thanks for posting this … the farmers market I attend (Tuesday nights in WOONSOCKET, of all places) had tons and tons of “irregular” summer squash this week … didn’t get much ’cause I couldn’t think of what to do with it. Any & all squash-related suggestions are always wanted.
It is so hard to find really close ones though. I am always weary of people who have 5 best friends.
I am posting some more next week, but you can always just saute them…little bit of oil, shallots or garlic. some thyme of basil. Yum.
WOONSOCKET has a farmer’s market?!?
Hey….I have 6 Top Tier best friends (real do or die best friends)….but I may be an exception or just draw in amazing girlfriends.
I have a group of 9 best BEST friends…and we have been for over 10 years through marriages, break ups…our teens and 20s…but even within that 9…
only 3 are the ones I would spill ALL my feelings, loves, hard core secrets to…and maybe 3 outside that group (one being a sibling).
Point is…I would be more wary of people with 30 best friends…its easy to have 6 inner sactum friends…esp when they have been part of your life for so long and have proven over and over again how amazing they are.
Or I am just truly lucky.
You do have a point…over a course of a lifetime, 6 is reasonable. Definitely. You are also very lucky…and lovely. Good brings good.
I have loads of friends I consider family, we’ve all been together for ten years or more. But I don’t think I’d single anyone out as my “best friend” — does that make me a commitment-phobe?
Who wants to commit when there are so many options? The world is our friend buffet.
Awww Lem.
It me you…it brought me you. Tear.
You know what is awkward…(concocting a post on it now) are the people who call me their best friend…and to me they are just “friends.”
I’m with Shannon though-my “group” of us 9…we are definately a family…but only 2 would I call BEST FRIENDS…I mean best friend is a strong word right?…I have lots of good friends and close friends-…but with best-you think…Ok would I put you in my wedding?
Or even more hard core…would you be my maid of honor?
It is always hard when you have differing views of a friendship. How do you let that person down?
Ah I cant write…I meant it “brought” me you…damnit now the sentiment is all ruined. Arg.
Not ruined at ll…knew what you meant! Thanks so much. How funny the world works, bringing people together.
Ok this is my last comment…I meant to write in #12…that all 9 I would consider BEST BEST friends…but only 2 would be my maids of honor (inner sanctum)
Not working is frying my brain. Sorry girl.
No apologies. Thanks for chiming in, hun.
Sigh. I still love you, with or without the zucchini.
Unconditional love is always welcome.
What’s the difference between Japanese breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs? Are they extra-precise? Shredded by giant robots? Do the packages come with pictures of high school girls with ridiculous exhortations of “SUPER HAPPY MOUTH PLEASURES GO!”?
They are made at the “Hello Kitty” factory.
They are extra crispy and crunchy, hence why they are sometimes used to replicate a fried texture.
i like this post SO much! sometimes you do have to fake it till you make it…. but not with real friends. not with the good ones.
hope you had a fun night!
Thanks. It was fantastic…it is never dull when we are together.
And you were well behaved?
Of course I trust you!
I am gonna plead the 5th on that one, Michael.
Love your writing and your recipes. I will be trying this one tomorrow - thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Let me know how it turns out.
Amen to friends around whom you never have to fake it. And these sound incredibly delicious. We need some help in the vegetable department, and these might be something I could get my intended to eat.
They are good because they are healthy, but sneaky. They seem kinda sinful.
Lem,
Made these last night. So easy and they went beautifully with a seared tuna steak. Ummmm. Thanks for the recipe, it’s getting added to the weekly rotation.
Oh, that’s great. I am always excited when people make the stuff on here. Glad you enjoyed!
And the worst part? Kevin used your recipe then didn’t bring me any leftovers! I think I should be getting a finders fee here…
Kevin! You should always share! Tsk tsk.
Just wanted to add a note to say that a neighbor brought us a ridiculously large zucchini and we went to town with this recipe. Quite good! Thanks for sharing! Any time I can do low fat AND tasty, I’m delighted.
Oh, wow. That’s great…glad you enjoyed.