more waxing affectionate

[verbicide]

Again, largely for posterity and my own amusement.

During our morning chat, I was telling Jeff that I'd realized that eating the remaining vat of pastry cream left over from his birthday cake was probably a dietary mistake.

I said that in the future, I feel I could easily halve the recipe. Except I wasn't sure how well half a vanilla bean would preserve.

He thought it would be okay. At first it was clear that Jeff was a little startled by my cheapness. And then I told him how much I pay for my vanilla beans and he was shocked. He thought they were super reasonable at places that have bulk spices. Like, $1. I've seen them priced as high as $17 for a freaking bean. (Which, I never buy.) But I usually buy a bean for around $10. Makes me CRAZY.

So at lunch, he ran over to Whole Foods (mainly to buy soup for lunch). And he checked the prices. $150/lb. But then he bought one to see how much it'd cost and it was so light, they couldn't weigh it and they just gave it to him for free!

I know where I'm getting my vanilla beans from now on. (Though I realize that MMVOCP*) I am so glad that Jeff loves cooking and talking about cooking as much as I do. He's an endless resource of knowledge with good instincts to boot.

It was funny, because he called me five minutes after I'd called him (and was unable to reach him). I was calling him for other reasons.

Me: So, I called you because in case my building is about to go up in flames, I wanted you to know how much I love you.
Jeff: Thank you. I love you, too. WHAT?
Me: So, fire alarm sounding thingie went off once. Then twice. So I poked head out of office. I saw one of the dev guys. Asked him if it was a drill. He looked worried and said he didn't think it was a drill and there were three fire engines outside. And our fire doors had closed.
Jeff: Um. And?
Me; But then they drove off. So I don't think we're being evacuated. But in case it's a portent of excitement yet to come...
Jeff: I am very glad your building didn't burn down in fiery ashes.
Me: Well. I wouldn't mind so much, but I would miss our chats.

* Mileage May Vary on Check-out Person

Comments

[str8ontilmornin.livejournal.com]

If you find yourself with extra vanilla bean, just stick it in an airtight jar with some sugar. It will impart it's subtle flavor for quite some time. You can also do this with "spent" beans, just rinse, air dry and add to the sugar.

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

What a great idea --thank you!!