Mama and Daddy came up for Sunday lunch this past week. It had been a while since we’d seen them; Mama had been down with two infected salivary glands, which was holy-whaa? bizarre. She woke up one morning with:
~two golf ball-sized lumps on the side of her throat
~a tongue so swollen that it was like an alien sponge and
~a throat that singed like fire.
She couldn’t eat anything but stuff crap in liquid form for over a week.
I didn’t know salivary glands could get infected?
To top it off, the universe really decided to mess with her because then her hip went out. The pain has been excruciating and she’s still hobbling around, cursing her fate. Physical therapy helped for about a day or two and then Bam! Out it went again. A cortisone shot did zippo, too. As I write this, she’s at the doctor, and we’re hopeful something can be done to ease her agony.
The salivary gland issue was resolved by the time she visited for lunch, which was a relief to all involved. Who wants to suck down an Ensure and watch everyone else at the table devour yummy food?
For lunch, we kept it laid-back and casual–just some amazing heirloom tomatoes from the farm stand, some meat on the grill and these Sriracha-laced potatoes.
I know, I know, it sounds mean to feed your gullet-challenged mother potatoes with Sriracha on them, but don’t beat me up just yet. These potatoes really weren’t that spicy. If you fly your Spice Flag high, increase the amount of Sriracha on these guys. As is, the potatoes had a gentle heat and a nice garlicy kick–nothing overwhelming. Plus, they turned a charming shade of orangey-pink, kind of like a summer sunset.
Mine got a little crispy around the edges, but that’s the way I like them. I roast the hell out of my potatoes because I like a little char. Feel free to adjust the roasting time on the short side of the spectrum if you’re not into crusty spuds.
It was lovely to catch up with them and eat a leisurely meal and the girls were tremendously excited because my parents brought ice cream cones–with sprinkles! Sprinkles just make the world a little nicer, don’t you think?
The steamiest days of summer arrived in the Rocky Mountains this past week, only to be chased away by some pretty serious rain and periods of flooding. Summer weather is never stable in these parts, but we’re crossing our fingers that the flood-waters don’t race through our mountains and towns like they did last year.
August weather is usually a little more stable, so look for more grill-friendly recipes–they’re a’comin’. And maybe, just maybe, a refreshing cocktail or two.
The girls have less than 3 weeks left of summer. Less than THREE WEEKS? How did that happen? They’re already getting a little glum about the prospect of returning to books and strict schedules (especially our D., who found her maiden year of middle school deeply torturous and is expecting more of the same). I’m hoping to fill these last days with lots of fresh air and swimsuits and yummy afternoon treats. Ah, summer. Why do you leave us so fast?
Sriracha-Roasted Potatoes
serves 6
1 pound small/baby roasting potatoes, halved or quartered, depending on size
1/2-1 teaspoon Sriracha*
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper
Cut the potatoes and put in a large bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Add Sriracha and toss until potatoes are well coated. Set aside for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Toss potatoes with olive oil and place them on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
*Add more Sriracha if you like ’em spicy.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh man. When it rains, it pours, huh? (And I’m not talking about your summer weather.) At least she seems to be on the mend for the most part and you were able to enjoy a nice visit. Plus, you know, food.
I hope your Mom feels better soon.
We have less than three weeks to go here as well and the August dread is starting to set in hard. It has been a great summer, though. I hope for you, too.
I lurv me some crispy roasted potato. I’ve been parboiling, smashing, and then roasting. It’s kind of an addiction.
PS, hugs to your momma.
I don’t know which is worse, watching a parent struggle or watching a kid struggle. But your love gets them through it.
Hi! I just saw your Colorado reference on Biz’s blog. Thought I’d pop over because I am here as well. Nice blog-glad I read the comments! Sounds like you’ve had your hands full, too! And I love potatoes!
Hi Abbe! Nice to meet you! Where in Colorado are you based?
Infected salivary glands? Seriously, WTF. I had no idea, either. But oh, your poor Mamma! I would throw nine kinds of tantrums if I was stuck on a liquid diet and no real food. Hope she’s back to normal soon!
Those potatoes look awesome. The Hub and I would love them; Zilla would probably not enjoy the spice of the sriracha. Wonder if adding a little honey to hers would do it?
Ooh, I love potatoes. I’m a potato whore.
I happen to think that hot sauce cures all ails, which is why I never get sick! Thanks for your hugs about Tony – I appreciate it! :D
Auch sorry to hear about Mama. I hope they’ll be able to fix her up quickly!
The potatoes look just fiiiiiiiiine, never mind the crispy edges. Crispy edges are lovely.
As my luck would have it Siracha has made an appereance in my local grocery store.
Tinne,
Make sure you get the original kind, the one with the rooster on the bottle made by Huoy Fong Foods. There are some really crappy knock-offs out there!
I love Siracha anything :). Hope your mom feels better.
Everyone in my house loves spicy hot. Well, except that one kid, but she’s more of a contrarian than a hater. My mouth watered while I read the recipe.
I appreciate learning the term “potato whore”. It’s so freeing to know I’m not alone.
I’m going to try these….yum! Hope Mama is feeling better! I go back to school next Friday!!eeeeekkkkk!
Sending love to Momma. Hope she is on the mend.
Potatoes and Siracha – the way to an Indian girl’s heart.
James love sriracha. He asked me to make him a breakfast burrito this weekend with “that chicken sauce”. He would love these.