spilled milk

theoretically, the down side of only shopping for groceries once a week is that you end up either missing something and/or having way too much of something else. of course, in real life, these are rich sources of creative possibility. for instance, there was the miracle that ocurred the time i didn't have any regular chocolate to make brownies from (having woken up with one thought only on my lips and hands: MUST MAKE BROWNIES NOW!) and ended up using my secret stash of G&B Mint with amazing results (i know at least two grown women who still sigh deeply at the mere thought).

more recently, two full packs of whole milk, almost over their date, were found lurking at the back of the fridge. having pestered my usual founts of wisdom (thanks again, Pauline), and carried out some serious field-work, here is what you can do with a whole pack of milk almost over its date:

- bread pudding

- custard (or the local version, vla)

- far breton

- loads of béchamel sauce

- your very own ricotta cheese (i made cheese, i made cheese, i actually MADE CHEESE!!!!!!!)

(Miracle Brownies Recipe

- 100 gr. G&B Mint (or any 70%+ chocolate with a mint flavor)

- 100 gr. softened butter

- 250 gr. sugar (or equivalent in whatever sweetener you like)

- 1 dl. milk

- 3 eggs

- 125 gr. flour

- 2 tbsp. cocoa powder

- vanilla (to taste)

- pinch of salt

- 100 gr. of whatever nuts you like, chopped

preheat oven to 180 degrees; melt chocolate au bain marie; in large bowl, mix butter with sugar (or whatever else you're using), add chocolate plus all other ingredients (nuts last), pour into baking tray lined with baking paper. bake from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven (knife should come out clean)

try to not eat them all before they have time to cool down. try to share with other members of household. try to not tell EVERYONE you know about them. try to forgive yourself if you fail in any and/or all of the above)