With a balmy breeze blowing through the open patio door, I spent a lovely hour or two puttering in the kitchen this evening. We’d both stayed up too late, been awakened several times in the wee hours by dogs demanding access to the yard, and then had to get up earlier than usual, and we’d both napped away much of the afternoon.

It’s been a while since I’ve cooked on weekends – usually we go out Saturday evenings – but I’d defrosted chicken breasts yesterday, which didn’t get used, and didn’t want them to go bad.

I’m not a chicken fan, but I have a marinade that turns chicken into something I not only enjoy, but crave. It’s easy to make: whisk together mustard, soy sauce, a tiny bit of cooking or olive oil, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. Coat the chicken in it, and then broil til done (I coat the flip side after I turn the chicken half way through). Sometimes I remember to plan ahead, and marinate the chicken overnight, but generally I don’t. Once in a while, I add a raw egg to the marinade – it makes it stick better, and makes the chicken a bit crispier. (We always use skinless chicken breasts).

I was craving tabouleh, so we had that, as well, with wonderful crisp cucumber and tomatoes that were a little on the under-ripe side, but not bad diced in the salad. Tabouleh means “spring” to me, with the refreshing combination of mint and lemon juice.

We watched The Thirteenth Floor while we ate. Great movie. More on that another time.

Afterwards, I sliced strawberres, bought on impulse when I did the grocery order on Tuesday night. Fuzzy loves strawberries. I’m allergic to them, but had taken an antihistamine, and decided to have some anyway. I was a little overzealous with the sugar, but I don’t use sugar all that often, so I’m not broken up over it.

My evening ended with sweet berries and smooth coffee, the later splashed with milk, the former warm and filled with the taste of warm weather and more balmy evenings.

I love spring!