We are moved in to the new apartment, and someday I’ll get around to taking pictures of it. I’m like a kid in a candy store in this kitchen, with more storage and counter space than I ever dreamed of. All I’ve had time to cook so far was a truly depressing dinner of braised short ribs from Mark Bittman’s book, for the nice old German ladies who were our first dinner guests last night. I’m not sure what I did to make the meat so chewy and unappealing, but my guess is that it boiled when I wasn’t looking, and that that made it toughen up.

If anyone is wondering what I’m doing in my big new kitchen, the answer is waiting. When I spilled a bit of oil last week and left a dark mark, the landlord informed me that the contractors neglected to seal the new stone countertops. So whatever touches them seeps in, presumably to remain forever. I get nervous even making coffee right now! I think the sealing will happen tomorrow, and then I’ll be in business 24 hours later.

I was happy to learn in my risotto class last night that it is not necessary to stir risotto continuously as it cooks. A periodic stirring to prevent it from burning, which I’ve always advocated, will suffice. Some risotto luminaries don’t stir it all! We also learned to make it in a wide sauté pan, rather than the little stockpot I’ve always used. This of course allows much more liquid to be absorbed, resulting in plumper, more delicious rice.

I just had my first trip to Eli’s Vinegar Factory in Yorkville, and I’m glad I made it out of there with enough to pay the rent. It’s the most overpriced grocery store I’ve ever set foot in. You’d do better to shop at Dean & DeLuca. Little bunches of herbs for $2.99, heads of lettuce for $3.50, half gallons of milk for $5. I had to get a few things, or else face Pathmark on 125th. But it broke my heart to waste money like that. (Midnight update: just discovered that French green lentils are $1.49 per pound at Fairway. At Eli’s? $4.99 per pound. They should be ashamed of themselves.)

In a shocking turn of events, FreshDirect has lowered their minimum order to $30! I guess they were really hurting from the lack of my business over the last several months. This is a smart move: it means I’ll start ordering every week again, as I imagine many people will. Good going, FD!

This is what Ruth Reichl said about apple cider molasses in a recent Gourmet Weekly email newsletter I subscribe to, “Smoky and tart, with deep notes of caramel and balsamic vinegar, it’s far more complex than your average molasses—but it’s also far more versatile.” Doesn’t that sound delicious? I’m imagining it brushed onto a grilling pork tenderloin as well as substituting for regular molasses in gingerbread or molasses cookies. When I read about it I immediately emailed the buyer at McGinnis Sisters . I heard back from her today and this is what she had to say: “Hi Rebecca, I have the apple cider molasses coming into the store , due in around nov 1, along with 3 other products that allenshill farm recomended thanks again for another GREAT tip.Cheryl”

And in case you’re wondering, no, I am NOT employed by McGinnis Sisters, nor do I accept any “samples” from them (although I would if offered!). I simply think it’s a terrific little grocery store and a great alternative to the big chains.