Fried Balls (Burrata Cheese) & My 35th Birthday
It's been a long 2 weeks celebrating my birthday.
In fear of; sitting home alone, drinking a bottle of Jaeger and calling an ex on my birthday (like some people I know, :::rolls eyes:::). I opted to throw myself a party. Because, why the hell not?! I deserve it and if I don't do it, who will? Gotta live my life, right?
Yes.
Yes, I do.
It was a small get together and nothing like my boat party at 30. But it was good to have a great group of people around me. I also had several dinner and drink dates to "celebrate". I'm actually looking forward to my sober month next month. I was going to do August, but I have two more celebrating dates happening.
A boy gave me a mini pony!
I always wanted a mini pony!
Astrid & I, while we sipped birthday sangria
We took a ride through the fields
Astrid, may or may not have a drinking problem.
Birthday cookie from a stranger. The best cookies are from strangers!
More time to plan my 40th. Jesus. That still frightens me. A couple older people I was talking to, both made a comment, that 40, "wasn't that bad." Which , really irritated me. They were totally glossing over the fact that, they were and still are in WAY different spots in their lives then and now, than I am.
35 is a cross roads for a woman. Like, if I want to procreate, I seriously have to start making some decisions now. Not that I do. Because, in all honesty, when I do my deep meditations, I don't see myself surrounded by children, or even a significant other. I see myself alone, in a house on the beach with Kitten. Sometimes a dog or two is there. That's it. Not happy, or sad-just content. That sounds good to me. But I suppose, it's the choice that is starting to dwindle that scares me. Just in case I change my mind, again. Because I did, briefly. Once.
But, I have met enough people and lived enough lives to know, that people have problems. A lot of problems. And I for one, am tired of trying to figure it out any more. I'm here for me. And I gotta get out of here, alone. Might as well, make it the best life possible. Because I don't know about you, but I sure as hell don't want to come back again. Some people think that's being selfish. I call that self-reliant and just damn smart. Because when shit hits the fan (and it will), most of those people cover their own ass anyway. Why not just be honest in the here and now?
I could continue to go on about being honest with yourself, but fuck it.
Let's talk about this ball of cheese. Fried cheese! I had no idea handling balls would be so difficult. Seriously! My first ball busted. It did! Sounds about right for me...
But rolling a big ball of burrata in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs, then egg again, and bread crumbs and then egg and bread crumbs AGAIN is a lot of handling of such a delicate little ball. Actually, they were kinda big, but whatever...This is a super easy recipe, and I kinda just eye balled it. Get it?? Balled? Okay, I'll stop. Key to success is to be gentle with your balls (hehe) and make sure your oil is hot!
Serves: Two Recovering Party Animals
Ingredients:
2 BIG Balls of Burrata
About 1 Cup of All Purpose Flour
1 Egg with 1/4(ish) cup of water, whisked together
1(ish) Cup Panko Bread Crumbs
2 TBS Dried Basil
1 TBS Granulated Garlic
2 TBS Dried Oregano
1 TBS Red Pepper Flakes
Salt & Pepper
FRESH Basil Torn
A sprinkling of Parm Cheese
2 Cups Marinara
Avocado Oil for frying
Get your oil going in a nice deep pot. I put about 4 inches in. I plan on reusing the oil to make beer battered something this week. Once that's going. Grab your balls. You wanna drain them from their water and pat dry. Mix the dried herbs, S&P and bread crumbs together. You're gonna have 3 bowls-one with just flour, one with egg/water mix and one with bread crumb herb mix. Roll your balls in the flour and shake the extra off. GENTLY! Roll in the egg mix and then the bread crumb mix. Then egg again and bread crumbs again. Then for a third and final time. Egg and Bread crumbs. Your oil should be hot by now. But you can test it with a tiny bread crumb. If it sizzles, its ready. Lower the balls in ONE at a time with a slotted spoon. Let it bathe in it's little Jacuzzi of avocado oil for a few minutes and then, flip once golden. Watch carefully. The cheese may start to come out and you don't want your oil to be a cheesy mess. Drain well. And then place a cup of marinara in each bowl and add your ball in the middle. Sprinkle with parm cheese and fresh basil.
This is perfect for a snack or dinner.
Or breakfast. Cause that's how I roll.
Yes, I ate balls for breakfast.
Enjoy!!!
