Hog and Quiche

Sunday December 2

This was one of those (thankfully, rare) occasions when we had dinner apart. Holt had to go to the departmental "holiday party," and Barbara took the opportunity to eat one of the few things that Holt can't abide but she (sometimes) likes.

So Barbara had the hog: Braunschweiger. Yes, my sister Andi and I, though we were raised in a kosher home, both get the occasional yen for German wurst made with genuine pork liver. For some reason (growing up in Queens?), we like it in a sandwich slathered with mayonnaise. The Braunschweiger came from Krause's, but unfortunately was packed by their ditziest server: she tried to slice it like bologna, with the rubbery casing still left around each slice. It is more properly cut in a chunk, and spread on firm bread. In this case, I used one of Holt's herb-baked rolls, which was almost too fine a flavor. The sandwich was accompanied by fine deli salads (potato, macaroni, cole slaw) from Mike's Meats, also at Findlay Market. I ate my semi-disgusting meal in front of the television, off a tray: the ultimate solo-dining indulgence.

Holt had the catered quiche (which was o.k.) and Jean's bûche de Noël (which was superb).