OJ — more details

First of all — what is OJ? OJ stands for October soJourn, due to a not-so-firm grasp of the English language. It is an annual pilgrimage to the woods, where anywhere from a dozen to twenty people gather to frolick, feast, and sometimes fornicate. Most often, though, a bunch of us rent a large farmhouse for a weekend, there is very little sex (well, that might be an overstatement), but heaps of food, music, and hugs. (Awww).

The big focus this year, due to the crappy weather, was the feast. Organized by Chef John, almost everyone played the role of sous/prep chef at some point during the day. The menu:

  • roast leg of lamb with fennel butter [picture] [recipe]
  • saffron orzo with asparagus and prosciutto [picture] [recipe]
  • gratin of yukon gold potatoes, bacon and arugula (an annual favorite)
  • Cuban pork roast (also served at the feast at Bates)

    Doug made the desserts:

  • apple pie with cheddar cheese crust
  • flourless chocolate cake
  • pound cake

    Needless to say, we were very happy. And very full.

    Every year, no matter what other crap is going on in my life, OJ is one of those times where I am extremely thankful (warning — sap alert! stop reading if you begin to vomit). As I might have mentioned before, I have some amazing, giving, caring, trustworthy, generous, smart, funny, and talented friends. All of these qualities come out during OJ. We cook together, sing together, clean up together, laugh together, and still come back for more each year. It is always such a welcome respite from work, my shitty dates (or lack thereof), the grind of daily life in NYC, and whatever else is going on in the real world.

    Thanks to my favorite people for yet another relaxing, fun, food, and love-filled OJ.

    Word to your mother.
    –Larenator

  • Comments

    16 responses to “OJ — more details”

    1. Mary Flanio Avatar
      Mary Flanio

      Who is that guy in the picture with the desserts? I love a guy who can cook!!!!

    2. Mary Flanio Avatar
      Mary Flanio

      Who is that guy in the picture with the desserts? I love a guy who can cook!!!!

    3. Laren Avatar

      Alas, he is spoken for — see http://www.planetgordon.com for details.

    4. Laren Avatar

      Alas, he is spoken for — see http://www.planetgordon.com for details.

    5. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      I don’t care!!!!

    6. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      I don’t care!!!!

    7. Norah Avatar

      That potato dish sounds devine! Does the arugula in the dish count as one of the daily required servings of a green leafy vegetable. Ha!

    8. Norah Avatar

      That potato dish sounds devine! Does the arugula in the dish count as one of the daily required servings of a green leafy vegetable. Ha!

    9. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      Who cares about potatoes?! I want dessert!!!!!!

    10. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      Who cares about potatoes?! I want dessert!!!!!!

    11. Laren Avatar

      The cream and the cheese in the potatoes provide us with much-needed calcium.
      Right? Are ya with me here?
      🙂
      Mary — I’m telling you — the potatoes rock (and the guy who made them isn’t spoken for!)
      The desserts provide nourishment for the soul (and padding for the ass).

    12. Laren Avatar

      The cream and the cheese in the potatoes provide us with much-needed calcium.
      Right? Are ya with me here?
      🙂
      Mary — I’m telling you — the potatoes rock (and the guy who made them isn’t spoken for!)
      The desserts provide nourishment for the soul (and padding for the ass).

    13. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      Damn! Looks like I was too late for dessert. tell me about that potato guy! any pics?

    14. Mary Avatar
      Mary

      Damn! Looks like I was too late for dessert. tell me about that potato guy! any pics?