DIY-ing in 2010

And, we're back. I'm happy to report that Eva and I kicked off a new year for Lunching Ladies by not succumbing to the temptation to have a pricey brunch on New Year's Day. Nay, we DIY-ed it, scrounging my 'hood for ingredients and spending less than half the cost of fancy brunch for something just as tasty: Pamela's Special Scramble (eggs, scallions, cream cheese), Amy's seeded bread twists c/o Food Emporium (Amy's had the audacity to be closed), coffee, and even a festive spritzer of orange juice, lime, and seltzer.

I've even come into a French coffee press lately, so have been saving myself the $2 or so a day, plus handfuls of paper cups. The rapture!

We're back to work now, and off to a good start in that realm as well. Since Eva bestowed upon me a fabulous pair of bunny-print, fleece pajama pants with "No Scrubs" bedazzled on the rear, I've offered to cook all our meals this week! What other possible thanks is there for such a gift? No Scrubs is this year's battle cry to indicate our intention to only date high-quality individuals. And my bunny-print PJ's say so. So there.

So today's lunch (read: dinner - we're doing tech rehearsals) was inspired by the fact that I found some saffron that didn't set me back more than what one should pay for the entire lunch and not just one small seasoning agent.

Saffron Couscous with Herbs and Roasted Chicken Thighs
Saffron threads: $1
Couscous: $1.50
Zucchini: $.90
Basil: $1
Scallions: $.25
Chicken stock: $1.50
Chicken: $2.25
TOTAL: $8.40 or $4.20 per serving