It's somewhat fitting that my next scheduled post is for Lisa Fain's new Queso! cookbook, which features a variety of queso recipes from across the Southwest.
As I think about my love of queso, I often think about Lauriol Plaza, the DC restaurant where I basically lived in 2005 – 2006 while working in the U.S. Senate. Lauriol Plaza had amazing queso, freshly fried chips, and margaritas, and I would frequently go to Lauriol just for their queso with my friend Michael Robertson, who recently passed away.
Michael wasn't just one of my top queso-eating partners, he was also in many ways the person who pushed me to start this blog. When I accepted my job in the Senate, I was taking a pay cut while also moving to a city where my monthly rent nearly tripled. I had to learn how to cook cheap, efficient and healthy meals, and I had no idea where to start.
Not only did Michael help me learn some basic meals (notably California-inspired burritos with lots of Tapatio, which as a Midwest-native, I hadn't been exposed to before), he also became a favorite baking partner. From Michael, I learned about springform pans; food processors; baking cheesecakes, biscuits, and a range of other delectable treats (Rolo cookies!); and even how to pick out the best fruit at the supermarket. Michael also has the honor of being the only person, apart from my husband, to attend a sheep and wool festival with me. This blog would not be what it is without Michael's influence.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I want to not only honor and remember Michael for his friendship and knowledge over the years, but also encourage blog readers to help support Michael's 16-month old son Wali and his future education. If this blog has ever helped you figure out a recipe or knitting pattern, or inspired you to try something new, please consider making a small donation to honor someone who helped make this blog a reality.
Happy Thanksgiving.
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