VG Kitchen Remodel: Flooring & Blueberry Gorgonzola Tartines

-Behold! I have harnessed the power of the Earth itself!-

Cooking today. Really really. Aren't you so proud of me?

Enough of that, I have floors! We splurged on this, I admit. We got the really nice laminate floors that can withstand a nuclear bomb so I assume they can take the clackity treading of corgi nails. It's called Cotton Valley Oak and it is stunning to look at. You would never know they're laminate and not actual hard wood. We went with the spongier pads, too, so the floor doesn't have the telltale hollow echo laminate can sometimes have. We are installing it ourselves, which is a pain in the butt but saves us about $700.

On the plus side for me it means husband is always working in just a pair of shorts. So, yay there.

It's beautiful and I am so happy not to be walking on busted up and dusty concrete. Huzzah.

But you're probably here because I promised cooking.

-Also, I give you eye candy in the form of my friend, Spruce, who was helping Brian and me install laminate. Yes ladies, he's single. Sorry ladies, he's gay.-

Let it be known that on June 15, 2013, at probably around two-ish in the afternoon the first meal was prepared here using a dangerously old toaster oven. It was prepared with cheese that had to be used that day, produce from my garden, and culinary desperation so thick in the air you would think Ina Garten was chained to the Burger King radiator a few blocks away.

It may have had all the creativity of a child drawing outside the lines, but just as a parent calls it budding art and pops it on the fridge in a misguided attempt to build confidence (not everyone has artistic talent, Little Bobby and Susie) I call this a meal. Sure, it's just stuff cheese and bread heated, but I did it. It counts. 

...It does.

Don't take this victory away. I will cut you.

I consider it a meal. Having not been able to cook for over a month and having become very familiar with the staff at Taco Bell to the point I half expect to be invited to a staff baby shower I am just peachy keen that I finally prepared food for myself. In this kitchen. My kitchen.

It's blue cheese on bread. I threw on blueberries from the backyard, some basil from the front yard, and olive oil I found in one of the boxes in the garage that may or may not be spoiled. (I live dangerously like that. Though after that triple-digit heatwave I bet all my flours and oils that have been boxed in the brick oven that is my garage are just goddamn mowed now. Damn it.) 

It's pretty darn amazing. Gotta thank mom for thinking of digging this little fire hazard oven out of the attic of her house.

Next week: Granite and appliances arrive. God willing.

Garrett out.

Blueberry Gorgonzola Tartines
You will need bread, Gorgonzola or some other great blue cheese, blueberries, and some basil. Slice some cheese onto some slices of bread. Toast in a toaster oven (or regular oven at 350F if you want to get fancy) until golden brown and melty. Add blueberries and basil on top. Hit it with olive oil if you have any.

Eat and make those really fun "Mmmm" sounds because you're gonna flip your lid for this. Blueberries, blue cheese, and basil - the Three Bs. Seriously, it doesn't get any easier.