The banana bread turned out really good - sort of crispy on top and meltingly banana-y on the inside. The key lime pie was not so successful. I don't make a lot of pies, though, so I'm trying not to beat myself up about it. I'll try again, I'm sure, but I'm thinking that key lime pie is just one of those things that you're not supposed to make at home. Maybe it's only supposed to be bought at diners. Kind of like Salisbury Steak. Does anyone make that at home? Other than heating the frozen kind in the oven, I mean.

The key lime chutney turned out to be magnificent. As did the pickled green tomatoes that followed (I have been alerted that "tomolives" is a brand name, so henceforth my creation will be known as plain old pickled green tomatoes). I also made one quart of tomato salsa, per my husband's special request. I hope it's delicious - I think we would both be disappointed if it weren't. Yesterday I was skulking about for something snacky and opened a jar of hot pickled brussels sprouts and I am really just so proud of myself. They're fantastic.

Lest you think that I'm basking overmuch in the joy of canned goods, let me assure you this is not the case. While watching "The West Wing" last night I ate a
pomegranate and got to thinking how great pomegranate jelly would be. No, really! Ever eaten one? They're kind of a pain because the fruit is also the seed (some people spit the seeds out, but I don't bother as they're very, very tiny) but so beautiful and tasty. The rich red garnet flesh (the word "garnet" is related to "pomegranate" incidentally) and interesting sweet/acid flavor are quite indescribable but worth checking out if you've never tried one. Anyway, the point of this story is that pomegranate is native to Iran and, since the plot of last night's West Wing rerun included the assination of the leader of a fictional middle eastern country, it wasn't long before I developed a whole stream of consciousness rumination on the Middle East in general, and Iraq in particular. I'm not as informed as I ought to be so I've developed a kind of funk that I haven't been able to shake.

I think I'll make some pomegranate jelly to make the funk worthwhile. I had a recipe around somewhere...

Also, just to tie up loose ends, I would like you to know that I recieved a "B" in quantitative methods. I'm exceedingly pleased, since the course was way, way, way out of my field and I feel that passing is a testament to my hard work and diligence. I'm celebrating term break by reading On Rue Tatin, Winston and Clementine and In Her Shoes. I highly recommend any of the three to anyone wishing to escape into a life other than his or her own. Very different, but all very compelling, books. Not a bad way to spend a vacation.