I just made a reference to Eric about the part in the old Star Trek movie where they film the Enterpriser ship for like 11 minutes or something ridiculous like that. Instead of getting a high-five for even knowing about that, I get a scoff, “It’s the Enterprise, not the Enterpriser.” “So what, that’s just one letter. I was really close.” “Karen, Koren, it’s just one letter off. You want me to call you that?” Yeesh. Don’t mess with a man and his fake futuristic universe.
Although I’m no better than Eric if I’m being honest. I just get obsessed with snarky teenage dramas instead of nerdy stuff. Have you guys watched Veronica Mars? My sister Nikki has been talking up this show for years, and we finally got around to watching it. AMAZING. Nikki is a published author who is more interested in story arcs and genius characterization than pesky details like actor’s names. Like I said, she adores Veronica Mars. I think she’s even loosely based some characters on her.
This family email chain from a while back still brings me to tears of mirth every time I think about it: Nikki: The agent who represents Twilight requested the first 50 pages of my manuscript! (of the novel she wrote) My husband Eric: Whoa!!! Congrats! It’s just too bad Kristin Stewart is too old to play the main character. Nikki: I would die and go to heaven if she played the main character, even at the age of 50. Kristin Stewart played Veronica in Veronica Mars, FYI everyone. My brother: I love how clueless Nikki is about pop culture. Probably the favorite character she’s ever had, and she still doesn’t know who the actress is. It was Kristen Bell in Veronica Mars. Stewart was the Twilight girl. Nikki: Dang. I’d also die if Kristen Stewart played my main character, but for another reason entirely. You guys should totally watch the trailer.
So have I ever told you guys how much I hate olives? And raw onions? I even have an aversion to peeling oranges. So this is the perfect salad for me, right? I can honestly say that I would never, in a million years, have picked it out. But my mother-in-law served it over the holidays, and I couldn’t stop eating it. Could. not. stop. Until it was gone. It’s easier and prettier to cut your oranges instead of sectioning them out.
I like pretty thin slices of red onion, but whatever suits your fancy.
I especially love it with meat. The first time I had it was paired with ham. Last night we ate it with some steak. It’s just a simple, fresh accompaniment to spice up a slice of juicy chicken or a nice thick pork chop. The brightness of the orange and the brininess of the olives stand out against the simple vinaigrette, the vinegar cutting the bite of the onion. It’s perfect. Add some crusty bread sweet potatoes and it makes a great paleo dinner. Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
