I decided to participate in National Novel Writing Month this year long before I was scheduled to come to Iceland. Like a crazy woman, I’ve decided to go ahead and try it even though Rob is coming out to visit me for 20 of the thirty-one days available this month for writing. I’ll have to be really focused at work to reach the 50,000 word goal by the end of the month. My work in progress is titled “Virus Attached” and is a sci-fi detective story. I’ll post excerpts as I go.

Dana and Mark Reed came to join me for lunch this afternoon. They are some of the most interesting people that I’ve met here, but this is the first time I’ve spent any time with them outside of large groups. We talked about theater, the nature of puppetry, what interests us about our work, and life in Iceland.

The Menu
Enzogelin Çorbasi (red lentil, bulgur & mint soup)
with Yogurt Garlic Sauce
Pomegranate, Garbanzo Salad
Garlic Nan
Chocolate Mousse
Eve sent me the recipe and ingrediants for the soup and it’s very good. We enjoyed a warm, savory Mediteranean meal while it snowed outside.

Enzogelin Çorbasi Recipe

Heat butter & oil in heavy saucepan - add onion and garlic, cook gently till soft but not brown.
Add tomato paste, chopped tomato, paprika and cayenne.
Stir well and add lentils, rice & stock.
Bring to boil, cover, lower hear and simmer 30 - 35 minutes, stirring occasionally til lentils dissolve.
Add bulgur & mint, cook another 10 minutes. If too think, add a bit of water. Serve with Lemon & yogurt sauce

Yogurt Garlic Sauce

Mince garlic w/pinch of salt. Put in blender with yogurt till very smooth. Let flavors marry at least 30 minutes.