"The Office" Season 4 Carb-load Watching Party

So, a while ago, I had an "Office" season 4 watching party. I wanted to blog about it sooner, but I'm kind of lazy. Nevertheless, here's the post.

It's kind of a tradition. Ever since season 2 of "The Office" came out on DVD, I've invited people over to my apartment and we've powered through the entire season in a weekend, before the next season premieres. For season 2 we did it in over a Friday night (powered by copious amounts of sake - the theme was Asian Tet) and a very hungover Saturday afternoon. Season 3 was much the same (different theme, I believe it was Mexican fiesta, so it probably involved a lot of tequila), so, when it came time for season 4, I figured it was time to have a theme that actually marginally revolved around "The Office." Carb-loading seemed like a good plan...right? It goes with "Fun Run." Michael vomiting up Fettucini Alfredo? Comedy gold. Luckily, carb-loading goes quite well with an Italian theme, which is what we settled on.

Here's the sKape:

The ubiquitous citrus, lemons and limes! I was fancy at the farmer's market. Also, some assorted Office-related paraphernalia, a talking pen, Hello Kitty (because she's a part of any good sKape), some pasta (got to have the carbs in the carb-loading TablesKape), and, of course, some delicious Malbec. Which I probably drank entirely by myself.

The food
Turkey Meatballs:


Eggplant (EdPlant) Parmesan:


Sauteed Broccoli Rabe with garlic:


Garlic Bread, which I didn't take a picture of, so here's one of the SALT-CURED MEATS!!


Also, for dessert, delicious cupcakes, provided by the always delightful BW and some fruit with fresh mint and lime juice, courtesy of everyone's favorite, KN. Also of note, the cupcakes arrived in the Cupcake Courier, as blogged about by Jenna Fischer in her Myspace blog.


We began watching at exactly 8:15 pm on Friday night. And powered through all the way to "Dinner Party," although we lost a few souls along the way. At some point we watched the blooper reel, too, I don't really remember, due to the combo of wine and the fact that this happened a few weeks ago. Anyway, by the time "Dinner Party" started, BW and I were the only two people still awake (shout out, BW!!). But, the two of us watched that whole episode, then two of the commentaries. Can you guess which ones? Obviously the two that Ed is on, come on people...don't you know me at all, yet?

Here's the aftermath of the TablesKape, which is, for the most part, indicative of the entire evening:


The next morning, we woke up, made a pot of coffee, and PW, BW, and I got through the last five episodes. Then, we hit up the nearby diner for some much needed grease to soak up the wine still wandering around our bodies from the carb-loading extravaganza.

What is it about eggs, bacon, and hash browns that makes you feel SOOOO much better after two consecutive, ridiculous nights of drinking? I guess I should mention that I spent the night before the party (yes, that would be a Thursday, and yes, I had to go to work) excessively drinking martinis and wine with the illustrious MAN-DEAN!!!! You may remember him from our trip to DC. Clearly, while it was awesome to see (and drink with) Man-Dean, it was perhaps a bit of a mistake to drink excessively on Thursday night, head home to make turkey meatballs while Man-Dean, DC, and BMG drink more, then drink more, pass out, wake up, go to work, then come home to make EdPlant Parm. and drink more. Perhaps for the season 5 watching party, I will space my copious amounts of drinking across a few days.

On a separate, yet related note, let's say a few words about the premiere of "The Office" last week. I mean it's been a week, it's a perfect time to talk about it, right? I'm extremely excited for this season. Like, really a lot. I'm not going to lie. I think most of last season sucked. To the point that "30 Rock" replaced "The Office" as my favorite show, and rightfully so, I believe. Regardless, I think the premiere did a lot to alleviate the issues I had with last season. It seems like all the characters have a story line, rather than only focusing on Jim and Pam (ugh, I am so over them....seriously, let them get married and be happy and just end it) and Michael and Jan. The Dwight/Angela/Andy triangle is awesome, even if it is just a rehashing of Jim/Pam/Roy, whatever, DAA are infinitely more entertaining - there's just so much potential there.

Other characters: I love that Phyllis actually has something to do in blackmailing Angela. I can't wait until she tells everyone in the office. Angela will have to start wearing "whorish" green everyday. Kelly was beyond amazing in the premiere. I'm so excited to see Ryan act all douche-y and try to get her back, only to have Darryl lay the smack on him. Actually, Kelly will probably do it herself, and look fabulous while doing it! Size 2, baby! And, I actually liked Stanley (shocking) and his quest to lose weight. I was so happy for him at the end.

The only concern I have after watching the premiere is the Michael/Jan/Holly situation. I absolutely adore Holly. But, I know Amy Ryan only filmed 5 episodes and there are no plans to bring her back, which is upsetting on many levels. One, it means Jan gets her clutches back into Michael (crazy bitch). Two, it means that Holly probably does something ridiculous to get fired, laid-off, whatever, which will make me like her less and therefore be even more upsetting, to see her fall from grace. Three, it means they're really pushing the Michael-Jan pairing. Which I hate. I don't think Jan deserves Michael. Seriously, she's horrible to him all the time - just because someone lets you walk all over them, doesn't mean you should. Michael should be with someone just as dorky as him. I mean, come on, the rap the two of them did was amazing (picture that in Kelly's voice). We need more of THAT on the show - less of Jan.

Edplant Parmesan

This has been sitting, unfinished in my post list for over two months now...WTF, Iko? Finish what you started, right? Anyway, I haven't posted a recipe in a while, so I though I'd put this one up (referenced here, with most of the same pictures), in honor of "The Office" coming back this week and the delightful Ed Helms gracing us with his presence on the small screen once again.

EdParm:

For the Eggplant:
2 large eggplants (heavy for their size, otherwise they'll be all seedy and bitter)
flour
three large eggs, beaten
bread crumbs (store bought are fine, or make your own)
1 tbsp flat leaf parsley
2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
olive oil

To Finish:
Marinara sauce (recipe follows, or use jarred - but GOOD jarred, not Ragu...sorry people who make Ragu)
1 large ball fresh mozzarella (not the dioxin contaminated one)
about 6 large fresh basil leaves
Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 F.

1. Peel eggplant if the skin is especially tough. I like to leave the skin on so people know what they're eating, but, if it doesn't taste good, it doesn't matter how pretty it looks. As you can clearly see in the picture - I peeled those mofos.
2. Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. Coat the eggplant in the flour and shake off the excess. You know how to bread, things, right? Put the flour in a shallow dish, add more if you run out before you run out of eggplant...

4. Mix the beaten eggs with a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, and dip the floured eggplant into this mixture.
5. Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, and Parmesan cheese together, place the floured and egg-ed eggplant into the breadcrumbs, and turn to coat evenly.
6. Add the breaded eggplant rounds to a large, preheated saute pan coated in a little olive oil. Alternatively, you can use a non-stick pan and some spray (like Pam) for a healthier option, but I like olive oil. A lot. Like more than a normal person. More than even abnormal people. I'm looking at you RayRay.
7. Once the eggplant has browned nicely on one side, flip over and brown the other side.
8. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet pan or plate or some other kind of flat object. Repeat steps 3 -7 with the remainder of the eggplant rounds.
9. Assemble the casserole by spreading a layer of sauce into a rectangular Pyrex or stoneware baking dish (I think mine was around 9" x 13"), covering that layer with the eggplant rounds cooked earlier, then laying half the mozzarella ball over the top of the eggplant. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella layer with some Parmesan cheese (maybe two tablespoons, really however much cheese you want) and tear about three or four basil leaves over that. Repeat the entire layering process one more time and cover the top with some more marinara sauce.
10. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 1/2 hour. Remove the foil and bake for 15 minutes more, or until the cheese on the top browns a little bit and the rest of the casserole is bubbly and Yum-O.
11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 15 - 20 minutes to help it congeal and cool down, so you don't burn the roof of your mouth on the deliciousness.

12. Serve with garlic bread, salad (or sauteed broccoli rabe, as indicated in the menu for Ed's birthday and the picture below), wine, and a hefty dose of Ed Helms.



Probably makes 8 servings. I'm really bad at limiting myself to one serving, though. Also, this freezes really well and makes a delicious lunch to bring to work, because it's not too bad microwaved, either.


Marinara Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 large onion, finely chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup red wine
1 large can (28-oz) chopped tomatoes, preferable San Marzano
2 tbsp chopped, fresh basil
salt and pepper
(sugar)



1. Melt the butter and olive oil in a sauce pan.
2. Add the onion and cook until very soft and translucent, but not browned. A little bit browned is OK, but don't burn those mofos.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 - 2 minutes more.
4. Add the red wine and reduce, probably around 3 or 4 minutes.
5. Add the tomatoes and stir to combine.
6. Let this mixture simmer for about 25 minutes.
7. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. You can add some sugar here, too, if you prefer the sweeter sauces, or your tomatoes are particularly acidic. I'm not such a fan of sugar in tomato sauce, but it's your food, you can do what you want.
8. Add the chopped fresh basil and stir.
9. Use for the Edplant Parmesan recipe or refrigerate or freeze for later.