no. 132: halloumi fried eggs

Plus, my KNITFLUENCER journey.

In advance of my surgery (which is on Monday, and yes, I will be seeking sympathy then), I decided I wanted a fun hobby to keep me occupied during my recovery, so I signed up for a one-on-one knitting lesson over the holiday break.

I vaguely remembered how to knit because my aunt taught me when I was younger, but I was due for a little refresher. My instructor had long gray hair that went down to her waist, and it was hard to discern if she was a little mean or maybe just slightly neurodivergent, but either way, I knew I was getting my money’s worth with her.

My first project was this beanie, and once I had some IRL instruction, it took me two business days to wrap this project up. I am HOOKED. By the time my ACL is healed, my hope is that I will be a seasoned KNITFLUENCER.

My first knitting project!!

I just invested in some more yarn and a few new pairs of needles so that I can attempt my first sweater. Do I have any avid knitters out there?!!? I would love to know your favorite tips, patterns, yarns, knitfluencers (my future colleagues), or any general knitting wisdom, please and thanks.

Per the advice of KnitTok, I am going to start with this Step by Step sweater by Florence Miller. Right now, my entire FYP is knitting content (which is so helpful, BTW), Luigi fan edits, and every possible take there is to be had on the Paige and Craig break up, which feels like the most honest summation of my current interests.

Knitting aside, here are some other things that are bringing me joy as of late.

Lazy Jamie Oval Tray

A friend of mine introduced me to Lazy Jamie a few weeks ago, and I think all of their table decor is so cute. I have these trays, as well as these serving tongs, these little bowls, and THIS ADORABLE CITRUS SQUEEZER. There’s something about the simplicity of these trays and bowls that make food look so polished and sophisticated.

Use code “SARATANE” for 15% off!

My elegant dates on my oval tray!

M. Gemi ‘Cristina’ Leather Boots

These were a Black Friday purchase for myself, and even though I probably won’t be medically cleared to wear these for the next couple months, they might just be my most prized current possession. They are REAL ITALIAN LEATHER, and they are so, so sleek and cool. I have this dark burgundy color, and it makes me feel rich.

They fit true to size, and the heel gives you the ideal lift without being so tall that they’re uncomfortable. Can’t wait to strut in these with my new ACL.

Halloumi Fried Eggs on a Pita

Serves: 1

Active time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

This recipe is somewhat of a part II to last week’s halloumi latkes, because now that I have had the epiphany that halloumi can and should be grated, I cannot stop thinking about all the ways to use it. Which leads us to this creation, and may I humbly say, it is quite genius.

I have gone in and out of phases of making cheesy fried eggs, where I’ll use grated cheddar to create a crispy, frico-like skirt around a fried egg. It wasn’t until this week that I decided to try it with my favorite squeaky cheese.

Halloumi has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for frying because it can achieve a beautiful, golden brown exterior. The halloumi becomes extra crisp and almost acts as a cheesy little blanket around the fried egg. I don’t know why I haven’t done this sooner.

I finished mine off with some Algae Cooking Club Gochugaru chili oil and Zab’s hot honey. Honey may seem like an odd ingredient to drizzle on a fried egg, but it just works with the crispy cheese. Trust.

You could certainly eat a halloumi fried egg without the pita vessel, but I think it adds a nice starchy base.

A couple people asked me last week where to buy halloumi. I get mine from Whole Foods, though I have also seen it at Ralph’s and Vons. Any international grocery store or middle eastern market would likely have it, too.