I dream of Java

via NYTimes

Wanderlust is kicking in again. Maybe it's the Chicago thaw (yes, it's May and starting only TODAY has the weather been nice enough to go sans coat), but the thought of traveling somewhere hot and humid with different food-ventures seems extremely enticing right now. Indonesia seems especially enticing, with cuisines that incorporate coconut milks, peanut sauces and my FAVORITE ingredient... sambal ulek. I love that spicy red sauce!

Until then, small home projects will have to suffice. I'm moving to a new neighborhood at the end of this month, and will greatly miss being in Edgewater, just blocks from the beach and few still to the awesome restaurant scene of Andersonville. But the new place has bigger spaces and the part I look forward to most? Growing a garden in the yard! I already have jalapeno seeds in hand (to be used in guac made in my molcajete), and will most likely start growing basil. The mere thought of home-grown, homemade pesto is making my stomach growl!

Any suggestions for this first-time, urban farmer?