Get Involved - Cures for That 2008 Hangover
Have a hangover from 2008? They say the ingredients in menudo are the perfect morning-after remedy, be it pork or beef:
- 1 calf's foot (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
- 2 pounds honeycomb tripe
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 6 peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 4 quarts of water
- A comal or griddle
- 3 large chiles anchos
- A spice grinder
- A large chile poblano, peeled or 2 canned, peeled green chiles
- 1/2 cup canned hominy (1 pound) drained
- Salt as necessary
- 1 scant teaspoon oregano
For those of you upset by "calf's hoof" reference above, Get Involved is told that the fideo soup, served every Monday at Homegirl Cafe is an excellent (and meat-free) menudo alternative. And for those of you whose lingering 2008 headache is more metaphysical in nature, here are some ways to put a bit of time and energy towards helping all of us avoid a repeat of '08's annus horribilis in '09.
The good folks at L.A. Works maintain an active calendar of "hands-on community service projects" that need volunteers. Opportunities just this coming week include rescued-rabbit sitting,
art and games interaction with seniors, and box sorting at various food and donation banks. Which is to say: L.A. Works offers a volunteer opportunity for every taste and temperament, be it animal loving or introvert.
Looking for something more out-doorsy in hopes of making early progress on your health-related New Years resolutions? Check out the Los Angeles Hiking Meetup group, which provides a range of hikes in the area geared towards both the well-traveled enthusiast and the beginner. (If the hiking isn't your speed there are over 2000 Los Angeles region groups for you to choose from on Meetup. You only have yourself to blame if you can't find one.)
Maybe your '09 master plan for giving back first calls for you to amass a vast and impressive fortune, which you in turn plan to disburse to well deserved Gates Foundation style. If so, you will likely be spending an awful lot of quality time with your business plans and mock-ups in '09. When you start to go stir crazy in, say, mid-January, pay a visit to Jelly LA, weekly "casual co-working at venues around Los Angeles providing free wi-fi and creative company. We welcome small business owners and freelancers—from all industries—with pleasant attitudes needing to work, collaborate…or just get away from their desk for a bit."
Have a good week and an amazing 09!
The image associated with this post was taken by Flickr user kenudigit. It was used under Creative Commons license.