Monster's Chef Read Online Free PDF Page B

obviously you don’t feel good about me applying for it. Am I wasting my time?”
    Bridget looked surprised, as if I had just come out of left field with that. She wouldn’t look me in the eye.
    â€œIs it Asha? You promised her something and now you don’t want to deliver?”
    Bridget ran her hands through her hair, still avoiding my eyes.
    â€œYou might want this job, I know you need it, but once you get out there, it’s different. I’m always looking for employees. It’s a fucking strain. The lawyers, God, I talk to so many lawyers.”
    â€œThat’s big of you, trying to spare me some grief.”
    Finally, our eyes met. She looked like a woman who’d had enough.
    â€œI’ve got my share of problems. I’ll admit that. You’re right. Asha really wants this for you.”
    â€œYou don’t think I’m capable?”
    She shook her head.
    â€œIt’s not that at all. I don’t want to have to answer to Asha when it’s over.”
    â€œWhat do you mean ‘when it’s over’? What do you have to answer for?”
    â€œI might be a little jealous about how much she likes you, but it’s not all jealousy. I just don’t want her blaming me when everything goes to hell.”
    I stood up to leave. I was through with this shit.
    â€œI finished that diversion program with no problems. You know that.”
    â€œOh, this isn’t about you. It’s about Monster, and it’s about why I want to quit this job. I don’t want to be responsible for the shit that happens.”
    â€œQuit this job? I don’t get you at all! You bring me in, then decide I’m not right for the position, and then you tell me you’re gonna quit.”
    â€œDon’t get so pissed off. If I get the call that he wants to offer you the job, I’m not going to disagree. I’m not that kind of bitch. I’m just being up front. You need to know what you’re getting into.”
    â€œWhat are you talking about? What am I getting into?”
    â€œYou’ll see. You’ll have to see how this place works. You’ll know soon enough if you’ve got the stomach for it.”
    The phone rang and she snatched it up with a crisp “Bridget here.”
    I walked outside before hearing the verdict: Would I live or die? Was I hired, or was I flying back to the halfway house to finish probation? At that moment I just wanted to feel the sun on my skin, whatever the hell happened.
    Â 
    GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES WITH ROASTED SWEET POTATO
    SERVES 4
    Â Â Â  2 sweet potatoes
    Â Â Â  Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), as needed for brushing
    Â Â Â  Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    Â Â Â  4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    Â Â Â  3 cipolline onions, peeled and julienned
    Â Â Â  3 teaspoons brown sugar
    Â Â Â  2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    Â Â Â  ¼ pound Brie, chilled
    Â Â Â  ¼ pound fontina
    Â Â Â  8 slices potato bread
    Â Â Â  Whole-grain mustard
    Peel the sweet potatoes, slice into 2-inch rounds, brush with EVOO, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in a 375°F oven until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
    Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over moderately high heat. When the butter is foamy, add the onions, salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, sugar, and vinegar and cook until the onions are caramelized, about 8 minutes. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
    Remove and discard the cheese rinds. Mix the cheeses and divide the mixture among 4 slices of the potato bread, using about ¼ cup per slice. Layer the sweet potato rounds on top of the cheese. Spread the remaining 4 slices of bread with the mustard and the onion mixture and place (mustard side down) on top of each sandwich.
    Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a clean skillet over moderate heat until it starts to foam. Then cook 2 sandwiches, without turning them over,