By Sierra French-Myerson

Snacks.  Wine.  Conversation.  Connection.  Boom!

Booming* is weird.  It’s a new adventure for me.  Those of you not exploring the world of app dating might not understand “The Boom”.  I barely do, but I’m trying.  I’m trying hard.  Trying hard to be open.  Trying hard to think outside of the optimal “meet cute” in the produce section of a grocery store.  Trying hard to date.  Trying hard to date through my phone.  It’s bizarre so far, to say the least…

I’m also not a tech / computer driven person.  So, “virtually” meeting people has been a rapid adjustment for me.  But…deep breath, take a pause…I’M BEING OPEN.  It’s just especially weird for me because it feels like a perverse video game.  You look at a picture.  “He’s attractive.”  So, you swipe right.  BOOM!  A connection is made.  What does that mean??  He liked your picture too?  OH MY GOSH, is it meant to be?  IT can’t be that easy.  But, ugh, I’m being “open” so, now, I will have a ton of awkward blind date-like app text message conversations with this man.  Uh oh…

But, I’m ready for it, and it’s just a beginning.  Sure, the beginning can be the hardest part.  What do we talk about?  I don’t care about rock climbing, but I do like tennis.  I see that you are 7.6 miles away.  Where do you live?  Culver City…cool I say.  “Where do you live?”, he asks.    “East”, I say.  And, then, radio silence.  Really, that’s how specific we’ve gotten?  In a city that stretches and reaches so far.  And, where the biggest (certainly my biggest complaint) about meeting people is that we’re wide-spread.  We’re in our cars.  We don’t randomly meet.  Especially, if we’re not 23 and regularly going to bars.  So, 7.6 miles is really a deal breaker?

Therefore, I “app text” pause on this guy, and, keep swiping.  I’M BEING OPEN.  Because, I want to have wine and snacks and conversation with someone compelling and exciting and attractive…to me.  And, ultimately have “that” connection…I want my “the one” BOOM.  And, as much as I’d like it to manifest itself in a classic and authentic romantic comedy style scenario, I’m going to commit to giving this app dating a chance.

I want to make the snacks for someone.  “Our” little tastes and treats that we eat while we get to know one another.  That I make again once we know we like each other.  And, then again, once we know that we love each other.  

I will say this now…if, I actually end up with someone through this world-wide-webness, I will have fireworks at our wedding…ideally, simply just sparklers…at our own table…as an homage…BOOM!!

*To BOOM is to Bumble

Plum & Ricotta Crostini

What you'll need:

• A loaf of Ciabatta, or other good quality fresh bread, sliced to 1/4 inch thick

• 2 different varietals of plums (I used both Dapple Dandy and Black Beauty, to offset tart and sweet)

• Fresh whole milk ricotta cheese

• Good olive oil

• Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Arrange bread slices on large rimmed baking sheet.  Generously drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Bake until golden, 15 - 20 minutes.  Let cool completely.

Meanwhile, slice / quarter plums.  There is no right or wrong here.

Once, crostini is cool, heavily spread each slice with ricotta.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Season with salt and freshly ground pepper.  Lay plum slices and segments however your heart desires;  casually or with strong intention (just like dating).  Drizzle plums with olive oil, and then again, season with salt and pepper.

And, keep your fingers crossed for a BOOM!