spaghetttti

Actually, I've been meaning to ask you about those apple martinis! Not that I imbibe, but they sound so intriguing! We got the The Pineapple Casserole recipe from one of Paula Deen's shows.

After meticulously removing the meat from the turkey, I asked around if anyone wanted the bones (carcass). No one responded. So I threw it in the garbage. Well, last night my aunt was looking for the remains.... she was planning to make soup or congee. Mutual regret, she makes the best congee

Celebrated Thanksgiving last night with 14 family members gathered 'round. We had so much to be thankful for. I was particularly grateful that after 25 years, my first attempt to roast a turkey again came out pretty well. Did the mixed herbed butter under the skin and basted the 22 pound turkey faithfully every half hour, maybe overkill, but I was really anxious ---- the dreaded dry turkey. It came out flavorful, juicy and moist. The pan drippings made excellent gravy!

Wow, here is an instance where dried is traditional and preferred over fresh. Thanks so much for the info and perspective, Behemoth. This is another reason I love eG, too -- always something new to learn!

Sue-On, I've had a similar salad in Saudi and agree with Michael, the fresh taste of mint and parsley would be so much better. Hmmm, I wonder how fresh cilantro tossed in would taste?

When in doubt, we tend to go with fish.

Shiewie, here we go again! (And you said that your trip wasn't culinary! ) Perhaps, Elie the FoodMan or Michelle could help with these pastries that I got from a lovely shop run by an Iranian gentleman. I asked for kataif, but he said that they only made it for Ramadhan. I really couldn't catch the names, sorry, although one sounded like asmalia. They are very sweet but oh so fragrant - rose or orange water?

Oh Chris, I know of what you speak!!! In Mecca, they have those spectacular rotisserie chickens, so juicy and tender. Sometimes when our fellow hajjs get together, we longingly reminisce of our pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina, and inevitably those gorgeous chickens will be paid their due homage! Thank you so much for reminding me again.

Most Honored Madame Dejah, I know you were looking for a main, but here are a few alternatives: For a salad course, how about Ful Madammas or Yogurt with Roasted Eggplant Moarraq is a lamb dish that I have eaten, but not tried to make, it looks interesting. For a good, easy meatball dish, Kefta would be nice. Ummu Ali makes a good potluck dessert. Just some suggestions for you

Oh my, Daniel, what a fabulous post! Food-wise, that was my kind of roadtrip!!! And looks like it was a dealmaker for you as well, yes?

Although I requested the recipe for the fish samosas, instead I've received an ingredient list via email in Indonesian with no details, process, method, amounts. So I'll try to translate and rely on memory. We'll have to play it by ear here: For the samosa dough: For one pound of flour you will need about 1 - 1 1/2 cups of lightly salted thick coconut milk and one beaten egg. Proceed as usual for mixing, blending and rolling the dough For the filling: Thinly slice garlic, shallots, red chilli peppers, tomato, green beans. In mortar take some of the sliced garlic and shallots and grind with salt into a paste. Grind almonds with cooked shredded fish. In oil saute sliced garlic, shallots and red chillies. Add garlic/shallot paste. Toss in sliced green beans and almond/fish mixture and sliced tomato. Add droplets of water, and ground spices: cumin, coriander, black pepper and salt. Filling should be slightly moist. Cool and fill samosa wrappers and deep fry. I'm very sorry the recipe is so vague.

Sue-On, My mother taught me this trick: cut the chayote in half and rub the two cut sides together until you've extracted the white sappy substance. Rinse thoroughly and proceed with your recipe. We usually go with something like Shiewie's stir fry. Although in Central Java, Indonesia they make a delicious stew with coconut milk, shallots, garlic, little dried shrimp and chillies.

Absolutely gorgeous mouthwatering photos, Shiewie! They're making me hungry!!! Though I've had some of them, not too familiar with their names, I'm sure someone here will be able to identify and provide recipes for the pastries!

I love Fists of Curry! Soooo funny, that was a good one, Suresh!

Eid Al Fitr, Hari Raya Idul Fitri was on Sunday, November 14, 2004. Greetings of Peace and Love to All Mankind. Eid Mubarak! The Holy Month of Ramzaan and fasting are over until next year. The celebration is marked by the traditional foods to welcome the new month of Syawal. The typical fare enjoyed in Indonesia are duplicated very well here in the States. His Excellency The Ambassador of Indonesia to the United States had an Open House at the Chancery and our family was invited to attend. This steep, winding road leads to the mansion which is situated on top of a hill on Tilden Street in Northwest Washington, DC. After all the greetings and well wishes, we departed the Chancery and headed down along this road. My mother slipped and lost her balance falling backwards with her knee buckled under her. The knee took the hard impact and we rushed her to ER where it was determined that she has a fractured patella, and will have to undergo surgery to repair her right knee this coming Friday. Ramadhan is over. It is a joyous time, but a sad one as well. Thank you for allowing me to share with you this very special month.Til next Ramadhan. Peace & Love, Yetty Sharief

Your menu sounds really delicious, Andrea. How do you make the soup? Shabbat Shalom!

Mambo sauce, now that does bring back memories!! By the way, welcome to the surface, puchica!

I've been to Flavors in Falls Church, a soul food place and it's pretty good. I haven't had it yet, but I've heard that their fried chicken is very good. However, the collard greens, yams and mac & cheese are delicious. The greens are prepared with smoked turkey rather than pork, so they're especially good for those who don't dig on swine.

Tonight we had a fried chicken dinner - sauteed green beans & peas, steamed rice and tater tots. I was looking around the table as people were eating their tots; my two nephews dipped theirs into ketchup, my father chose light soy sauce for dipping, but my mother had hers with melted gouda cheese and sliced jalapeno peppers. She gave me a bite, awesome! Tater tot nachos.

Bah, the table was set with said fork already in place. I usually do the everything version. Mmmm tripe mmmmm!

Pho 75 has always been our family favorite, but we were at Eden the other day so we checked out the 4 sisters place just out of curiosity. Broth was nicely perfumed, beef was tender, condiments were fresh, but ......... Pho 75 still rules, I think it deserves a visit today!

Ooooh, I am very happy to have found some at the Eden Shopping Mall in Falls Church, VA. These were so luscious and salty, I almost ate the whole bag by myself. Still smacking my lips, mmmmm. Great with apple cider! $2.00 a pound.

The array of kueh found at the local Asian supermarket is actually quite delightful! But I've become very enamored with these spongecakes. They're so light and fluffy, and their charm is how moist they are.

In Indonesia Fanta Orange runs a close second to Strawberry which is the most popular of the Fanta line. Although I prefer the new(ish) Pineapple, they have recently come out with Electric Melon, which is green and tastes like honeydew melon.

I may have missed Soba's teaser in the previous foodblog, and wondered who might be next. Very excited that it's you! Such a vibrant beginning, looking forward to your week in food, LMF. Espresso with a cube of sugar and boiled eggs & salt for breakfast one of these mornings? Happy anniversary and have fun blogging.