tejon

Allez Cuisine!

Hell yes, I do. There's no better venue than a potluck or bake sale, since everything else is most likely going to be packaged or "semi-homemade". I'm making up samosas tomorrow to take to a party when I *know* there will be perhaps a spinach dip in a bread loaf as competition. Buahahaaa

Digital camera is all taken care of. As for posting, well, she's pretty easily intimidated so I'm guessing that won't be happening. I keep trying to convince her that food lovers don't actually bite...

My sister will be travelling to Shanghai in about a month on a teaching assignment. This is her first time in that area and she is very excited. None of her provided meals will be American, and she will be seeking out interesting places to eat when not working as well. Any places to recommend, or local dishes worth seeking out? Also, is it possible to bring food related items back into the US? If so, what would be worth buying up and transporting back (to ME!)? She has asked me to make up a list of things to buy, so I'd like to take full advantage if possible

Fresh eggs are so much better than what you can buy at the local "mart". Growing up, we had neighbors who had chickens and ducks in their back yard (along with the more typical cats and dogs). They also travelled frequently, so my sister and I were enlisted to pet sit while they were away. We got to take home any eggs we found - what a treat! Though we were both very careful to find every egg we could each day, since cracking open an older, fertilized egg was a bit disconcerting . I can't imagine anything set up on the honor system here in SoCal. Chris is right - that would translate into "free breakfast".

Sliced thick with a bit of cultured butter on top. Pure heaven.

Pork Belly with Daikon (here's the recipe that torakris shared). It's simple and really, really good.

I can't stand melon, either. Even the smell puts me over the edge. Problem when I'm faced with fruit salads or fruit trays, as melon is almost always used as a less expensive filler item. I have *tried* to get over my dislike of all things melon, but just can't get over the taste. Hats off to you for wrestling the watermelon for two hours!

Mmmmmm.....drooling in anticipation.....

Does this mean Hot Brown is going to make an appearance in this blog? I've read about it, but never seen a picture (hint, hint...)

....but, but....doesn't that call for chicken breasts?

Technically we have grilling weather here, but yesterday was a race to get out the door so I broiled. The results were delicious, regardless.

The chicken was a big hit here. A bit like satay, but with a nice crunch. Definitely making that again!

I used regular peanut butter, since that's what we had in the pantry. Adding crushed peanuts now.

I'll be cooking along as well. No crunchy peanut butter here, so I'll add in chopped peanuts if the texture is needed. Smells wonderful so far

Thank you! I've always seen the word tarka used for the same thing, so I was confused.

When you both say temper, are you talking about seasoning a new cooking pan?

That looks delicious - going to have to make some up later today. Do you typically have a lighter, vegetarian lunch?

I have a bunch of dried Fenugreek as well - trying to run through it while it's still properly aromatic. But nevermind me

Quick vote for Chicken Tikka Makhni here.

Depends on my mood. Some days I want things plain and simple, just salt and pepper. Other days I add in lightly fried onion, then top with sliced chili, cilantro, and roasted ground cumin. I have them that way for dinner occasionally as well. Great comfort food.

I think that's one of the reasons I love cooking all kinds of Indian foods - most dishes are very forgiving (well, aside from dosas ) and come out well even in untrained hands. That said, watching someone with such a rich and varied background is inspiring.

I'll have to give dosas another try - thank you for the tips. Think I'll make up that potato curry tonight, since I have a few tomatoes that need using up and everything else needed. Looks simple and delicious.

I've made the same observation - it seems that so many people who never cook have huge, beautiful kitchens, while those of us who love to cook get by with tiny spaces better suited to microwave dinners. Just shows what you can do when you set your mind to it.

I usually pack fruit or at least a whole grain cookie - something with some substance and nutritional value. Honestly, I don't much care what the other kids are getting, as I want mine to be healthy. I'm so excited to see your blog this week, Monica. Looking forward to peeking into your kitchen and living vicariously, at least for a little while. Just peeked at the pictures - gorgeous dosas above! I can never seem to get them thin and crispy enough. Yum.