Category: In the Kitchen

Queso Fresco to the Rescue

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This dish is a combination of a couple Indian dishes. It started as Chicken Korma from this book  and I created a bastardized version which combines my other favorite Indian dish Saag Paneer. Basically I added spinach and cheese to it. Since I live in small town Paneer was not readily available and I was not interested in making it…even though I understand it is easy.

I thought long and hard about a substitute and think I found a good one— Queso Fresco. I knew it needed to be a cheese that would retain it's cubist shape, but soften some. It has just a hint of salt…it was perfect. Honestly, it may be the same damn cheese/different continent.

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yum, really. but I could have done without the whole wheat naan… soem things are just better left alone.

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Another Clapotis. This one is for me. Yarn Malabrigo Sock Yarn | Colorway Velvet Grapes

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The hat portion of the scarf and hat set I'm knitting for my MIL Edna for her trip to Ireland next month. Yarn Berroco Ultra Alpaca in | Colorway Cous Cous

Because there’s never enough to do SXSW week in Austin…

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Tuesday there will be a book launch party for this Blurb book. May be a good reason to show up late to council meeting. While I love the idea of blurb… I do work in print, so am obviously a bit ambivalent about it.

Last week I received my first Greenling delivery. I live too far out of Austin for home delivery so I have it delivered to my office. My box was full of beautiful locally grown late winter veggies. All I have left is a turnip and some cilantro. I'm glad my delivery day is Thursday so there's more of a chance I will cook what I receive. Wouldn't it be great if there was a site much like Ravelry where you could punch in, "hey what can I make with three rutabagas, a pear and some yak jerky?", and a whole slew of recipes would be available from other members. I'm just sayin' it would be cool, no? Or does it already exist?

I'm looking forward to meeting Amanda for pizza and a trip to HCW. A friend gave me a gift certificate that has been burning a hole in my pocket. I want to find some bulky yarn to knit a bulky shrug. I am close to finishing the body of February Lady. Next up? Either the previously mentioned bulky shrug (just because it's quick) or Leisl, or Diminishing Rib Cardigan.

Sunday I am taking a beginning crochet class at Yarnorama. Susan was kind to schedule a class. While I learned to knit from books, I have a hard time wrapping my brain around this crochet thing. I may have talked a co-worker into coming too. FYI, Yarnorama always has a great selection of Malabrigo (worsted,lace and sock).

My Superhuman Power & Top Chef

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I don't know about you but I squealed when I heard this week's "Quick Fire Challenge". Padma and Season 3 winner Hung Huynh unveiled shelves full of ordinary pantry staples…well the kind you'd find in a home kitchen anyway. Everyone looked stunned, but Jeff was the most horrified. Really?

I laughed mostly because it reminded me of a question a co-worker once asked me. We were waiting tables together and he asked, " If you could have any superhuman power, what would it be?" I replied enthusiastically  with, "the ability to make tasty and nutritious meals with barely anything in the cupboard." he stared at me, shook his head, and snapped, "that is so sad." 

Oh, Jorge, I beg to differ.