Cinco De Mayo

After almost a year I have decided it's time to return to the blog. It seems that this is going to end up being more of a food blog, since that's pretty much all I do these days...cook! Ah cinco de mayo, one of my favorite holidays. Pretty much because it revolves around food (for me anyway) the way Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas do. I wasn't able to cook everything I wanted to though. This flan was so much easier than I thought it was going to be. The thing that gave me the most trouble was the caramel topping. Yeah, i'm probably the one who made it more challenging. I used natural sugar instead of white sugar, really there were more pros than cons to the natural sugar. The white sugar melts faster, but also burns easier and leaves a darker color on the flan. The natural sugar took a while to melt, but it didn't burn, the color (amber) was more beautiful and the flavor was more delicate. So, to those who may plan to make flan I suggest the natural sugar and not the white refined.
Happy Cinco De May!

New York

Well, I just returned from my first trip to New York. It may have only been a day and a half, but it was well worth it to me. I am ready to return already.
Got to see a few key things in New York, but obviously one can not see even a quarter of NY in the time I was there.
Went to Liberty Island and climbed the stairs to the pedestal and looked out over NY and Ellis Island. I forewent Ellis Island since time was short, and I wanted to explore NY a little more. The weather was great and view from the statue was incredible. It was clear as far as I could see.
Walked down Broadway and saw all kinds of people. Rode the subway, and hear a guy playing the shamasan in one of the tunnels...he was pretty good. Ah, say the bull with tons of people clustered around it. Got to see some of the gorgeous cathedrals that reside in NY, didn't go inside any of them. That will just have to wait till the next trip.
The first night there, got to see a Broadway show (Wicked) and finally got to taste the Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3. Worth the hype in my opinion. How can one say no to tasty hot chocolate that has been frozen into a slushy topped with fresh whip cream, and chocolate shavings?
Stayed in the Algonquin Hotel..a NY landmark. Actually the oldest operating hotel in NY, turns out they were also the first hotel to introduce key cards...okay so that was a really random fact, but hey random is good. Met Matilda (The Algonquin Cat) who has fan mail sent to her own personal e-mail address as well as a HUGE birthday party ever year. Enjoying a drink in the lobby was a very fun and relaxing experience.
Walked through a portion of Central Park, got to see the ice skaters and the horse drawn carriages. I would love to go back and see the park in full "bloom".
You know, Times Square was not my favorite part of NY...in fact it was probably my least favorite. I mean, it was neat to see it and say 'I've been there" but it wasn't really all that exciting to me, neon lights everywhere and shops that are everywhere else in the country (probably the world at this point) I did however enjoying seeing the multitude of show posters in Times Square.
Of coarse I had to make a stop at F A O Schwartz (the last one) where it turns out you can have your own Muppet made. How cool is that, who doesn't want their own Muppet?

Okay, so all over a great experience but I can't wait to go back. On the list of things to see upon returning
Central Park (again and more of it)
Museums
An Opera
The Library
Ellis Island
Explore the inside of the church's and cathedrals (the architecture is gorgeous and so impressive)
The food Markets


I'm sure there are things I am missing on this list that I can't think of off the top of my head.

Fat Tuesday

Ah, Fat Tuesday.
By far one of my favorite holidays (okay so it's not really a "holiday" per say) that revolves around food. Today is the day you eat anything and everything you want guilt free, before you move into the period where you are suppose to give things up.
But really, where's the fun in giving anything up? I know it's horrible, but I mostly use Fat Tuesday is an excuse to stuff my face with homemade Mexican food and deserts till I can eat no more.
"Just a thing wafer mint"
On the menu this evening...
Chiliquillas
Goulash (zucchini, yellow squash, corn, tomato's, and chili's)
Refried Beans
Sangria
and of coarse....Flan.

It just wouldn't be a complete meal without Flan. There's nothing like homemade Mexican food to really make your mouth water and your eyes bulge.

Airports

As much as I like going to new places, I can't say that I am a fan of airports.
My first experience in O'Hare was sort of annoying I now know why people say they hate that airport so much.
My gate changed twice, and the gate where I was suppose to leave from ended up housing the people preparing to go to New Orleans....who as it turns out had, had their gate changed 3 times. Ridiculous. No wonder nobody wants to go through there.
The only truly good thing to come out of airports is people watching. I am convinced there is no better place to participate in this sport...except perhaps Disneyland.
While sitting at my gate (and sipping some truly un-exciting Starbucks coffee) I had the pleasure of a veritable jackpot of "people". I use the term loosely of coarse, because some of these flesh and blood blobs existing, merely by occupying space do not entirely qualify as human beings or people for that matter.

#1.The young couple:
Man-Baby why do we have to spend a week with your parents, the wedding's only one day.
Woman-Because you forced me to stay 3 days with your stupid brother and his bitch of a girlfriend last month.
Man-She's not a bitch she's just....sophisticated.
Woman-Sophisticated???? That woman wouldn't know sophisticated if I shoved a 6 piece orchestra and a pearl necklace up her ass.
Man-Why do you always have to treat people like that?
Woman-You think she's pretty don't you?
Man-I never said that, where did you get that from?
Woman-Admit it? You asshole you think she's prettier than me.

This was by no means the end of the conversation, but my interest was faining and I looked for something a little more exciting.


#2 Blind Man and his dog VS. Fat Pig
A blind man and his dog were let into the terminal by an airport employee and seated in a chair that was closest to the gate entrance. Now, to me this makes sense, but the fat bastard 6 seats over refused to except this turn of events. He stood up, walked over to the blind man, poked him in the chest and said "Why the hell should you be so special that you get to sit this close to the door and go on first?" First of all I'm pretty sure had the fat man already been sitting in that seat nobody would have asked him to move and he would have been fine. It's not like there is assigned seating the terminal. Second...THE MAN IS BLIND. Needless to say, the dog growled and snapped at the fat man, the fat man tried to take a swing at the blind guy, and missed...fell on his ass and was escorted out by security.


#3 "MY EYES and NOSE"
I was sitting down in the terminal enjoying my shitty cut of coffee and reading a wonderful book (Pillars of the Earth) when my nose was suddenly accosted by the smell of death and cheap perfume. I thought I was going to lose my muffin from earlier in the morning. When I looked up my eyes began to melt in their sockets. Standing in front of me...NO bending over (forwards) to sit in front of me was a "woman" in her mid 40's with BRIGHT pink eye shadow, about and inch wide strip of eyeliner that extended past the edge of her disturbingly black eyes (I assume she was wearing contacts). There had to be about a pound of weird orange hued foundation on her face with hooker red lipstick and pink cheeks. Her attire was a gold lamey mini skirt with leopard printed one armed spandex top, liquid silver leggings and 5 inch black stilettos. Now, I may not be too far off based to say that she very well may have been a trani or a hooker....or both for that matter. Needless to say I was disappointed to not be able to get a shot of this ravishing creature to accompany this story.


Thus concludes my airport experience in Chicago O'Hare.

A Great Author

Today I bow my head in sorrow for a wonderful and brillient man who has left the earth behind.
JD Salinger died today at the age of 91.
He was a wonderful author who hid his face from everyone, but shared his words with the world.
Many of you were probably "forced" to read "Catcher in the Rye" in High School. His other 3 books worth picking up for a quick read...put aside your misgivings of anything that may have been attached to school in any way. They are worth the time and thought.

Catcher in the Rye
Franny & Zoey
9 Stories
Raise High the Roof Beam Carpenter and Seymour: an Introduction


The following quote is from my favorite short stories of his...."A Perfect Day for Bananfish" which can be found in "9 Stories"


"The young man suddenly picked up one of Sybil's wet feet, which were drooping over the end of the float, and kissed the arch."

Nothing...

The thoughts confuse the thoughts bemuse
But do they ever rest
Constantly swirling around in abandoned space

Settling vaguely in a state of rest

They start to make sense
and then they are lost

Eventually we will all go mad
In our own minds
For all to see?

The question is
who will be there?

Veggie Reubens

It's true...there is such a thing as a Veggie Reuben.

Okay, so for you die hard carnivores out there..i'm sure you are rolling your eyes at the mere thought of a reuben WITHOUT corned beef. But as a previous vegetarian (and someone who still enjoys tofu and things that LOOK like chicken) I am here to tell you that it's worth the meat eaters sacrefice.

1/4 C. Vegetable Oil

2 C. Chopped onions

2 Garlic cloves, minced or pressed

8 oz. tempeh*

2 Tsp. Tamare soy sauce

4 Slices of bread, rye is best....of coarse

1 1/2 C. Russian dressing*

1 1/2 C. Sauerkraut, warmed

1 1/2 to 2 C. Grated swiss cheese (5-7 ounces)

Saute the onions and garlic in oil for 2 or 3 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Add the tempeh and continue to saute on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes. While the tempeh is browning, get the remaining ingredients ready. When the tempeh is crisp and lightly browned, add they soy sauce.

Build the sandwiches on the toast by layering the tempeh mixture, Russian Dresing, sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese. Broil the sandwiches until the cheese is melted. Serve piping hot.

*#1-Tempeh: Tempeh is made of cultured soybeans. Tempeh has a "meaty" texture and flavor. tempeh is easiest to cut when it is partially frozen...if fully thawed it tends to crumble.

*#2-Russian Dressing;

1 Egg

5 tsp. Fresh lemon juice

1/2 tsp. Salt

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

Dash of Tabasco sauce or cayenne

1 C. Vegetable oil

1 Tbl. Hot water

1 tomato

Horseradish

Scallions

Place the egg, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings in a blender or food processor. Turn on he blender and begin adding the oil, drop by drop. Gradually increase the flow of oil to a thin stream. Continue until all of the oil is used or until the sauce is the right consistency (should be like mayonnaise). Blend in a tablespoon of hot water to stabilize. Peel a tomato and squeeze out the juice and seeds. Mince the pulp and add to the mayo with chopped scallions and horseradish to taste. The color will be pale, but the taste of each ingredient will be fresh and oh so good.

No, this is not going to be a COMPLETE food blog....but seeing as my life pretty much revolves around food there's a good chance that it will be....mostly about food. Since some recipes should be shared (and others kept secret) I feel that this recipe should be shared....it's not like vegetarian food gets the acknowledgment it should.

On a side note, is there anything less depressing about living with your parents again after 6 years of NOT living with your parents? I didn't think so.