Tea

I had a some time before the Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams exhibit opened downtown so I headed over to Teaism. They recommended Hojicha- delicious! I really enjoyed this cup of tea. It had a nutty toasted layer over the "green" taste of the tea. There was just enough sweetness to make this perfect for sipping.

Here is the link to the tea at Teaism

http://www.teaism.com/TeaShop/ProductDetails4-19.html

I received a gift card for Christmas and knew just what to do with it. I placed an order from each of my two favorite teashops Rishi and Tealuxe. I love Rishi tea- Whole Foods carries it- my favorite from there is the Jasmine Pearl. I thought it looked like fun and it is. The pearls slowly open as they float and sink as the tea steeps. This tea is very very delicious. I ordered some Hojicha and Jade Cloud to try too.

My cousin loves Tealuxe after visiting there in Boston and when she made a cup of Peachy White I was hooked too. I ordered a bunch of samples as soon as I got home and they were all very very good. My fave Tealuxe flavors are Kiwi-Berry Coconut (black), Pear and Pomegranate (black), Monk's Blend (black with grenadine and vanilla), and Mango Mist (black), and Gen-Mai Cha (green with toasted and popped rice).

I also found some very good bag teas at Whole Foods- Mighty Leaf Green Tea Tropical (very yummy), and Green Dragon (the label says nutty but I also think of buttery in a good way- maybe smooth and rich would be a good way to describe this tea- great with food). I opened a tea bag and noticed that the leaves are big and look just like good quality loose tea leaves. No tiny bits or powder. Another yummy brand is ineeka. I like Himalayan Green best. I have the Green Limon (with lemongrass) at work but need to give it another go. It seems weak and watery but I haven't brewed it properly. I also have the Himalayan black which I find a bit strong. I think it would make a great chai. I love ineeka's tea bag- you gently tear open the bag, pull on some paper wings and then attach the bag to your cup. This gives the tea leaves plenty of room to expand.

I would like to also mentioned that I tried the blooming tea at Tenpehn- very delicious and fun. I was a little disappointed that they brought the teapot to me with the flower already opened- I would have liked to watch it unfold.

The wonderful helper at Rishi recommened a glass teapot to brew my teas- she said glass would perfect to see the leaves open as they brew, that it would be easy to clean, and perfect for all types of tea. I'm off to find one (those gift cards don't last long with me!) and to order some blooming tea.

moldy wine cork

I took a bottle of wine to my brothers to share and when he went to open it, he found mold under the foil and on top of the cork. Eeeewwww. I saved the bottle hoping to take it back. It was a lovely french Chardonnay labeled with Michel Richard's name (BOURGOGNE BLANC, Michel Richard, Domaine Borgeot, Burgundy, France 2005)- he uses this as his house chardonnay. I called the wine store to ask and they said it happens often and that there is no problem. :) :) tg! They said that sometimes a bit of wine becomes trapped under the foil and will grow mold on the cork. I've never seen this before and hope I never do again but I am so glad to know that my wine is ok.

Menu for the week of 12/28

Sun
leftovers

Mon
black beans (Columbia Restaurant recipe)
rice
salad

Tues
Bhangra Burrito with chickpea-potato curry and spinach- rebar
recipe follows- I really love this! It reminds me a bit of a samosa but baked not fried.

Wed
still planning a New Year's Eve feast

Thur
black-eyed peas
Hopping John
mustard greens
cornbread


Bhangra Burrito
with chickpea-potato curry and spinach
rebar
yield: 6 burritos

"Unconventional burrito fillings are inevitable in the world of cultural food fusion. In this recipe, the corss-cultural mix makes perfect sense- the filling is pure Indian and the Mexican tortilla that wraps up the curry is a close cousin to the chapathi. The outcome is delicious and makes an ideal lunch or dinner entree. Serve with mint-mango chutney and steamed basmati rice."

4 garlic cloves
1 oz (30 g) ginger, peeled
1 jalapeno pepper, with seeds
1 red pepper, seeded
6 Roma tomatoes
3 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) toasted and ground cumin
1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted and ground coriander
1 teaspoon (5 ml) sweet paprika
1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) tumeric
1/2 teasoon (5 ml) cracked pepper
1 x 19 fl oz (540 ml) can chickpeas
2 lbs (900 g) red potatoes, 1/2" dice
1/2 bunch cilantro, stemmed and chopped
1 bunch spinach, washed, stemmed and sliced into 1/2" thick ribbons

Roughly chop garlic, ginger, jalapeno, red pepper and tomatoes. Place in a food processor and pulse to form a coarse puree. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and suate onion with 1/2 teasoon salt until translucent. Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric and pepper and continue to saute to cook the spices. Add the vegetable puree and simmer gently 5-10 minutes. Add chickpeas and cook a further 10 minutes to heat through. Set aside.

Meanwhile, pre-heat oven to 350F. Toss diced potatoes with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast until lightly golden and soft, about 15-20 minutes. Toss the chick pea mixture with roasted potatoes and chopped cilantro. Season to taste.

To roll, lay a tortilla and spread 1 cup spinach ribbons topped with 1 cup chick pea curry across the middle of the tortilla. Roll it up into a cylinder and place seam-side down in a lightly oiled baking dish. Repeat with remaining filling, cover with foil and bake 30 minutes to heat through. Serve hot with chutney and rice.

Sock doll and sock monkey

I really like how the sock monkey turned out- hopefully my niece will as well. The sock doll was inspired by a doll brought in by one of my first graders. The sock monkey was made with these directions- http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1104

I found the cute pink striped socks as well as the other socks at Target.

Paella

Someone asked how I could be having paella for my Christmas dinner. For me, paella is all about the saffron and rice and well, the saffron :) I use olive oil for the fat, a bit of extra garlic, sometimes a dash of liquid smoke, and veggie broth. Yum! My recipe is from the Columbia Restaurant Cookbook and is easily adapted now that I'm vegan. I made changes to it even before going all veg. I don't miss the seafood anymore and still love love love the saffron rice.

I would rec this wine for this dish. I had it last week and it is very delicious.

from finewine.com
MARTIN CODAX ALBARINO 2007 RIAS BAIXAS, SPAIN
"Albarino, from the wine region of Rias Baixas is considered to be Spain's most respected white wine. Martin Codax Albarino is a crisp and refreshing wine with citrus fruit, pear and peach flavors. Its medium-body, bright fruit character and subtle floral aromas, can be enjoyed with everything from salads to a wide variety of seafood and poultry dishes." -Importer's Notes

Old Dogs

The most exciting news this year- Indy is in a book! Nancy from Indy's vet called to let me know that someone was writing a book about older dogs and would I like Indy to be in it. Absolutely! The photographer (Michael S. Williamson) came over last Jun and took loads of pictures of Indy on his bed and in the front window. Then the writer (Gene Weingarten) called and we talked for about 20 minutes. Some paperwork came and then the wait.......Amazon noted the pub date to be October 7 of the following year! Well it finally came and Indy made the book! I had no idea if he would be in the book for sure, which photo would be used or what the story would say. I ran to B&N on Oct 7, found Indy in the book with a great pic and a lovely story. My boy! I would like to add that the book was published on Oct 7 which is my birthday and Indy is on page 107. Love those kind of co-inky dinkys!

http://www.amazon.com/Old-Dogs-Are-Best/dp/1416534997/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229947107&sr=8-1

Menu for this week

Sunday
leftovers- Thai and Indian

Mon
Sesame noodles with Napa Cabbage- I've posted this before but will post below
steamed broccoli

Tues
paella

Wed- Fri
in laws

Sat
pizza

Sesame Noodles with Napa Cabbage
Adapted from Veg Times by Joe
http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/05/sesame-noodles-with-napa-cabbage.html
he's got a great pic

(my adaptation is to triple the sauce- DH loves it- he's just a saucy guy!)

10 ounces whole wheat spaghetti or udon noodles
9 tablespoons natural peanut butter (I love the crunchy kind)
6 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
6 tablespoons soy sauce
6 tablespoons mirin
3 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups shredded napa cabbage
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to the directions on the package.

In a small saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sugar and crushed red pepper. Warm sauce over medium-low heat while the noodles cook.

Place cabbage in a colander in the sink - when the noodles are ready, drain them over the cabbage so the hot water can wilt the cabbage. Place the noodles and cabbage in a large bowl, add warmed peanut sauce and toss well to coat. Sprinkle each plate with a portion of the chopped cilantro before serving.

Serve extra peanut sauce for steamed broccoli that goes so well with this dinner.

Makes about 4 servings.

Mu Shu in Moments

I've decided to keep on blogging- my original intent was to have my recipes available when I was away from my home or computer. I've found lots of new recipes in the past year and will start to post them. I'll also keep on posting the week's menus. Have you ever felt- there's nothing to cook this week??? I've been feeling that a lot lately! So here's back at it!

My newest fave recipe- great for a weeknight.. I leave the chicken and eggs out but DH has found that he likes Morning Stars Chik'en Strips (I'll get the right name the next time I go to the grocery store.) Mung bean sprouts are also a good addition. This is quick and easy and sooooo much better than the Chinese restaurant's version.

Mu Shu in Moments
Gourmet Feb 06
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mu-Shu-in-Moments-233797
for the original recipe
my version below

2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons finely grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1 (16-oz) bag coleslaw mix
handful mung bean sprouts
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
several scallions, coarsely chopped, served in a bowl at the table
8 (6-inch) flour tortillasI prefer whole wheat
1 package Morning Star Chick'n Strips, cooked separately for DH

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil to skillet and heat until hot, then cook ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes, stirring, until garlic is golden, about 1 minute. Add coleslaw mix, mung sprouts, and 2 tablespoons water and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until coleslaw is wilted, about 5 minutes.
Stir together soy sauce, sesame oil, remaining 2 tablespoons water, and hoisin sauce in a small bowl. Add to coleslaw mixture stirring, 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Immediately put tortillas between 2 dampened paper towels on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power until tortillas are hot, about 1 minute.
To assemble, spread hoisin on each tortilla and top with mu shu mixture, chicken strips, additional bean sprouts, or scallions, then roll up.

Serves 4

Menu for the week of 1/27

Sun
tacos

Mon
black beans and rice- the black beans were made on Sunday using a recipe from the Columbia Restaurant Cookbook
salad

Tues
leftover Potatoes and Chard with Green Curry Sauce- we'll see how this dish freezes

Wed
Wilted Red Cabbage Salad with Tangerines and Almonds-from the Wine Lovers Cookbook- this is only if I get my report cards written- most likely I'll make this next week and we'll just have take out tonight

Thurs
leftover Peas and Rice from CL

Menu for the week of 1/20

Sun
Black Bean Soup with Chile, Coconut Milk, and Lime- for lunch on Tues
dinner out

Mon
Singapore Curry Noodles- The Curry Book- caught my eye last week

Tues
New Orleans Red Beans and Rice- AYIAVK using Rancho Gordo's Rio Zape beans
kale

Wed
take out Chinese

Thurs
pasta for DH
large salad for me

An excellent Tuscan cooking class

Carol, co-owner of Lost Creek Winery in Leesburg, had a great idea. She hosted a cooking class at the winery last Saturday night. The instruction was geared to those than can cook and those that are just learning. Maria, from http://www.tuscancookingclasses.com/, was enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and fun. The night was hands-on- we made or assembled everything. The menu included an antipasta platter, bruschetta (ours had an herbed white bean topping), grilled pizza with a variety of toppings to choose from, and a salad with a balsamic/olive oil dressing. The available wines included Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Cabernert Sauvignon, and Merlot. YUM! The food tasted so good and it was fun to match the wines with each dish.

Menu for the week of 1/13

Sunday
Red Bean Chili with Ancho Chiles and Coffee- AYIAVK- made with Rancho Gordo's Anasazi beans
cornbread- I love the whole wheat recipe from veganlunchbox.com
steamed kale

Tuesday
Vegetable Ravioli with Toasted Walnuts in Curry Cream Sauce- The Curry Book
broccoli
salad

Wednesday
Rice and Peas- Jan/Feb 08 CL
buschetta- from Maria Canora's Tuscan cooking class- I took a class from her last night at the winery where I work during the summers- excellent class and excellent food!

Thursday
tacos- DH likes Lightlife taco filling
I'll make mine with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, onion, and maybe try a new cheese sauce from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook

Menu for week of Jan 6

Sunday
big salad and veggie sandwich for me
ravioli lasagna for DH

Monday
black beans and rice
steamed kale
salad

Tuesday
grilled cheese sandwich for DH
hummus pita for me
balsmic glazed carrots with garlic
spicy broccoli rabe with garlic

Wednesday
Pasta with Muffalata Olive Salad and Italian Meats- leaving out the Italian meats for me ;)

Thursday
leftover Spinach and Chickpea Curry

December's New Recipes- Hits and Misses

Hits
Pom Martinis- Oprah- found on this on the cookinglight board- I liked both the tequila and vodka versions
Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Pine Nuts- Vegetables Every Day
Soy-Braised Mustard Greens- Vegetables Every Day
Lima Parmigiana- How to Cook Everything Vegetarian
Chickpeas in their own broth- How to Cook Everything Vegetarian
Lo Mein- with adaptaions- World of the East Vegetarian Cooking
Red Lentils with Cumin-Onion Butter- Sur la Table cooking class
Beginners Curry- Great Curries of India
Roasted Mushroom, Lentil, and Walnut Pate- CL
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies- Eat Drink and Be Vegan
Polenta with Tomato-Braised Beans- CL Jan/Feb 08

Ok/Not a repeater
Black-eyed Peas in a Crockpot- clbb
Brown Rice 'n' Beans "Jumble-aya" - Eat, Drink, and Be Vegan- just a bit too sweet for me- I may play with this.

Potatoes and Chard with Green Curry Sauce

I realized that there are quite a few recipes that I didn't get around to posting last year. This is one of my faves. DH will actually eat greens so this recipe is a keeper. He rec doubling the sauce- that way there is enough to spoon over some steamed broccoli. I doubled everything for the sauce but only used a heavy 3 tablespoons of the green curry paste instead of 4 mostly because that was all there was in the jar. There is a nice heat to this dish and lots of flavor. I use regular, not light, coconut milk, rainbow chard (it's so pretty), and baby Yukon or gold potatoes. I've tried to find roasted peanut oil but haven't so I use just peanut oil. The last time I made this, I had a bit of extra chard but instead of adding it to the curry and risk turning DH off this recipe, I put it in my bowl and then topped the extra chard with the hot rice and curry. It added a nice extra texture to the dish and I'll probably always add a bit from now on.

Potatoes and Chard with Green Curry Sauce
Adapted from A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen
Serves 4 as a main course
1 1/2 tablespoon roasted or reg peanut oil
6 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons minced ginger
2 14-ounce cans unsweeten coconut milk, with 1 cup thickened coconut cream spooned off the top and reserved
3 1/2 tablespoons green curry paste
1 short cup water
2 pounds small potatoes, halved, halved again and then halved one last time
salt
4 ounces chard, thinly sliced (discard thick center stems) (about 3 cups)
1 short cup fresh cilantro leaves- loose and slightly cut
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, no more than 1 minute. Add the cup of thickened coconut cream and the curry paste. Simmer briskly until the liquid in the coconut cream evaporates and the mixture forms a very thick paste that sizzles in the pan, 2-3 minutes.

Add the remaining coconut milk, water, potatoes, and 3/4 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are almost tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the chard, cover, and cook, stirring once, until the potatoes and chard are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Adjust the seasonings, adding salt to taste, and serve.