Ok, so I tried the tikka masala non-dairy version that I described previously. The results were not spectacularly bad, but were certainly not what I expected either.
First, a confession - I made two errors when making the masala itself:
1) I didn't sautee the onion/ginger/garlic mix with the pepper/garam mix for 2 minutes. I added it at the same time I added the tomatoes.
2) I forgot about the ground cashew powder I set aside. Whoops.
You might also want to add to the list of mistakes "buying your garam masala at the local QFC, and not an authentic Indian grocery."
So the end result was less the fiery delight called chicken tikka masala, and ended up much closer to chicken chai masala - that is, the sauce was peppery and a little on the sweet side. It wasn't bad, but unexpected.
Next time, along with following the actual recipe I set out, I'm going to reduce the amount of honey used by half and include maybe a teaspoon of salt in the mix.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Dairy-free, egg-free dumplings
So one of the charms of Southern cooking is the good ol' chicken 'n' dumplings. Unfortunately, the dumplings I grew up eating involve milk and possibly egg. So how could I share this delight with my wife?
Enter ... dairy-free, egg-free chicken and dumplings.
3 1/2 C chicken broth
2 C water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved length-wise
Bring broth and water to a simmer in a saucepan. Add chicken and poach at a simmer until just cooked through (approx. 6-8 minutes). Transfer chicken breast with a slotted spoon to a side bowl. reserve 3 1/2 C liquid.
3/4 C non-dairy milk (we use unsweetened almond milk)
1 t vinegar
2 C flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/4 C margarine or non-dairy butter (we use Earth Balance)
Mix the milk and vinegar and set aside.
In a bowl, combined the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the margarine until crumbly. Add the milk and vinegar and stir until just combined.
Drop the dough in spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Slice chicken and add to soup. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes to warm through the chicken.
Enter ... dairy-free, egg-free chicken and dumplings.
3 1/2 C chicken broth
2 C water
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved length-wise
Bring broth and water to a simmer in a saucepan. Add chicken and poach at a simmer until just cooked through (approx. 6-8 minutes). Transfer chicken breast with a slotted spoon to a side bowl. reserve 3 1/2 C liquid.
3/4 C non-dairy milk (we use unsweetened almond milk)
1 t vinegar
2 C flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/4 C margarine or non-dairy butter (we use Earth Balance)
Mix the milk and vinegar and set aside.
In a bowl, combined the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the margarine until crumbly. Add the milk and vinegar and stir until just combined.
Drop the dough in spoonfuls into the simmering broth. Cover. Cook for 10-15 minutes. Slice chicken and add to soup. Cook for 1-2 additional minutes to warm through the chicken.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Non-food post: English First is stupid ... and bad grammar.
So there's a popular meme going around, it reads as follows:
WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Press 1 for English. Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English. And remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST. And the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree... copy and paste in your status....
I don't even know where to begin with this. While I'm little-c conservative, and believe firmly in measured, calm progress, I'm actually fairly liberal when it comes to immigration and how we treat non-natives in this country. I believe strongly in letting any and all immigrants short of criminals (and I don't mean illegal immigrants) come to this country to pursue the perhaps-mythical American Dream.
The first presumption, and the one that offends me most, is that all those who live in the United States should speak English. While it is of course a requirement to have a modicum of fluency to attain citizenship, there are those who are here as guests, as students to learn and appreciate what the US has to offer, and those who are here as family of those who have moved here to attain the above-mentioned dream. This genuinely offends me, perhaps most because it presumes that those who wish to speak their native language are not fluent in English. As someone who is fluent in more than just English, I can say with utmost certainty that even being fluent in another language doesn't change the comfort and ease that speaking my native language gives. Especially in a land where it is rare to hear my native tongue. Wanting to speak your native language in no way denigrates English; wanting to speak your native language in no way implies a lack of fluency - though that might be my ego speaking.
Also, the concept of fluency presumes a set vocabulary. My mother, whom I love dearly, wouldn't know a ... well, a router (señalizador de ruta) versus a router (router de mesa). And yet we presume that a foreigner should know the difference.
The second presumption, and the one that amuses me the most, is the presumption that those who are born American should get a pass on fluency, either in English or another language. It always seems that those who are most ardent about English First are also those who are least likely to speak any other tongue. It's more than a little presumptuous to think you have an inherent right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness and deny others simply by accident of birth.
Additionally, those who are most ardent also seem to be the least fluent. I'm not talking about being unable to discern when to use "effect" and "affect," or "who" and "whom"; I'm referring to people who wouldn't be able to find subject-verb agreement with a field guide to grammar. Who think it's a badge of pride that they ain't never had no college education. And who wouldn't see the point I just made.
So I propose this: we abolish the provision of foreign language options, absolutely. And instead we implement a franchise test. A grammar and vocabulary test that covers up through, say, high school graduate English skills, and the person must pass it before he receives the ability to vote. Or have a driver's license. Or be able to work in a job that pays more than minimum wage. This seems fair to me - holding everyone to the same standards and expectations.
I said I was conservative, didn't I?
As for the last portion - I can't wrap my head around it. Comparing American soldiers to the Messiah of a major religion baffles me, and elevates them in a manner that is simultaneously jingoistic and completely lacking in perspective. I respect American soldiers, and think they are doing a great service and taking high risks. But they are doing a job, a job by choice, and deserve the same respect that we accord firefighters and police officers. No more, no less.
WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Press 1 for English. Press 2 to disconnect until you learn to speak English. And remember only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, JESUS CHRIST. And the AMERICAN SOLDIER. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom. If you agree... copy and paste in your status....
I don't even know where to begin with this. While I'm little-c conservative, and believe firmly in measured, calm progress, I'm actually fairly liberal when it comes to immigration and how we treat non-natives in this country. I believe strongly in letting any and all immigrants short of criminals (and I don't mean illegal immigrants) come to this country to pursue the perhaps-mythical American Dream.
The first presumption, and the one that offends me most, is that all those who live in the United States should speak English. While it is of course a requirement to have a modicum of fluency to attain citizenship, there are those who are here as guests, as students to learn and appreciate what the US has to offer, and those who are here as family of those who have moved here to attain the above-mentioned dream. This genuinely offends me, perhaps most because it presumes that those who wish to speak their native language are not fluent in English. As someone who is fluent in more than just English, I can say with utmost certainty that even being fluent in another language doesn't change the comfort and ease that speaking my native language gives. Especially in a land where it is rare to hear my native tongue. Wanting to speak your native language in no way denigrates English; wanting to speak your native language in no way implies a lack of fluency - though that might be my ego speaking.
Also, the concept of fluency presumes a set vocabulary. My mother, whom I love dearly, wouldn't know a ... well, a router (señalizador de ruta) versus a router (router de mesa). And yet we presume that a foreigner should know the difference.
The second presumption, and the one that amuses me the most, is the presumption that those who are born American should get a pass on fluency, either in English or another language. It always seems that those who are most ardent about English First are also those who are least likely to speak any other tongue. It's more than a little presumptuous to think you have an inherent right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness and deny others simply by accident of birth.
Additionally, those who are most ardent also seem to be the least fluent. I'm not talking about being unable to discern when to use "effect" and "affect," or "who" and "whom"; I'm referring to people who wouldn't be able to find subject-verb agreement with a field guide to grammar. Who think it's a badge of pride that they ain't never had no college education. And who wouldn't see the point I just made.
So I propose this: we abolish the provision of foreign language options, absolutely. And instead we implement a franchise test. A grammar and vocabulary test that covers up through, say, high school graduate English skills, and the person must pass it before he receives the ability to vote. Or have a driver's license. Or be able to work in a job that pays more than minimum wage. This seems fair to me - holding everyone to the same standards and expectations.
I said I was conservative, didn't I?
As for the last portion - I can't wrap my head around it. Comparing American soldiers to the Messiah of a major religion baffles me, and elevates them in a manner that is simultaneously jingoistic and completely lacking in perspective. I respect American soldiers, and think they are doing a great service and taking high risks. But they are doing a job, a job by choice, and deserve the same respect that we accord firefighters and police officers. No more, no less.
Vegan pan-fried cornbread - a not-so-oldie
1 1/2 C non-dairy milk
2 t lemon juice
1 2/3 C flour
1 C cornmeal
4 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
1 jalapeno pepper diced
1 C corn
1/2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C honey
pre-heat oven to 375. Place lightly-greased 10" skillet in oven.
In small bowl, mix together milk and lemon juice. Set aside.
In separate large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and diced pepper.
In blender, puree corn, oil, and honey until smooth and well-combined. Add the milk and lemon juice, the slowly add the puree to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the skillet, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. I used the toothpick test (when it comes out clean).
2 t lemon juice
1 2/3 C flour
1 C cornmeal
4 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
1 jalapeno pepper diced
1 C corn
1/2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C honey
pre-heat oven to 375. Place lightly-greased 10" skillet in oven.
In small bowl, mix together milk and lemon juice. Set aside.
In separate large bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and diced pepper.
In blender, puree corn, oil, and honey until smooth and well-combined. Add the milk and lemon juice, the slowly add the puree to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the skillet, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. I used the toothpick test (when it comes out clean).
Cashew sour cream - an oldie but goodie.
1 C raw cashews (raw, unsalted)
1/4 t salt
1-2 t apple cider vinegar
1 small lemon, juice of
This is an easy one.
Soak the cashews in water overnight. Drain afterward.
Place the cashews, 1/4 C cold water, salt, vinegar, and lemon juice into a blender or food processor.
Puree for 3-4 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Can be kept refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to a week.
1/4 t salt
1-2 t apple cider vinegar
1 small lemon, juice of
This is an easy one.
Soak the cashews in water overnight. Drain afterward.
Place the cashews, 1/4 C cold water, salt, vinegar, and lemon juice into a blender or food processor.
Puree for 3-4 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Can be kept refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to a week.
My current experiment - non-dairy chicken tikka masala
Most of my recipe experiments are driven by my wife - she can't eat dairy or egg. However, most recipes that exclude dairy and egg go all the way over to vegan, and we just can't have that. We like our steak, our chicken, and ... well, ok, I'm the one who likes pork.
So my current experiment is going to be trying the following recipe - as always, I'll start with the theoretical recipe, and then proceed to improv my way to make it tastier. I might even remember to write down the changes this time ...
Douglas' Non-Dairy Tikka Masala
1 C cashew cream (or, as my inner 12-year-old calls it, "nut cream"; and then I laugh and laugh)
1 T vegetable oil
1 onion, large, white, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 t ginger, minced or grated
1 can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped (include juice)
1 1/2 T garam masala
1 1/2 t pure chili powder
1/2 t cayenne
1/4 C cashews, ground
For the nut cream:
1/2 C raw unsalted cashews
1 T honey
For the cashew cream:
Soak cashews in water overnight to soften them. Rinse and puree in blender along with 1 T honey. Add water to fill to 1 C.
For the sauce:
Sautee onions, garlic and ginger in hot oil until fragrant and transparent, about 8 minutes. Add garam masala, chili powder and cayenne and sautee an additional two minutes. Add chopped tomatoes along with their juices, partially cover and cook until sauce is thickened - about 20 minutes.
Add cashew cream and ground cashews, cook an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
Serve over rice and chicken.
So my current experiment is going to be trying the following recipe - as always, I'll start with the theoretical recipe, and then proceed to improv my way to make it tastier. I might even remember to write down the changes this time ...
Douglas' Non-Dairy Tikka Masala
1 C cashew cream (or, as my inner 12-year-old calls it, "nut cream"; and then I laugh and laugh)
1 T vegetable oil
1 onion, large, white, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 t ginger, minced or grated
1 can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped (include juice)
1 1/2 T garam masala
1 1/2 t pure chili powder
1/2 t cayenne
1/4 C cashews, ground
For the nut cream:
1/2 C raw unsalted cashews
1 T honey
For the cashew cream:
Soak cashews in water overnight to soften them. Rinse and puree in blender along with 1 T honey. Add water to fill to 1 C.
For the sauce:
Sautee onions, garlic and ginger in hot oil until fragrant and transparent, about 8 minutes. Add garam masala, chili powder and cayenne and sautee an additional two minutes. Add chopped tomatoes along with their juices, partially cover and cook until sauce is thickened - about 20 minutes.
Add cashew cream and ground cashews, cook an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
Serve over rice and chicken.
A good start
So a quick explanation is in order - I haven't really blogged openly before. The usual explorations of LJ and Facebook notes, sure, but never anything that was meant for public consumption.
The title, in many ways, sums up my interests. I'm fascinated by Russian literature, Jimmy Buffett, good food, and technology. So a blog with a portmanteau refering to the greatest book ever written and the greatest song ever written ... it seems fitting.
Me? I'm a test engineer for a major online business professionally. I'm a language geek in my spare time. I hate fishing, love beaches, and my heart yearns for Florida but my bank account yearns for Seattle. So I'm torn. I'll get over it.
The title, in many ways, sums up my interests. I'm fascinated by Russian literature, Jimmy Buffett, good food, and technology. So a blog with a portmanteau refering to the greatest book ever written and the greatest song ever written ... it seems fitting.
Me? I'm a test engineer for a major online business professionally. I'm a language geek in my spare time. I hate fishing, love beaches, and my heart yearns for Florida but my bank account yearns for Seattle. So I'm torn. I'll get over it.
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