What's in my Chico Bag?

Alex and I have been living in Chico, CA for almost four years now and I had not purchased a ChicoBag.

I have lots of other reusable grocery bags so I really never though about needing one before.  However, today I went to the store and left my other bags at home.  No big deal I'll just carry my items, but right next to the register was this beautiful ChicoBag and I could not resist.

 

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Chicken Korma

It's Tuesday.

I find that Tuesdays are the hardest day of the week. You made it past Monday, but Friday is still so far away.

I'll let you in on a little secret. I am at my most irritable on Tuesday. It's very irrational, but there you have it.

Now, I'm going to go watch some Deep Space Nine and call it a night.

Happy Tuesday.

Chicken Korma

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh gingerroot
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 teaspoon Garam Marsala
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3 green cardamoms, with husks removed and seeds crushed
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground almonds
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 1 can diced green chiles
• Fresh cooked rice, to serve

Directions:

• Mix the ginger, garlic, Garam Marsala, chili powder, salt, cumin seeds, cardamoms, ground coriander, almonds, and yogurt together in a small bowl.
• Place chicken in a dish.
• Spoon over the yogurt and spice mixture.
• Let chill.
• Heat oil in large skillet.
• Add chicken and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add water.
• Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes
• Add cilantro and green chiles.
• Cook for an additional 10 minutes
• Serve with rice.

Chicken Dopiaza

I'm having one of those days where I don't even run a comb through my hair until 3:30 in the afternoon. Instead of doing the things on my long to do list, I've spent it watching Numbers and reading Joy the Baker. I know not very productive, but sometimes that is what a person needs. Besides there is always tomorrow for the to do list.

Looking at Joy's pictures has me salivating to try some of her decadent dishes.

Also her pictures are an inspiration. I've come to the realization that I need to take better pictures for my blog. For all of you. First thing I need is better or more props. Unique dishes, cake stands, cutting boards, bowls, etc. Next, I need to save up for a new lens. I'd like a new camera, but my current one is only three years old and I cannot justify the cost of a new one so soon. Finally, I need some photo editing software. And well actually use it.

Chicken Dopiaza

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 shallots, halved
• 3 dried red chilies
• 6 cardamoms
• 6 black peppercorns
• 2 whole cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup canned tomatoes
• 4 tablespoons water
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into pieces
• Freshly cooked rice

Directions:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy bottom pan.
• Add the shallots and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until golden.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve.
• Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan.
• Add chilies, cardamoms, peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaves.
• Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, or until they give off their aroma.
• Add the chopped onions.
• Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until softened.
• Stir in the Garlic paste, Ginger paste, cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, and turmeric.
• Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and their can juices and water.
• Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
• Ass the chicken and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Return shallots to the pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
• Serve immediately over rice.

New Cookbook

Tonight, after work I went to the book store to pick up a birthday present for my god-son. Of course going to the book store is always an exercise in self control. I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I love books.

I am proud to say that I made it out of the store with only three books, two of which are presents. The one I got for myself is this fabulous new cookbook.

I'm hoping to make some fantastic Indian inspired meals in the next few weeks to explore this new addition to my bookshelf.