CHICKEN CURRY RECIPE

Mike Sheldon asked for this Curry Chicken recipe from the December 12th post. It comes from the above book and is a simple West Indian version of the dish NOT a traditional East Indian version in which the spices would be individually mixed depending on the style/region of is origin.

Curry Chicken

6 pounds chicken, parts or 2 chix, cut in pieces

1 lime, juiced and grated rind

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 large onion, about 2 cups chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 tablespoons curry powder

2 plum tomatoes chopped or 1/3 cup tomato sauce

1 whole scotch bonnet pepper, plus 2-4 slices (depending on spiciness)

if no peppers available use a hot sauce made with same chilis

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 cups water or chicken stock.

Rinse the chicken, pat dry and place in large bowl coating with lime juice and zest.

In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Pat dry the chicken again and brown the chicken 3-4 minutes per side in batches if necessary, adding more oil as needed. Remove the chicken to a platter.

Discard all but 2 T. fat and add remaining butter. Reduce heat to medium and add onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook a couple minutes, stirring and scraping, careful not to burn the garlic. Add the curry powder and cook a couple more minutes.

Add the tomatoes, pepper and pepper slices, salt. pepper and water. Mix until well blended. Return the chicken to the pan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to simmer. Partially cover and cook 40-45 minutes until chicken is completely tender. Serve with rice.

ONE PERFECT MEAL

This is not my white truffle BUT--

if it was I'd make this Tagliatell ai Truffles

http://www.italianmade.com/recipes/recipe262.cfm

as a Christmas present to my beloved

READYING CHRISTMAS DINNER IDEAS

This is it--the star of our Christmas dinner, an 8 ribber prime rib roast. I have written about our menu at http://www.marthastewart.com/article/a-cut-above. One year several years ago-I made this menu. I guess it was an impressionable year for the boys because I've never been able to make anything else since. There are never enough Yorkshire Pudding Popovers (the dripped beef fat/juice used instead of butter to line popover pan). The roast itself is like a great big man Christmas present for them all--one I'd only give once a year. They talk about this meal all year and that is what holiday ritual is all about--creating an experience that is anticipated with utter delight year after year.

The only question remaining for me this year is dessert which is one place I have a little wiggle room (as long as its cake). I spoke with master baker Rose Levy Berenbaum www.realbakingwithrose.com about it and she suggested a chocolate cake with brownie bits broken up inside and an orange mousseline butter cream--so freakishly decadent. One boy has asked for chocolate cake, strawberries and a plain buttercream but I'm not sold on using strawberries this time of year. Would appreciate any interesting suggestions that are not too complicated.

EGG ON RICE

Basically fried egg on any leftover works for this boys breakfast. The fried egg technique in Mad Hungry works like a charm to avoid a gooby, runny top and overcooked bottom. Seems like a big duh but have heard from a few folks who claim to have finally fried the perfect egg.

STEVIE

Our young boy puppy Steve joins his 13 year old chocolate lab sister Koko underfoot while I cook. Thankfully they also force me out for long early morning walks everyday too.

BREAKFAST SANDWICH

It seems so basic, almost like a, duh--but, creating a breakfast sandwich with some soul takes a some thoughtful technique. Now I'm not saying MH's is the only way--it's just that after quite a few years I know it rocks hard every time. If you're interested in the exact method I use, check the video clip on the right of this blog where Martha and I make it on her show. Critical (yet not pictured here) is the wrapping in parchment and or foil. All the steam infuses the elements in total; crispy bacon, melted cheese, oozy yolk and crusted bagel or baguette with just the right texture for eating. How do you make your breakfast sandwich?

SATURDAY NIGHT SUPPER

Low and behold, I dissed Apple prematurely as THIS time, they actually called me within 12 hours with news of a smooth "data transfer." Had just finished dinner so I hopped in a cab and made it there just before closing time at 9 to pick up my new computer.

I won't lie--its here and I'm excited.

Meanwhile. here's dinner folks.

Curry Chicken from 2nd cookbook (WIll post the simple recipe if anyone wants. Let me know)

www.amazon.com/Lucindas-Authentic-Jamaican-Kitchen-Lucinda/dp/0471749354

Raita with shredded apple

Mango Chutney, store bought

White rice

Quick fried Kale from Mad Hungry

Roasted caramelized sweet potatoes

SO LONG DINOSAUR COMPUTER

On December 6th exactly 5 minutes after my last post my 6 year old computer officially died. 

Hence the vacuum from this end.  Am presently using a teenage computer, snagged while he's at soccer practice (otherwise there is no way to pry it away from him). And, if you're reading this boyeee--I clicked out of all the weird stuff left open WITHOUT looking, I promise

Anyway, concluding book tour and resubmerging in to family/job life has been rather time consuming this week. I feel back in the groove though and just spent the morning getting a new computer which is always so much more complicated that it needs to be even at Apple. I thought I'd be unpacking the little beauty by now but--no, not that simple. Had to leave the old one with the new one at the store for the "data transfer" which apparently can take up to 78 hours uhggg!  But it'll be a new improved technological me. No more back road, slow moving journeys on this super highway. Can't wait. Stay tuned. 

For now for shopping and cooking per usual. 

 

MAD HAPPY TO BE HOME

I arrived home to the the incredible aroma of the crunchy sesame chicken wings, (MH p. 126) wafting thought the hallways before I even opened the apartment door.  It's so funny (especially to those of you who may have heard my tour talks) that my husband was so proud to say that he'd actually followed HIS own recipe in my book. I had to pin him down for the right formula when I wrote the book and even though its a perfect recipe he continues to ignore it and riffs (unsuccessfully, I might add) on it and it is never as good as the original. Guess what?? He finally admitted to the value of sticking to a tried and true plan. 

Already, I've done 2 long doggie walks (my aged brown dog stands at my side) as new puppy explores AND I will just say once how happy I am to be reunited with all the Quinn males I live with.

Thanks to everyone who purchased Mad Hungry at the Martha Stewart Craft Fair this weekend. Wish I could have been there too but I know my rocking colleague Lauren took good care of you. 

Am off to the Columbia farmers market because its 11:30 a.m. and I've already been asked that burning question, What's for dinner? Some things never change!

SALT LAKE CITY: MAD HUNGRY TOUR FINALE

Early morning flight to Salt Lake City--beautiful, dramatic descent over the Wasatch mountains. Morning TV and a tour of Park City before final signing at The Kings English book store: cozy and cool, another great vibe indie book store alive and well as a thriving community center. Dinner, champagne toast and reflections on the most amazing odyssey this book tour has been. Folks, we live in a diverse, dynamic FREE country. Let us never forget!

We're going home now.

Thanks to everyone. One Love. LSQ

MILE HIGH CITY

The first thing you realize AND everyone tells you when you arrive in Denver is to be mindful of the altitude. At 5,280 elevation above sea level you need to get acclimated, meaning beware of dehydration, lack of sleep, dizziness and shortness of breath. Lovely--on city 24 of this 25 city tour I'm already trying to stay one step ahead of such conditions. Still I was excited to party a little since yesterday was one of my rare light days, but I was scared into having only one measly margarita (and 3 glasses of water). Per usual we've crammed in a lot.

First real shopping led me to www.crybabyranch.com--the most awesome cool western store in Larimer Square owned by Roxanne who is one of the brightest lights in Denver. Her collection is so carefully curated--baby and kids stuff is amazing and for me--I zoned right in on the collection of small artisanal jewelry makers and also the homemade cowboy boots. Check it out if you can.

Lunch led us to a hip neighborhood called The Highlands and The Squeaky Bean--another little foodie gem where we ate delicious simple food. The soup was as good a rendition of autumn squash soup as I've ever had. Pictured above, Butternut Brodo poured over Kabocha puree inside roasted delicata squash garnished with sliced apple and a little celery. It was rendered so well! Every town we've been in has these emerging little gems of eateries: its a new style hard to explain. Young cooks with dreams just open up shop and start doing their thing in a sort of underground way. The day ended at the Colorado Museum of History. Denver is the western architecture of my imagination. Our hotel, Brown Palace is old school to the max, of another age but with all modern amenities--probably my favorite so far. Just getting ready to head over to The Tattered Cover for a signing and tasting at 7:30. Am really looking forward to being in this legendary store.

But, here is the what I'm happy about right now. My son, tour partner , basketball fan and all around really great person who has helped me deal so much said when we arrived in Denver--I wonder if the Nuggets are playing in town. Their star Carmelo Anthony is one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Low and behold--they are playing here tonight at 8:30 (even after my signing) against the Miami Heat and another of his favs the exciting Duane Wade. I called everyone I could and miraculously managed to snag 2 tickets. He is beyond the beyond psyched which is the best thank-you I could have ever give him. Now I'm mad thirsty and have to go drink more water .

P.S. If you leave a comment, especially a smarmy one--at least please leave your name anonymous.

Thanks

AZ PM BOOKS/PIZZA-CO AM SNOW

Changing Hands book store in Tempe AZ is one of the most amazing independent bookstores I've ever seen! The collection is extraordinary and the staff same too. Knowledgeable, kind, opinionated (in a good way)--a community place just vibing good literary vibes all around. Thanks to Rachel for her creative book pick for me which I'm loving, The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet by Reif Larson-- a totally original book of fiction. Also, to all who came down to talk about MH--and buy books to, I'm very grateful.

Any food folk who go near Phoenix must eat at Pizzeria Bianco. Some say its the best pizza in the country. For sure the ingredients, crust, toppings, cured meats, cheeses, olive oil, local greens etc--all top of the line. And, masterminded by the unique force of nature Chris Bianco (profiled in Martha Stewart living may 2009)--it all comes together flawlessly. The pizza crust is crispy yet chewy--not to thick but not too thin either. Dates from a tree outside were wrapped in Prosciutto and wood fired to perfection. It's simple and straightforward food--just how I like it; carefully handled and simply executed. Next door is a little wine bar housed in an historic old building moved to the property. A great end to our AZ travels. Beautiful 60 degree evening.

And arrived this morning in snowy 20 degrees Denver: love this weather too! Check it out:

PHOENIX AZ

This is yet another American city I've never been to with its own flavor and style just like the others. And, it has the most amazing weather too (ok I get why people come here for the winter). Today high 69--chilly in the morning and no humidity. Glorious citrus trees are growing all over the place and yes, in true tourist fashion--found the first great looking cactus (which goes with the man theme lol) to photograph which lives in the front yard of where the radio show Culinary Confessions is broadcast.

This morning two TV shows and two radio shows filled up the morning. Midway through, son announced his intention to hike Camelback Mountain located right between Scottsdale and Phoenix. While it sounds fun, I was worried he'd drag me up there too (in my clogs-like in Cincinnati) but wisely he didn't. So, I was left with a few free hours to plan lunch (natch).

But, I'm so excited over dinner plans (more on that later) that I needed to keep it light. Low and behold--it turns out famed integrative Doctor Andrew Weil has a new restaurant near my hotel call True Food Kitchen, foxrc.com where, I was told, "they actually make health food taste good." Skeptical as I was (this is rarely the case in a restaurant), I ate my lunch there solo: an awesome Grapefruit, Uzu and Agave drink started things off and my meal, brown rice, tofu and mad green veggies was so damn good I couldn't believe it. He has a formula that works-- an excellent menu, great ingredients and cooks in the kitchen that can actually pull it off

Tonight we'll be at Changing Hands bookstore in Tempe, so come on down should this be your neck of the woods. Tomorrow off to Denver and Boulder. Btw, Cathy Erway at www.noteatingoutinnewyork.com is having a fun MH giveaway. Check it out.

THANKSGIVING LEFT-OVERS ROLLED UP

¨

I got the idea from my interview with The Washington Post (see clip on right side). I had fun up there making crepes for a stroy on MH which ran a week ago Weds and justifiably needed a Thanksgiving angle. The reporter Bonnie had a great idea to make the crepes and use them for Thanksgiving leftovers the next day which seemed great for the story. But, once I confronted the practical need in my home today--I realized it was a really good idea. I made a batch of crepes, stacked them on a plate and covered with plastic and left it on the counter along with Tupperwar containers of sliced turkey, cranberry, sauce, gravy and slies of cheese. Each awaking human rolled their crepes as preferred, placed them on a plate and microwaved for 1 minute. The cheese does the job of holding it all together once melted and creating a creamy texture. I loved it so much!

I went for a walk, did some shopping and returned and all the crepes were gone, gone, gone. It was a good plan--one I'll repeat and a good change from the expected sandwiches we usually have. One other thing I thought about during the meal this year is that I like my cranberry to taste cranberryee, my pumpkin to taste pumpkinee, my apple pie to taste apple-ee. Too many recipes have us mask these incredible natural flavors with a thoughtless jumble of spices. But, if you use restraint, they can just support instead of mask the original flavors.

Now for some some left-over apple-ee apple pie.

THE T-GIVING BIRD

I am having a blast preparing the turkey. Weber-grilling is the path I take in order to keep the ovens free for everything else. Above shows the grill prep and then--a 360 of the beauty while cooking. Recipe in Mad Hungry. Happy Thanksgiving all.

TAG TEAMING

For those that have at least one able bodied moderately semi-adult human in their house, it is good to cultivate the tag teaming approach (as I've been saying in my cross country raps). Case in point here. I took some ribs out of the freezer and suggested (asked) first born son who was home to season them and get them into the oven well before I got home from work. Then I said--I'd wrap the whole dinner up with a few other quick dishes once I got home at 7. I wasn't sure if he listened or heard me or was willing to comply therefore, I was really happy to come home with 30 minutes left on his clock. He made a rub, see MH p. 165 for guidelines: to his own specs (lots of fennel seed) AND when I got home, I added some water to the pan cause it was carmelizing and drying up BUT--it was smelling good and his other brother even said so too so I didn't want to complain. I made a quick rice pilaf, p. 180 ( always a fav) and oven roasted some cauliflower (just cause we had it in stock) and put the whole deal on the table and 3 of us sat down to eat. Hubs is traveling, middle child is at work so there you have it. Nothing fancy but, so good and satisfying and at the table we chatted too about seemingly nothing but everything--eventually.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Practically the first thing I did when I got home Saturday night was make dinner. Headed for a basic tomato sauce with spaghetti, I ended up with Amatraciana (just red onion, bacon, hot pepper and tomatoes). The recipe is in http://www.amazon.com/Lucindas-Rustic-Italian-Kitchen-Lucinda/dp/0471793817. And, thanks to hubs excellent shopping which he did before heading out on a business trip to Las Vegas, I also had some broccoli to steam. Along with wine; organic red from Pasanella & figlio, rosso wine (the flavor w/value incredible $10.99) www.pasanellaandson.com the meal was mad comforting. And, if spaghetti is the first thing to make upon a return home--lunch the next day was equally as simple; a tuna sandwhich. These are very small pleasures which add up to big and good feelings because cooking at home is the most normal, simple and essential thing you can do.

ONLY IN SEATTLE

Coffee happy hour is a good idea. Leave it to Seattle to have it. And, since it happens in the crumpet shop near Pike Place market it's impossible to pass up. Crumpets with tart gooseberry jam. One of the things you notice about Washington state immediately, food-wise is all the fruit; berries and apples and cherries. Plus the seafood: crab, salmon, shellfish--in such abundance. And, yes I ate it all. Including a potato and onion peroshky. Wondering how I've handled all the food pounds we're eating on this tour? The answer is--not entirely well. Without my daily walks with the 2 doggies--I am slightly expanding around the waste and need to deal immediately (nice timing heading into Thanksgiving lol). Our hotel, smack dab in the middle of Tom Douglas-land (he, the chef of great repute in Seattle) thank-you publisher Artisan. Tom and his crew are still on point after all these years. All of his restaurants are excellent www.tomdouglas.com: Dahlia Lounge, Dahlia Bakery, Lola, Etta's, Serious pizza. Food made with the best freshest ingredients executed in several different styles and we ate at 3 of them. Every meal was perfection.

Seattle TV was chill, one of which was near the Experience Music Project (crazy structure pictured above) which started out as a Jimmi Hendrix museum and morphed to include more--all owned by Microsoft's Paul Allen. On the way--the Needle, built for the 1962 Worlds Fair looms--still is an imposing scale even in the 2009 landscape. I liked visiting the University Bookstore at U of Washington to sign books and meet some really interesting people like Paulette who inspired. Thanks to Joy for helping with all. I like the vibe in Seattle. It feels very authentic, organic, statuesque and wild. And, like S.F., it is an incredible food city. Therefor, I am sucker and a dork with the fish at Pike Place market.

LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO

k

I'm always asked what my favorite recipe is in Mad Hungry which is a little like asking which is my favorite son: IMPOSSIBLE. And, been musing on all these cities we've been visiting too--so far which is my favorite? UNFAIR CAUSE ALL HAVE SOMETHING. But, truth be told, I'd move to San Francisco in a heartbeat. Everything about this place is cool, chill, enticing and seductive. Arriving mid morning, I headed straight to The View From the Bay (web clip elsewhere on this blog) and had fun all around there making Cold Sesame Noodles. The signing at Draeger's in St. Mateo rocked too cause folks who saw the show came out to the signing (which is how its supposed to work) and that store is so beautiful anyway. Thanks Kathleen and Angela for making a beautiful display and welcome mat for MH. Afterwards we squeezed in a late dinner at zunicafe.com eating Judy Roger's legendary Chicken (a U.S. pioneer of early salting technique) but more on that later. And the Ricotta Gnocchi is the stuff that dreams are made of. Check out the recipe in the eponymous cookbook. Being that we had only one more day to cram everything in you will not believe what we discovered.

A 12:00 demo at the Ferry Market was such a pleasure to do. Impeccable ingredients, natch--a very engaged crowd and insanely beautiful weather, natch. Another warm and welcome family moment from the other side of our family happened when the awesome Julie Quinn (my niece by marriage) and her mom Darlene came to visit from Sacremento. It was a touching surprise and they gave us a whirlwind tour over the Golden Gate bridge to Marin County, back though Golden gate park to The Haight, and Fisherman's wharf too where we started with another lunch time food duel between son and I.

So here is the craziest thing. While waiting through me demo, son noticed a huge line forming at a food truck called RoliRoti. He said he had to have it regardless of the ridiculous line (which he'd ordinarily never stand in) BUT I wanted Dungeness Crab at Fisherman's wharf. SO, he waited and when he finally got to the front of the line and I noticed what was happening, I freaked. See the video --porchetta (a pork loin wrapped in pork belly) and chicken rotisserie over potatoes which are sauteing in the dropping fat OMG.

And the sandwich he had is that pork sliced with minced pork crackling, onion marmalade and baby arugula on Acme bread rolls. I'm glad he waited. So we we took his sandwich to my crab place and had a freakishly delicious lunch. (I know--take a breath). Basically, all in all we extracted every free minute out of this amazing city by the Bay which I can't wait to return to and son claims he is now moving to (boo hoo if he leaves our neighb). Made it to the airport in time for our evening flight to Seattle and more seafood, oysters, cool cityness, and MH signing (with snacks) at the University bookstore. Please come say hi Seattle.

LA LA L.A.

Ok, first things first. Lets get the Thomas Keller Bouchon Beverly Hills opening out of the way. One free night in L.A and we went there. Red carpet, celebrities, photog's galore etc. but it'd be way too L.A. to name them all. What I do care about is the kitchen, the legendary efficiency etc, all of which was on display as guests filed down the "line" to get nibbles from the menu, typical bistro fare, executed to perfection, natch. The coolest part was the bread room where the baker gave lessons (me taking one above) on bread baking (forming the loaves) which were than baked and given back to us as favors. Btw, Mr. Keller and I share the same editor and publisher and I can tell you one thing: when it comes to this town Mr. Keller is KING and little ole Mad Hungry is not Queen. Whatev. SO,

Redeeming our little M.H. world, the next morning we went to meet kind, generous Julie at womanwine in Hollywood at lunchtime for a cooking demo, making the humble pork chops, apples and onion dish ---so easy and delicious. No fuss but way high flav. And we finished off our day at the wonderful cooking school/shop, Lets Get Cookin' in Westlake Village. Phyllis and her staff have been hosting chefs and cookbook authors for years--all the most revered teacher/cooks, so it was an honor to be there. We had a great crowd, demo'd Marinated Hangar Steak, Creamed Spinach, Italian fries and Apple Crisp. The folks were very happy with their dinner and I enjoyed the interaction, questions, comments and collaboration with the cooks there too. Collapsed back at the hotel and prepared to jet out of there which we did early this a.m. Landed in S.F. this morning to beautiful sunny and cool weather and I can't hide my love of this town and the excitement I have being here. This aft, visited ABC's View From The Bay and cooked Cold Sesame Noodles with Spencer Christian (former NYC TV man) and his cohost Janelle. The whole vibe there was relaxed and warm. Draeger's market St. Mateo hosted MH for an early eve signing. This is another cool market a la Wegman's where you only wish to shop if this was your neighb. Thanks to all who came out. Dinner at Zuni and demo tomorrow at the Ferry market before (lunch) and an evening flight to Seattle. More on S.F. tomorrow.

LA LUNCH

After a great morning interview at L.A.'s NPR show Good Food with Evan Kleinman (such a smart interviewer) we headed down to Irvine for another TV taping. Fortunately my straight up L.A, breakfast of a greenfood smoothie left me hankering for lunch and we had plenty of time to do so. So while D.C. is home to the second largest Vietnamese population outside of Saigon, Orange County is home to the first. Me, I wanted a classic Viet sandwich (Banh Mi) but my tour partner/son had his heart set on an Inside Out burger--something HIS friends said should be his first taste of L.A. Mine was healthy, fresh and spicy. His? well--he LOVED it. It was ordered as a double double animal-style (huh?) and I also saw him put some ketchup dipped french fries between the layers too. One of my tips of home cooking for guys is to notice what they're eating out and try to make it better at home. I'll file that little detail for a future experiment.

A tour first: we arrived at a national morning show for our taping and the producer met us to announce that the whole show had been cancelled, taken off the air, kaput. This is happening to so many magazines, newspapers and TV shows. I'm sorry for all those with lost jobs!

But, we got time to talk to some L.A. food bloggers in beautiful Santa Monica which can be seen here on Erika's blog: thanks ladies http://inerikaskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-mad-hungry-by-lucinda-scala.html. Today, another beautiful day in Sunny So Cal and off to an interview and demo tonight in Westlake. Next blog all about the star studded opening in Beverly Hills last night--SO L.A. (not at all NYC-style) so shi-shi!

PRE WORK LA

Bad picture but really good meal. Once again, have landed in a city which I haven't spent much time in so I'm genuinely excited. From the airport straight to dinner at Osteria Mozza, Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton's Italian restaurant and next door pizzaria, www.mozza-LA.COM. We sat sat at the mozzarella bar, beautiful white marble, manned by mozza-rista's who made the most glorious little plates of burrata, fiore di late or mozzarella, all topped with different exciting toppings like the above; braised artichoke heart, greens and mint pesto on the crostini. Just the mozza and Prosciutto plate was tender, soft, lightly salty and creamy: OMG. Debating between a mozza pizza, taco truck or IN and Out Burger for lunch. Yes, we must paln ahead!

Meanwhile, this morning required a major early morning exercise walk which I did, weaving between Melrose and Santa Monica boulevard in West Hollywood, all new and curious sights and sounds for me. Happened upon Urth coffee shop www.urth.com , the first organic roasters in America and a very, cool and funky place with outstanding coffee and what looked like great breakfast made from all local ingredients. The place was populated with a central-casting group of what I imagine to be L.A. characters: a bright, colorful and ever-seeking-youth lot.

Off to record with NPR's Evan Kleinman and to tape That Morning Show of E. Tonight heading to the Beverly Hills opening of Thomas Keller's (he was also on our plane along with comic Chris Elliot too) Bouchon restaurant---sounds so shi-shi lol (usually not my style) but--hey, am in L.A. and as they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

A DAY IN D.C.

I'm not gonnna lie, going to the White House for the first time was a bit of a thrill--hence the cheezy cell phone pic. In all my travels, I've missed D.C. so we had a lot to cover in our few free hours. The usual local morning shows all had an edge, with a tinge of a heightened politico edge to them all. Being there on veterans day had a powerful feeling too, especially driving through Arlington National cemetery. Another thrill was visiting the Washington Post in order to do a story with the food editor Bonnie and her favorite shooter, Jim- for next Weds food section. We had a lot of fun and I was just tickled to be included in their coverage. There will be a great Thanksgiving leftover idea included so check it out next week.

The area is also home to a very large Vietnamese community so we headed out to Fall's Church, Virginia for a really good lunch at Present. Unlike so many of our local NYC Viet joints--all the food was distinctive and flavorful and I liked the above pictured idea of making a roll out of fried vermicelli noodles. The Saigon pancake (flavored with coconut) is a favorite recipe and was executed so well. We raced amongst 9 bookstores to drop in and sign books: a little activity that gets your books out of oblivion and hopefully put in a more prominent place once they put "autographed" stickers on it. Finally-there was time for one more thing before our evening event so we went to the National Portrait Gallery which was gorgeous, FREE and filled with familiar American history--so interesting to see painted. Visiting the portraits of the Presidents, I was most struck by the JFK one, differing from all the others painted so straight and paternal-like, his was a contemporary rendition painted by Elaine DeKooning. Very cool.

Arriving at Zola Wine and Kitchen, I was heartened and happy to be met by relatives who came--a second cousin Joan, the daughter of my grandmothers brother Virgil and her husband Richard. The small crowd was so great, interested, warm and I loved being there. My NYC friend, Rita Jamais of the famed La Caravelle restaurant came by with her son Nic, also a restaurateur in Washington with his organic Sweet Greens restaurant. We made Crunchy Chicken Wings from MH, proving to be a tour favorite, along with tasting samples too.

Am back in NYC for a few glorious days at home. Middle son has returned safely from Thailand, thank the universe for getting him back to me unscathed. All my boys home tonight for dinner--aahhhhhh, nothing makes me happier. Off to the west coast tomorrow. Check the schedule-- should this be your neck of the woods, would love to see you.

PHILLY PA & GAINESVILLE VA

We are definitely packing in as much culture and wondering as possible as we wind our way through the cities of the MH book tour. So, here's one cool thing I learned. Everyone always assumes we named our first born son after the artist, Alexander Calder, best known for inventing the modern art mobile but, we didn't. Meanwhile, out cruising Philly, around the city hall where there is so much wonderful outdoor art, we came across this plaque, in memory of Alexander Milne Calder, grandfather of the aforementioned Calder and father of Alexander Sterling Calder--all three generations well known sculptures originally hailing from Scotland. From the central building 3 sculptures can be viewed straight to the museum of art, known as the father (Calder 1), son (Calder 2) and holy ghost (Calder 3), created in 3 different eras by these 3 generations of Calder artists. I love the legacy's of these 3 men and perhaps will now claim to have named our boy after these accomplished Scots/Philly men.

I also loved the Reading Terminal Market, one of the oldest continually operated food markets in the country. I just happened upon the Cookbook Stall, a colorful little nook in the market with a fantastic collection of cookbooks, both international and local. And, I was happy to learn that MH is in stock and selling well. Please visit and patronize these little jewels around our country. It's not an easy business in todays world but one we must keep alive! To Ann Deeley-Mattes, our Philly escort--thanks for your help and comprehensive tour guide info too.

On to Virginia and my favorite new grocery store Wegman's, where we had a second location signing. This is one awesome store, filled with goods for all needs, so well laid out and with the happiest and most helpful staff I've ever encountered at a large market. It was funny that they were running a chuck steak special right behind our signing which Calder promptly noticed and suggested to all our book buyers who wanted to know which recipe to cook from the book. The Steak Pizzaola, p. 147 is one of our families all time favorite dinners so, it was an easy recommendation for him to make, as you see him here pushing the chuck steak out the door.

Thanks to Tanya from the ION network for her great interview and who also, took the ingredients for the Pizzaola. Hopefully she'll let us know how it went.

Next on to D.C. where we will also cram in as much capitol visitation as is physically possible.

Check what we accomplished tomorrow and much appreciation to all who come out in support of the book.