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.