::: In Exile :::

35

The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.
- GK Chesterton

Years ago I was out with friends in Manhattan. We usually ended our nights in the city with a stop at Mamoun’s for falafel’s or a shwarma. But as it was early in the night we decided on just getting an appetizer from somewhere, a friend suggested we get an appetizer from Baluchi’s. My life has never been the same after I had the Chicken Malai Kebab. I’ve tried to reproduce although I haven’t really gotten close to the original everything i’ve made has been delicious.

I’ve altered this recipe to my own preferences feel free to play with it, like i’ve said i haven’t perfected yet either.

I generally don’t measure much, just eyeball things.. adjust to taste is my advice.

Chicken Malai Kebab - serves 4ish

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled grated
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic 3-4 cloves
1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (lowfat is good.. greek yogurt if you can find it )
2 tsp paprika for color
2 tsp garam masala (ask my mom for some, go to your local indian grocers, or see the recipe here)
2 teaspoon salt (you may need more salt at the end )
Pinch saffron, soaked in 2 tablespoons lukewarm water (never used it .. give it a go)
Lime zest from 1 average sized lime
Freshly squeezed lime juice, from above lime
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces (unform sized pieces help with even cooking)
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream(optional)
Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh coriander, for garnish
Metal or wooden skewers

1. Create garlic paste with minced garlic and kosher salt (mortar & pestle) flat objects with a lot pressure help grind it up too. Get creative and have fun.

2. Combine incgredients except for garnish and chicken. Mix well so all ingredients are integrated. Add chicken. Leave covered in fridge for at least 2 hours.

3. Kebab it up. If using wooden skewers be sure to soak the skewers in water for an hour. Believe it or now i’ve made this without skewering. No real difference in flavor..

4. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place skewers on baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes or until large pieces are cooked through.

5. Unskewer serve on plate with garnish. Taste test and add salt if necessary.

I serve this with jasmine rice and a quick onion pickle (recipe below).

Onion Pickle

1/2 large red onion

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

handful fresh coriander leaves chopped

1 seeded serrano pepper minced.

Mix well and enjoy.

In an odd bit of coincidence here’s my post from last year.

To commemorate The Angry Gnome’s start to another semester. I just wanted to give him a glimpse of what his future maybe like: (click the picture to see it in all it’s glory)

camille

Originally uploaded by ljv

One awesome year down. It’s amazing how much you’ve learned in one year. My major accomplishments in the same amount of time pale in comparison. Where as you refined your motor skills and speech drastically my motor skills, speech, hair and overall level of cuteness has declined (albeit slightly).

The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and in a thousand things well.
- Horace Walpole

I like the quote and agree with the thought.

snow rail

Originally uploaded by ljv

First day of the year - first snow of the year. New Year’s lunch was at brian and crystals and after all the yummy goodness that crystal made we saw the great blizzard of 08. I drove home after it settled down and arrived here before the blizzard hit my place.

( no, i wasn’t driving that fast )

Worst of 2007

• having to look for a new job - thankfully the job search only lasted 4 calendar days
• because of above not moving back to texas this summer as I had originally hoped
• slight fender bender in atlanta
• discovered more gray hairs
• for the first time in 8 years did not visit NYC

07 was thankfully short on the bad

Best of 2007

• finding a new job that I enjoy
• buying a condo
• golf game improved by 10 strokes
• watched tiger woods play golf in person
• developing stronger friendships with old friends, new friends and family
• and many more…

things to do in 2008

• get LASIK’ed
• break 30 minutes in the 5k
• run 1 - 10k
• drop 10 more lbs and get stronger
• travel more
• get better at cooking and photography
• decorate the new place
• and lots of other things…

Happy New Year to all!

Just wanted all of my friends to know that although i haven’t blogged in a while i have been busy doing this:

Congrats to crystal for finishing her saucer plate!

i’m so proud!