March 26, 2005

Someone's in the kitchen with Dinaaahhh!!!!

According to historical accounts, tamales evolved to become a self-contained ration of food for the soldiers of the Indian empires that occupied what is now Mexico, Central and South America. Variations also appear throughout the Caribbean. There are two basic kinds, both made with corn dough wrapped in corn husks and then steamed. One has a filling and sauce wrapped inside the dough, and the other type has the extra goodies mixed into the dough. These are usually sweet tamales.

Tamales are the ultimate anti-fast food. TheyÂ’re simple enough to make (although it takes a little practice) but they arenÂ’t something you just slap together in a hurry. Tamales are cooking-for-the-love-of-cooking food.

You can also turn tamale making into a family event. There are plenty of things to do, even for the little ones. Making these in one day would make for a long but relaxed day in the kitchen.

IÂ’ll list an overview of the process, and then put down detailed steps for each part. Please remember though, that IÂ’ve done this a grand total of once so far. All I can say for sure is that the number of steps might seem intimidating, but they break down into easily manageable chunks and my results were spectacularly delicious the very first time.

I found this book: Tamales 101 (available from Amazon) to be a great help. IÂ’ll be using this book as a reference and for recipes for a long long time.

(the rest is in the extended entry) more...

Posted by: Ted at 08:19 AM | category: Recipes
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March 25, 2005

Carnival of the Recipes

Hosted this week by Pajama Pundit. Get cooking!

Posted by: Ted at 08:07 PM | category: Recipes
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March 19, 2005

Carnival of the Recipes

A heapin' helpin' of kitchen alchemy is offered each and every week somewhere on the 'net. This week, it's at the Flying Space Monkey Chronicles, so head on over and make sure you're wearing your drool bib.

The archives for all the past Recipe Carnivals can be found at the lovely Beth's place, and I've made that link a permanent button on my sidebar (psst... on the right column of the main page).

Do yourself a favor and check it out. You'll never eat cold pizza for breakfast again.

(That's not true, because I just did. Really.)

Posted by: Ted at 06:36 AM | category: Recipes
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March 13, 2005

Carnival of the Recipes is up!

Pamibe is hosting this week and even redecorated for the occasion. Looks great! I've already made mental note of several of these recipes that're going on my 'to try' list.

Posted by: Ted at 11:45 AM | category: Recipes
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March 06, 2005

Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinnnaaaahhhh!!!

This one is simple and simply wonderful. If you've ever eaten at Chipotle, they add some rice flavored with lime and cilantro into every burrito. It also makes a great side dish.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

2 cups uncooked rice
3 1/4 cups water or chicken stock

1 small lime
1 bunch fresh cilantro

Cook the rice in the water or stock however you normally do. For this recipe I like the rice a little drier, so the amount of liquid is less than what you're probably used to using.

When the rice is almost done, zest the lime (see notes below), and then cut and juice it too. You want a couple good tablespoons of juice.

Pull the leaves off of the cilantro stems and then mince the leaves until you have three or four tablespoons worth.

Put the rice into a bowl and fluff it, then sprinkle the lime juice, lime zest and cilantro. Toss until it's well combined.

Notes:

I use a microplane like this one to zest citrus, and let me tell you, it makes the task easy. I heartily recommend this kitchen tool.

Before slicing the lime for juicing, roll it around on the counter firmly between the surface and your hand. Try to smash it flat (but don't). This crushes the little juicy pulpy bits inside before you cut it open and you'll get more juice easier that way. I've also heard that microwaving the fruit for 10 seconds first helps, but I've never done that.

Posted by: Ted at 09:24 AM | category: Recipes
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March 04, 2005

Carnival of the Recipes #29

There I was, sitting at my desk. The only light in the room came from the blinking neon sign outside and the occasional flash of lightning. That was fine by me, because it fit my mood, as did the glass of smoky single malt in front of me.

Then she walked in. Her hair shone like spun cotton candy. She had cherry lips and plump breasts. Half turning to close the door, I admired her prime rump and appreciated her succulent thighs wrapped in a tight skirt. Definitely not chicken legs.

Before she could speak, I said, "let's go sister, I'm hungry."

Before long we were sitting in a booth at Clancy's. I could tell she had something to say, but she kept quiet, waiting for the right moment. I like that in a dame. Finally, Clancy himself brought two drinks to the table. He knew what I liked. He brought her the same.

Her first words, "I thought you were hungry?"

Ok, so no chorus of Angel's from on high, just an ordinary voice. Still, I'd better take control of the situation. She'd come to me after all.

"I'll ask the questions, sweetheart."

She sipped her drink and looked at me over the rim of her glass with lidded eyes.

"First question," I began, "do you like Tzatziki?"

That took her by surprise. But it broke the ice, and before the end of the second drink, I knew her story. I also knew that I could help her.


St. Paddy's Day Toast - Bobo Blogger

Tzatziki - from Cathouse Chat

Quite Early One Morning, Greek Eggs.

Yogurt Cheese, from A Mentsh Trakht

Helen's Salsa - a nifty slideshow presentation.


Suddenly the door burst open and a guy ran in, yelling and waving his arms. There was something odd about him, and I finally figured out what it was: his words didn't match the movements of his mouth. With another wild yell, he rushed back outside just in time for a giant reptillian claw to come down and stomp him flat. I grabbed her arm and we hustled out onto the sidewalk, where I saw the monster topple a skyscraper. Damn, I liked the restaurant there too. When the lizard turned back our way, we joined the throng of people stampeding for safety as behind us, the giant monster destroyed the city.


Crab Cakes from Eat Your History.

Sante Fe Salmon from Boudicca's Voice

Inside Allan's Mind, Crab Imperial.


Lowering his binoculars, the General looked grim. "Poor bastards never stood a chance."

Nodding to his second-in-command, all eyes turned towards the skies as a flight of jet fighters peeled off into attack formation. The lead pilot squinted into his sights as he mentally calculated his escape route to avoid the monster's swishing tail. He was in a hurry to get home, because it was sushi Mexican night at the chow hall.


Daily Pundit's Tacos al Pastor.

Enchilada Pie, from AZ Perspective and Junk

Rocket Jones's California Chili


"There they go, Sarge," sighed the Corporal wistfully. "That's the life for me. Lounge around until they need you, fly where they tell you to go. Drop a couple of bombs and head for home."

The gruff Sergeant looked over his platoon. He was rough on them, but he knew that it was the best way to keep them alive, to always be there watching over them.

Behind a pile of rubble, three soldiers were discussing mom's home cooking. The sarge listened for a moment as each described in loving detail his favorite homemade meal.

It was time. "Let's go, ladies," boomed the Sergeant as he stood up.

Bailey, the new Private, looked up in terror. "Sarge, I'm scared."

With a grim half-smile, the Sarge said "So am I, kid. Now, fix bayonets!" And he began his walk into battle, knowing that his platoon would be right behind him.


The Glittering Eye - Open Faced Moussaka

Shephard's Pie, from Aussie Wife.

Daly Thoughts - Brunswick Stew

Publius & Co. - Beer Can Chicken


As long as I stay moving and don't think too much, the Ninjas cannot harm me. Staying focused yet relaxed, my body continued to move in measured forms. Always just enough to make the throwing stars and flashing blades miss. Around me, the ground is littered with the remains of my enemies, and more than a few friends. I would mourn for them later, when there was time. Only then would honor allow for needs of the flesh.


Prochein Amy's Stuffed French Rolls

Leniwe Pierogi (lazy pierogi) - from bebere.com.

Egg Salad, from Booklore.


They fought hard even as they fell back, and we, sensing victory, pressed all the more. Eventually, only a small knot of warriors remained, exhausted but still defiant. Formed into a defensive circle around the Princess, the wizard pulled aside a slab of stone, grabbed her around the waist and jumped into the hole thus exposed. We quickly slaughtered the rest of the warriors before they could join him. No one was keen to follow the mage into those stygian depths, where the very bones of Mother Earth were visible. But the Princess depended on us.


Golabki Casserole and Spinach Artichoke Casserole, from Shoes, Ships & Sealing Wax.

Helen's Christmas Roast - a slideshow presentation.

Blog d'Elisson - Lil PachterÂ’s Braised Brisket.


"What's that, boy? Timmy fell down a well?"


Triticale - Crockpot Breakfasts.

Let's Play Restaurant! with Single Boy's Breakfast.

Easy Egg Pie, from Punctilious.


Fine. You take the remote.


A quick note about my blog name. Jones isn't my last name, but one of my hobbies and passions is rockets. I am, literally, jonesing for rockets. The kids and I build and fly model and high power rockets, hence the name. Check out the sidebar for links to online resources and rocketry vendors, and my rocket-related category archives are here and here.

And for those not into rockets (although I can't possibly imagine why not), have a look through the Rocket Jones Cult Flicks archives and be prepared for all kinds of cheesy cinema wonderfulness.

Posted by: Ted at 05:24 AM | category: Recipes
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