That has been my nemesis my whole life. I struggle with learning anything new; and, when I feel like I comprehend it, inevitably something happens to set me back. So, I truly look forward to my weekends. I can do what I know best! There is absolutely nothing that makes my soul joyful and my heart warmed more than being inspired to create recipes. The girls and I ran errands and drove passed this restaurant called Kabab Corner, unassumingly placed in a shopping plaza. I drove by and my curiosity made me turn around. Come to find out, as we opened the door and stood in a line, this is a hopping Afghanistan restaurant! I loved it! The girls did as well. The chickpeas, chicken, beef kofta and rice....oh the rice! Spot on. Plus, fresh baked pita.....so good!
Is it any wonder that I came home and was inspired to re-create our lunch?! I’m a firm believer in the “waste not want not” theory. I open the fridge and stare until things start swirling in my brain and the inspirational creative juices start to flow. For whatever reason, I’m the condiment queen. There’s always something new I want to try. So, I found a few things...I cannot give accurate measurements because I taste as I toss into the pot ...lol...so approximately: 1/2 cup scallions 1/2 cup pico 1/3 cup Savage Jerky mango habanero sauce 6 drops (yes DROPS) Savage Jerky Reaper sauce 1/2 cup jalapenos 1/2 cup olive oil salt to taste 6 garlic cloves 1/3 cup honey...you need to temper that heat with it. Puree until smooth and pour half of the mix onto the chicken and let marinate for at least an hour. Pour the rest into the boiling water for the rice (1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water ratio), add 2 tbsp of butter to the mix and let it simmer on low heat for 22 minutes. Cecilia grilled the chicken stovetop until seared and then we baked the medallions for another 15 minutes in a pre-heated 350F oven. The assembly was fun. I have circular molds and filled the bottom of one with the rice, topped with the chicken, added pinenuts and a drizzle of whisked olive oil, garlic and cilantro paste. It was deeeee-licious! There is nothing that makes me happier than to see smiling faces and to hear a “wow, Mom, this is really good!” The teens are becoming, well, teens ...and silence is their preferred language. So, you can understand my excitement. Life is good today! Xo j 💚 Well, shoot! It’s been a while and it feels as if a world of change has swirled around me.
With the flu behind us (what an awful season that was), one can be hopeful for a warm Spring, sooner than later! I’m getting a slow handle on the new job but my heart aches to be in a hot greasy kitchen, making a mess and having fun! I had the privilege to attend the annual AAOS (American academy of orthopedic surgeons) conference in New Orleans last week. It was awesome! I realized that our esteemed doctors are the leaders in the field. Our team is light years ahead of other surgeons. (That was a proud moment.) I have always said: “I work for/with the best and there’s satisfaction in knowing that. At any rate, let’s get back to the good food I had in Nola..... AMAZING! There’s a magical, almost mystical, feeling that comes over you when you’re there. Walking the streets in the warm evening and taking in the sounds, lights, music ...oh the music...everywhere! 🎶And there are even musical note shaped lights hanging in IHOP ...hahahaha I was thrilled to breathe it all in. Enough with all of the cathartic-isms. I made Cafe Du Monde beignets tonight but mine were made with a thinner batter, which made them lighter and fluffier. Thank you Amazon for shipping them next day, and for being half the price👍😉 I’ll attach some pics I took. Happy Monday y’all Xo j 🧡 |
Decadent can be healthy....
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