Will Write for Food... when I Don't Forget

Admittedly, I'm not as steady of a blogger as I set out to be. Back in the day, I wrote consistently. Now, every few weeks, I have to kick start myself again. But my passion for good food and a nice wine have not wavered. After being asked to write more here by my co-worker J, I started thinking about my own "food story."

I think it all started as I grew up with a mom who was always in the kitchen. If we weren't making breakfast, lunch or dinner, we might be baking. She also sewed. It was her do-it-yourself attitude that has instilled in me a similar work ethic. Even now, my family members often gather around a table and talk about how the meal we just enjoyed could not be found in any restaurant, and if it could, it would no doubt be noisy there and the dish would be served by some rude kid.

My real adventure with food came when I studied abroad. In my adolescence, I was a very picky eater. I had started to grow out of that in college. When I went to Ghana, I was forced to eat something new, to try different things. After my first week there, I was willing to eat whatever was placed before me, from a delicious street food that's only served after sundown, kelewele to a kebab, with what I'm still convinced was goat meat.

My motto became, "You don't have to like everything, but you do have to try everything." After all, a semester in Ghana was a once in a lifetime experience. This motto was solidified as I traveled to Egypt. Our hosts, the Korra family, treated us like hungry savages. The moment we arrived, it felt like food was all around. Every meal was a spread of similar size of a Thanksgiving feast. From sit-down dinners at the family table to street food like fried ricotta, we ate and ate and ate. I put on about 5 pounds in 10 days. But I also learned an important food lesson: the love for food is as universal as the language of music.

People everywhere like eating. I would wager that every culture has known what it means to go hungry; some cultures are still experiencing that in jarring numbers. So I learned not to refuse food when offered. Hey, if someone has the warmth to open their home to me and offer a little of their bounty, who am I to say no?

When I returned from Ghana, I had dreams of cooking in my head. I moved out of dorms and into an apartment. But sharing space with others meant that I didn't get my dream kitchen. I also didn't cook for anyone but me. Now that I have my own place and another belly to feed, I find cooking to be a relaxing and favorite activity.

Nourishing others means a lot to me. Cooking dinner goes beyond putting some food on a table so people's tummies will quit rumbling. It's about giving them a more sensory experience, and it's about opening my home and offering them something from my own bounty. It's about sharing.

What I love about food is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Some of the best and most-loved meals happen over a bowl of soup and a chunk of bread. Pour a glass of red wine, any red will do. Add some good conversation, some laughter. Suddenly, you're engaging in an act of community.

So that's where I'm at. I'm still learning about food and cooking. And through writing, I'm trying to share the experience even more, by reaching out and telling people about this amazing cab I had the other day, or this incredible yet simple recipe I tried last weekend. Maybe I'm trying to engage in community, be it through words or wine glasses.

Behind the Curve

I've been a Texan for, what, 22 years now. So there is absolutely no excuse for my ignorance when it comes to chipotle chiles packed in adobo sauce. Why did it take me so long to buy a can? Chipotles are in no way foreign to my diet. If something is flavored with them, then I'm ordering that dish. I love their smoky flavor, their spiciness.

When I finally picked up some chipotles at my grocery store, I was pleased to find that I love the adobo sauce equally. It has the dark, woody smokiness and sweetness that I love in other flavors like dark chocolate and mole. Now I throw adobo in everything; I stirred it with lime juice and olive oil and served it over pasta last night.

So, let this be a lesson, friends: Don't just try chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, but try anything that looks interesting, or simpler still, something you know you like.

Be Bold

After years of eating Texan and Southern fare, I finally tried my hand at my own chipotle mayo. The recipe is actually quite simple. I served it with grilled salmon and a side of pineapple salsa. The salsa wasn't terrific, but the mayo was! Never one to shy away from spice, I used more chipotle than called for and added a little more adobo sauce for good measure. The extra spice meant that I ate less mayo, and delivered a wallop of flavor.

The condiment earned me the compliment, "Hyde Park's got nothing on you, babe." If you live in Austin and have tried the heavenly sauce with their famous fries, you know what a statement that is!

Chipotle Mayo
1/4 cup mayo
1 1/4 teaspoon chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce

(I added a splash of lime juice for a bit of balance)

Stir well and serve.

Ste. G does it again!

Call me a sucker for local goods... whether it's work by local artists or artisans, veggies from Texas farmers, or wine produced in neighboring towns, I just can't get enough of the local delights.

Which might be why I am cheering for Ste. Genevieve's Pinot Noir. Sure, it might $8 for a cask, but I find it to be a surprisingly good wine. It's smooth, punchy, and yet still dark. If you're in Texas, I recommend you pick up a bottle, chill it if it's summer, and enjoy!

Picnic in the Park

Sad to say, but summer's about to start fading. The summer here in Texas has been a surprise. Lots of rain, instead of our usual drought, thereby bringing cooler temperatures and fewer sunny days. It's August, and we haven't hit 100 degrees yet.

Yesterday was one of those sunny, albeit humid, Saturdays. We took the recommendation from this month's Austin Monthly, and headed to the capitol grounds. The carpet grass was thick and lush, and the grounds are peppered with huge shade trees. We grabbed a spot and took out our spread.

The thought of sandwiches on a picnic is classic, but I wanted something else. Our basket was packed with a baguette, Camembert, crackers, spinach dip, a Greek salad and grapes. The cool dip, salad and grapes was perfect for the muggy afternoon, and we enjoyed a lovely lunch in the shade without breaking too much of a sweat.

Tips:
I don't buy pre-made spinach dip at the grocery store. It's usually high in fat and calories. Instead, I buy a seasoning packet (it's next to the salad dressing in store I frequent) and I mix it with low-fat plain yogurt, instead of the sour cream it calls for. You still get the sour taste, but you also get a lighter spread that's refreshing, not heavy.

My Greek salad take a nod from some of the Greek salad staples: tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. I throw in some herbs, like basil or herbs de Provence, and red wine vinegar. Yesterday I also added mozzerella for a little extra protein, because Kendall doesn't like the more traditional feta. So maybe it wasn't really Greek, more French? Not totally sure, but it was delicious.

No Reservations

I know I'm late in the game with this, but hey, I don't have cable. But as a foodie with Internet access and a love for travel, I can't ignore the TV perfect match for people like me: No Reservations. Follow chef Anthony Bourdain around the world as he gets into such interesting situations like arm wrestling Viking descendants and dancing over poles in Vietnam. And then there's the food.

Bourdain is a man after my own heart. His zest for travel is exhibited through his willingness to try anything once, a travel rule I believe in. Sure, you might not be thrilled try the local delicacy, barbecued spiders, but there are several good reasons to do so. For one, it's a once in a lifetime experience, and food tells a story about the culture you're in. Also, it's just downright polite. I was raised not to turn my nose up at a meal that anyone else has prepared for me. And it makes a great story. Who else in your circle of friends can say they've slurped on porcupine?

The other reason to check out this series if you haven't already, beside seeing the scenery and life of another place, is that it's funny. Bourdain has the sort of sarcastic, self-deprecating humor I have when I travel. I also look like a total idiot as I try to fit into new places too! 'Oh, look at you dancing the flamenco, so gracefully... whereas I look like I have ants down my pants and I've elected to stomp them out.' Similar episodes occur with Bourdain, as he gruffly chuckles and pokes fun at himself.

So if you're wondering what to flip on, I highly recommend No Reservations. And you don't have to wait too long. The new season is just around the corner.

Goal Setter

Financially planning... sounds as fun as a root canal without pain killers. I know, I know. But listen, I really advocate for these next few tips:

1. Make a list. Jot it down, ladies! I know it sounds elementary, but putting down your goals can help you stayed focus. Think about your long term goals (saving for retirement, paying down credit card debt, buying a new car) and your short term ones (holiday shopping, a flight to Mexico in a few months, new clothes for the season). Having them down will help you identify what you are putting your money toward. And that will help you...
   
2. Pay yourself. Change your attitude about savings. It's not that locking money is getting rid of it. It just means you can't swipe your debit card and pay for those shoes that are sale for only $168. It does mean that you are putting money away so that you can live a better life in the future. Sipping 'ritas in Cozumel, not worrying about that debt that's hanging over your head sounds dreamy, doesn't it?
3. What's $5? Start thinking about each dollar as a unit that can go toward your goal. Maybe $8 for lunch at that cute bistro doesn't sound like a lot now, but if applied to your travel fund, it can add up soon. If you're saving for the holidays, think about what that $8 can buy you during holiday sales (a nice sweater, a spa gift set, maybe even 3 or 4 DVDs!). Assign your dollar amount to a goal. For a week, apply that thinking: "Sure that latte is $3, but I could use that money toward those heels," or "I'd rather put that $8 toward this Christmas," and "I know that top looks cute now, but for $22, I bet I'd rather have that money go toward my trip next summer." Add it up; that's already $33! You'll see a difference soon.
4. Have fun. Don't strap yourself so tight that you don't feel like you can have a good time. It's okay to go out to dinner or buy some new make-up. But keep it to a minimum. You're more likely to save if you feel like you can still let loose and you aren't just putting away until you die.
   

Food for Thought

Behold, my new addition: a widget from Tastespotting. I was turned onto Tastespotting via a reecent entry about gloriously photographed food on Epicurious' blog. While I'm still a bit too bashful to throw the street term around for this new fad, I find the general idea quite delicious. The great thing about great food is that it appeals to so many senses, not just taste. Think of all those times that your dining mate gets their order and you marvel, "That looks good!" Our eyes and nose assess our food first, and so it's no wonder that we enjoy looking at food, even if we aren't going to eat it. Enjoy the view!

Done with Dining Out?

After much debate, I'm seriously reconsidering dining out. What used to be a pleasant outing and a chance to sample good cuisine in a nice atmosphere has turned into a stressful experience that robs my pocketbook and my schedule. Often, the food isn't that tasty and is way overpriced. Finding a decent meal in a nice place with nice service is also a challenge. Maybe this city is too hip for me, but whatever happened to the helpful server?

My friend Bethany visited this weekend for her birthday. Because of time, we went out for lunch at a Pan-Asian chain (Fine, I'll name it: Pei Wei). While my lunch of Dan Dan Noodles, something I'd never had, was good, it was essentially soy sauce, spice and cornstarch with noodles and chicken. Hardly revolutionary, and for the price ($7), hardly worth it. Then for dinner, we went out for Mexican food, at local chain Baby A's. It too was sub-par. My plate of enchiladas suizas were NOTHING to write home about. The rice and beans were mediochre, there were no tortillas of any kind, and the margarita was strong, but lacked the punch of lime I crave. We opted to sit on the patio because inside it was dim and had suspiciously wet floors and smelled of cigarettes. Outside, the music was blaring, and smoke wafted everywhere. I'd also like to add that our server was cocky and not at all helpful.

Why pay for that sort of thing? I find much more delight in cooking these meals myself, and I feel my loved ones would appreciate it more. Am I too harsh? Or is the restaurant business really lacking lately?

Money Makes the World Go 'Round

Once again, I've taken a hiatus. As a working girl, I've been caught up with setting up my apartment, paying bills and enjoying my free time. But as a woman out in the world, trying to earn a buck, I've become more and more interested in making my money work for me.

After a few searches for Web sites or internet communities for women and finances, yielding biased results (No, thanks, Wachovia) or sorta insulting articles ("9 Women Who Turned Their Creative Passions into Paychecks" boasting photos of women with fabric swatches behind them), I decided to share what I learn as I go on this blog.

Even though statistically women take care of the budget, the world of investments and finance is still male-dominated. But what I learn is not gender-specific. When it comes to making your dollar dance your way, everybody wins.