Swine Flu

It's nice to see that in this time of panic, there are a few level headed people out there. Take Jess Shipley, my sister in law, who didn't shy away from letting her son give this adorable piggy a kiss that far belies his tender years. Wonder where he observed such salaciousness?

RIP, Bea Arthur

Yesterday the entertainment world lost one of the funniest persons to ever live: Bea Arthur. Bea Arthur first rose to fame in the 70s as the liberal foil to conservative bigot Archie Bunker in All in the Family. Bea's most famous role was in the 90s sitcom Golden Girls. Even as a young middle schooler, I loved to see Bea Arthur's character Dorothy dole out sarcasm and dead pan humor on Thursday nights. Farewell, Bea. Thank you for being a friend.

Way to go Miss Caleeforneea!

A few days ago the annual USA pageant was held in Las Vegas, Nevada (pronounced NE-VAH-DAH). While the pageant has long ago lost its luster (I think it's shown on Country Music Television or something), there was one particularly entertaining bit to come out of it: Miss California's response to bottom-dwelling scum bag "Perez Hilton's" question on gay marriage. Here's a video clip:



The Miss USA pageant isn't the place you expect to find such a brave display of principles, especially since she must've known deep down it cost her the crown. "Perez" said he gave her 0 points for her answer, which is pretty messed up considering she gave an honest answer to a very difficult question. And of course, all kinds of people have come out since the pageant to display their righteous indignation at Miss California's bigotry, like shrill feminist attorney Gloria Allred.

But the best part of the story could be the comments that came from Miss California's grandma! Elderly people (especially those 89 years old like the grandma) can always be counted on for an awesome sound byte because they don't realize that nowadays your comments can be transmitted over radio, television, "email," as most elderly refer to the internet, and other instruments of witchcraft. But most importantly, in another similarity between the very old and the very young, elderly people have generally lost all remnants of the mental filter that gives you pause before saying things that in your youth you'd know would elicit a negative response, like "I didn't know there were so many gays out there!" or this diddy: "I don't know why that gay guy Perez was even judging a contest with a bunch of girls. That doesn't make any sense. He should've been judging a Chippendale's contest." Zing!

Favorite Indian Recipes

A few months ago, we had book club at my house.  I made Chicken Tikka Masala and Mango Lassi.  These are two of my favorite things I order at the Bombay House (my favorite restaurant). It was fun because none of my girlfriends had tasted either.  I was happy that they all enjoyed it and promised them I would post the recipes.  I thought I better do it now, b/c as of Wednesday, I will be hitting the road to Pennsylvania!

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe #25587 from recipezaar.com

This recipe appeared in the Chicago Tribune today (4/17/02). I haven't tried it yet but it promises to be delicious and I thought I should share it.

by tgobbi

2 hours | 1½ hours prep

SERVES 4

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken, cut in 1 inch cubes

Marinade

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons ground red pepper

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 piece minced ginger (1-inchinch" long)

6 bamboo skewers (6-inchinch")

Sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno, minced

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garam masala (buy in Indian market)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Soak bamboo skewers in water.

For sauce, melt butter on medium heat.

Add garlic& jalapeno; cook 1 minute.

Stir in coriander, cumin, paprika, garam masala& salt.

Stir in tomato sauce.

Simmer 15 minutes.

Stir in cream; simmer to thicken- about 5 minutes.

Thread chicken on skewers, and marinate (in the refrigerator) for an hour or so.

Discard marinade.

Grill or broil chicken, turning occasionally, to cook through- about 8 minutes.

Remove chicken from skewers; add to sauce.

Simmer 5 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro Serve with basmati rice, naan or pita bread.

Note: You can make your own garam masala.

McCormick also makes garam masala; it's available in super markets.

Mango Lassi

Ingredients:

Ripe mangoes - 2 or substitute 1 cup canned mango pulp in case you don't have fresh mangoes. If using sweetened mango pulp, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

Sugar - 3 tablespoons or as per taste

Milk - half cup

Yogurt - 1 cup

Method:

Peel the mango skin and separate the pulp from the seed. Discard seed.

Combine all the ingredients in a mixer/blender.

Adjust the ingredients as per your taste.

Serve cold.