Indian food and really other important things

“12 going on 20″ is the caption I read today under a photo of a friend’s child. I think this is when you finally figure out that you are getting older, your friends have kids that are teens, you are shocked that the youth behind the wheel is actually legally old enough to drive, and you look forward to birthdays because it means one more year that you beat death out, and ha! you now have another opportunity at seeing if 2012 is really true.

Speaking of birthdays, today is not mine. But if you want to send me a gift because you missed mine last November, I am still accepting large packages through post to the UK. Today is Jeremy’s birthday. Since he isn’t big into the day celebration, I am going to skip to what is most important about this post:

I like Indian food! We liked it so much that we even took the entire family to Brick Lane for some Indian Cuisine.

I really am <3 (that means “heart” in geek lingo, turn your head to the right 90 degrees and you will see a wacked out heart) for Chicken Tikka Masala and so tonight I am actually going to cook this meal for Jeremy on his day. He has always liked Indian food, and I have been resistant to anything with overpowering heat that I can feel it in my soul. I rather the bland dullness of take-away Chinese (in British meaning fast food Chinese-like meal) that sort of gets the point but going to China town here, we found actual items on the menu like: Cold Tossed Jelly Fish and Shredded Duck, Fresh Lotus Root Patty with Minced Pork, and Five Spices Pork Belly and Crispy Peking Bun — I went with egg soup, chicken stir-fry and some rice.

Tonight’s menu is going to be a simple Chicken Tikka Masala with rice. Side of fresh vegetables. The great part about London is that it is full of variety of all cultures and differences within each culture.  They even sell pre-done spice packets for making Indian food in the grocery. All I need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions and my meal will be fantastic.

photo credit: Stephen Rees

Or, I will serve so much pre-dinner birthday drinks that by time he tries my dinner, all will be forgotten if it turns out bad.

But here is to a new year, trying new things (like COOKING) and living in new places. Going out of my comfort zone and finding new things that excite and challenge me. This year is going to be fantastic.

Bonus: A Recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 4 long skewers
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Preheat a grill for high heat.
3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
4. Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Laundry for 6, Table for 1

Or machine for one.

Really.

photo credit: mistress_f

We have the great fortune of having a washing machine and dryer in our semi (meaning a semi-detached house, or what we call in the states a duplex) but the seemingly impossible task of fitting six humans daily clothing into a machine built to wash two pairs of socks, a t-shirt and possibly one pair of trousers. Fear Factor has nothing on this sort of task, and it is my daily challenge.

You would be impressed that I have figured out how to actually start the wash on the correct cycle, because this is no easy task. There are several settings one might be able to choose from, but actually getting it started is the real Mount Everest to climb. You must press the start/restart button several times until all the flashing stops and somehow this magic key icon appears and the water begins to flow. Easy, you say? I beg to differ. For the past 4 weeks I have had to guess what pattern unlocks the DeVinci Code and then wait to make sure it wasn’t just teasing me.

Last week, as the laundry pile was the height of one of our small children, I figured out a trick! Ha, yes, a little trick I like to call “God”. See you set the cycle you want, press start, open the door, then you load in your 4 items you want to wash, and then shut it.

Simple.

The wash starts and just a mere hour and half later, you can take out those fabulously clean socks and move them to the dryer (which yes, I know, is a fortunate thing as crunchy clothes are less fun). This is why after several weeks the laundry is now actually taken on a personality and it must be dealt with. I am in a committed relationship with SOCKS! Folks, did you just hear me?? Socks.

I am thinking about seeing other people, as in this fine pictured laundrette above. You know all those big shiny machines, where one might be able to fit 6 items inside? Can you imagine it? I just want you to know that I left a beautiful washing machine and dryer at home in the states that actually sing a song when the wash is done.  I still would do it all again, for the chance to see London and all it has to offer.

Even it’s tiny, cute, little washing machine.