Carnage anyone?

Weekend plans? Why not check out Carnage.... The new Roman Polanski film...based upon the play God of Carnage by French playwright Yasmina Reza. This one is heavy in dialogue. The entire film takes place in a Brooklyn apartment. Prepare for a woven verbal tapestry to keep you warm during the 79 minutes.

Sprouts

I've been on a health kick lately, craving all sorts of lentils, sprouts, beans, etc....It's been a while since Dilip and I made this fun south Indian dish. We started first by sprouting Mung Bean (green gram) for about three days. This includes soaking and laying out to dry. After the tiny white parts of the sprout start to show it's time for some Oggarane action.

Oggarane is a mixture of roasted dals, green chilies, onions, garlic + ginger paste, mustard seeds, curry leaves, asafetida, peanuts, turmeric....basically a staple in most south Indian dishes.....TASTY! 

Here are pictures of the process and also a mini kitchen tour highlighting a few of my favorite items.

salt + pepper shakers a good friend gifted..................

Anthropologie

Don't you just love it when your Anthropologie catalog arrives?

Feeling inspired....

I used to work for Anthropologie several years ago. Whenever a new catalog arrives I am always reminded of the good ol' days slinging sweaters and fabulous candles ;)

Vegan Wonton Soup

I've been wanting to try a vegan Wonton soup. I recently came across another Martha Stewart recipe online but put my own vegan spin on it. It turned out really well. What a easy and fun soup to make. For our time crunched folks you can make this in under 30 minutes. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 24 rectangular (3 1/2-by-3-inch) or square Wonton wrappers
• Wonton Filling
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Coarse salt
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 2 to 3 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Wonton Filling: This is where I substituted pork for vegan ground " beef", using tofu bit instead. I'm sure either or would taste great. This will make about 24 Wontons.

Ingredients: 1/2 cup finely chopped Napa or Savoy cabbage

coarse salt

3 scallions finely chopped

1 tablespoon of finely chopped peeled fresh ginger ( or use ginger paste)

1 teaspoon of soy sauce

1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil

In a medium bowl, toss cabbage with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add your veggie " meat" or pork, scallions,  ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well with fork. 

1. Make Wontons
2. Make soup: In a large pot, combine broth, 4 cups water, and 1 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil. Add wontons one at a time; return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until wontons are just cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in scallions, vinegar, and sesame oil; season with salt. Serve.
3. Making Wontons: 1. Work with one wrapper at a time, and keep the rest covered with a damp towel. Spoon one rounded teaspoon of filling in center.
4.  With dampened fingers, wet the four edges. To make a triangle, fold wrapper in half over filling, making sure the ends meet and filling is centered; press edges down firmly to seal.
5.  Moisten one tip on long side of triangle. Then bring together both tips on long side, overlapping them slightly; press tips together to seal.
    Fold remaining top corner back. Transfer to an oiled plate; cover with a damp towel to keep moist. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Weekend

What an icy weekend! Hope everyone stayed warm and cozy...Has anyone ever heard of Electro-Acoustic Chamber music? Saturday at the Contemporary Art Center a local band called Future Shock made waves... Sonic waves that is; synthesized drum machine symphonic fervor!

credit: Joe Simon

 Neapolitan style pizza was on the menu for dinner. A Tavola has their act together! Check em out! Nothing like pizza, gelato, vino and your gal pal...looking forward to what Final Fridays will bring.

Happy Friday everyone! It's with regret that I am posting this video, but I need to pay tribute to Mrs. Etta James. What a beautiful, strong, talented artist who has served as a cultural icon throughout the century. Her soul will remain with us all... ♥ ♥ ♥

I've been inspired by simple yet elegant home design. Here are few pieces of inspiration found on pinterest. The subtleties of vintage paired with white washed color...will make a woman swoon!

Source: lylaandblu.com via Becca on Pinterest

Source: hviturlakkris.blogspot.com via Becca on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Becca on Pinterest

Source: deniseinbloom.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Kelli on Pinterest

"♥""♥""♥"

Moonrise Kingdom Official Trailer #1 - Wes Anderson Movie (2012) HD

So excited about the new Wes Anderson film...check it out!

FiSh o.O

Fish. Our only pet as of now...(the travel lifestyle not permitting mammals!) planning to buy a few more for the ol' Aquarium. Any ideas for the next fresh water friend?