>Things That Can Be Carried On A Bike (#97)

>A cardboard box that fits perfectly on the rear deck.

The box originally contained frozen pork loins that I had delivered to my place of employment. When I saw it’s oblong shape I knew that it would fit perfectly on the Yuba so I brought it home to use for future shopping trips…I do this somewhat often, actually (though not with such appropriately shaped boxes)…I’ll bring a box or crate with me on the Yuba and actually bring it into the store…If what I’m buying doesn’t fit in the box I don’t purchase it. A simple solution to keep purchases down.

Homemade Rice-A-Roni with Lamb and Vegetables

This really is a variation of Lebanese rice dishes that I’ve posted on before (with chicken instead of lamb); to see those posts, which include pictorial directions as well as a recipe, click here and here.

I’m referring to this as Rice-A-Roni because that’s what it sort of resembles. I’ve always been convinced that Rice-A-Roni was invented by a Middle Eastern immigrant and after a little research my hunch was (mostly) confirmed…It was taught to an Italian from an Armenian (rice with pasta in it is a stable dish throughout the Middle East). If you’d like to read a little about Rice-A-Roni and the story behind it click here and here.

This is really just a basic rice pilaf dish with the addition of browned pasta (and a few other additions). Anyhow, this is how I made it. Cook diced lamb (or other meat or poultry) in olive oil, then set it aside.

In a separate skillet (that has a tight fitting lid) add broken pieces of vermicelli, a small diced onion, and a little olive oil. Cook it over medium high heat until the pasta and onion begin to brown (stirring often), then add a clove or two of minced garlic and cook it for another minute or two.

Add the lamb, some rice, and whatever seasonings you’d like (for a Middle Eastern flavor I added a pinch of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice.

Stir the rice to coat it in oil and flavorings then add hot chicken broth in a two-to-one ratio (I used a cup of rice, for example, so I added two cups of simmering broth). Cover the pan and simmer it for about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes add whatever vegetables you’d like (I added baby carrots and broccoli florets). Do not stir the rice; just lay the vegetables on top of the simmering liquid and cover the pan again to continue cooking. Cook the rice another 8 minutes, then shut off the flame and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a spoon or fork and serve. Delicious (leftovers are even better).

>Homemade Rice-A-Roni with Lamb and Vegetables

>This really is a variation of Lebanese rice dishes that I’ve posted on before (with chicken instead of lamb); to see those posts, which include pictorial directions as well as a recipe, click here and here.

I’m referring to this as Rice-A-Roni because that’s what it sort of resembles. I’ve always been convinced that Rice-A-Roni was invented by a Middle Eastern immigrant and after a little research my hunch was (mostly) confirmed…It was taught to an Italian from an Armenian (rice with pasta in it is a stable dish throughout the Middle East). If you’d like to read a little about Rice-A-Roni and the story behind it click here and here.

This is really just a basic rice pilaf dish with the addition of browned pasta (and a few other additions). Anyhow, this is how I made it. Cook diced lamb (or other meat or poultry) in olive oil, then set it aside.

In a separate skillet (that has a tight fitting lid) add broken pieces of vermicelli, a small diced onion, and a little olive oil. Cook it over medium high heat until the pasta and onion begin to brown (stirring often), then add a clove or two of minced garlic and cook it for another minute or two.

Add the lamb, some rice, and whatever seasonings you’d like (for a Middle Eastern flavor I added a pinch of cumin, cinnamon, and allspice.

Stir the rice to coat it in oil and flavorings then add hot chicken broth in a two-to-one ratio (I used a cup of rice, for example, so I added two cups of simmering broth). Cover the pan and simmer it for about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes add whatever vegetables you’d like (I added baby carrots and broccoli florets). Do not stir the rice; just lay the vegetables on top of the simmering liquid and cover the pan again to continue cooking. Cook the rice another 8 minutes, then shut off the flame and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Fluff the rice with a spoon or fork and serve. Delicious (leftovers are even better).

Frank Zappa "Plays" a Bike

This is an interesting (and very funny) video…it’s sort of long-ish…over 16 minutes. It shows a very young Frank Zappa making music on a bike. He’s on the Steve Allen Show (1963) and his cleverness is already apparent. It shows not only Zappa’s early genius, but also his ability to make music out of virtually anything. Anyhow, it is very entertaining…if you have a little while to watch it it’ll make you laugh. If you’d like to learn a little more about Frank Zappa, click here.

>Frank Zappa "Plays" a Bike

>This is an interesting (and very funny) video…it’s sort of long-ish…over 16 minutes. It shows a very young Frank Zappa making music on a bike. He’s on the Steve Allen Show (1963) and his cleverness is already apparent. It shows not only Zappa’s early genius, but also his ability to make music out of virtually anything. Anyhow, it is very entertaining…if you have a little while to watch it it’ll make you laugh. If you’d like to learn a little more about Frank Zappa, click here.

One Day Left To Vote

Only one day left to cast your vote as to whether you wear a helmet or not (and also to comment and voice your opinion). I really am interested in what other cyclists out there in the blogosphere have to say on this issue (click here to read my original post on it). Thanks again to those who have already voted/commented. The poll is in the left sidebar.

>One Day Left To Vote

>Only one day left to cast your vote as to whether you wear a helmet or not (and also to comment and voice your opinion). I really am interested in what other cyclists out there in the blogosphere have to say on this issue (click here to read my original post on it). Thanks again to those who have already voted/commented. The poll is in the left sidebar.

Bikes With Practicality in Mind

I love this first photo below…when I was a teenager a friend and I actually had a dream to build something like that (though it does sort of resemble a coffin). Click on the picture for a larger view to read the text.

The next photo of the bike with a grill on it is pretty interesting as well…though I’m not so sure how safe it would be…but, on the other hand, you certainly would be popular at the picnic.

The third photo of the shopping cart bike may be one of the most practical, though it does seem a little bulky (I wonder if you’d be allowed to bring the bike into a supermarket).

The last photo…I don’t even know what to say other than the builder of it most likely has some serious “issues.”


>Bikes With Practicality in Mind

>I love this first photo below…when I was a teenager a friend and I actually had a dream to build something like that (though it does sort of resemble a coffin). Click on the picture for a larger view to read the text.

The next photo of the bike with a grill on it is pretty interesting as well…though I’m not so sure how safe it would be…but, on the other hand, you certainly would be popular at the picnic.

The third photo of the shopping cart bike may be one of the most practical, though it does seem a little bulky (I wonder if you’d be allowed to bring the bike into a supermarket).

The last photo…I don’t even know what to say other than the builder of it most likely has some serious “issues.”


Julia’s Chickens

I came across this short clip tonight (it’s only about 90 seconds) and it is somewhat hilarious…when she begins talking she is so excited about what she’s doing it seems she can barely contain herself. But as funny as it is there is no questioning Julia’s knowledge or ability…she was a professional cook (not a chef…she even admitted that) but also an entertainer. And in the few seconds you’ll veiw her what she says still rings true today (almost more so)…what’s wronge with simply roasting a chicken?

While I was in a hotel room this past weekend I watched the Food Channel for a while (cable tv is always a treat for me in hotels as I do not have it at home). And as I watched I couldn’t help but think of what crap it mostly was. What’s the deal with Iron Chef and all the other competition-type shows…doesn’t anyone have informative cooking shows anymore? It sort of made me think of when MTV actually aired music videos (all the time). Anyhow, this is a great short clip…It should make you laugh, it did to me.

Here’s a little trivia that has nothing to do with this blog (sort of) and you may already know this: the very first music video that MTV aired was Video Killed The Radio Star, by the Buggles…somewhat apropos no doubt…to see that video, click here.