Something Interesting…and a bit ironic


Okay, so you may be asking yourself why I–on this blog–would have an image promoting the American Automobile Association (AAA). Well, to answer that I have to tell you a brief story. If you’ve been to this blog before you likely know that last year I voluntarily gave up car ownership. Not a big deal; I’m not the only one doing this. Anyhow, I let my membership to AAA lapse. Why, I thought, would I need this, and it would save me the membership fee each year. Well, a few months ago–about a month after my membership ended–I received my phone bill in the mail and noticed it was $12 higher than usual. After cursing to myself like a cranky old man about the cost of things and how prices keep going up, I called the phone provider. It turns out (and I vaguely remember hearing this at sign up) that I get a discount on my phone bill each month if I’m a AAA member…$12 to be exact; the AAA membership is $57 annually, less than half the amount of my annual discount from my phone provider. I’ve also been traveling frequently to NYC for classes this past year; it turns out that each way on Amtrak I save $6 if a AAA member. In short, it’s as if I am being paid to be a member. After realizing this I of course paid my membership. Normally I wouldn’t blog about something like this, but this is from a company that promotes automobiles…well not exclusively. Check out this 30 second video that I just came across today. Pretty cool. Anyhow, just a thought to all my car-free/car-lite brothers and sisters in the blogosphere…it may actually be worth your while to be a member of an automobile club and still not drive. I’m jus’ sayin’…



Urban Simplicity

Sauteed and Spiced Paneer

Okay, so yest, these tasty little spicy and crispy pillows are as delicious as they look. They are sauteed cubes of homemade paneer, or Indian Cheese. Paneer is an ingredient in one of my favorite Indian dishes, Saag Paneer, or spinach and cheese (I’ll post a recipe soon). To make paneer is as easy as it gets and contains only two ingredients: milk and lemon juice (or vinegar). The recipe is below.

After the paneer is set it can be sliced or diced. To make the above recipe saute the cheese in clarified butter or vegetable oil with a pinch of salt and spices (I used sea salt, a pinch of curry, whole coriander seed, crushed hot pepper, and fresh parsley. This is a great snack or side dish, and goes really good with beer. 

Homemade Paneer
Makes 12-16 ounces of cheese

2 quarts whole milk
1/4 cup lemon juice

Place a double-layered cheese cloth over a colander and set aside. Heat the milk in a heavy pot over medium high heat until it just begins to boil, then stir in the lemon juice. Keep stirring the milk and it will begin to separate (the curds from the whey, just like in the nursery rhyme). After a minute large curds will form, pour it into the colander. Fold the cheese cloth over the cheese and transfer it to a shallow pan; discard the whey (the liquid). place another pan on top of the cheese and weight it with a can or jar of something to press it down. Refrigerate the cheese for about an hour or until chilled and firm. Remove the cheese from the cloth, slice or dice it, and use it in any recipe calling for paneer.

Urban Simplicity.

Starry, Starry Night…

Image found here.

I was at meeting at our church tonight and was feeling overwhelmingly exhausted for some reason; I didn’t stay for the entire meeting. I hopped on my bike and rode slowly; it was a cold and cloudless night. The cold–at first–felt jarring. But then as I pedaled and coasted I warmed up and it felt good (as it often does) to be on a bike pedaling through the city at night. I was on a side-street so there was no traffic, and at one point (when there was a slight decline in the road) I coasted and took my hands off the handlebars, leaned back, and looked up. The sky was incredible. I coasted like this–hands free while looking up–for half a block or so. I felt small. I still do. Sometimes things overwhelm me. Life is good. And it’s good on so many levels (for me, anyway) to be on a bike. I’m just sayin’…

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#457)

A canvas bag containing two books and a few pens, an empty dough rising bucket, a canvas bag containing an extra camera and charger, and two freshly baked loaves of whole wheat bread.

Urban Simplicity.

Five Photos of the Hudson River (taken from a moving train)

These photos dispel a few things. One is that New York State is entirely occupied by New York City. I know that people don’t actually believe this (well ok, some may), but often when you mention you are from another part of the state (Buffalo, for example) to someone who is not from the northeast, NYC comes to mind. NY State, is in fact an incredibly beautiful state. This of course is just a minor sampling. I took these on a train ride home this morning as we sped up the Hudson Valley. The other thing these photos dispel is that you cannot take good photos with an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera (and from a moving train). While it does push the limits of such a camera, it can be done. I was only in NYC overnight and wanted to pack light so I brought only a camera that would fit in my breast pocket. At any rate, you’ve probably gathered by now that the train is my favorite way to travel long distance. But locally, it is a bike, of course 🙂

Urban Simplicity.

Vélo de Poste…and a quick comment

I was looking through some photos of a trip I took to Paris with my son last July when I came across this photo of a mail carrier’s bike (click here, here, and here to see more photos from that trip). I remember seeing this bike locked to a railing and thinking how much sense its design made…I wished I could ride it. The enormous front basket and sturdy rear rack could carry everything you’d need, I suppose. Bikes, in many instances–but not all, of course–are the answer to many of our transportation issues. I’m just saying…

Also, I wanted to mention that I will be away from my computer for a few days so I’ll likely not be posting until Monday or so. Until then, peace.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#456), and Two Views from My Handlebars

On the bike…two bottles of red wine and a gym bag containing wet clothes.

The views…directly below is a view of Allen and Elmwood, an intersection I usually cross multiple times a day. It was/is cold and wet. Not freezing cold, but halfway freezing. The temp is just above freezing and it has been sort of snow-slush-raining for most of the evening. I was glad I didn’t have too far to travel in it. Below is an image I took as I approached my house…just raised the camera skyward and snapped a shot with the flash on to capture the big heavy flakes.

Urban Simplicity

Whole Wheat-Cheddar Tortillas with Smoked Paprika and Turmeric

Okay, so yes, these are as delicious as they look. And they are just as easy to make. You can add or subtract whatever seasoning you like, or use none at all. Use them for tacos or burritos or just simply as bread to snack on or to scoop up dip. The method is this simple…mix everything together, knead it and let it rest, roll them out and cook them on top of your stove. It couldn’t be simpler. I hope you try these, you won’t be sorry…

100% Whole Wheat-Cheddar Tortillas with Smoked Paprika and Turmeric

Makes 12 tortillas

3 cups whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons turmeric

½ teaspoon sea salt

6 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ cups warm water

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 3 or 4 ounces)


Mix the flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, and salt together in a small bowl. Add the oil, and using your fingers, rub the ingredients together until it resembles course cornmeal. Add the water and cheddar cheese; stir to form a dough. Knead the dough by hand for a few minutes, then allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Cut the dough into 12 pieces. Using a small rolling pin or wooden dowel, roll the tortillas out very thin on a lightly floured surface (about 10” each). Heat a large skillet and cook the tortillas one at a time on both sides until lightly blistered and browned.

Urban Simplicity.

On a Moon’s Eve

Tonight was/is a full moon. The Snow Moon. And it was such a nice evening–crisp but not too cold, clear, not a breeze in the air–that I grabbed a camera and went for a walk around the neighborhood. And these are a few of the things I saw…

 

Urban Simplicity.

Middle Eastern Inspired Fried Chicken

This is a variation on traditional American-style fried chicken in a few ways. Firstly, there are no bones in the chicken legs (they cook quicker with the bones removed and are much more flavorful than the breast). Also, the chicken is first marinated in yogurt, herbs, and spices, then dredged in whole wheat flour, which offers added texture. Anyhow, this is not a greasy chicken recipe (if the oil is hot enough) and it is super delicious. You can eat it as is (as an entree with side dishes), on a sandwich, or with any number of dipping sauces. I diced it and rolled it in taco shells with salsa verde (here’s that recipe). If nothing else, I do know one thing about this recipe…bet you can’t eat just one.

Middle Eastern Inspired Fried Chicken

Makes about 4 servings


1 cup plain yogurt

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, sliced

2 jalapeño, seeded and minced

1 small bunch cilantro, washed and chopped

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 pounds boneless & skinless chicken thighs

½ cup whole wheat flour, plus extra for dredging

canola oil for frying


In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lemon, turmeric, and salt; stir together. Add the chicken and mix until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for about a half hour. Stir in the ½ cup of flour and allow it to rest another 10 minutes. Layer a baking sheet or large plate with extra flour and dredge the chicken in it allowing the onions, cilantro, etc to cling to the chicken. Transfer the coated chicken to a clean plate, shaking loose any extra flour. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350F; you can also tell it’s hot enough when a piece of chicken is dipped in the oil and it sizzles immediately. Fry the chicken (in batches if necessary) for about 10-12 minutes, turning as needed. The chicken is cooked when the thickest piece is cut and there is no pink and its juices run clear. Drain on absorbent paper.

Urban Simplicity

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#455)…and a brief comment about the weather

On the bike…more than $100 in groceries and sundries.

About the weather…the weather today was fine. Seasonably cold with light flurries; the roads were dry. But what I wanted to mention is something that I noticed…not so much about the weather itself but more so about awareness of it. The reason I mention this is that I was having a conversation with someone last night (while we were outside) and commented on what a nice evening it was. “I suppose,” they replied. I also added what a roller coaster ride this winter has been this year…freezing cold, then snow, then rain and wind, etc. They told me they didn’t notice that much. But what I did notice–or what dawned on me–is that when you live without a car you are likely keenly aware of the weather conditions. Whether you walk, take the bus, or ride a bike, the weather makes a big difference in your day. I’m just sort of thinking aloud via my keyboard and thought I’d pass this along.

Urban Simplicity.

Five Quotes from Thomas Edison

 February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

“If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”

“Non-violence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages.”

“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this – you haven’t.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to try just one more time.”

A few more…

“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

“Your worth consists in what you are and not in what you have.”  

“There is time for everything.”

“I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it”  

More in the Five Quotes Series.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#454), the View from My Handlebars, and a Couple Thoughts on Sharrows

On the bike…10lbs of whole wheat flour and a small box of vital wheat gluten (note the price of gas in the background).

The view in front of me…Mr. Goodbar (sometimes I get thirsty whilst pedaling a bike).

On Sharrows….okay, so first a couple things. Buffalo, the city in which I reside, has made huge leaps and bounds in regards to bicycling in the last few years. We have bicycle racks throughout the city, streets with designated bike lanes, and the newest addition (not that new), sharrows. These are awesome, they really are, but I seriously wonder how effective they are. The one pictured is in the middle of Elmwwod Avenue, thus indicating (I assume) that bikes should ride there…in the middle of the street. To do this, I think, would be like…well, sort of like playing a bicycle version of  Russian roulette. I don’t mean to sound cynical, but sometimes it is scary enough riding on a narrow road like this (where drivers still consistently drive 40mph/64kph–or more–when the speed limit is much less than that). Nonetheless, and as aforementioned, I do think they–sharrows–are great. At the very least it brings awareness to bicyclists as a form of transport. I’d be interested to hear what others had to say about sharrows (bicyclists and drivers).

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#453)

A gym bag full of wet clothes and $51.43 in groceries, including the ingredients for this recipe.

Urban Simplicity.

Turkey Meatballs with Red Pepper, Green Onion, Jalapeño, and Feta

These tasty little nuggets are a variation on a theme…I used turkey for this recipe but they can be made with nearly any protein you like (meat, fish, or fowl). They are really delicious but the best part is how easy they are to make…mix everything together and cook them. Simple as that.

Turkey Meatballs with Red Pepper, Green Onion, Jalapeño, and Feta
Makes about 3 dozen small meatballs
1 pound ground turkey
½ red bell pepper, diced
1 bunch green onion, sliced thinly
2 jalapeños, minced
2 large eggs
2 slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 ounces feta cheese
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, then mix thoroughly again. Shape into meatballs. Cook the meatballs in a skillet, in an oven, or poach them in sauce. 

Spicy Vegetable Ragout (or a really hearty soup)

So a few things about this recipe. The first is that it is really delicious (really, really delicious). Another is that it–like most recipes that I post on this blog–can be tailored to suit your needs or cravings. I am not by any means a vegetarian–though I have flirted with the idea–but sometimes I simply do not want meat. The reason I mention this is that if you want to try this recipe but do want some sort of meat in it, nearly any would be suited for these strong spices, you could even add a heartier seafood such as shrimp. The vegetables them selves are–of course–interchangeable; I simply used what I had at hand. This ended up being pretty spicy, but it goes without saying that the spices can be toned down. Anyhow, this really hit the spot on a cold, cold day. And did I mention how delicious this is?

Spicy Vegetable Ragout
Makes about 1 gallon
4 tablespoons canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 head celery, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 rutabaga, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (pinch) saffron threads
1 teaspoon whole cumin seed
1 teaspoon whole caraway seed
1 teaspoon whole coriander seed
1 teaspoon crushed hot pepper
4 small dried chilies (optional)
1 cup (6 ounces) lentils
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
6 plum tomatoes
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 lemon, sliced thin
Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, zucchini, bell pepper, and rutabaga. Stir the vegetables, then cover the pot to allow them to “sweat” for a few minutes. Stir the vegetables, then allow them to sweat another minute or so. Remove the lid and stir in the garlic and all of the spices. Cook the vegetables, garlic, and spices for a few minutes, stirring often. Add the lentils—stirring to coat them with oil and spices—then stir in the broth. Bring the ragout to a boil, then lower it to a simmer. Add the potato, tomatoes, salt, and sliced lemon. Simmer the ragout for about 30-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. If the stew becomes too thick add more liquid.

Urban Simplicity.

Five Quotes from Jimmy Carter

Image Found Here.

Okay…so I know I said five quotes, but I could have gone on for quite a while. I find this man truly inspiring. For more in the Five Quotes series, click here.

“This view that women are somehow inferior to men is not restricted to one religion or belief. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths. Nor, tragically, does its influence stop at the walls of the church, mosque, synagogue or temple. This discrimination, unjustifiably attributed to a Higher Authority, has provided a reason or excuse for the deprivation of women’s equal rights across the world for centuries. At its most repugnant, the belief that women must be subjugated to the wishes of men excuses slavery, violence, forced prostitution, genital mutilation and national laws that omit rape as a crime. But it also costs many millions of girls and women control over their own bodies and lives, and continues to deny them fair access to education, health, employment and influence within their own communities…. The truth is that male religious leaders have had — and still have — an option to interpret holy teachings either to exalt or subjugate women. They have, for their own selfish ends, overwhelmingly chosen the latter.”

“Homosexuality was well known in the ancient world, well before Christ was born and Jesus never said a word about homosexuality. In all of his teachings about multiple things -– he never said that gay people should be condemned. I personally think it is very fine for gay people to be married in civil ceremonies.” 
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something . . . I’m free to choose what that something is, and the something I’ve chosen is my faith. Now, my faith goes beyond theology and religion and requires considerable work and effort. My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” 
 
“Earlier in my life I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office. But as I’ve grown older I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see — the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are.”
“War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.”  
 
“Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it’s painful when we do. But it’s better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, ” I don’t want to try because I may not succeed completely.” 
“Put on a sweater.” 
 

Baked Lamb Ragù with Macaroni and Three Cheeses

So I have to start this post off with a word that comes to mind…Yum! Geeze o’ man is this delicious; I made this tonight for dinner for my son and myself. This is the type of recipe that can be tailored to your own tastes. It would work equally well, for example, with beef or chicken (though I am partial to the lamb) and it doesn’t need to be baked after everything is mixed together; it is ready to eat at that point (but you’d miss out on the crispy goodness of the caramelized cheese). And if you want basil instead of oregano, no problem; more or less hot pepper or garlic, also not an issue. You get the picture. Anyhow, the easy-to-make recipe is below, and leftovers taste even better after it has “rested” for a day. I look forward to tomorrow…

Baked Lamb Ragù with Macaroni and Three Cheeses
Makes 4-6 servings
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound leg of lamb, ½ inch diced
1 small onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon crushed hot pepper
½ cup red wine
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups tomato puree
½ pound elbow macaroni
½ cup shredded asiago cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat an oven to 350F. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet and add the diced lamb, browning it on all sides. Remove the lamb to a plate, set it aside, and drain any excess fat from the pan that may have rendered from the lamb. Return the pan to the heat and add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper; sauté until just starting to brown, then add the garlic—cooking it for a minute or two—then the salt, oregano, and crushed hot pepper. After cooking for another minute, stir in the wine, broth, and tomato. Bring the sauce to a boil then lower it to a slow simmer. Stir the sauce frequently, and if it becomes too thick add additional broth or water. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in plenty of boiling water, then drain it thoroughly. Remove the sauce from the heat and gently stir in the macaroni. Stir in half the cheeses (asiago, mozzarella, and Parmesan) into the pasta, and the remainder sprinkle over the top. Bake the ragù at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown.


Urban Simplicity.

Crispy Spice-Fried Bean Curd with Salsa Verde

Okay. So this is as delicious as it looks. Whether you are a carnivore or a vegetarian this is really good…and really easy to make, too. I used both these recipes as ingredients for tacos tonight for dinner, but these are so versatile they could be used as of a “center-of-the-plate” type of a vegetarian meal. But the sauce itself is not necessarily segregated to meatless meals; it is delicious paired with poultry and seafood as well. Anyhow, these little nuggets are so good I ate most of them (dipped in the sauce) as I fried them and before I made the tacos.

Crispy Spice-Fried Bean Curd
Makes 2-4 servings
1 (14 ounce) package extra-firm tofu
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon kosher salt
canola oil for pan-frying.
Remove the tofu from it’s package and drain it. Place the tofu between a few plates (one on the bottom and two or three on top) and allow it to rest for 10-20 minutes; this will press out excess moisture. Drain the tofu again and dice it, then transfer it to a bowl. Mix together the flour, chili powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Then sprinkle the flour-spice mixture over the diced tofu; gently toss it to coat. Transfer the spiced tofu to a plate, discarding any excess spices or flour. Allow the tofu to marinate for about ten minutes. Heat about ¼ inch canola oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot carefully add the tofu and cook on all sides for about 5 minutes, or until deep golden and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the tofu to absorbent paper. Allow to cool for a minute or two.
  
Salsa Verde (Cruda)
Makes about 1½ cups
1 medium green pepper, diced
2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic
½ small onion, diced
1 bunch cilantro, thoroughly washed, stems removed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup white wine vinegar
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until very smooth.

Urban Simplicity.