Exploring a New Cuisine

Today we were so pleased to have three beautiful, young women (grad students) from India visit with us, and help to prepare a really delicious meal. CA and I have enjoyed various curries over the years and memorable meals in an Indian restaurant or two in London, but when we ate a wonderful meal at Paddy Rawal's Raaga in Santa Fe in September we decided we were going to learn more about the cuisines of India.

I bought The Raaga Cookbook-Modern Indian Cuisine, and then ordered Aarti Paarti, an American Kitchen with an Indian Soul by Aarti Squeira. And, I asked Eeshita, a recent acquaintance (hopefully friend), if she would cook with us. We settled on November 5th.

Eeshita and two roommates met me today, and we shopped at India Rice and Spice for ingredients to make Spinach Chaat (a Northern India specialty--street food), Saffron and Coconut Milk Risotto (via the Pioneer Woman blog), and Saffron Rasmalai for dessert (Bengali).

By 12:30 or so we were dividing up the responsibilities--Me-risotto; Eeshita-Rasmalai; KG and SD-the Chaat and a green and spicy Chutney (mint, cilantro, olive oil, onion, jalapeño, lime juices...).
What a fun and delicious afternoon that we plan to repeat very soon.

Cakes of Instagram

Instagram: fieldandflorist

My Coconut-Lemon Cake(s) (2) for CA's (4/2)and for RvH's (4/1) birthdays.

Instagram: thejudylab

Instagram: demetria.provatas

My version of Donna Hay's Red Velvet Cheesecake.

Instagram: martha_weddings

My MIL's birthday cake 2015. From Fresh Market.

(I'll find the source.)

Instagram: sensastyle

Instagram: hinalys

(I'll find the source.)

linda@callmecupcake.se

*This is my inspiration cake. (I'll find the source.) My version below.

  

Instagram: chicagofoodgirl (Sweet Mady B's)

Instagram: countrylivingmagazine

My version of Bon Appétit's Pear Cake.

Bon Appétit's Pear Cake.

(I'll find the source.)

Instagram: hinalys

My version. Jonah's birthday cake 2015.

And, We are Home

Greeted our first night back from the beach by a gorgeous sunset over Dufield Pond. Not a bad welcome home.

3/11, Pi Day. To celebrate we enjoy a favorite at Nick's Pizza, and make a Coconut-Banana Cream Pie (Martha's pâte brisée).

I've invited our Small Group for dessert tonight, to catch-up and to pray for CA's Mitral Valve repair surgery scheduled for tomorrow. I've been busy baking Donna Hay's Red Velvet Cheesecake, cleaning, re-hanging pictures, clocks, etc. in the two very recently painted bathrooms; just generally feathering our nest and expending excess energy.

And, we just learned that we've scored a lease on a flat at Old Town Flats in Fort Collins, beginning May 1st.

Whadda Week!

Saturday, 2/28

We arrive at Oceanaire mid-afternoon and settle-in quickly. We've got the vacation condo-thing down pat. This is our first time at Oceanaire, but we've stayed at the adjoining sister property (Ocean Beach Club) many times. This is a lovely property. Kind of a masculine, urban flare.

Lager Heads next door for dinner. A short stroll and great food.

Sunday, 2/29

Pocahontas, across Atlantic Avenue for Breakfast. A beach favorite. Great coffee!

Who knew? Off season you can ride horses on the beach.

CA picks-up sandwiches at nearby Taste, and we have a picnic on the 10th floor sun deck, in front of a blazing fire pit.

We thought Restaurant Week ended last night, but when we cross Atlantic Avenue to Mannino's Italian for dinner we find tonight is the final night. Happy Hour 1/2-priced wine and a 3-course prix-fixe dinner, to-boot.

Apricot Vinaigrette and Gorgonzola. A terrific salad.

Monday, 3/1

Tending to my shopping "needs":

Gorgeous sunset tonight!

We carry-in pizza tonight. Pi-zzeria is just catty-corner across Atlantic Avenue. This is a must-have on every beach visit. Tonight we choose pear, prosciutto, Gorgonzola, and arugula. Excellent!

Tuesday, 3/2

My reading spot...

An entertaining and delicious dinner an Otani.

Wednesday, 3/3

Mary's Restaurant, a new breakfast experience. 17th Street.

My reading spot!

It's a bit chilly beachfront today, but I prevail.

We spend some beautiful and tranquil time on Croatan Beach. A family favorite. Hypnotizing, even.

Thursday, 3/3

Inside today, reading. It's very windy outside.

Dinner at a Blue Pete's. We last visited in 1978 when it was a tiny, white tablecloth restaurant. Way down in Pungo, on Muddy Creek Road. Still isolated today, but not nearly as much as years ago. Now it's more of a seafood/pub-style menu. An adventure; worth repeating every visit.

I have to point out that these are quart-sized Mason jar drinks! I did not imbibe, but I certainly will next visit.

Friday, 3/4

Another windy, 45° day. But, the sun is shining!

My reading spot today. I love this lounge & the view. They've even covered the fire pit today as it's SO windy.

We'd planned on Pelon's for Mexican, but it's closed for renovations. We're afoot and it's so cold (and windy!) that we walk to a close and dependably excellent spot. Lager Heads--again!

Hanger Steak Frites. Balsamic and blue cheese.

Saturday, 3/5

Check-out day, but we've decided to extend our visit so we're just moving down the beach. Way down the beach--from 35th Street to 5th. We can't stay a full week, but 5 more days make me happy.

Pocahontas again for breakfast. So good. Have I mentioned? Excellent coffee! I may have over-ordered. In my defense, I did not order those potatoes nor did I eat even a bite. And, I only ate 1/2 of the biscuits and gravy, though they were very good. I know, excuses, excuses.

My reading spot today.