Here I Am Already Currying Favor

I am passionate about food. This definitely works to my disadvantage. I grew up eating the basic meat and potatoes with the occasional tacos and enchiladas. My mom is a great cook if you like dough, starch, meat and fried stuff. I didn't get out much until I was about 18, but I was always open-minded about other cultures and their cuisine. One day, my colleague suggested we take the bus up to what was at that time the only Indian restaurant in town. They had a buffet table set up with lamb curry, Basmati rice, vegetable korma and kheer which is a traditional rice pudding cooked with milk and spices. My tastebuds have never been the same since. I can't imagine life without cumin, cardamom, fennel, anniseed, curry leaves, coriander, mustardseed, cinnamon, clove, turmeric and lots and lots of garlic and chili peppers. Not to mention black, white and pink peppercorns. Combinations of these spices make up masala; the spice mixture responsible for flavoring curries. Curried dishes can contain anything from seafood to mutton and many different varieties of vegetables. My favorites are vegetarian followed by lamb. I prefer my curry on the hot side, but it is possible to make mild dishes that have excellent flavor and aroma.
Here is my favorite mutton curry recipe Be worned: You will have your work cut out for you if you take this one on. The first time I made it, I was tired and frustrated after just making the masala. I still like to make it, but I am just as happy buying a jar of Patak's simmer sauce from the store and putting it on some meat and veggies. Get ready because any curry dish smells great because of all the spices! This post only scratches the surface of Indian curry. i will talk about Thai curry in a later post. Good luck and enjoy!
Em

Ridiculous!

I am still trying to finish my bachelor's in English. However, as a nontraditional student it can be daunting at times. I have about 13 hours of social sciences to go, and then I will be done and ready to apply for grad school. I received a scholarship application packet from the National Federation for the Blind yesterday. The NFB really encourages blind people to get a college education and seek employment in the "sighted world". So i anticipated having a good chance at some much needed financial help. I have payed for the majority of my college from my own pocket, but I fear those days are over for a while. Anyway, I was examining the criteria for receiving money, and it's not so promising. They want students to take a minimum of 12 hours per term. Now, I understand that for students fresh out of high school this is reasonable. However I cannot work a job with variable hours, take care of my daughter and carry 12 hours. I have tried and it did not work out. What is frustrating is that the NFB is missing the opportunity to help a lot of blind students who have the potentialto get out there and be a part of the work force. I think I am going to apply anyway, and let them know that I am very close to graduating and will be applying for grad school. I want to get a masters in public health and possibly go on to a PHD. I know I could finish the last 13 hours in 2 semesters.
PS On a happier note, a friend of mine is taking me out to a place called Buhbuh's Nekkid barbecue. It's so good you can eat the meat "nekkid", that is with no sauce.

Okay, I've Gone and Done It

Well, here goes. I have wanted to blog for a long time, and you ladies have really inspired me. In this blog I plan to talk about many aspects of my life. I hope to cover my experience as a parent, food I like, surviving a severe case of postpartum depression, weight loss, my horses, and anything else that catches my interest. I know this isn't much of a post, but I must be out the door to go try this new vegetarian restaurant in town. After that, I am going to hear a friend of mine play with his music partner. The show is in a Unitarian church, so hopefully I won't spontaneously combust when I walk through the door.
Later,
Em