Spices, Lost, Top Chef

Lots and Lots of things to talk about today.

First off a follow-up to yesterday's posts.  

So many times we're frustrated with our food.  Boring, uninspired, the same thing every meal, every day.

By combining yesterday's "Rule of Five" post with todays "Ethnic Tastes" you may find a way to change your food around. 

Please let me know what you think and how you experimented with both the Rule of Five and the Ethnic Tastes.

Ethnic Tastes:  Adapted from Chad Sarno

Italian: Garlic, basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, onions, parsley, sage, marjoram, lemon, olives, roma tomatoes, pine nuts, capers.

Thai:  Holy basil, lemon grass, sour tamarind, curry, ginger, galangal root, kefir lime, cilantro, mint, turmeric, coriander, cumin, chiles, coconut, rice, morning glorie (swamp spinach), corn, cauliflower, anise, long bean.

Mexican & Spanish:  Cilantro, cumin, garlic, olives, coriander, onions, parsley, tamarind, avocado, paprika, chili’s, cinnamon, bell pepper, jicama.

Japanese & Chinese: Ginger, garlic, sesame, miso, soy sauce, basil, cardamom, coriander, scallions, star anise, wasabi, lime, mungbean sprouts, bok choy, sea veggies, snow peas, mushrooms, cucumber.

African:  Cilantro, cinnamon, ginger, cumin, coriander, mint, saffron, chives, fenugreek, rose, olives, orange, eggplant.

Middle Eastern/Greek:  Garlic, mint, oregano, dill, cinnamon, parsley, anise, chili’s, cilantro, saffron, sesame, thyme, marjoram, clove, poppy seed, fenugreek, onion, eggplant, tomato, lemon, cucumber, spinach, olives, pomegranate, pine nuts.

Eastern Indian:  Garlic, ginger, cardamom, curry, cumin, garam-masala, cinnamon, clove, chili’s, anise, fenugreek, fennel seed, mint, mustard, pepper, tamarind, sesame, turmeric, onions, saffron, rose, cauliflower, spinach, lemon, pomegranate, bell peppers, eggplant, tomato.

*******************

SPOILER ALLERT!!!!! SPOILER ALLERT!!!!!!

If you've taped "Top Chef" or "Lost" STOP READING.

Continue on with your day and we'll see when you've gotten caught up.

You've been warned.

**********************

Top Chef

Oh Carla.  Ohhhhhh Heaven-help-us Carla.

I've been rooting for you since I saw those crazy Marty Feldman eyes.  

Granted I was thrilled that Stefan didn't win.  But I really wanted you to win.  I love you Carla. I really really do.

You knew in judging that because you didn't do what you had planned and went with the other LOSERs ideas that you come in first.  The judges loved your sauces but didn't care for the meat or the dessert.  

I thought it was fun that Fabio was part of the chefs who ate the final meal.  He asked a very good question "Is this dish worth $100,000.?"  

And I cheered when Hosea gave Stefan the alligator.  But of course "SUPER STEFAN" and his cocky attitude didn't mind.  He's been cooking for 100 years and can cook anything.

WTG Hosea.  

I'll miss you Carla.

*****************

Lost!

Oh. My. God.

Ben.  What the f?

John.  What the f?

Questions: 

1.  What time period is John & the other people from the plane?

2.  Have Kate, Jack & Hurley gone back in time?  Cause it looks like Jin is in the 70's with the Dharma bus.

3.  Who are those other people who are going thru the stuff and where'd the canoe's come from?

Best line of the night: 

Hurley "Hey! Am I talking to a guy in a wheelchair?"

*****************

12:12 pm Weds

Kelley aka Pinktini picking up her petticoat.