crucible of ennui

I’ve said it before, but the Armenian deli in my office building makes the absolutely best Red Lentil Soup. Today since it’s raining and cold, I decided to treat myself and get lunch upstairs. Each bite, I sit and try to separate out flavors in hopes of recreating the soup at home. It’s just too perfect… flavor, texture, everything.

I bought some lentils at the store this week. They’re not red, kinda greenish. I’m thinking of starting with chicken broth, spices and some roasted red peppers. Make finish it off with a little heavy cream.

I’m hoping for something wonderful. But since I’m improvising, it may be disasterous.

I’m excited about the tamales on the menu for this year’s big day!!

Sweet Red Chile Chicken
Green Chile and Shredded Pork
Spicy Shredded Beef
Green Chile and Shredded Chicken
Sweet Corn, Poblano Chile and Cheese

The for sweet tamales we have:

Dried Cherry, Pecan and Bitter Chocolate
Pineapple
Pumpkin, Raisin and Nut

It’s going to be a busy day.

Niece: Why do my hot dogs always end up looking like a sex crime?

I don’t think I can ever look at a hot dog again.

BTW – while slicing onions for this, I cut the tip of my finger off. I hope my bitter flesh compliments the flavor of BACON!!!

Corn Chowder with BACON!!!

8 cups (2 lbs-ish) frozen corn kernels, thawed
3 cups chicken broth
6 slices BACON!!! Heck. Make it 12. Cook the whole freakin’ package. What do I care?
1 onion, chopped fine
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled, cubed into 1/2 inch
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp fresh thyme, minced – if all you have is dried – go with 1/4 tsp.
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
salt & pepper

Puree 4 cups corn and 2 cups broth until smoove. Fry that BACON!!! until crisp. Remove to paper towels. Cook onion and potatoes in BACON!!! fat until onion is softened.

Whisk in pureed corn mixture, cream, thyme, cayenne and remaining broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in remaining corn and cook until corn is heated. Season and serve with BACON!!! on top.

So not only was it Halloween yesterday… but it’s raining today. Can it get any better?!?!? yes… but let’s keep it clean folks.

Last night was so cool. There was this old school vibe in the air – LOTS of kids roaming the neighborhood in packs, laughing and being loud. I had to refill the candy container twice. Some really cool costumes… hats off to the kid dressed as a nerd who foiled a quadratic equation on my front porch… bravo.

I was going to head out to Hollywood Cemetery tonight to photograph all the neat stuff going on… but the rain has probably changed my plans. I don’t want to be cold and alone, wandering around a cemetery photographing alters of the dead… only if it wasn’t raining.

And there is an art show I’d like to see if they don’t get rained out.

But none of it matters… it’s raining and it’s cold and it’s wonderful.