Monday, June 14, 2010

BBRRRRRR it's cold in here.




My fingers are barely able to move let alone type....14 degrees!
Never fear, Soon though the warmth and wintry goodness of my Arancinis will be spreading through me...

Arancini di riso are Sicilian street food of the best kind!

FORZA ITALIA!

MMM golden balls of fried rice, ricotta and spinach. Traditionally a Sicilian food staple, the Arancini is simple to make and trust me, after the first batch; you will keep making them!


To make arancini for 4, you'll need:

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes


Ingredients:
450 g rice
450 g spinach
110 g freshly grated Parmigiano or aged Caciocavallo
300 g ricotta, put through a wire mesh strainer
5 eggs
A packet of saffron (optional), dissolved in hot water
Breadcrumbs
Flour
Salt
Oil for frying

TO MAKE:
Clean the spinach, wash it well, and blanch it quickly in the water that stays stuck to the leaves; when it is well wilted remove it and as soon as it has cooled enough to handle, squeeze out most of the moisture and chop it.

Combine with ricotta and a handful of the cheese. Boil the rice until it reaches the al dente stage in abundant lightly salted water.

Drain it and transfer it to a bowl.

Season it with the remaining cheese, 2 eggs lightly beaten, and the saffron if you're using it.

Mix well and let the mixture cool.

To make an arancino, take a heaping tablespoon of rice and flatten it out against the palm of your hand, cupping your palm to make a hollow.

Fill the hollow with a tablespoon of the ricotta mixture and cover the filling with a little more rice, shaping the ball into an orange shape.

Roll the arancino in flour and repeat the process, until all is used up.

Beat the remaining eggs, seasoning them with a pinch of salt, and dredge the arancini in them. Roll them in breadcrumbs and fry them until golden in hot oil.

Drain them well and serve them either hot or warm.

PRECIOUS - Antonyms: disfavored, useless, valueless, worthless



2. To See?
...Precious... Are you ready for it?
This movie will stay with you long after the credits roll on. I'm still in shock at the grit, the horror and that undercurrent of soaring spirit and human endurance that the movie declares. I felt I was being pummelled to the floor with each biff and blow dealt to Precious, the 16 year old suffering life long sexual and physical abuse. Though I thought it was going to be a movie to show me life for african americans in the ghetto, with an end bearing no relief, I was suprised how days after I felt the courage and the potency of the human souls' desire for betterment and fortitude through adverse contingency.

KINGSTON TOWN



There is magic.......



in KINGSTON TOWN.


Meet Kingston - my new little rescue pup. Please someone, rescue my belongings from his vice like grip!


Who me? I've never chewed anything in my life...



Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Flight Facilities - Crave You


Song of the day! Is this not how everyone feels at one point or another......scrap that - most of the time?

Monday, May 31, 2010

The Here and Now




10. The date. The suspense. What to WEAR! As if this weren't enough... It's a surprise destination. Heels? Flats? Docs? Dress? Pants? paper BAG!!?

When a surprise is not a good one.

Alas, I know a location. Potts Point. A mecca of restaurants, cafes, bars & clubs - F*CK! It just got more complicated.

Being a Tuesday, i'll hope for the best and settle on smart casual with a destination such as LOTUS in mind. Luckily my friend is the manager and will aid a quick escape if necessary! Oh and did I mention the heavenly bar with delightful cocktails? Note to self: Best behavior.




If I could be anywhere...





9. Rugged up and battling the Sydney elements my mind starts to wander...

MUMBAI... hot hot curry, bright colours and a swarming mass of being, vitality, poverty, life and all things wonderful, weird, wacky and disturbing. Could there be any greater place for adventure and discovery?

Indian dreaming.

Maybe I should grow a mustache first?