Chadya's Kitchen Dramas: My Top 20 ingredients of all time.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

My Top 20 ingredients of all time.

1. Capers
2. Sambal oleck (korean chile paste)
3. Vital Wheat Gluten
4. Cumin, coriander, paprika, cloves, salt, and pepper. The staple spice mix
5. Soy sauce (THE most versatile flavoring, from American stews to Asian food, this one is a real chameleon.)
6. Yellow curry powder
7. Coconut Milk
8. Almond Extract
9. Golden Raisins
10. Spaghetti sauce in a jar
11. Canned Clams and Clam Juice
12. Jasmine Rice
13. green olives (without pimentos)
14. Balsamic Vinegar
15. Cinnamon
16. Worcestershire sauce (transforms burgers and meatloaf, try it)
17. Wasabi and Horseradish
18. Bouillon cubes
19. Honey
20. lemon and lime juice

This list also constitutes things that can be found in my pantry at all times. Many of them are a quick easy way to add dramatic flavor to a staple dish. Clam juice can replace water in a paella or other seafood and rice dish, for example, for an added boost of salty sea flavor.

tonight, I make pizza..... stay tuned.

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About This Blog

I am here because my Facebook account is overwhelmingly dominated by food and recipe postings. Being that I love to share new ideas, and I love to invent new recipes, I am here. typing little letters on a page. little letters that add up to my version of art, when my life is too chaotic and busy to paint a painting, or anythings else. I am a mom and I work full time. I find that, in order to get my creativity fix, I must combine my household duties with my artwork. Thus my kitchen dramas.

I appreciate the critique of my Toddler, who loves his food. A design is nothing if not given his seal of approval, big wide eyes and an MMMMMMM. (this is emphasized especially in the case of COOKIE DOUGH!)

I also would like to point out that some ingredients used, while they can be expensive, can be found more reasonably priced if you are careful. i will include shopping tips when these cases arise. I often need the services of my local asian, mexican, and arabian markets for ingredients. Know where yours is.

With the shift in emphasis on organic and more healthful ingredients, remember that substitutions can be made for white sugar, white flour, butter, and so on. The best thing about cooking is that a recipe can be simply a template, and like this blog can be customized. Most of my recipes are my interpretations on a classic, or a general formula. like a quick bread or a cookie can be made from anything, if you know the ratios.

And so, without further ado, I will introduce my blog, where pungent and spicy ingredients like vinegar, capers, smoked fish, anchovies, bleu cheese, curry, and peppers take center stage. Where a great cookie can be inspired by a great cocktail, or a simple peppercorn. where bread is never ever made in a food processor, and rarely is a box used, as getting your hands dirty is almost a requirement.