Song of the day

Shameless Carnivore

I experimented this weekend with my favorite sandwich of all time the steak sandwich. Having always preferred it over a hamburger as mince really isn't what I would like to knock 5 years of my life for, hey might as well do it proper.  

I marinated my steak for a couple of hours in olive oil, black pepper and light steak seasoning and used Shiitake mushrooms as they have a wonderful meaty texture, smeared it with a Dijon tarragon sauce top with caramelized onions. SHHHABANG!!! A real hearty sandwich although I wish I had added a couple leaves of rocket to add to the already spicy mushroom chili mix.

Recipe:

Steak fillet
Handful of Shittake mushrooms sliced thick
1 red chili
3 cloves of garlic minced finely
2 large onions cut thick
Any cheese of your choice cut paper thin ( I used Comte from Dean and Deluca)
Baguette of your choice (I used a brown cereal one from Dean and Deluca)
White Pepper
Fresh lemon Juice
Olive Oil
Steak seasoning of your choice
Black Pepper
2 tablespoons butter

Dressing:
Handful of fresh tarragon
1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Fresh lemon juice
Salt
Black Pepper
2 tablespoons Hellman's Mayonnaise
Olive oil

Method:

Marinate your steak for a couple of hours with  steak seasoning, olive oil and pepper. Heat a frying pan and melt the butter adding the garlic, mushroom and chili. Saute for 3-5 minutes adding the white pepper and lemon juice and salt. Fry for a further 3 minutes and set aside.
Meanwhile caramelize your onions on low heat until soft and golden brown.
In a food processor whiz the mayo, mustard, tarragon, lemon juice, salt and pepper slowly drizzling in the olive oil to make a thick sauce consistency. Taste along the way to add any seasoning to your liking.
Grill your steak on high heat finally adding salt. Once cooked to your preference, slice thinly.

Now to assemble, cut the baguette into hearty size portions removing the extra dough inside, smear dressing on the bottom adding steak slices, cheese, mushrooms and onions topping it with more sauce.

Marilyn Monroe False Lashes

As the new MAC Marilyn Monroe makeup collection hits Kuwait, I was very excited to try the new mascara, even though I had never been a fan of their mascaras but because I saw a makeup artist apply it on my friend and it intrigued me. I tried it for the first time today and its very black, separates perfectly but not as thickening or lengthening as I had hoped. More of a daytime kind of affair if you ask me. The price was 10.500 KD.

Would I buy again? Nope.

Song of the day

Dark Chocolate Sin

Sometimes a oomph of dark chocolate is the only remedy. I have been wanting to try this dark chocolate cookie recipe by Nigella Lawson for a while now and never got around to it until the other day. I used proper chocolate not the semi sweet morsels and reduced the sugar content. The result is a bittersweet soft cake-like consistency. Dark chocolate lovers beware its will make you sin repeatedly! 

Recipe:

125 grams good quality milk and dark chocolate
150 grams flour
30 grams coco powder sieved
1 teaspoon bircabonate soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick butter (soft)
75 grams light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium egg cold from the fridge
350 grams milk and dark chocolate cut into chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 170 Celsius and melt the 125 grams of chocolate in a heatproof dish over simmering water until melted. Set aside. Line a baking tray with wax paper
Put the flour, coco, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a bowl.
Cream the sugar and butter together and add the melted chocolate. Beat in the vanilla and cold egg and add the dry ingredients until fully mixed, finally adding the chocolate chips.
Scoop the mixture into 12 equal molds with an ice cream scoop.
Bake for 18 minutes, leave to cool for 5 minutes and trasfer to a cooling rack.


 

Buckwheat Cold Noodle Salad

Being some what OBSESSED with Guy Fieri these days, his shows are always so entertaining to watch and I love his energy, sense of humor and appetite for food. He made this salad the other night on his show Guy's Big Bites but used white soba noodles instead of the buckwheat noodles I substituted. These soba noodles are highly nutritious containing all eight essential amino acids, very easily digested and filled with antioxidants. The dressing is peanut based with a kick of Sriracha. Enjoyed best standing at the fridge at 3am and eating it cold. YUM!      

Recipe taken from Guy Fieri's Big Bite:

Noodles:

6 bunches of buckwheat soba noodles

Sesame oil for drizzling noodles

Peanut Dressing:

1/2 cup toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 

1/3 cup soy sauce

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons Sriacha hot sauce 

2 carrots sliced finely

4 stalks of spring onion cut finely

Method:

Bring a large pot to boil and cook noodles for 6 minutes before draining reserve 1/4 cup noodle cooking water and drain noodles under cold water, drizzle sesame oil and set aside.

In a frying pan, saute the garlic and ginger in sesame oil for 2 minutes on low heat and pour into blender. Add  the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hot sauce and cooking water. Blend until smooth and pour onto the cold noodles. Mix the carrots and spring onions and refrigerate for an hour and serve.

Song of the day

Shite List

1. Our neighbor's construction noise starting at 6:00 am...................you are a sick twisted man!

2. Freestyle swimming......................why are you so hard? WHY?????????


Anger anyone???

Song of the day

Salad Nicoise

I love making Salad Nicoise from time to time as it is very filling, healthy, protein packed and full of texture. I first made it as a student following a Julia Child recipe, substituting anchovies for capers. The secret behind a good Nicoise is good quality tuna (I used Ortiz) found in Dean and Deluca and fresh herbs. You can always cut out the potatoes or use grilled salmon instead of Tuna.
To my darling friend F, this one is for you.

Recipe Serves 6:

1 to 2 cans good quality tuna
2 shallots finely chopped
4 eggs
4 gem lettuces cut each one lengthwise into 4 sections
Handful  cherry tomatoes
6-8 baby potatoes
Small handful of black olives
4 tablespoons capers
Small handful tarragon, basil, parsley finely chopped
Half kilo fine green beans cut into 2 inch bites

Dressing:

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
8 tablespoons olive oil

Method:

Make the dressing by combing the mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper and gradually mix the olive oil. Set aside.
Boil the eggs for 6 minutes and leave to cool, peel and slice lengthwise.
Cook the potatoes until tender leave until warm and peel adding the shallots, capers and 2 tablespoons of the dressing. Set aside.
Blanch the green beans in salted boiling water for 2 minutes and immerse in a ice cold bowl to stop cooking and retain the color, once cooled add 1 tablespoon of the dressing and set aside.
Drain the tuna and break into big chucks.
In a large dish lay the lettuce, potatoes, green beans, tuna, olives, tomatoes, eggs and fresh herbs. Drizzle with dressing.

Just Do It

A really interesting mini documentary on the creation of the "Just Do It" ad that we all link Nike too.

Song of the day

Pop Pop Pop

I came across these interesting popcorn kernels at Sultan Center this week and couldn't wait to try them out. The result was very very very good. The kernel itself is black but turns white once you pop them in hot sizzling oil. The taste itself was very delicious and what's better than the smell of freshly popped popcorn? Highly recommended! 

Quick Fix

I was in a rush the other day when I decided to make a quick but delicious pesto using Manchego cheese instead of Parmesan. The flavors worked beautifully as the manchego has a buttery texture with a slight piquancy. Serve with Rigatoni.

Recipe:

2 handfuls of fresh basil
1 handful of shredded Manchego
1 garlic clove peeled
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 handfuls of pine nuts roasted
Olive oil to your liking
Salt
Pepper

Method:

Put the basil, garlic, roasted pine nuts, lemon juice, salt and pepper into a food processor and mix to become a coarse mix for 10 seconds, while processor is still running add the olive oil and blend for a further 10 seconds, Turn off and taste, adding lemon juice, salt, pepper or olive oil if needed.

Song of the day

Barakat

Does anyone remember Barakat as a child? I used to visit this store on a weekly basis sometimes growing up, buying needlepoint thread embroidery, paint, knitting yarn, crochet materials, etc. I was in the Salmiya area last week and decided to pop in and revisit my childhood. Nothing much has changed, they have added a section for Swarovski Crystals, where you can pick and choose jewelry stones, crystal beads or ready made transfer hot fix crystals for garments and accessories. Funny how these sweet things used to keep me company, while its all about phones, phones and more phones these days. Sigh.

Knit one, pearl one

Needlework canvas

                                                                           Meow

                                                                       Rainbow

Needlework threads

Array of paints 

                                                                      Varnish

Doctor's Anonymous

I have been suffering from an eye infection all week, and decided to go to see an Opthamologist at Hadi. I had a very odd encounter, below are the details.

Me: Hello, I woke up with pain on my eyelid
Doctor: Let me examine your eyes
Doctor: Its an infection, but nothing to worry about
Me: How can I reduce the puffiness, I have a wedding to attend on Friday
Doctor: oooooooooooh, is it your weeding?
Me: No, a family friend wedding
Doctor: Sitting back in his chair, with a very very very old and off James Bond-ish humorish slur, I will treat you only on one condition, if you invite me to the wedding, hahahahahahaha him being the only one laughing.
Me: No thank you, thinking to myself, why me?? WHY????????

Song of the day

Shite List

1. Getting an eye infection right before a wedding.........go away!

2. The valet manager at 360............you kiss your mama with that mouth?

3. Laduree........hurry up with the pistachio macarons, I need my fix!

Song of the day

Anthony Vaccarello

Watching Fashion TV, and taking note of the music the other day I was really impressed with Anthony Vaccarello's SS13 collection. Edgy, sexy and HOT! I did a bit of research and this young half-Italian, half-Belgian  designer won the ANDAM's award- France's equivalent to the CFDA, last year. Having worked at Fendi for two years designing fur, he decided to found his own label. Sadly he isn't stocked anywhere in the Middle East as I read, but fingers crossed someone will. 

Side note: Doesn't Fashion TV play the best music ever? Does anyone take note?

                                                                                             photo credit: vogue.com

Bowl of Sunshine

Happiness has hit you under your stomach! (Khoshi zadeh zireh delet!)
                                                                                                -Persian saying 

Sholeh Zard or saffron rice pudding makes me weak at the knees, especially when my mother makes it.  Completely dairy free and the perfect color of gold I haven't met anyone that can turn this down. Go ahead and make it, a real treat. 

Its sunshine, happiness, a fab new outfit with the perfect killer heels and clutch, silky flowy hair, the perfect tan, your ideal goal weight and Johnny Depp picking you up to run away with him all rolled into one. I kid you not. 

Recipe:

1 cup rice 

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup rosewater

1/2 cup silvered almonds

1/2 stick butter

1/2 teaspoon saffron 

8 cups water 

Garnish:

Pistachios whole and powered

Cinnamon 

Almonds blanched and skin removed 

Method:

Soak the rice in 8 cups of water and leave overnight. Cook the rice for 2 hours with 8 cups of water on low heat until rice resembles a mushy consistency. Add the butter, silvered almonds, sugar and saffron and mix gently, continuing to cook for 20 minutes. Add the rosewater and stand by the pot, once the rice mixture boils twice turn off the heat and pour into the dish you are to serve it in. Put into the fridge for up to 4 hours until chill and garnish to your liking. Serve chilled. 

Song of the day

Song of the day

Shite List

My shite list this week is narrowed down to only one sore sucker: X-cite by Alghanim Electronics. Let me shorthand my rant: 4 weeks ago I purchased a TV and a stand only to discover the stand was wonky and wouldn't close properly, I called them, below is my telephone conversation with them on Monday:

Me: Holding on as the I push the option 2 to speak to someone for English
X-cite: Alo
Me: Hello, good afternoon I bought a TV stand that needs to be repaired, can you please send someone to my house?
X-cite: Samsung
Me: No a TV stand
X-cite: Call again extension 103
Me: Excuse me? No, do you speak English?
X-Cite: No
Me: Give me your manager
X-cite: errrrrr
X-cite: Hello, yes can I help you?
Me: Do you speak English?
X-cite: Yes madam
Me: Why do you have the option of English, if the person cannot speak English?
X-cite: I apologize madam
Me: Ok I need someone to come to my house and repair my TV stand
X-cite: Please give me the invoice number
Me: Blah blah
X-cite: I am sorry madam but we don't repair any items other than TV's, washing machines, dryers, etc.
Me: So what do you expect me to do with my TV stand?
X-cite: Take it to any repair shop they can fix, sorry but we don't fix
Me: IN RAGE.......Give me your manager right now!
X-cite: Hold on madam
X-cite (same person): Ok we can fix, we will come to your house in 48 hours, thank you very much
Me: Where is your manager?
X-cite: In meeting.
Me: What is your name?
X-cite: Meena
Me: Ok thank you

It is now Friday, no one came to our house, called to explain why, nada.
Am going to X-cite tomorrow in Al-Rai and give them hell.
Will blog about it tomorrow............

Does anyone have anger to release?

Zara Fein

I spotted these chic block pumps at Zara today and thought they looked fierce and dangerous. I am quite fussy about quality and believe me they were no different from any high end boutique brand. Well done Zara for creating beautiful fashion trends at amazing prices, only 24.500 KD! LOVE.

Song of the day

Issa London

I loved Issa London's SS 2013 collection to bits. The vibrant colors, flowy dresses so strong yet so romantic. Here are some of my favorite tropical pieces.

photo credit: vogue.com

Butterfly Bakery & Cafe

I stumbled upon Butterfly Bakery & Cafe yesterday and fell in love with adorable sweets and charm. If Willy Wonka had a love child this is where she would live. The staff was so friendly and informed us that they will be opening the cafe section very soon. They had a selection of mouthwatering cupcakes, mini cakes, cookies, cheesecakes the whole shebang!! Gorgeous for baby receptions, weddings, themed gatherings, etc!
Located in Salmiya right next to Shaha Complex in front of Thurya mall. T: 50060020

Song of the day