Recipe #20: Curried Swiss Cauliflower Soup

6 Cup cut cauliflower (about 1 whole cauliflower)
3 (each 14 oz) Can Chicken or Vegetable broth
1/2 tsp salt

4 Tbs divided 3 and 1 Tbs unsalted butter
2 cup 1/2 and 1/2 milk
6 Tbs Flour

1 C minced onion
3 Tbs celery chopped fine
3 Tbs Carrot grated
1 tsp Dill fresh (if dry use only 1/2 tsp)
1 tsp Garlic minced
1 tsp tumeric
1-2 tsp graham masala
1/2 tsp cayenne

1/2 pound baby swiss cheese

Combine first 3 ingredient in crock pot for 4 hours

Heat butter add flour til glossy cook for 5-10 min on low
Add milk (warmed) one ladal at at time and stir in until glossy
Remove from heat add cheese

In a separate pan heat 1 Tbs butter add onion, carot, celery cook til soft about 5 min. add spices and cook 2 min . add the hot broth and exclude the cauliflower.
REmove from heat cool blend add to cheese mixture.
Fold in cauli and heat to warm.

Makes 12 servings.

Gavin Tail Twister #19: Soul Mate

One evening I was sitting comfortably on the couch when all of a suddenly a 90 pounder came at me and plunked down next to me. It was Gavin (7) who immediately started digging his feet underneath my back. I was not in the mood for this at that particular time. I told Gavin to take his feet out from behind me. Like usual his feet migrated back to digging behind my back. After asking 2 or 3 times, my voice was getting loud. My husband, William, noticing my frustration came over to intervene. William sternly pointed his finger at Gavin's chest pushing him slightly and said "Stop bothering my girlfriend...my... wife...... my... lover...[pause as William's and my eyes widen and look at each other]....I think we both thought "he said lover...hope Gavin doesn't catch that". Gavin must have thought after lover.... and the big pause meant he needed to fill in the blank because without a hitch Gavin adds (with a Gavin lisp of course) "your sooooul mate!" We both sighed with relief and laughed in agreement saying "Yes...soul mate Gavin. That's exactly what we were thinking.

Gavin's Tail Twister #18: You might grow a second head or something.

Tonight I tried a Zoomba class. I paid $6 to stand in the back of a gym and try to keep up with the dance teacher doing dance moves my body never could , would or will ever be able to do. Ultimately, I paid $6 to stand there keeping my knees bent and moving my arms looking like Julia Dreyfus dancing on Seinfeld. I got home a little annoyed because I did not feel like I got true workout and already the lactic acid was forming in my muscles. I immediately asked the kids to brush their teeth and go to bed. My son, Gavin (7) instead comes into the bathroom and proceeds to picks up and examine my recent purchase of a toothbrush "POD". This "POD" is supposed to house the toothbrush head and emit vapors inside the Pod that kill any bacteria on the bristles for 3 whole months. Gavin wanted to know how it worked but I did not feel like explaining the whole thing. I gave him an abbreviated explanation and in addition told him the brush had to be rinsed off before each use to get the vapors off. I had hoped his quest for information would stop there.
Girl! You know it didn't!
"Well what happens if you don't rinse the brush off?" My immediate response "you might get a birth defect or something, just brush your teeth so we can get in bed." I knew this was the wrong response but hoped the squawk box of questions would just stop!
My older and wiser son Sammy(11) walks in. Gavin kindly reviews the rules for using the "POD" with special emphasis on rinsing the toothbrush prior to each use. Gavin admires Sammy so much, he could not bear it if anything ever happened to his "awesome, big brother" so Gavin gave Sam every vital piece of information. Sammy of course asked "Why does it matter that I rinse the bristles?"
Here we go again!
Gavin's response: (Of course this is said with a Gavin Lisp) "Well if you don't, you might grow another head or something."
As I chuckled to myself and thought: Huh! I wonder where he got that idea!

Recipe #19: Awah's Op Dosa (Indian Rice Pancakes)

2 cup rice uncooked and soaked in water 5-6 hours, then strain
4 tbs plain yogurt
4 tbs milk
1 tsp salt
dash baking soda

1 cup cooked rice

Blend in blender on hi uncooked rice, yogurt, milk, salt and soda until batter forms similar to pancake batter. After texture becomes smooth add the cooked rice and blend.

Pour on skillet like pancakes with a drizzle of olive oil on the edges and cover with a pot lid so as to steam the dosa. Cook on medium for 2-4 minutes. You know it is done when the dosa bubbles and there are NO wet batter spots. Serve hot.

Servings: 20 (6") dosas
Serving suggestions: Serve with coconut or peanut chutney.

Recipe #18: Curried Lentil Soup "The Best You'll Ever Have!!!"

This is one that my friends ask for over and over again. It is to die for and it is low fat!! If you need any of the ingredients shoot me an email at AskUshaiInMacon@gmail.com. Happy Cooking!

1 Cup Red Lentils (Rinsed with water)
½ tsp salt
3 Cup cut cauliflower (about 1/2 cauliflower)
1.5 Cup carrots (cubed)
1.5 (14 oz) Can Chicken or Vegetable broth

3 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/4 tsp cumin seed
1/4 teaspoons mustard seed
10 fresh curry leaves (optional)
1 Tbs fresh ginger minced or 1 Tbs ginger paste
3 clove garlic (sliced thin) or 1 Tbs garlic paste
1 large onion (chopped medium)

1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp turmeric
3 tsp garham masala ( See Ask Usha Recipe: garham masala -spice combo)
1.5 tsp sambar powder (See Ask Usha Recipe: sambar powder-spice combo)

1 (28 oz) can hunts petite diced tomatoes

2 Tbs tamarind paste or 1/2 lemon (fresh squeezed juice)
½ Cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
1  Cup fresh dill (chopped)

Combine Lentils, salt, cauliflower, carrots and stock in a crock pot. If the liquid of the stock is not enough to cover everything in the crock pot just add enough water to cover vegetables. Set on High for 2 hours, Medium for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil on Medium High. Add cumin and mustard seed. Once the mustard start to pop, add the curry leaves. Use a lid so the oil does not splatter. After 1 minute, add ginger, garlic,and onions. Stir for 1 min. Once the onions turn translucent, add the Turmeric, Garam and MTR powders and stir for 1 min. Add Diced Tomatoes and stir for 1 min. Pour in the stock,lentil and vegetables. Fold in the mixture carefully as to not mash the cauliflower. Reduce heat to Med-Low for 10 min. stirring occasionally. Turn heat off and add lemon juice and cilantro. Stir and serve.

Yields: 10 one cup servings.
Serving Suggestions: Serve as a soup with a dollop of nonfat yogurt or sour cream.
Serve over 1/4 cup cooked rice.
Serve with over Idles(rice dumplings).
Variations: Spicy version - Add 1-2 minced chilies at the same time as onions.
I like to add jalapenos.
Hardy winter version - Add red potatoes (peeled and sliced thin) at the
same time as the cauliflower and carrots.

SPICE ADVICE: Turmeric is considered a "Super Spice". It is used for a variety of medicinal purposes including reduction of inflammation and pain relief. It is thought to prevent Alzheimer's disease, stop the progression of MS and can naturally enhance the body's ability to fight cancer,IBD,and Arthritis. Turmeric has been used throughout history as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Don't spill it on your clothes because it will never come out.

Gavin's Tail Twister #17: My What a Strong Grip You Have!

On this particular Saturday in October 2010, Sammy (10) had two baseball games. As soon as we got up that morning, Gavin (7) started yapping. All I could think was that I needed quiet and coffee! No time for that, we needed to be out the door in 45 minutes to be at the ball field by 9AM. Sam and his dad departed the house early and Gavin and I followed 30 min later. Gavin wanted to sell raffle ticket for the upcoming annual Jazz Festival in Macon so he got some tickets and flyers and proceeded to try to get me to be his first customer. I told him I would buy but just a little later like during the game. He yapped at me in the car for the entire drive there about how he would need my help selling. I told him he was on his own and that I was not feeling well. He continued to tell me over and over again until ultimately I started agreeing without even listening. Once I realized what had happened it was too late. Gavin was now giving me selling and marketing tips. I translated that into I would actually have to do most of the selling myself. We got to the ball field and Gavin sat down next to me and started in on how he needed money for the (in Gavin talk)"con-ssess-son" stand so I needed to get up off my chair and get to selling. That went on for 15 minutes, I bought $20 worth of raffle tickets to shut him up and then the begging started about how Gavin needed more sales. OMG! I couldn't take it. I asked nicely over and over again for Gavin to sit still and quietly so we could watch the game or he could go play with his little ball park friends. Hey he could even try to make some sales on his own. I warned him that he may get in trouble if he continued. HE CONTINUED of of course. When I could not take it for another second, I snatched him up and said "COME WITH ME!" Gavin was so shocked by the tone of my voice out in public...that he responded with absolutely nothing! He simply followed behind me like a Rag Doll stumbling as we went. I sensed he was a slight bit surprise by my behavior and even a bit embarrassed by it. He was quiet for the entire length of me yanking him behind me to the next baseball field. I could tell he was wide eyed and worried about what was to happen next. Knowing that he was in deep trouble and afraid that I was going to eat him like the Big Bad Wolf wanted to those little pigs in "The Three Little Pigs", Gavin did not want to upset me any more that I already was. Gavin's eyes shifted around to see who was close enough to hear as he said in his tiny scared voice "My...mommy, what a strong grip you have!" The mounting tension in my shoulders as well as in my vice-like grip immediately relaxed. I gave Gavin a stern talking right out in public. We walked back to our lounge chairs and I sat peacefully without even a single interruption for the remainder of the game, Wow...he can do it! That night as I wrote this story and reflected upon the day, I thought to myself how often does one get to truly appreciate the perspective of a 7 year old. As tight a grip as I had on him, he probably did think I was going to eat him. All I know is that God made coffee for a reason and I should definitely not be skipping that on Saturday mornings.

Gavin's Tail Twister #16: I'm Just One Man!

On this particular Saturday morning, I had plans for myself. I wanted to drink my coffee in peace and cross some stuff off my never ending list. Blogging was one item on that list. I think I have to blog more regularly or I fear I won't remember what all the funny details of my life are and there are lots of them. I worry that early Alzheimer is working it's way into my life. In fact I am pretty sure I could hide my own Easter Eggs. Ha!
Back to the Gavin story:
I was sipping and blogging as the children were circling the kitchen hunting for "BACON" and other yummy breakfast food. The TV was on loud and the dog was sniffing around. You know what that means! Both Gavin and his brother Sam were supposed to go to friends houses today and I wanted all weekend homework and chores completed before they left. (All of the following happened in about 30 seconds while I was barking orders from my lounge position on the couch.)"Boys if you want to get to your friends houses on time you need to get your morning stuff accomplished. Turn off the TV and report to me... send the dog outside....finish your morning reading and piano practice... eat some fruit with what ever it is you pick from the kitchen... I want all your work done before you leave this house...I want you guys to pick something and get it done and then report to me...one of you needs to unload the dishes and the other needs to load and take the trash out..." Gavin plunked himself down and picked up "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and said "I am doing my reading" as if that would excuse him from doing anything else. I think he just wanted to look at the cartoon strip pictures. I said "Fine, I'll let you know when 15 minutes is up and you can proceed to get the rest of your to do list done before you go to your friends house." He had this surprised look on his face like I am reading and that should be enough. I said Gavin you still have get dressed, brush your teeth, wash your fac....". Gavin interrupted in a slightly high pitched frustrated voice " Mom I'M JUST ONE MAN!" I just laughed!

Gavin's Tail Twister #15: You Sucked Me In

Now that Gavin is seven years old, he is fully capable of getting his own breakfast and doing some small chores by himself. On this one particular day Gavin wanted bacon for breakfast... imagine that! He badgered me about bacon for an hour. I was so irritated by the fact that Gavin would not just settle for cereal or frozen waffles. It was Saturday! I cleaned the house and deep cleaned the kitchen on Friday. We had had a long week, there were no ball games on this one Saturday and I just wanted to chill instead of wait on everyone like a Waffle House Chef.
Finally, Gavin warmed up to cereal and milk or maybe he just got hungry enough to settle. Gavin poured some cereal in a bowl and lots of it. I was not watching because I wanted Gavin to tend to his needs. He proceeded to get out the milk and poured it over his cereal. Yes! There was too much cereal in the bowl and he needed a lot of milk so he overpoured it and it spilled all over the counter. He did not mean to but he did! Those of you who know all the dog drama in our house understand why I hate cleaning. That is an entire other story. So...the milk ran down into the drawers and on the floor. This of course means MORE CLEANING FOR ME! I started fussing! "Gavin couldn't you be more careful. You know I just cleanded the kitchen. Why did you pour so much cereal. You know that is not just one serving."
Gavin with his lips pushed out and trying to move all the milk around on the counter thinking he was cleaning responded "I know mom but I just wanted bacon...I was so hungry I wasn't ..."
"What? You weren't paying attention? Now your not really helping your just making a bigger mess and by the way you have left the refrigerator door open this whole time!"
" Mom, I couldn't help that... you, you, you SUCKED ME IN the whole conversation about the mess I was making and that made me forget about the refrigerator door being open!"
"I see Gavin! You know Gavin, you are probably right. I should have just made you bacon!"

Melt In Your Mouth Southwestern Quiche

1 Tbs butter
1/2 sweet onion chopped
1/2 Green bell pepper chopped
1/4 jalapeno chopped fine
2 Tbs cilantro chopped fine
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 cup shreded jalapeno jack cheese
1 pie crust

4 egg and 3/4 Half and Half whipped together until frothy and set aside
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

In a sautee pan heat butter on med. Stir fry onion and peppers and jalapenos until tender. Add salt and pepper.
In one pie crust transfer the onion pepper mixture to the bottom and spread evenly.
Top with cheese and pat down firm. Pour whipped egg mixture over cheese.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with fruit.
Servings:6

Gavin's Tail Twister # 14 : Sammy The Great

On any given day Sammy(11) is usually pounding on Gavin(7). I try to punish Sammy and Gavin always says "It is OK mommy, I don't want Sammy to go to time out. It was probably my fault anyways." This is proof that if you tell someone especially a kid that they are guilty of doing something bad, they eventually agree and confess even if they didn't do it.

This event involved Gavin being unusually mean to his big brother Sammy. I sent Gavin to the step to for time out. After a minute on the step, I thought to myself: Hitting Sammy on the head with a closed fist was deserving of a harsher punishment. So, I went to Gavin and said in a low voice like I do to the dog when I really mean something: "Gavin, I am very dissappoined in your behavior. This is something that I will not tolerate again. I think your punishment should equal the bad behavoir so you will go to your room for 30 minutes and think about what you did. Then you will come down, shower and go straight to bed without getting to watch TV tonight with your Dad, Samuel and myself.
Gavin burst into tear and ran to his room. As usua,l I forgot about Gavin being in time out until I heard a small voice from way upstairs calling "ma..a..am?".

"Oh Gavin!" I said "I am so sorry I forgot about you. Come on down and hop in the shower."

Gavin came down and hung his head down while he make his way to the shower. He sobbed as he undressed and then uttered "I wish Sam was an only child".

I responded with "I don't think you know what your saying."

"Oh yes I do! If Sammy was alone he would not have me to be so mean to him. Then he would be Sammy The Great and he would be so happy!"

I don't know why younger siblings gauge their own self worth by how happy their older brothers and sisters are. Gavin(7) thinks Sammy(11) hung the moon and Sammy would kick Gavin to the curb every single day of the week. Sweet Gavin keeps coming back wanting to hang with his big brother or just be in his presence. Occasionally I overhear Gavin saying under his breath "Sammy loves me, he just doesn't know it yet!"

Gavin Tail Twister #13 : changes Twas the night before school

Setting this up: Every night I lay on a tennis ball to work the knots out of my back. Every night Gavin asks "can I do that?" and Every night I eventually give him the ball.

Twas the night before the first day of school, when all through the house,

Everyone was still stirring, even the dog Maggie, no sign of any mouse.

The back pack were hung by the door in the mud room,

Mama was growing inpatient and about to lower the great big boom.

The children tip toed around or so they thought,

I heard every sound even the sound of that x-box we just bought.

The children should have been all snug in their beds,

They were up laughing and playing with Maggie instead.

Dad already showered and I on the net.
I could hear all the excitement over our pet.

I yelled up the stairs, "it's time to go to bed!"

"Are you listening, did you even hear what I just said?"

I finally went to see Gavin as he laid down to sleep.
I leaned over, kissed him and said " not a peep".
The start of a new school year, Gavin knew what he had to do.

As he looked up at me, I knew he still did not want to.

Longing for his mom to lay down and chat,
It was important to him that I do just that.
So, He reached behind his back to get a special present,
And asked with such sweetness, "mom don't you want to get in the tent?"

He scooted over and gave me most of the bed
Even offered to share his pillow with my head.
And "here you go mom, it's a ball for your back.
It will make you feel better now let's hit the sack."

Recipe #17: Avocado Salad Dip

1 ripe avocado (soft to the touch like a peach)
1 tsp red onion, chopped fine
1Tbs cilantro, chopped fine
¼ tsp minced jalapeno
½ juice of lime, seeds removed
¼ tsp sea salt
Dash of pepper

Cut around avocado lengthwise taking care not to cut through the seed. Split apart half of the avocado and scoop the seed out with a spoon. Then scoop the inside of the avocado out with a spoon and put in a serving bowl. Cut the avocado in small chunks. Add the remainder of ingredients. Toss with a fork and slightly mash some of the avocado. Top off with a sprinkle of sea salt and garnish with cilantro.
Serve with chips and salsa or as a side with Mexican food. Do not make too far in advance or it will turn brown. If you have to prepare ahead squeeze additional lime on top of finished salad and cover tightly with saran wrap.
Yields: 2 servings

Recipe #16: Mom’s Indian Yogurt Rice (Musiru Anah)

1 uncooked rice (long grain rice) I use Mahatma brand for this recipe
2 cup water

1 tbs corn oil
2 tsp Split Urid Dal, also called Matpe Beans (hulled and split)
10 curry leaves (if available)
½ tsp black mustard seeds
½ tsp cumin seed
1 medium Serrano or jalapeno chili finely chopped
½ large red onion chopped fine
½ cup fresh cilantro chopped fine

2 cup non-fat plain yogurt
1 cup butter milk
¼ cup sour cream

Cook ahead the Rice- in a double boiler:
If you don’t own one you can easily set one up by putting a metal mixing bowl that fits inside a covered pot. Fill covered pot with 1-2 inches of water. Heat water on medium heat so water gets hot and creates steam but not so it is boiling. Put uncooked rice and 2 cups water in the metal mixing bowl. Set metal mixing bowl into the pot of heating water. The water should not come above the half way point of the mixing bowl. Cover and cook for 40 minutes. It should appear wet but cooked when you uncover lid. Turn burner off and let rice cool completely in the pot with the lid on.
Prepare Yogurt:
Combine yogur, butter milk, and sour cream and set aside.
Prepare Masala:
Heat oil on med-hi, add Urid Dahl, stir 1 min. Add curry leaves and mustard seeds and cover immediately so oil does not splatter. Turn heat to med . Add cumin seeds and stir. Add Serrano chili and onions. Cook 2 minutes and turn off burner. Add cilantro and stir.
Final Preparation:
Combine Cooled Rice with Prepared Yogurt. Then fold in prepared masala. Sprinkel ½ tsp salt and fold in. Garnish with cilantro.
Variation: Add diced red bell peppers and more urid dahl if you like the hard crunch. After sitting over night the dahl is not crunchy. I like crunchy.
Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve later.
Yields: 4 servings

Recipe #15: Usha's Grilled Spicy Jack and Tomato Sandwich

2 slices seedless rye bread
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup grated Jalapeno Jack Cheese
2 slices firm but ripe tomato

Heat griddle to medium high. Spread butter on rye bread and seer the bread on the butter side. Turn griddle on Low. Divide cheese on each piece of bread . Lay the tomato slices on top of the cheese on one piece of bread. Once the cheese starts to melt, flip the second piece of bread over onto the tomatoes. Heat until cheese is completely melted. You may need to flip the sandwich 2 or 3 times to prevent burning. Sharp cheddar works well if you don't like the spicy Jalapeno Jack.
Serve with a cup of tomato soup.
Yields: 1 Sandwich

Recipe #14: Salsa Good Enough to Drink

CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO

1 Cup Fresh Cilantro, divided in half (washed and 1/2 grossly chopped, other 1/2 chopped fine)
½-1 large Jalapeno, seeds removed (taste the Jalapeno if it is spicy add 1/2 if mild add whole)
¼ medium White Onion, grossly chopped
1/8 medium White Onion, hand cut into small pieces and set aside
1 (11.5oz) can Original Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies drained
1 (14 oz) cans Whole Peeled Tomatoes drained (reserve 2 Tbs juice)
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbs reserve juice of tomato from the can of whole peeled tomatoes can
1 fresh Lime Juice, squeezed (about 4Tbs)

Set aside in 1/8 white onion with 1/2 cup cilantro chopped fine in a plate. Squeeze 1 Tbs lime over onion and cilantro.

In a food processor add cilantro, jalapeno and 1/4 onion. Pulse 4 times until all items are chopped into small chunks. Transfer into serving bowl. Pour drained Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies into food processor pulse 3 times until tomatoes are in small chunks (but not pureed). Transfer into serving bowl with the cilantro jalapeno onion mixture. Pour drained whole Peeled Tomatoes into food processor pulse 4-5 times until tomatoes are in small chunks (but not pureed). Transfer into serving bowl with the cilantro jalapeno onion mixture. In a small microwavable dish combine 2 Tbs reserve tomato juice with the sugar and salt. Heat in microwave until sugar and salt are dissolved (about 15 sec). Pour over tomato mixture. Fold in the set aside finely chopped onion and cilantro. Squeeze lime about 3 Tbs. over tomato mixture. Stir to mix. Serve with chips. I use Tostito Scoops. If salsa is too spicy add additional 1/4 tsp salt and 1Tbs lime. You can also serve with sour cream on the side.
Salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Yields: 4 Cups Salsa