mary's book basket ~ author interview mesu andrews

I am delighted to host the lovely and talented Christian Inspirational author Mesu Andrews. Ms. Andrews  book "Love Amid the Ashes" re-tells the biblical story of Job and Dinah from the Old Testament. It is a powerful tale of trust and redemption. I have written a book review here. 

Mary:

 Mesu, I absolutely LOVED the book. What inspired you to tell this moving tale of Job and his family?

Mesu:

Curiosity at first. Ministry at last. From the first commentary I opened, I

found Job's wife fascinating. I'd always wondered about her. Did she lose

her faith or did she have any to begin with? Did she end up at his side or

in the ground? But curiosity turned to compassion and compassion to intrigue

as I discovered Job's family connection to Esau (Job considered by many

commentators to be "Jobab" in Genesis 36). When research grabs me at the

beginning, I know that the Lord plans to work in my heart through the story

I'll write. And since I had worked through the Scripture of Job when I was

diagnosed years before with my own chronic illnesses, I knew this story

would change me. Many of the emotions in the story are so real because they

were real to me and to my family as we endured changes during my adjustments

to illness. None of our trials were nearly so great as Job's, but I think

everyone endures times of grief that affect the whole family, when each

member must work through his/her own emotions. This is the ministry piece

that came during the writing and I hope happens as readers are swept into

Job's world.

Mary: 

How long did it take to do the research for this project? What advice

would you give to authors writing historical fiction?

Mesu:

I researched for about three months before I did any writing. Then the itch

just got too great, and I had to write a few scenes! But honestly, I

researched the whole time I was writing, and the project required a little

over a year to complete. Even that is a cheated estimate. It doesn't

account for the years of biblical fiction I've read or the dozens of times

I've read the Book of Job straight through. To write historical fiction, I

need to immerse myself in this world, and even then I can make mistakes. For

example, I had written that Job's wife loved silk. My good friend, Jill

Eileen Smith read the manuscript and mentioned that her research had shown

silk trade entering Palestine in Solomon's days. After double-checking my

resources, I discovered she was right and changed my manuscript before it

went to print! Historical fiction is tricky. Every word, every detail must

be examined for modern thought. Words like "minutes" and "time ticking away"

don't apply because there were  no clocks. A man's anger cannot "explode"

because there were no explosives known at the time. The best advice I can

give ANY writer is to find excellent critique partners that complement your

skills. (Notice I did not say compliment.) In my group of three, one is a

grammar-nazi, one is a big picture girl, and the third is an emotion

glutton. We love each other dearly but are compassionately honest. It works.

Mary: 

Your personal story of suffering is a powerful witness of God's healing

and mercy given on a daily basis freely and wholly from a Savior who loves

unconditionally. You have struggled for years with fibromyalgia, chronic

fatigue and P.O.T.S. (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). What

advice would you give a writer struggling to write in the midst of

difficulties wether they be physical or emotional?

Mesu:

My advice is the same to a writer or to anyone who has to maintain a

concentrated line of thought. Get totally quiet with the Lord, and then move

out of that peace into whatever you need to do for the day. MUCH easier said

than done. One of the great villains to us all is self-focus. Whether we

become consumed in positive thinking or negative projections, concentrating

on ourselves is deadly. Notice God's instruction to Job, immediately after

revealing His awesome grandeur, was that Job pray for someone else. It's

easy for those of us who struggle with constant pain to become consumed by

that pain, every thought, every decision, every conversation. Don't do it!

Get a hobby! Find your passion and pursue it! Become consumed with Jesus!

You'll find you're much happier, and others will enjoy your company more.

Mary:

Who is your favorite author? What is you favorite book?

Mesu:

VERY tough questions! I could be really cheesy and say God and the Bible

(true but not what you meant). My favorite book is The Red Tent by Anita

Diamant. It's what opened my eyes to authentic Hebrew history incorporated

into biblical content. But my favorite author is a little more difficult.

I've limited my reading to almost exclusively biblical fiction over the past

few years, so my pool of candidates is somewhat more limited than most.

Still, my favorites are the women who wrote passionately about the

history...Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series  and Lynn Austin's

Chronicle of the Kings series are two of my favorites. I love their writing

expertise and used the stories as textbooks after I read them for pleasure.

Mary:

What's next for you? 

Mesu:

More biblical fiction! We're in the editing and marketing stages for my

second Revell book, Love's Sacred Song, a novel based on the Song of Solomon

telling the story of young King Solomon's love for a shepherd girl that

shaped his character and his nation. I've started researching four more

novels, hoping to reveal more of God's love in the Old Testament. I hope

each of my Old Testament novels will begin with the word, "Love..." Too many

times folks say they see only a god of wrath in the Old Testament; but I

want to unveil God's adoration--the same yesterday, today and forever--equal

in the Old Testament to the New Testament love that gave His Son for our

sins. I hope to pick famous (or infamous) men and then bring the women in

their lives out of the shadows. Very challenging, but loads of fun!

Mary:

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer them for my readers.  I wish

you every success with this and any future projects.

Mesu:

Thank YOU, Mary! Good questions and fun to answer the personal ones along

with the writing ones. Blessings as you minister to those on your blog!

mary's book basket ~ "love amid the ashes" by mesu andrews

Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews is the fictional re-telling of the biblical story of Job from the Old Testament. This is the first biblical fiction story I have ever read and I must say it is a powerful tale. I was vaguely familiar with Job's story. I know that the verse "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" comes from Job. I know that he was tested by the devil and that God allowed it all knowing that Job would be faithful. 

Ms. Andrews takes the biblical facts and expounds on them. She weaves a very rich tapestry detailing the setting of ancient Uz drawing the reader into the story using all five senses. Her gift of descriptive language is quite stunning. I felt so bad for Job and Dinah. I was amazed at their strength of character and their deep abiding faith and trust in the Lord no matter what humiliation or tragedy befalls them.  

I could not put this book down even knowing the ending.  Ms. Andrew strengthens her own words by interweaving actual scripture throughout the book. It packs a powerful punch for the reader. I highly recommend this book.  

Happy Reading, 

Mary

**Available March 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

the rhythm of home ~ watching and weighing

Outside My Window ~

...is a brisk spring afternoon filled with lots of sunshine. The birds are singing and the kids are out riding their bikes. I am surrounded by laughter and Courtney's little snores. She has been right next to me for about an hour now and just had a seizure so healing sleep is what is needed right now. Snuggle time for Mommy is a bonus. 

I know I said I was taking a blogging, FB and tweeting fast for Lent and I am. However, today is Sunday and there is no fasting on Sunday, the Lords Day. So I thought I would check in and say hi to all y'all. I will also post later this week with a book review and author interview. 

I have missed you. 

I am Listening To ~

...to my Courtney's little snores and birds chirping through the window. The Food Network is playing quietly in the living room. Maybe it will inspire tonight's dinner...

I am Wearing ~

Flannel plaid pants with a blue thermal henley and lovely warm wool socks. Sunday afternoon is one of my favorite times of the week. A day of rest without Spanks!

I am Blessed and Grateful For ~

#201 ~ #231:

*a manicure which was a gift from my sister

*surprises that arrive in the mail

*the deep cleansing breath my girls takes at the end of a seizure

*for “Coldcalm” and other homeopathic remedies that allow my girl to heal without doing further damage to her immune system.

*for my husband who assures me that we “will get by” even if I am unable to work for a time.

*for the gift of imagination that runs through the fingers of my son and spills with glorious details upon a page.

*For Amanda, my new weight loss cheerleader

*the gift to recognize when I am feeling envious of someone or something to be able to let that go and rejoice in anothers good fortune

*bacon, lettuce, tomato on wheat bread with a smear of mayo...delight on a rainy afternoon.

*new fabric bundles arrive and the endless possibilities light my creative path

*God’s word, strong and true, instilling a deeper commitment to quiet dialouge.

*new tennis shoes = new adventures

 *A stunning spring day with a fluttering breeze

 *sun hats brought out of winter doldrums

*ponytails holders that try to corral a cocoughany of curls for a blue-eyed lovely

 *fresh produce green with life

 *Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park” on DVD

* A Saturday night spent watching movies with my one true love

 *strong men doing the spring chores with joy and laughter

 *a smile from MIss Courtney, the first one in four days...pure joy.

 *putting away the heavy sweaters and taking out clothing for warmer days

 *weeding, mulching and preparing the beds for new growth

 *hot vegetable soup served to fill the tummys of those I love

 *a clean and ironed tablecloth covering upon the family table celebrating lighter days

 *a supportive group of weight watcher companions each cheering me on to look at food as *nourishment for the body not as a balm for all that ails my heart and soul

 *words that soothe and encourage, given freely with joy

 *a good book on a Sunday afternoon

 *a day of rest

 *physicians with calm and steady countenance

 *modern medicine - a true gift

* 4.4 pounds lost in seven days of paying attention to how I nourish my body

I am Pondering ~

"How great is the power of PRAYER... To be heard it is not necessary to read from a book some beautiful formula composed for the occasion... I do like children who do not know how to read, I say very simply to God what I wish to say, without composing sentences, and He always understands me. For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trail as well as joy; finally it is something great, supernatural which explains my soul and unites me to Jesus"

St Therese of Lisieux 

I am Reading ~

Toys by James Patterson and Neil McMahon

Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp

In Conversation with God: Daily Meditations Vol. 2: Lent and Eastertide by  Francis Fernandez

The Little Way of Lent by Father Gary Caster

I am Creating Something of Beauty with My Hands ~

I chose Courtney's Prom dress pattern and fabric. I will be spending the next few weeks working on that so we are ready togo in May. This will be her first Special Needs Prom and I could not be more excited for her. They really go all out and I know she is going to have a great time. 

On My iPod ~

I have been trying to write in quiet this Lent so not a lot going on here.

I am Writing ~

...on the memoir and this blog...plodding away...slowly but surely...

Towards Rhythm and Beauty in my Home this Week ~

I did a complete house cleaning over two days last week. I feel so much more prepared for this week and all it's business. I have cut back on my work hours to allow for getting some cleaning and errand running done during the week so that the weekends are open for family time. 

Living the Liturgy Daily ~

It is amazing what God has brought to me this Lent. He is really challenging my ability to trust Him completely with ALL aspects of my life. This whole weight struggle has come to a head and I have had to really rely on God and His strength because I have none of my own. I am tired and overwhelmed but I know that He will not leave my side...so I must continue to try. 

I am Hoping and Praying for ~

*for the NFP witness talk we will be giving this week at our parish. I pray that god will give Jerry and I the grace that is needed to bear one's soul. God does indeed make all things new!

*Miss Courtney's care plan and new meds. May God continue to guide her doctors. 

* for a return to civility with the political discourse in this country. Words have power and people need to be personally responsible for the words and deeds. "Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." Mother Teresa

* for my cousin Anne and our friends son Mark, who are deployed to Afghanistan as well as our family friend Gerard at Marine Boot Camp in Paris Island. May God protect all those who serve this wonderful nation.

*for Jerry's Dad who is recovering from surgery on his foot. My God grant patience to my mother-in-law and peaceful healing to Don. It's going to be a long two months I think.

* for my sister-in-law Nancy who is expecting my new niece or nephew in September. That God may protect both Momma and little one. 

*for Caleb and his Momma and Daddy. That they may feel hope once more in the midst of great sacrifice. 

* for those who are searching for their purpose in this world. That God may grant them a passionate perseverance to discover His plan for them.

*for Suzanne at church who prays for my girl, just because

*for a dear friend who is undergoing treatment. That her physical strength remains strong and her spirits high.

*in thanksgiving for my two godchildren Peter and Lilly who turned four. I am so honored to be your Godmother. 

*for Lachlan and his Mommy and Daddy. May God guide the doctors giving them wisdom and perseverance in treating this little miracle.

*for the six woman I have prayed with weekly for over 10 years now. That God may guide their daily paths as family needs and obligations prevent us from being physically present to one another at this time. May God shelter them and the ones they hold closest to their hearts.

* for Elizabeth

*for our priests who are under attack. That God may protect and provide for.

*for a special intention

"Pray, Hope and Don't Worry" ~ Padre Pio 

In the Garden ~

We spent all day yesterday cleaning up the yard getting ready for the square foot gardens to go in next weekend. I can just see the veggies growing...so awesome I can't wait. We will transplant the azaleas and the blackberry bushes next weekend. Loving this wonderful gardening weather.

In the Kitchen ~

"Soup and Scripture" has been an absolute bomb. With my recent medical issues, I have had to rethink everything in the kitchen. The pantry has been cleaned out and now my challenge is laid out before me. I need to make healthy meals that fit within my new Weight Watchers plan that are made from whole foods. I refuse to bake with Splenda and other fake ingredients. I would rather have no sugar at all! I am excited by this challenge and I look forward to sharing my recipes after Lent.

Courtney's World ~

Tough week. A double ear infection, her monthly cycle AND a cold. Yea Team! It has been quite the ride let me tell you! Her seizures have increased slightly but all in all she is doing fairly well in that department, thank you Lord! She has missed quite a few days of school but I refuse to be one of those parents who send their kid to school when they are sick. She heads back tomorrow so say a prayer that things go well. Still waiting for her tests to come back...patience is not my strong suit you know.

A Picture Thought ~

Hot vegetable soup for two boys on a break from cleaning
away the debris of winter.

Hair pulled back into Mommies favorite...the "Cindy-Lou-Who" hairdo

A new waffle recipe with wheat germ and fresh blackberries...sweet delight!

Please join Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience to celebrate the little gifts given each day by the ONE who loves us most!

we interrupt this regularly scheduled lenten fast with a sanity check...

Dear Readers,
It's Lent which means there is much fasting, alms giving and prayer over the next six weeks as we Catholics and Christians prepare for the holiest day of the year...Easter Sunday celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ who came so that we may have eternal life with Him.

Or if your like my husband "to celebrate with ham and other pork products which in the New Testament are no longer considered a forbidden meat."

As part of this years "fast", I opted to give up FB and Twitter along with writing in this little corner of cyberspace. I felt called to "be still" and do some soul searching in the midst of this penitential season. I always find it fascinating to see what God thinks of my plans. Sometimes, He agrees and sometimes He laughs so hard clouds come shooting out of His nose!


I have not gone insane because it was proven long ago that I already am, so no worries. He decided to take me on a wee bit of a medical journey in the last ten days just to prove His point that I can't do a darn thing without Him right by my side.

Yes, I said there was HIGH drama didn't I? And this bad boy was ALL mine.

Oh joy!!

I met with my doc this morning to go over ALL the tests from the last week and to determine a course of action. This was after I had a lovely BLT with egg for breakfast that cost me a whopping 18 Weight Watchers points but I don't care. I will eat veggie soup the rest of the day because the bacon was worth every bite.

Anyhow, apparently I am fat (morbidly obese to be medically correct) and my blood is one big pat of butter. The "hernia" the doc was all excited about?? Turns out it was a dimple in the fat that sits next to my hysterectomy scar.

A dimple...how cute...

not so much...

My ovaries are full of clear cysts (which is normal for me) and my thyroid and hormone panel are spot on for what they should be. Jerry may disagree with that last statement but I don't care...Bitchy Witchy is my middle name sista!

My mammogram showed something on the left breast (always a problem child) which I refuse to get upset or worried about. I have another mammogram scheduled tomorrow afternoon to see what all the excitements about. Yea me!

Ever need a mammogram tutorial...I am your gal!

She also went on to lecture me about "putting myself first on the list" and "getting your big fat butt to the gym more than twice a week" and my favorite "maybe you need to explore your relationship with food. I think you have some issues to work through".

Ya think lady! Nothing that a lovely chocolate cupcake with marshmallow fluff butter cream icing can't fix! Ha!

So needless to say WW is my new friend and I plan of being a size ten in a year. Never tell an Irish woman she can't do something. She might punch you in the nose and tell you to f***off and yell at the top of her lungs "I shall eat cake AND lose 111 pounds. Just you wait and see you flaming pieces of s***" or something more poetic.

I have no idea...I am half German...it pollutes the waters...

So to my wonderful blog readers...recommendations please:

What are your favorite WW/dieting/veganish recipes?
(I'll take links, book recommendations, anything that you like)

Thank you for allowing me my weekly rant. I will now go take care of the lovely 18 year old that is currently spewing green shmog from her nose and coughing up a storm. It goes nicely with the 102 degree fever!

Yes, the frogs and locusts have arrived to join the famine that began last weekend...

Sincerely,
Your friend Mary whose still laughing while trying to finish writing her book because it burns more calories than crying!

NOW...back to the fasting...

as we prepare...

***Update 3/15/11: I hope this finds you enjoying a fruitful Lenten Season. I will be posting a few book reviews during these next few weeks as a reviewer for Revell Publishing. I hope they inspire you to take a breath and be still for a bit with a good book. Blessings my friends...M

In preparing for the greatest penitential season of the year, I had some decisions to make. As you, my wonderful readers know, lately life has been a little overwhelming with my bout with cellulitis, Courtney's on-going fight to keep weight on and her daily battle with seizures. Between all that, working part-time, having a hubby working insane hours and trying to keep up with the house and extended family, I am just plain tired. 

         I am a dreamer. I always have such great plans and usually start out with great passion but as time goes on, I tend to lose focus and many times I just don't finish. This is a horrible habit and one I am determined to fix this year. In order to do this I needed to take a very long look at my daily schedule to figure out my proper priorities. I also spent a great deal of time on prayer about what those should be. 

          The world moves at an exceedingly fast pace these days and it is very challenging to keep up, especially while taking care of a special-needs child while loving and caring for my husband and home. As I prayed about these things God in His infinite wisdom sent me a few trials to get through showing me clearly what I am to be doing.

          Tomorrow Lent begins. Six weeks of prayer, fasting, alms giving and being still as we prepare for the holiest day of the year Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Our Lord. It is the perfect opportunity to  be quiet for a bit, to finish things like my book and several other projects. It's a time to re-establish balance in my life and seek His wisdom about some big changes coming my way. 

         So my friends, I will be coming off social media for the next six weeks. I have no doubt Facebook and Twitter will do just fine without me and I pray that you my faithful readers will as well. I ask for your prayers over the next six weeks:

~ for Courtney to gain weight and have her seizure meds stabilize so she can fully participate in her world.

~ for me and my writing. I have six weeks to finish this memoir and I know I can do it with your prayer support.

~ for some changes coming to my life in the near future. For clear direction and suggestion of action. 

         Thank you my friends for your willingness to pray for me and my family. I hope your Lent is fruitful and know that I will be praying for each of you. If you have a special prayer request please email me at mary_romance@cox.net. I would be honored to pray more specifically for you and your needs. May you have a Blessed Lent. 

See you in April!

Mary

mary's book basket ~ "angel sister" by ann h. gabhart

 Angel Sister is a touching novel written by the ever talented  Ann H. Gabhart. It takes place in Rosey Corner, Kentucky during the Greta Depression. Following the Merritt family torn apart by alcoholism and family drama. Gabhart is a master at exploring the deep emotions of her characters. She draws you in and tugs at your heart making you stay up ALL night to finish!

Book Details:

It is 1936 and Kate Merritt, the middle child of Victor and Nadine, works hard to keep her family together. Her father slowly slips into alcoholism and his business suffers during the Great Depression. As her mother tries to come to grips with their situation and her sisters seem to remain blissfully oblivious to any problems, it is Kate who must shoulder the emotional load. Who could imagine that a dirty, abandoned little girl named Lorena Birdsong would be just what the Merritts need?


This richly textured novel reveals the power of true love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the strength to persevere through troubled times. Multidimensional characters face real and trenchant problems while maintaining their family bonds, all against the backdrop of a sultry Kentucky summer.


I really enjoyed this historical fiction. Gabhart's description of the town in the midst of the Great Depression makes today's financial woes pale in comparison. The authors sense of setting is almost a third character in this drama. So compelling.

My favorite character is Miss Katie. Ahh the trails and tribulations of the middle child. I love her spunk, her tenacity and her compassion. She's so fun to read. Gabhart has hit another home run. Order your copy today!!

Happy Reading,
Mary

tasty tuesday ~ chicken tikka masala w/cauliflower & potatoes

fresh cilantro and Naan complete the plate.

I love Indian cuisine. The exotic flavors and spices make me want to hop a plane to Mumbai. However, I have not always had much luck cooking it. Until now. Now I have Aarti Sequeria, the most recent winner of The Next Food Network Star and host of "Aarti Party", cooking by my side. She has made this dinner possible. Her recipes were clearly written and the instructions easy to follow. I will say this. Indian cooking is similar to Chinese. You had better have everything cut and ready to go before you fire up a pot because it goes quickly. I made the curry first, then put on the rice and cauliflower. My stove top was jumping let me tell you.

I made a few changes in the curry. I used jalepeno peppers and not serrano's. I used vine ripened tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes. The results were pretty fanfreakintastic! My guys were happy too. My kitchen smelled like my favorite Indian bistro. Success!

So take a little trip around the world and explore it through your taste buds. Give these dishes a try. You won't be disappointed.

Celebrate the Feast!

Mary

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 This weeks recipe is being shared with Balancing Beauty and Bedlam , Domestically Divine Homemaking Link Up, Full Plate @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Raising Homemakers , Delicious Dishes, Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, The King's Court IV, Tuesdays at the Table, 33 Shades of Green as well as Frugality and Crunchiness w/ Christy! Head on over to their blogs and check out other fabulous recipes.

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This was as good as any I have ever had in any Indian restaurant.

Chicken in Creamy Tomato Curry: Chicken Tikka Masala
Recipe courtesy Aarti Sequeira
Marinade:
1 cup plain yogurt, whisked until smooth
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, put through a garlic press or finely minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large bite-size chunks

Sauce:

2 teaspoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup Ginger-Garlic Paste, recipe follows (or 6 cloves garlic and 2-inch thumb ginger minced)

2 serrano peppers, minced (seeds removed if you don't want it spicy)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon garam masala

2 teaspoons paprika

8 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 to 2 cups water

Oil, for grilling

1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves (optional)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Minced fresh cilantro, for garnish

Cooked rice, naan, or crusty piece of bread, for serving

Directions:

For the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator up to overnight.

For the sauce: When you're ready to make the curry, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter has melted, add the Ginger-Garlic Paste and serrano peppers. Saute until lightly browned around the edges. Add the tomato paste and cook until the tomato has darkened in color, about 3 minutes. Add the garam masala and the paprika and saute for about 1 minute to draw out their flavors.

Add the tomatoes, salt, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 20 minutes. You may need more water depending on how much liquid the tomatoes give off.

Meanwhile, fire up your grill. When it is nice and hot, lightly brush it with oil. Place the chicken on the grill, shaking off some of the excess marinade. Cook until it's charred, about 2 minutes on each side. (Don't worry that the chicken will still be a little uncooked, it finishes cooking in the sauce).

Pour the sauce into a blender or food processor, or use an immersion blender, and process until smooth. Pour back into the skillet and bring back up to a boil. Add the chicken and fenugreek leaves, if using. Take the heat down to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the cream and stir through. Garnish with minced fresh cilantro, and serve over rice, with naan, or a crusty piece of bread!

Ginger-Garlic Paste:

1/2 cup cloves garlic, whole

1/2 cup fresh ginger, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices

1/4 cup canola oil

Throw the garlic, ginger, and canola oil in a mini-food processor and let it go until it forms a semi-smooth paste. There will still be tiny little pieces in there, but overall, it should resemble a paste.

Save what you don't use in a small glass jar. It should last in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks. It's a delicious addition to marinades, pasta sauces, stir fry sauces, slow-cooker recipes, gravy etc. We always had a jar of this stuff in our fridge growing up.

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the cauliflower and potato dish was spectacular!

Cauliflower and Potatoes: "Aloo Gobi"

Recipe adapted from Aarti Sequeira

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste, recipe follows, or 2 teaspoons grated ginger

1 tablespoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

1 cup water, divided

2 tablespoons peanut oil

1 large serrano pepper, split down the middle leaving halves attached

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 russet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (similar size to cauliflower)

Kosher salt

2 tablespoons freshly minced cilantro leaves, to garnish

Directions:

Mix the Ginger-Garlic Paste, coriander, turmeric, and 1/2 cup water in a small bowl. This is a simple wet masala (spice mix). Set aside.

In a large pot, warm the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the serrano pepper, wait 30 seconds, and then add the cumin seeds and wait until they're done spluttering.

Add the wet masala (careful, it will also splutter). Cook until the paste thickens, deepens in color slightly, and oil oozes out of the perimeter of the masala, about 2 minutes.

Add the cauliflower and potatoes, stirring to coat the vegetables with the masala. Season with salt and add 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook over medium heat 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove the lid, stir, and cook until the cauliflower and potatoes are cooked through, about 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

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Simple Basmati Rice

Recipe courtesy Aarti Sequeira

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice

1 3/4 cups water

Large pinch salt

Directions:

This is the most important part: Wash the rice! Place the rice in a large bowl and fill with fresh, room temperature water. Swirl your hand through the water and the rice; the water will go cloudy. That's all the starch that we're trying to remove in order to have individual grains of rice, not the sticky kind that's popular in Chinese and Japanese cuisine. (According to traditional Indian wisdom, this also makes the rice easier to digest because so much of the starch has been removed). Once you've swirled your hand around for a minute or so, pour off the water, taking care not to lose any rice. Repeat this washing process until the water runs clear. Usually, this takes 3 or 4 changes of water.

Fill up the bowl 1 more time and let the rice soak for 30 minutes.

At the end of 30 minutes, drain the rice. Fill a medium saucepan with 1 3/4 cups water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.

Add the rice, stir, and wait until the water comes back to a full boil. When it does, turn the heat down as low as it can go, and then cover. Cook for 15 minutes.

At the end of 15 minutes, cut the heat. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork; you should see that every grain of rice has grown a little longer and is separate from its brothers and sisters. Well done!