Chicken Curry Pasta

We had Chicken Curry Pasta last night as planned. Unfortunately, it was so good that I forgot to take pictures of it before scarfing down the entire plate. So you'll just have to imagine, if you can, how incredibly good chicken curry masala is when served over wheat pasta. Mmmm...

Cookies

Well, I have discovered that dark chocolate chunk cookies make the best gifts. Only people that can't eat chocolate don't like them, and even they want to try them.

I will forever stand by my standard recipe, as follows.

Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 c whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 c unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp butter (softened)
• 1/2 c light brown sugar
• 1/2 c dark brown sugar
  
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz dark chocolate

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Combine flours, baking soda and salt in bowl, set aside
3. In stand mixer cream together butter and sugars, about 4 minutes
4. Stir in egg, making sure it is well combined
5. Add flour mixture, mix well
6. Stir in vanilla, then fold in chocolate
7. Place rounded tablespoons of dough on an ungreased baking sheet, making sure there is room for the cookies to expand.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until bottoms are slightly brown.

Makes 24-32 cookies, depending on size.

Notes
Break up the chocolate if you are using bar chocolate. I recommend dark chocolate chunks from Whole Foods Market, if you can find them in your local area. Otherwise, just break up the chocolate by hand, or with a mallet.
You don't have to use two types of flour, but I like the consistency and texture that you get from a little bit of whole wheat flour.

Long time, no see

Well, it's been a while. Long story short, there's been some writer and cooking block. This is not to say that I have not been cooking, just that I haven't felt like putting it into words.

Lately I have been working on some ideas for a restaurant of some persuasion. I haven't gotten beyond the nebulous "I have several ideas". This blog has received a facelift, to match my new look too. It's going to become my sounding block for different culinary ideas, as well as a place to test out the recipes I develop. Who knows, maybe some day I'll make it big.

So, bare bones ideas.

• Good food, good price, good atmosphere
• New takes on old favorites (chocolate chip cookie creme brulee)
• Sustainable, renewable sources for food and energy
• Organic, healthy treats that still leave you satisfied

So, lots of things to focus on - including a dish I didn't develop myself, but helped with. I like to call it Chicken Curry Pasta - it's a cream-based pasta sauce made with Garam Masala curry powder and served with organic whole wheat pasta (trust me, the wheat texture blends perfectly with the sauce in a way bleached pasta could not). Maybe some garlic naan bread with it to give it an Indian touch with a hint of Italian influence. Keep your attention here, because there will be photos, a recipe, and a description all coming soon.