New in the Kitchen

One of my favorite rooms in the house is the kitchen.  Maybe because I like baking and cooking.  Or maybe because I like eating.  Or maybe because it's simply a comforting room.  Who really knows.

I long for the day I get my very own kitchen.  You know, one with an oven and a stove.  Preferably a full sized refrigerator.  Dishes and dish towels.  Silverware.  Kitchen Aid appliances.  I should stop talking about kitchens.

But, wait.  That's what this post is about...

Pressing on.

Each week when I go to the grocery store I aim to get something new.  It makes my kitchen feel even more like home, it expands my diet (I haven't had pasta in weeks- that's all I lived on my first 3 weeks here), and it gives me inspiration.

What's new in my kitchen?

First item up....

Spices and olive oil!  I have become a HUGE fan of marinating meat...okay chicken.  I'm going to be famous for it one day.  Yeah, maybe not.  Anyway, these are the spices I currently have: ginger, curry, black pepper, salt, cumin, and garlic.  Oh, oh, oh and fresh cilantro.

I have gained much wisdom from my friend Melissa and her mother in the matter of spices and pan frying chicken.

• Curry is the magic chicken seasoning!  Do it! You won't regret it!
• The pan needs to be steaming hot before you put the chicken on.  Steaming.  This will keep the chicken from drying out.
• If you put the fresh cilantro in a glass of water, and then place a plastic baggie over the stems, it will keep longer.

Secondly...

S'mores!  I haven't been able to find graham crackers, but I have found an okay substitute.  I'm going to have to buy more chocolate before I make them though.  Oops.

Third item of business...

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  So, this looks like a lime.  I think it is a lime.  But they call them lemons and it tastes like a lemon so lemonade it is.  And yes, I made that without any help. Okay so I googled how to make it.  But that's all.

Forth...

Refried beans, crema, and tortillas.  But the tortillas aren't new. These are all items used in making my new addiction.  Baliadas.  The crema and refried beans go inside the tortilla.  Heat it up.  Eat it.  Yum.  Most people here like to put this nasty cheese in the middle as well.  I don't like the nasty cheese, so I don't put it in. 

And last but not least (this is my favorite!)...

 

My big bowl o' goodness.  I think it gives my kitchen a whole new feel.  I open up my doors, see this, and smile.  Definitely homey and inviting.  Actually, I'm smiling just thinking about it.

Now I'm going to go dream about my future kitchen.  Extra counter space.  A giant window.  Glass containers filled with all my baking needs.  Blissful and currently unattainable.