Making Pudding

I must start this entry by saying that inspiration for me to write this blog would not have even happened had I not read Molly Wizenberg's (known for her blog Orangette) latest article in Bon Appetit magazine. She writes of the memories of her father and his love for rice pudding. At the end of the article is a recipe for her version of rice pudding.
I grew up with rice pudding, which in my family was the dessert that was made for almost every special occasion. Unlike Molly, I loved it from the get go. I think that the reason I loved rice pudding so much was because it wasn't ever too too sweet. I was one of those weird kids that didn't like sugary things. No cake, pie, chocolate for me. I just did not like it. Also, almost every other Bangladeshi sweet is just too too sweet. Rice pudding for me, called firni or payesh in Bengali was the perfect dessert- Never outrageously sweet, a pleasantly gooey texture, and the creaminess of whole milk and cream.
The way my mom makes rice pudding is lovely. Rich and thick with whole cloves, cardamom and cinnamon making the kitchen smell delicious each time she makes it. At the end she tops it off with slivers of pistachios and almonds. I tell you it is to die for!
Although I will always love my mom's version, I had to try to Molly's as well. I like the idea of using vanilla bean for the flavouring and basically nothing else. And when it was finished, I certainly enjoyed the simplicity of the whole recipe. A beautiful looking dish as well; creamy white with little tiny flecks of black. It is different than my mother's version for sure, but tasty none the less. I'll more than likely be interchanging Molly's recipe as well as my moms for special occasions to come!
Also, to make a offside note, I have always loved rice pudding chilled out of the fridge as opposed to straight off the stove. It just tastes better I think. The texture is thicker as well. Yes, out of the fridge instead of off the stove!

Since.

Since my last post:

Curry was made.

French Toast was served.

More muffins were made... And eaten.

New coffee shops were found.

And playtime with Potato was had.

Quick Breakfasts Fast, Fast, Fast!

Now that the strike is over at York U, I'm finally back to figuring out quick and easy meals for me to make in the morning for breakfast as well as take with me to school for lunch.
Upon reading the latest issue of Martha Stewart published magazine Body and Soul, I saw the Body and Soul Challenge: 35 Days To A New You. Now, half the stuff they listed for their readers to do, I already do. Others things, like cutting down the amount of web surfing and television watching I do, I'm sure that I could eventually get to. When I see articles like that I generally get a boost of inspiration to change my lifestyle, but then when I actually get to reading the whole thing I realize that I do lead a pretty healthy life. I mean, yes, I could probably get some more exercise, other than my daily walking, but otherwise I'd say I'm pretty good to go. There was one quick, easy and healthy recipe that caught my eye though. I've been making it the last couple of mornings and taking the leftovers for lunch and been finding it quite yummy.
All this recipe involves is hard boiling an egg. I mash the egg with about one third of a can of chickpeas, with some, salt, pepper, olive oil, lemon juice and dill, and then simply stuff the mixture into a whole wheat pita pocket. Simple. Easy. Yummy.
I've made some variations as well. For instance, sometimes I'll also boil a small potato with the egg and mash that in there as well. Other times I add small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes or slices of aged cheddar. Spinach is also a nice filler to add. Or you can simply change up some of the herbs. Oregano and thyme I am sure would be delicious in this.
Unfortunatly, in my daily rush, I wasn't able to take photos. But I promise you it also looked yummy!
Anyhow, I'm actually at school at this moment, but thought I'd take a few moments to write about my yummy breakfasts and lunches.
For now, I'm off to buy lunch at my favourite on campus restaurant, Indian Flavours!