New Orleans Cooking Experience: Making a Roux

One of the things we did while we were down there was take an authentic New Orleans cooking class -- and it was absolutely delicious.  The most important thing we learned, which can (and usually is) the base for a lot of meals there is the roux.  She suggests that you "be in the mood to cook" when you start a roux, because once you start.. you have to see it through the color changes and constantly watch it.. then you can set it aside and use it as the basis for everything else.

Preparation is key.

Materials:
Onions*
Celery*
Bell Peppers*
1.5 cups of flour
1 cup oil (virgin olive oil, or veggie is fine)
warm water
salt
cayenne

*Onions, celery, and bell peppers make up what she calls the Holy Trinity of cajun cooking.

Method:
1.  Cut up all the vegetables, the amount and size are a personal preference.
2.  Oil and flour portions are in favor of the flour.  Use a heavy bottomed pot (aluminum or cast iron).  Mix oil and flour together on a medium-high fire.  Stir constantly with a flat wooden spoon (a roux spoon).  In about 10 minutes the mixture will start to brown.
--> The ideal color of a roux is a very deep dark brown (like the color of the bayou after a big rain)
3.  When you're nearing that color, turn the fire down b/c you don't want to burn the roux.


3.  When you think the color is almost right, add the onions --> this will help darken the color even more.
4.  After a few minutes, add the other veggies and stir often for another 15 minutes or so. 
5.  Gradually add warm water until the pot is 1/2 full.  Let this simmer on a low fire for at least 30 minutes.  Season with salt and cayenne.  


**If you're using this for seafood, simmer for an hour before adding seafood.



Below is our wonderful instructor, Boo.  She was hilarious, and had amazing stories of growing up in Bogalusa, LA.  I even tried (and loved) the seafood dishes she prepared for us!  Those are coming up.



And of course, one of the best things about the cooking class was that there was no shortage of wine/beer for us, and were able to help in any capacity as we liked.. which usually was just sitting back and smelling how amazing everything was over wine.  Loves it.

New Orleans Bike Rides

As some of you may know, I'm an avid bike rider around Durham.. and have been for the past 2 years.  Honestly, I didn't want to bike to work.. ever.  But, after getting over that initial hump, I absolutely love it.  It really does help clear my mind after a particularly crappy day at work (and those are quite often) and it's great exercise that I don't have to really commit to (getting myself to the gym some days is an effort!).. so all around positives.

In New Orleans, biking is a lot different than the biking here.  There are no, and I mean not even one, hill there.. and Durham, is well.. a killer glutes workout on the multiple uphill climbs between the 2 miles I travel each morning.  I never understood people who bought "cruiser" bikes or the fixed gears all the hipsters around here use.  But, down in NOLA, a cruiser is the perfect kind of bike.  We spent one day biking around my new neighborhood, and from the Marigny (where we were staying) it was an easy bike through the French Quarter (a little hectic albeit) but so quick.. and then before you knew it we were through the CBD and into the Garden District.

This is absolutely superb, especially since I already have a friend in Marigny, and I'm sure to have others there and in the CBD.. so easy access is key.

Here are a few that I have my sights on... and believe I'ma put a wicker basket on the front.  My current bike will be used for the heavier haul days when I have a ton of work/books/etc to get done at school.  

Electra Bikes

 

 Cadillac Bikes (who knew?!)

 Ladies Nirve Bikes

I'm in LOVE!

..with New Orleans!  Absolutely adore it.  I could not ask for more from a city.. and I very well may never leave.  It's been a while since I've been back on the blog, and obv I have lots to update on.. but the biggest news is:

I found an apartment, and move down there in just about 1.5 months.. and it's in the Lower Garden District.  For those of you who aren't familiar, NOLA has a ton of great neighborhoods, all with very distinct feels.  The LGD is full of homes at every turn like this (below) -- a Southern girl's dream.. and everything is so walkable.

For those of you planning on visiting (and please, please DO!), I have a gorgeous 2BR with ample space for my study/guest bedroom (ahem), and all the amenities I need (laundry, dishwasher).  Superb neighbors, cute backyard.. and enough room for me to hone some gardening skills beyond succulents and herbs.  I cannot be more excited for this move.. although it's a little bittersweet moving away from the Carolinas where I have so many of the people I love.

Pictures are coming of the place -- the landlord still had a few things to install and fix before I move in (like central air -- thank God!), and then I'll have about a month until it's officially time to start medical school.  I met a handful of classmates, and they're all normal (!!) and really fun.  I can just tell we'll get into some shenanigans down there.. and of course, study our asses off.

well..

this is the highlight of my work conference.  I'll update prob tomorrow morning when I have a chance and can chill out.  In the meantime, I hope everyone had a great weekend and as a good of a Monday as I did!


sorraboutthebag.

DWW 4.28.10

Well kids, it's Wednesday!  I've surprisingly been fairly productive at work (if you don't count yesterday) and we're gearing up for the conference next week.  I leave on Saturday (6am - die.) and stay until Tuesday -- presenting some neat shit on a gene that is super important for mice eyes (and we already shown was critical in humans).  High fives for making a mouse model for disease, heyohh.  Ok, enough of the nerd stuff.. onto the daily wear!

Sorry the lighting sucks -- def was in a rush this morning.
Dress: JCrew
Belt: Vintage
Cardigan:  Kristen Davis -- Belks

..and I'm wearing a slip y'all! #helloadultlife
Dress:  Vintage
Belt:  gift from Moms
Necklace:  Target
Watch:  Vintage
Shoes:  gift from Moms

Rainy day wear.
Shirt:  TJMaxx
Cardigan:  NY&Co
Jeans:  Sevens

Going out gear -- KO Kid live in concert
Dress:  Nordstroms, maybe?
Cardigan:  KDavis
..and I wish I knew where I got that necklace from so I could tell S$.. maybe Target, or TJMaxx?

Beautiful Backyards.

[A Cup of Jo]

[Poppytalk]

 [Apartment Therapy]


One day, something like these will be mine.  It's one of the most adult things I love about a house.. gorgeous greenery and a beautiful backyard.

Wish You Were Here

So before I update y'all on the weekend and life in general -- I wanted to give a shoutout to S$ and CHB who couldn't be at TBMF this weekend.  It just wasn't the same without them, and although we (RSJ and I) poured one out for the homies.. we also did one better.  it's like y'all WERE there with us!

I know y'all are impressed with my adobe photoshop skills.  I'm available for freelance jobs anytime between the hours of 9 and 5, monday-friday (not to be confused with my current lab tech job during the same hours).

Tumblr Favs.

So before I ever started this blog (and wayy after my xanga/livejournal days), I began my tumblr.  If you're not familiar, it's a way of blogging that is more stream-of-consciousness than the way a lot of blogging is.  It's super simple, and it's a great way to compile all of my random thoughts, images I liked, inspiration, daily anecdotes, etc.. and a lot of my friends were on it too (although RSJ never quite jumped on board.. err.)

Well I've recently been looking through a lot of my older posts from way back using the "shuffle" feature on my tumblr and here are some of my fav picture posts that I love (credit listed on my tumblr):

 Also -- tumblrs to check out (besides mine -- shameless I know) are my friends sesh.money, grace in place, misdotcom, darling dexter, and ashtonmae.  Also -- you should prob just join tumblr and get on the years old bandwagon.  simple. as. pie.
 

Personal Theme Song by Mama Cass

It is essential that everyone have their own theme song -- and I have many.  When I'm on my grind, Everyday I'm Hustlin' by Rick Ross is steady bumping.

However, today this song shuffled in, and I forgot how much I love it and always used to play it.  And Mama Cass's sound is absolutely soothing.. I love her version.

Wild Women -- Mama Cass

Well, I hear you women talkin' 'bout your monkey men,
About yo' no 'count husbands and their triflin' friends.
Peaceful women sit around all day and moan.
They're wonderin' why their wanderin' papas don't come home.
But wild women don't worry, wild women never get the blues.
Well, if you got a man, don't be on the square,
'Cause if you do, he'll have a woman everywhere.
I never have been known to treat no one man right.
I keeps 'em workin' hard both the day and night.
'Cause wild women don't worry, wild women never get the blues.

Well, I got a disposition, got a way of my own,
If you don't like it, baby, you can find another home.
I get full of good liquor, walk the streets at night,
Come home and puts my man out if he don't do right.
'Cause wild women don't worry, wild women never get the blues.

Well I got a disposition, got a way of my own
If you don't like it, baby, you can find another home.
I get full of Courvoisier walk the streets at night,
Come home and puts my man out if he don't get it up right.
'Cause wild women don't worry, wild women never get the blues.


Well, you never get nothin' by bein' an angel child
You better change your ways, and then you'll get real wild.
I'm gonna tell you somethin' wouldn't tell you no lie.
Wild women are the only kind that really get by.
'Cause wild women don't worry, wild women never get the blues.

Do y'all have a personal theme song?

Triangle Beach Music Festival: The Ultimate SFP

TBMF has been somewhat of a tradition for my girls and I -- and sadly, S$ will not be coming with RSJ and I this year (boo).  Every year by the end of the day, I'm so exhausted, drunk, sweaty that I swear I will never go again.. then I come back the next year.  Never fails.  Sorry. For. Partying.

The first year, I went with one of my girls CA, who is the quintessential wild child and always a lot of fun. TBMF 07:

Then, 2008 happened.  Much more shenanigans.

 One thing you've gotta remember when day drinking -- you. must. eat. Or you'll die.  I'm sure these were stolen coerced from someone.  Also, why every overweight guy decides to prance around without a shirt is beyond me.  But we're all drinking and having a good time, so I let it slide.. maybe.

But brace yourself for the Port-O-Johns...  Die.

And then before you know it, you're exhausted, drunk, and passed out in a bag of potato chips.  Where are your friends?  Taking photos of you.

TBMF 09, you ask?  Awesome.

Well we've learned some lessons from the year before.  Pace yourself, drink water, and find shade.  Check?  Check.  (Sorry, S$ to play you like this.. but this photo is awesome hahahahah)

 This year should be equally as fun/ridic/something -- and I've got a prep bag prepared precisely for it including all the essentials:  beer, coozie(s), water, food, sunglasses, and sunscreen.  I can't wait to go with RSJ and L$ and have another SFP Saturday.