Open House

Okay, so back to my numbered men. The arts organization where I volunteer on an advisory board had an open house on Saturday night. It was a really great event, with more people in attendance than I've ever seen there before. They had multiple performances scheduled, including avant-garde orchestral music in various ensembles, a circus-style sideshow act, a improv dancer who performed to live music while a painter simultaneously painted to fit the mood of the music and dancing. Neat. The artists' studios were also all open to the public, and there was a great exhibit in the art gallery. All in all, a pretty big success.

Another nice part was that my friend, Guy #3, attended the event (unlike any of the other friends that I invited -- boo to you!). We ended up hanging out and had a good time. I'm still not clear on whether he is gay or not, but perhaps we have surpassed the issue? He does stand rather close in some cases and taps my arm while we're talking sometimes, but he also just gives off a rather strong gay vibe that I can't quite shake. Hm. Oh well.

The only problem of it is that after he left, I ran into my ex -- Guy #1 (who I did not invite) -- and we ended up hanging out and going out for drinks after the open house was over. I felt compelled to lie about this fact when Guy #3 asked about what I did later that night. Not sure why.

When I dated Guy #1 last fall, things were pretty steamy for a while, but the real connection was never really there. I think that is why we finally broke up -- we just got bored of each other after a while because there was no connection.. but I still do think of him often since things were so steamy.. and because he should have been perfect for me. Really. He was the first guy I ever dated that really enjoyed going to the art galleries with me. In fact, it was often his own suggestion. He is good natured, relaxed, cute, artsy.. he's tall enough that I can wear heals and he's still taller.. For some reason though, the conversation just never really sparked. Weird how that just happens with some people. Anyway, on Saturday night, we had a few drinks, talked for a while, and nothing happened.. but he did confirm that we would see each other at another event that is coming up. It is an annual event; the event where we met last summer. Hm.

Eggplant and Tofu with Ginger, Cilantro, Basil Sauce

So, I totally just made up this recipe, but it was awesome!  It has a semi-Thai spin since it combines cilantro, 

basil and ginger. Delicious!

Eggplant and Tofu with Ginger, Cilantro, Basil Sauce

2 baby eggplants, sliced in large chunks

1 onion, chopped

1 green onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, in garlic press

1 medium green pepper, chopped

3-4 large mushrooms, quartered

1 carrot, sliced

2 tbsp. fresh ginger, diced

1 c. tofu, cubed

1 small bunch cilantro, chopped

5-6 large basil, chopped

1 egg, beaten with a little soy sauce

flour

oil

rice

cayenne to taste

2-3 tbsp. soy sauce

Chop everything first. Place soy sauce and 1/3 of ginger in a bowl with the tofu cubes, add a little water so cubes are covered.

Allow tofu to marinate while you prepare everything else. Start rice cooking in a separate pot.  

Saute yellow onion with carrot and remaining ginger until softened. Dip eggplant pieces into flour, then into the beaten egg and 

add to hot pan.  Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until flour is cooked.  

Add green pepper, mushrooms, and green onion. Drain tofu from marinade (reserve liquid), and repeat the flour/egg procedure, 

adding the tofu to the pan. Cook a few more minutes, and add marinade liquid, garlic and cayenne.

Allow everything to get hot, then add cilantro and basil. Cook and stir a few minutes longer, adding a little water if needed. Serve 

over steamed rice.

Balsamic Chicken with Rainbow Chard and Brown Rice

This chicken was very easy -- basically pour vinaigrette on the chicken and bake -- the only difference with this vinaigrette is the ratio of oil to vinegar.  It needs less oil and more acid to bring out the flavor.  It might also be good with a little mustard mixed in.  The sauce is very good on rice.

Balsamic Chicken

4 large chicken leg quarters

1/2 c. balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp. olive oil -- the good stuff

3 tsp. dry oregano

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  Place chicken into a large pan.  Mix together other ingredients in a measuring cup, and pour over top of chicken.  Use a pastry brush to make sure chicken is coated.  Bake for 20 minutes, then baste.  Continue baking until done (approximately 20-40 more minutes).  Serve with steamed brown rice.

Rainbow Chard

1 bunch fresh rainbow chard

1 garlic clove, smashed

salt to taste

oil

water

Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil slightly in saute pan.  Add garlic and cook about 1 minute (do not brown), then add chopped up chard stems and cook another minute.  Add chopped chard leaves and salt; stir.  Cook 1-2 minutes, then add a little water for steaming.  Cook until done.  Serve alongside chicken and rice.