odds n ends chicken chili

I was trying to use up a bunch of odds and ends from around my pantry and fridge and the common denominators seemed to indicate some kind of chili.  After I made the chili I covered half in cheese (Cam doesn't like cheese) and put it under the broiler.  I didn't write down my precise recipe but here's an approximate list of ingredients:

- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 large can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of red kidney beans
- 1 medium yellow onion
- half a head of celery
- lots of chipotle powder
 - lots of chili powder
 - monterey jack cheese

ghost plant transplant

The ghost plant babies are growing up nicely.  Some of the leaves grew only one plant, and some grew two.  I know I should have pinched off the secondary ones but they looked like little twins and were so cute!  I planted them a few different ways to see how it would work.  I planted a single plantlet on its own and a double plantlet with as much root as I could keep attached.  I left another plantlet attached to its original leaf, cause I figured it would help it photosynthesize.  And another few fallen leaves are just starting to send up leaflets and roots! 

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closet darkroom #3

This is my 3rd closet darkroom! This time my landlord didn't want me painting the walls, so I tacked up this lovely matte black upholstery fabric to the interior. Absorbs ALL light!  The enlarger stand is from IKEA and is also the developing station as each bucket drawer fits up to an 8x10. We got different drawers than pictured: enough drawers for Developer, Stop, Fixer, and Rinse. The milk crate shelves double as a seat when I'm working at the enlarger. Took less than 4 hours to set up! Thanks Mum who found it in the first place and Dad who helps me install it each time :)

 

i have a new favourite houseplant!!

I've been reading a great book (Growing Stuff: An Alternative Guide to Gardening) and I discovered the coolest houseplant ever!

Lithops, look like living stones, and are almost as easy to care for!  Native to South Africa these drought tolerant succulents have evolved over time to resemble pebbles in order to hide from foraging predators!   

to start: Mix half grit/half compost in a bowl with drainage, position the plants and add polished rock top dressing; place in a sunny position.

care: Each year the pair of leaves will split in half and a new pair of leaves will appear between them.  When leaves die back, begin watering every 2 weeks until Autumn, when they flower.  Water (only when dry) by standing the bowl garden in a tray of water for about an hour. 

i ♥ farmers markets!

I absolutely adore the St. Catharine's Farmers Market!  I cannot believe that I'm lucky enough to live walking distance from a market that is open year round, 3 days a week, with fantabulous people and fresh tasty produce all at a reasonable price.  Today I got a whole load of stuff and I can't wait to decide what I'm going to make with it!  

I still can't get over the variety they have at this time of January!

-croissants
-bagels

-bacon

-eggs

-pears

-apples

-cider

-bell peppers
-tomatoes
-cucumber

-onions

-beets

-potatoes

-basil

-falafel

-baba ghanouj

katiejobphoto

pitta bread

This recipe (thanks to falling cloudberries) is so simple!

- 10g fresh yeast (5g active instant)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- a pinch of sugar

- 500 g all purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

Combine yeast, olive oil sugar, and some tepid water.  Mix through and leave 10-15 minutes until it starts activating and looks frothy.  Combine flour and salt, then add yeast mixture.  Knead for 10 minutes on floured work surface, until dough is soft and pliable.  Add extra water as necessary while kneading.  Let dough rise for 1 - 11/2 hours in a covered bowl away from drafts.  Knock air out of dough and knead back to original size.  Divide into 12 portions, roll into balls, dust with flour and cover with cloth.  Let them rise another 30 minutes until they swell up again.  Preheat oven to 220°C and preheat two baking trays for 20 minutes.  Roll out each ball with a rolling pin.  Put on hot trays, sprinkle lightly with water and bake 8 minutes until lightly golden and puffy, then flip and bake another 2 minutes. note: only bake 1 tray at a time and place on middle rack