incessant ramblings of a frazzled mind

Jalapeno Mango Kolaches

2011-07-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

These were just a random idea for kolaches that actually turned out good.
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Kolache dough and Posypka (original recipe from the Homesick Texan)

Kolaches (adapted from recipes found in Texas Monthly and the Houston Chronicle)
Ingredients:
1 package of active dry yeast
1 cup of warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
3 cups of all-purpose flour
2 eggs
3/4 cup of melted butter
1 teaspoon of salt

Method:
In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm milk, sugar and one cup of flour. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.
Beat together eggs, 1/2 cup of melted butter (reserve 1/4 cup for brushing on the pastry) and salt.
Add egg mixture to yeast mixture and blend.
Stir in about two more cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time. The dough should be soft and moist.
Knead dough for about 10 minutes on floured surface. Don't worry, it’s a joy to knead as the dough is smooth and highly malleable.
Put dough in a greased bowl and let rise covered until doubled in size—about an hour.
After dough has risen, punch it down and pull off egg-sized pieces. In your hands, roll pieces into balls and then flatten to about three inches in diameter. Brush with melted butter.
Place flattened pieces on a greased cookie sheet, cover and let rise again for another half-hour.
After second rising, with your finger gently make an indention in the center of the dough (be careful not to flatten it too much) and fill with one tablespoon of fruit filling (recipe to follow) and sprinkle with posypka (recipe to follow).
Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Brush with melted butter when you take them out of the oven and serve warm.

Posypka
Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Method:
Mix all ingredients until crumbly.

Jalapeno Mango Filling

2 medium mangoes diced
3-4 jalapenos, cored, seeded and diced. (leave the seeds for heat if you want)
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tsp ancho chile powder

combine in a saucepan and cook low for about 15 minutes, then mash it up, or put it in a food processor and puree.

This should make about 18 kolaches according to Homesick Texan. I made 24 "normal" size out of the same dough.

Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

2011-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

1 pound chicken breast
3 scallions, whites only, thinly sliced on an angle
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-ince piece peeled fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon + I teaspoon cornstarch
1 ¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
approx. 1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
5-6 cups broccoli, trimmed sliced stalks and med. Florets (separate)
¾-1 teaspoon chili flakes
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

In a medium bowl, toss chicken with scallion whites, half of the garlic and ginger, soy sauce, sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, I teaspoon salt, and sesame oil. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. Mix remaining cornstarch with 1/3 cup of water.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat. Add broccoli stems and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add florets and remaining garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons water, and season with ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until broccoli is bright green, but still crisp, about 2 min. Transfer to plate.

Heat skillet again, add 2 tablespoons oil. Add chicken and chili flakes, if using. Stir-fry until chicken loses color and gets a little brown, about 3 min. Add hoisin sauce, return broccoli to pan and toss to heat through. Stir in reserved cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil to thicken. Add more water to thin sauce if necessary. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if you like. Mound stir-fry on a serving platter or divide among 4 plates, serve with rice.

NOTE: I use 3 crowns of broccoli, just the florets, and add 1 to 2 spoonfuls of chili garlic sauce for heat.

Obligatory Blog Post Title

2010-12-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

uhhh, so apparently its been a while? Theres not a whole lot going on. I'm building Warhammer stuff, building a website, and building a tolerance for bullshit. Birthday's Thursday. Gonna go to the midnight of Tron Legacy, have Pei Wei for lunch, watch the first Tron before seeing the new one; you know, normal shit. Had an infected and ingrown toenail, that was bullshit. I'm totally uneventful and boring.

ugh

2010-06-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

computer was down for a week and a half. fresh OS and restore though, I'm up and running. not much exciting going on.

I'm Alive! :D

2010-04-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

so apparently I do have readers lol. been semi-busy lately and theres time I just dont feel like blogging. hell, I dont even know what to write here right now. I just thought I'd update. maybe I'll write a more legit entry later? who knows. also, check out my soccer blog Http://rhymeswithorangedynamo.blogspot.com I try to keep it half-way updated.

V-day, or "How to know how painfully alone you are"

2010-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

First and foremost: Fuck this month.

That feels good.

So, as some of you know, I find this farce of a holiday completely bullshit. Not only is it commonly referred to as "Singles Awareness Day", but it's an obvious ploy of corporate greed and this fleeting emotion of "love".

Love is bullshit. Or so I believe until someone shows me otherwise. It doesn't help that it was this was the day that my last girlfriend cheated on me. Then again, she was a controlling bitch, and I should have ended THAT farce before that even happened, but that's neither here nor there.

So here I am, broken (think C-3PO in Jedi: being carried around by Chewie in a backpack with parts hanging out), waiting for someone to fix me. I don't even know if I have all the missing parts anymore.

Reflections on this past year

2009-12-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

It's almost my 22nd birthday, and I'd much rather reflect on a year from birthday to birthday than Jan.1-Dec.31 because it just seems more logical.

It's been a crazy year. This time last year, I was sitting in my apartment stressing over finals and wondering if i had the gas money to make it back home for Christmas. It was also the time I decided to move back home and regroup and refocus on school. It's been a constant struggle to keep myself interested in music. I love playing my trumpet and I love attempting to learn piano, but the necessary classes put a damper on the experience, especially since I've had 3 different advanced music theory teachers each telling me something different.

But, in light of the educational roadblock, I did get to live my life-long dream if only for a week. I literally quit my job and dropped everything for the chance to march in the Madison Scouts drum and bugle corps. It was the single-most enjoyable experience I've ever had. When you hear of a brotherhood and a shared bond between people who work so hard for a single goal, it absolutely embodies what these guys work for. 8 hour show day rehearsals 6 days a week and a 12 hour rehearsal day with a free day every couple weeks for 150+ members, 30 staff members and sometimes a small army of volunteers. Its a truly amazing thing to see and mind-blowing to be a part of.

This was also a rough year for my family. My grandfather passed away a couple days before mom's birthday, and we're still trying to get everything back to normal. Its strange to go to my grandparent's house and not see him there, and I'm sure most of my family feels the same way.

I've also discovered a few things about myself. I procrastinate (obviously). I'm not as smart as I think I am. Sometimes, I am completely over-confident, which leads to a major let-down. I can sometimes overlook what's really important to me. I'm completely unorganized. I;m occasionally reckless.

I've also discovered twitter this year, much to my parents dismay. I'm on it all the time, and enjoy talking to 99.9% of my friends on there. They've been a really good support system and keep me motivated. I also learned that I'm not as perverted as most people think I am. I think a few of my tweeps can prove that.

All-in-all, its been a decent year, despite not partying as much as I did when I was 20. Here's to finding employment, more friends, and making every moment count.

Prosit!
Andy065

(kinda surprised I didnt write about soccer in this, huh? well, I'm thinking of rolling out a soccer blog. Just something i've thrown around in the vast expanses of my mind. Maybe I can get a job writing a soccer column? highly unlikely, but who knows?)

For today, he shall go with God.

2009-10-09T15:32:00.000-07:00

I will be taking another unusual turn today to celebrate the life of my grandfather. Luther Leroy Singletary.

My grandfather grew up in Durant, Oklahoma; a small town just north of the Oklahoma-Texas border. He was born in the 1920's (i'm uncertain of the exact year) in a large family. They were farmers, as most people were back then. My grandfather had no more than a 6th grade education, but he went on to do wondrous things.

My grandfather joined the US Army during World War II. He rose through the ranks and became an MP. He was stationed on the pacific island of Biak. My favorite story he always told us was when he would sneak of his post for a cup of coffee, and trust me, the man would do anything for coffee. After the bombing of Nagasake and Hiroshima, he was sent to Japan in one of the first few landing forces, and honor that he would not receive his medal for until he was in his 70's. After the war, he retired to a small town south of Houston.

He began working for DOW after his service with the US Army. Though he lacked a formal education, his knowledge of machinery helped his immensely. He and a co-worker built many vehicles for use in the plants that were unheard of before. While working for Dow, he also had 4 children: my late Uncle Darryl, My mother, my aunt Sherry and my Uncle Pat. My uncle Darryl was the only one to follow in my grandfathers footsteps and serve our country in the armed forces, but pneumonia took him before I was able to meet him.

My granfather retired from Dow either before I was born or soon after. His love for geneology spurred his purchase of our family's first home computer, and to this day he still used a computer. His research proved he was a decendant of many figures in the American Revolution, a fact which I am proud of. My grandfather followed the Houston Astros and Rockets quite regularly and rarely missed a televised game. He also watched NASCAR quite regularly, and was proud of a family member who worked for his favorite driver in his pits.

These are just the accomplishments he's known for. My grandfather was a loving man. His family always came first. That's the one thing I will always remember him for.

I love you Pa-Pa. I miss you already.

Life, The Universe, and Everything.

2009-09-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

well, gonna completely take a turn from my usual soccer blogging on here, Dynamo FINALLY won last night by the way :P, and talk about life, the universe, and Everything (ala Douglas Adams).

I've been out of work for 3 months. Partially my fault for not searching diligently, but also this economy blows. I like work because it gets me out of the house and into the general public and gets me money. Money gets me out of the house even more in the form of going to stores and movies. Its very cyclical. It also keeps me sane. There's a lot of things I want to get, but I'm unable to because I don't have money. Which also bring up....

School. I'm taking a semester off because I can't afford community college right now. School, like work, gets me out and gets me to socialize. Although, in most classes I'm ostracized for making most people look bad by sleeping through class and making A's.

Home. Holy Crap. Since I'm not employed or being educated, I get to clean and cook. Ironically, my room is the cleanest its been in a WHILE, and I can cook really kick-ass Italian food. Dad does give a kickback every once in a while. I got season 5 of the Office for mowing the yard (awesome).

The Universe. Pluto still isn't a planet. Seriously, this shit hardly changes. and btw, there's a 13th zodiac you crazy fucks. Google it.

Everything. Soccer is still going. Hockey is coming up soon. I miss SHSU. I miss all my friends. I hate the fact that my BFF is moving hours away with her fiance and I'll hardly get to hang out with her anymore. I hate that I can't find a girl who's worth my time. I hate that I got cut from the Madison Scouts without having a decent shot to show the staff what I could do. I hate the fact that I'm nowhere NEAR being done with my degree in Music, and that I'm starting to second-guess my decision in said major. I hate the fact that I'm uninspired to do damn-near anything. I hate the fact that I have so many model-painting projects going at once I can never finish them.

However, I love the fact that one day, someone or something is gonna show me something that will make everything seem that it wasn't all failed efforts. That nothing I have tried to accomplish and failed, nothing that I plan down to the miniscule details and not have the means to execute, nothing that someone has told me "you can't do it" and have no faith in me what-so-ever, will all be a smaller piece in the puzzle of my life.

I think I really am living in Hell.

2009-09-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Our A/C went out yesterday. It's still fucking summer. Its 90 degrees INSIDE my house. This is a rare time I'm glad we have a family thing today so I can bask in the awesomeness of a/c. When I was on tour with the scouts, I slept in a gym that was like this, but at least my sleeping bag was cool, and the floor was cool too.

God this sucks.

CONCACAF or The Reson We Don't Have Nice Things

2009-08-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

pardon my language, but HOLY SHIT.

That's what I uttered throughout last night's live game/ tonight's re-air of the Dynamo CONCACAF Champions League game. 11 yellows and 5 reds? Is that even remotely necessary? Cards to Houston for dissent when the Panamanian team is doing the exact same thing? Letting the crowd and the persuasion of the home team severely influence your decision-making and throwing a player out due to the law of Gravity? A quick 1-2 yellow to a player who makes a comment to you? You had an entire team do that to you.

What I'm trying to say here is that its good the the Dynamo came out with a point. It's bad that we lost our playmaker, a key defender and a key midfielder due to this debaucle of a game in Panama. Oh, and guess who's next on the schedule? Pachuca.

In Dom We Trust.

euphoria of insomnia

2009-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

if you follow me on twitter (@andy065), you may have noticed tweets at absolutely insane times for me. I haven't been sleeping well, and last night, I decided that I will stay up until I'm ready for be tonight. Seriously looking at a 36 hour grind. right now, about 24 hours in, I'm really loopy and feeling quite euphoric and hungry. This is totally what i think being high would be like.

Remember the Alamo!..... and Giants Stadium!

2009-07-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

Oh boy... Sunday was the worst game I've seen the US Men's National Team play since World Cup 2006. It wasn't the whole game that was bad, just the second half. I would even go as far to say that at the end of the first half, they had a chance to win. I'll go ahead and give my synopsis.

First half. Good counter attacking and defense. A few good chances on goal too. They looked like an international cup quality team. A few communication problems (3 players going for the ball at the same time?) but that's to be expected of such a young team, most of whom play against each other in the MLS. USA has been a second half team in the Gold Cup, so I'm getting excited. They're already attacking so well....

Second Half. Holy shit. officiating hit some rough points; a few missed calls here and there, but nothing like the bullshit penalty call, which also put Mexico up 1-0. It's nothing the US can't work out of though. They've done it before. a few minutes later 2-0. Defense obviously is dropping, and it seems as if everyone is pulling back. 3-0. USA is obviously not going to win, but they're still playing for pride and a goal would help. Captain Brian Ching, Houston Dynamo striker, gives the team a little pep talk in hopes to stop the bleeding. 4-0. Usually I stay and watch a game all the way through. I actually turned my TV off and went to another room. Check Twitter, 5-0 final score.

USA had all the advantages to fully dominate this tournament. Sadly, star players that were on the roster went back to Europe for training with their club teams. I understand its pre-season training, but come on. You dont play national team matches all that often. Your spot on the World Cup roster is still a possibility. Step up and play for your country and make an impression.

It was a good showing by the US until the final. However, its the second final they've been in this year and have no hardware to show for it. The US National Team has a World Cup 2010 Qualifier in Mexico City at Azteca Stadium on August 12th.

For $500, you too can take a crack at an MLS ref!

2009-07-16T14:43:00.001-07:00

Twitter. We use it to complain about our life, recent events, and just random things. Apparently, if you're a player in the MLS, you can't voice your opinion on how a game was officiated; a game you were on the opposite side of the continent for.

Brian Ching, Houston Dynamo striker, was on duty with the US Men's National team in Boston last Saturday during the Dynamo match against Seattle Sounders FC when he made this statement:

"Ref in seattle just cheated the dynamo. What a joke. Not even close. Ref is a cheat"

Some would say "oh, thats a little harsh," but if you watch the replay of the disputed goal in the 1st half, you too would agree with Ching.

For the uninitiated, in soccer, a goal only counts if the entirety of the ball completely crosses the goal line. Mike Chabala, one of the interim defenders in Saturday's match, made what I think was, one of the best saves in Dynamo history, only to have it pulled away by a horrible call by 2 out-of-position officials.

I personally believe that Instant Replay takes away from the spirit of any game. I also don't like NFL's ruling challenge's either, but thats neither here nor there. Replay has been thrown around as a possible future for soccer. I have mixed feelings about it. in the 2006 World Cup Final, instant replay got Zinidine Zidane sent off for his now-famous headbutt. Odds are, by the next time the world's biggest sporting event comes back to the US, replay will be in effect to prevent any goal that shouldnt be, but I see it being used to upgrade fouls and suspensions.

Lets just hope the "beautiful game" will keep its natural beauty.

fishing for geeks

2009-07-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

well, another twitter hashtag hits home. #competitivegeekbaiting. and apparently, star wars hits home with about 50% of the twitter population, especially my friend @annetteholland. heres my 2 hit KO:

@andy065 Anakin Skywalker was a level-headed and confident person in episode 3 #competitivegeekbaiting

@andy065 @annetteholland he was also a better jedi than obi-wan, master windu and master yoda combined. #competitivegeekbaiting

yes, folks, I go for the jugular. also went for an uncomfortable comment on Ang Lee's Hulk movie that made me cringe a bit myself. I liked the one that came out AFTER that piece of crap; you know, the Edward Norton hulk?

well well well...

2009-07-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

well, my other blog idea didnt pan out as well as i imagined it would. this one, is a little more eclectic and suited to my every day life. Soccer, food, games, music, and sometimes some prolific conversations ive had with my parents. you'll see recipes, some thoughts on the US Men's National Soccer team, the Houston Dynamo, my favorite bands, and my favorite games. check it out, comment, email, send a pigeon if theres any questions or any requests.