Dinner and Random Thoughts

This beautiful stitching belong to my grandmothers talented hands, she died, and was never able to finish ALOT of them. I, somehow, quite shockingly, have inherited her talent for needle work and crafts so, I've decided to finish them.

Today i have learned some life lessons i think....Maybe its things i already knew but never saw in action until today...

1)Kids will pee anywhere without embarrassment, especially on car wheels

2) Being nice to people doesn't mean you will get the same respect back, you could wear the soles of their shoe afterwards

3)I can be a good listener even if its something about my personal life that's not true

4)Street cats must never be pet, only because they might get used to being touched by humans, and all it takes is one cruel bastard to come along and give it the touch of death

5)10 extra dirhams can make a gentleman out of a taxi driver

6)Smiles don't cost a thing, but weigh heavy in the balance of good deeds

7)I can actually stay awake and be busy from 8 am to 1 am without a rest

8)I will never look as hot as the mannequin does in THE dress, no matter how much i wish it

9)Quiet husband=loud wife...there is always one to balance the others opposite

ex: The Chinese woman today yelling loud at the co-op guy who holds your bags while you shop and in the same second turning around and telling her British husband in the softest loud voice possible"Seh Dow Dah-nay"...Translates: Sit down Donny.....(it was adorable!)

and last, a question.....

Why the heck don't cats eyes cry or get even a little irritated when they smell a cut onion, but humans cry and go blind in the first slice??????

Anyway, tonight's meal was my FAVE...Enjoy the pics!

Chicken Marag with Raggag (Fa reed)

De-jaj murrag / saloona ~ Chicken Stew

Serves 6-8

In most homes throughout the UAE, murraq is made daily and is usually served with steamed rice or ra-gagg. It is also a popular side dish accompanying fish or any main course. During Ramadan it is served with bread only and tha-reed. Vegetables and spices can be adjusted according to personal taste. This is a traditional dish, eaten with the right hand or, in modern homes, with a spoon.

*(...) is what i use extra in blue...

1 chicken cut into 8 pieces

2 onions finely chopped(3-4)

1/2 cup corn oil

2 cloves garlic crushed(1 tbs blended)

1 1/2 teaspoons bezar

salt to taste

2 fresh tomatoes chopped(4)

2 potatoes cut into chunks(3)

1 carrot finely chopped(5)

1 bunch chopped coriander

6-8 cups water

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon(1 tsp)

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom(1 tsp)

2 whole loomi (3 whole)

1 tablespoon tomato paste(1 carton)

2 tablespoons loomi( i don't use this)

(2 Maggi cubes chicken)

(5 koosa or small zucchini)

Put oil into a large pot, heat and add chicken, onion, bezar and salt. Brown chicken, turning frequently, then add spices, garlic and both loomi. Fry five minutes on a gentle heat then add all remaining ingredients except coriander, water and salt to taste. Boil slowly until chicken and vegetables are soft and tender. Sprinkle coriander over and serve immediately with white rice and salad.

MY WAY:

Same as above BUT, i add all the ingredients in parentheses, and when i put the water i add Maggi cubes. In the end, I put it in a bowl and add Raggag Bread(thin crispy bread) soak it through and add salt to taste. Then serve.....

From the book "The Complete United Arab Emirates Cookbook"by Celia Ann Brock- Al Ansari Copyright © 1994 by Celia Ann Brock-Al Ansari