New York 's Ramen Revolution

Ramen soup is undergoing a seismic shift.Once relegated to college dorms and small,dingy restaurants, this Japanese classic is now becoming the hottest bowl for Manhattan foodies and soup hipsters.A good bowl od ramen is definitely worth heading into the city. Renowned New York Times food writer ,Pete Wells, gave his top choices in Wednesday's Times Dining section.As late as ten years ago if anyone in the NY metro area wanted an authentic bowl of ramen soup, he or she would have to follow what's known as the "ramen belt".This swung as far west as Fort Lee and as far east as Queens and Brooklyn.All that is changing thanks in the shift from soba to this.Soba noodles are prized for their delicacy in shape and flavor.It's minimalist, flavored only with scallions and togarashi,a spicy mix of dried chili pepper, sesame seeds and orange peels along with dried Ginger and seaweed.The broth is made from seaweed and dried fish.Ramen is a much more heartier affair.Pork pieces swim amongst the thicker noodles, and can be made cheaply from boiling meat and bones.That's not to say it's not as good as soba,in fact it's sheer heaven,with it's mélange of strong flavors. The top ramen shop on Mr. Wells list is Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop in The Gotham West Market.The best is shoo, a chicken ramen that has both depth and clarity.The stand also has a vegetable shoyu, which tastes of roasted mushrooms blended with soy sauce.This is a hearty broth ,perfect for thkese blustery cold March nights.Another highly rated stop is Takashi, in the West Village.This is a Japanese Korean barbecue with a menu of all beef.That means the ramen is completely red meat.It's dotted with Cheerio sized rings of fried beef intestine.It's also gets added flavor from the beef belly also used.The city's ramen restaurants are also hybrids.There is the Korean Hanjan which features it's noodles in a bone broth ,spiked with a fiery hot chili pastor.Thailand also gives the ramen industry a boost too with it's restaurant Hide-Chan in Midtown.Black oil, made from roasted garlic, colors the broth while a dash of chilies gives it an unusual heat. Manhattan can be a chilly and dark place in late winter.Warm up with a bowl of hearty and exotic ramen soup.It's definitely worth a trip to the city for it.

All Dalled Up

One of the most tastiest and nutritious dishes is the Indian dal.It's a healthy dose of beans ,flavored with even better for you spices.It makes a great meal on it's own with naan or as a player in a a complex Indian dinner.Best of all any bean can be used and the recipe can always be varied. David Tanis wrote about dal's benefits in his A City Kitchen column in yesterday's New York Times Wednesday Dining section.Dal,which translated means dried legume is an everyday dish in Indian cuisine, sort of like what green beans or mashed potatoes are in American cooking.To first make the dish choose the beans.Lentils and split peas are the most common choice,according to Mr. Tanis however chickpeas or fava beans can also do the trick nicely.Simmer any one of these in water and add turmeric for a bit of flavor.cooking time is only twenty minutes and you can leave it to pursue other kitchen prep chores.Another suggestion from Mr. Tanis is buying a pressure cooker if you fall in love with the dish and plan to make it often. Dal is basically a blank canvas, waiting top be livened up.Most cooks add a cornucopia of spices sizzled in ghee ,the clarified Indian butter?Mustard and fennel seeds can be added for zing but also coriander can be sprinkled in.Chop in garlic and onions in the hot butter until they are lightly browned.Add chiles to this for the characteristic bite of Indian food. Also texture is key in making this dish as well.It. The perfect dal should be soft and thick, collapsing in a rough purée.If you want a more velvety, creamier texture, put it through the blender .Some prefer the mixture a bit more chunkier, if that's the case then just use a whisk.Dal can accompany braised lamb or roasted chicken or just served with basmati rice and plain yogurt. Dal is a tasty ,quick and nutritious dish that can be the star or the side.It's an easy dish ,using only a few ingredients .Enjoy it for a change from the ordinary, if you're craving something different.

Lenten Foods

Today is AhWednesday ,a day when Christians ,and this year the Greek Orthodox begin Lent.It is forty day period of giving up and fasting leading to Lent.There are certain foods that are eaten today as well as during these forty days leading up to Easter.IThey not only full of religious significance, but are also a nice way of eating light. Ash Wednesday and the following LentenFridays for Catholics and Episcopalians means meatless meals.The restrictions are not as strict as the Orthodox so a meatless meal could be an omelet or anything kind of fish.Most Friday night dinners have always been pizza or spaghetti for dinner, with a lunch consisting of either a fish sandwich or fish sticks.Clam chowder is popular during this time as are any fish stew.It's a great time to try bouillabaisse out thanks to it being rich in an assortment of fish ,from lobster to angler fish to crabs.Soy meats are also allowed ,so technically you could create a meat loaf ,providing it has a soy base or have veggies pups and burgers. The Greek Orthodox are much more stricter and more traditionally rooted.Their first day of lEnt was Monday also known as Clean Monday and must fast until sundown.They are only allowed bread ,salt and water for the day.It is also called the Great Lent and other meat related products such as dairy and eggs are forbidden.Even their dietary staple olive oil is not allowed so foods have to be cooked in vegetable oil.Depending on how religious the Greek Orthodox are along with where they come from in Greece,their pre Easter period can be forgoing meat on Wednesdays and Fridays,Fish is also taboo as is dairy products.The diet during this time is rich in vegetables and beans.They make a white bean soup,along with boiled leafy greens as well as the classic stuffed grape leaves.This last is filled with rice and lemon in place of lamb. The time of Lent is a period of reflection and fasting.It means giving up certain foods as Christians follow ancient rules and customs.It is a time honored period of cleansing the body and soul.

Mardi Gras Fun

Today is Mardi Gras, the last day of celebration beforeLent.Throughout the world there are amazing celebrations with tons of party food.One of the best places to celebrate is here in the States down in New Orleans.The Cajuns and Creoles, locals down there have givenus delicious recipes that actually can be eaten any time of year. One of the most famous dishes is gumbo.It's a well known dish with roots in West Africa. This stew whose name come from the African word for okra can be made tailored to your tastes.You can add okra, however this veggies is an acquired taste, thanks to it's sliminess.It should have the famed and ultra spicy Andouille sausage for kick,along with red hot pepper flakes and Creole seasoning .This last you can make at home by mixing a variety of dried peppers with paprika ,onion and garlic powders.Dried basil and thyme are also added as well.If you want a seafood gumbo, perfect not only for Mardi Gras but for Lenten Fridays,add shrimp and craw daddies (sub in lobster if you can't find the car daddies or bayou lobsters). Jambalaya is another tasty treat from the Big Easy.It's a traditional rice dish with chicken,sausage,shrimp and pepper.It is seasoned heavily with Cajun spices and slow cooked for seven hours before serving.It's a great crock pot recipe to try as well. Mardi Gras celebrations wouldn't be the same without the famed King Cake.This is one of the city's oldest traditions,first being baked in France for Epiphany.It's decorated in gold ,purple and green, symbolizing power, justice and faith.A trinket, namely a ring is baked inside .The person who finds this prize has to buy next year's cake.It's a flaky,buttery composition filled with either a cream cheese ,apple or strawberry filling.Of course there are the famed beignets.These are fried puffs of dough,which are then dredged in powdered sugar.You can also dip these in melted chocolate ,caramel or even an orange brandy sauce.Bananas also figure in Crescent City desserts.Banana pudding is an easy mix of Nilla wafers, bananas and vanilla pudding.Bananas Foster is a yummy hot mix of bananas,brown sugar,rum and butter .It can be served over ice cream or eaten just as is. Mardi Gras is a time for revelry bordering on debauched.Satisfy your gluttonous side with these richly flavored savories and sweet.They make a perfect farewell dinner before the strict dieting of Lent.

Lenten Diets All Year Round

Lent will be starting with this Wednesday.It 's a time when Christians give up certain foods, especially meat and dairy.It's an idea that's worth looking into as a year round diet.It means more fruit and veggies along with a step towards healthier living. Most Catholics and some Protestants give up meat on Wednesdays and Fridays.Starting with a day or two without meat is a good and easy way towards veganism.After a few months you can increase meatless days to four or five and then eventually have meat days one or twice a month.Since some religions allow fish this is a good time to explore the different types put there.Try a steamed salmon(easy to do in the microwave) or tuna which can be served hot or cold.This is also a convenient time to check into the many types of soy "meats"out there.You can easily make spaghetti and meatballs using mushroom based already prepared meatballs.There's also veggie burgers and veggie dogs to try on a Friday night.The Greek Orthodox also give up dairy during the forty days leading up to Easter.This paves the way to try both soy and rice milk,along with the soy and coconut based ice creams. Many people give up a favorite food for this time of fasting.It's usually cake, ice cream and cookies.If these can be given up for just a little over a month, then they can also be given up for good.Again,Lent is an excellent time to explore healthier desserts such as fruits.These are extremely versatile too.You can end a meal with apple sauce, sprinkled with cinnamon.Another treat is grilled pineapple kabobs.Make fruit salads using all sorts of fruits in your market,along with trying new ones such as kiwis and mangoes.Snacks too are usually given up.This is good way of switching over to simple snacks like crackers and rice cakes..Also think a bout having raw veggies with a lemon or lime vinaigrette as a daytime nibble.It's filling but also light. Lent is a time of giving up favorite and lush foods.It's also a chance for a healthier diet and to change unhealthy eating habits.Following one's beliefs is not only good for the soul but for the body as well.

Oscar Party Time

There's nothing more fun than Oscar night.Yes, it's pure excitement for the winners,There's glitz and glamour and the chance to win that little golden guy.Yet the most fun will be watching it from home .Create your own party with friends or just with family.Sit back ,with some Oscar worthy snacks. if you're planning a party, then go the Wolfgang Puck way.This Hollywood chef is known for his elaborate appetizers and hors d'ouvres.Try his baked Mac and truffles,but use porcini mushrooms (or anyones you like)If that's too much then try his bruschetta.This is the classic Italian appetizer but amped up with white anchovies, tapanade and goat cheese.He also has a California guacamole that laced with roasted garlic that gives the dip a smoky flavor.Use as a filling for tacos or as dip.Chef Puck is famous for his pizzas too and you can easily recreate his any of his. For a luxe Hollywood one, add caviar on top of a rich tomato one(skip the cheese, it may be too much) Another way is creating movie snacks.Of course there's popcorn which is good just buttered, but can be amped up with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, chili powder or mixed herbs.Another fun snack are nachos and cheese. this is easy to make with just cheddar slices, milk butter and a pinch of flour for body.You can make this a true party plate by pouring the cheese over shredded chicken or chopped beef along with adding olives and sliced jalapenos. Another fun idea is dim sum.Dumplings are easy to make and there are so many different fillings from true vegan to a pork and shrimp combo. Serve with a Ginger soy sauce or a sweet plum one. You can also honor traditional drive in fare with sliders, home made fries and malteds too,and the last can be spiked with liquor for an added kick. Oscar night is a night of parties.Have your own with fun and tasty food.Celebrate Hollywood with style and flavor!

Good Home Cooked Italian Food

These chilly days mean staying at home and cooking a good meal.Nothing beats these more than homemade Italian food.For those home chefs looking fpr recipes, look no further than a brand new cookbook from Good Housekeeping.It's a great collection of some really good Italian dishes. This cookbook was, compiled by the food editors of the magazine(published by Hearst).This is even a great gift for beginner chefs, because of the simplicity of some of the dishes.That's not to say they're unsophisticated.There is a wonderfully complex risotto Milanese along with a ricotta gnocchi with fresh herbs and butter.Since it's also Good Hpusekeeping, there are many family friendly recipes too, including pecorino chicken fingers along with a crispy spaghetti casserole .One of the sections that I like the most, is the introduction to ingredients.There are explanations and definitions about everything from what olives oils to use as well as a comprehensive guide to Italian cheeses, spices and pastas.This is invaluable to any home chef and handy when stocking both your kitchen and spice rack. The cookbook is divided into different sections from pastas and pizzas to the various kind of meat and fish dishes.There's a great section on desserts too.Some are traditional such as home made pizza dough along with linguine with red clam sauce.There are twists everyone will love such as the unusual pizza toppings like cheese and salad or asparagus bacon pizzettes( mini pizzas) along with zucchini and ham ribbons and balsamic roasted pork with a berry salad ,redolent with strawberries and blackberries.For those lovers who adore hard core trattoria fare there are recipes for Bolognese sauce along with a Northern style lasagna that relies heavy on béchamel sauce.Polenta also figures heavily and it's paired with everything from eggs to sausage to even Brussels sprouts.Desserts could come straight out of a trattoria too,with the crowd favorite tiramisu along with the cool sophisticated granitas. This is the season for hearty homemade meals.Whip up a sausage rich pasta or healthy veggie and meat dish ,followed by a traditional dessert.Good Housekeeping's Family Italian Cookbook can help with creating that perfect meal.