... once upon a time

....the Jewish American Princess, along with the rest of the big (sometimes poisoned) apple, prepared for a storm. With expected winds stronger than the wolf could ever huff or puff and rain not made of lemon drops or gum drops, the Princess stocked her chambers with Magic Hats. But worse than the hurricane, a bigger storm was brewing. The Little Princess was to leave for college the following morning. The Princess reflected on her last night at home before leaving five years ago, with a bonfire and too many tears. She knew she needed to prepare something extra special for the Little Princess. Spell book after spell book, nothing seemed magical enough. So with a bit of pep, a dash of sparkle and a pound of love, the Princess collaged a bunch of recipes together.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting and Dulche de Leche Filling

http://www.marthastewart.com/282243/one-bowl-chocolate-cupcakes

http://www.marthastewart.com/317743/basic-buttercream

http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/6604

Making homemade dulche de leche was a cinch and some of the best ever. Sinfully rich and incredibly addicting. Use a knife to make a hole in the middle of the cupcake and use a pastry bag with a small tube attachment (or equip a large ziplock with a small tube attachment) to fill with the dulche de leche. Clean the tube, fit it to a new bag, and go with the icing. If you're baking when owls are sleeping, have some fun with the decorations. If its nearly three am, permission is granted to just make swirls. Bippity boppity boo.

May the Little Princess' college adventures be sugary sweet, pink and perfect. And may she always know how loved she is.

So, come on Irene and hit us with your best shot.

...once upon a time

....the Jewish American Princess' life changed forever. She was forced out of her ivy-covered Kingdom with only a piece of parchment written in Latin. She was forced out of her suburban Kingdom and had to bid fond farewells to the brook that babbled and the tennis moms who zumbad. But the Princess did not recline in her throne and allow these changes to bring crystal tears to her eye. No. The Princess packed her pink, monogramed duffles and followed the King to the big City. Without the shoes of Carrie Bradshaw, the witty tongue of Holly Golightly or the wardrobe of Serena van der Woodsen, the Princess whipped out her greatest asset. She got into the kitchen and started cooking.

The Princess made took her first stab at Indian food. And cheese making. It was a big undertaking, but she very much needed to break in the new quarters.

Paneer
Recipe Below


Shockingly Simple, Terrifically Tasty. Once spiced and in the dish. Eating it plain might be revolting.

Saag Paneer
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/saag-paneer-spinach-with-indian-cheese-recipe/index.html


The decision to substitute Greek Yogurt for the Plain Yogurt was made. And it was made with a kick and a bang and a boom.

Tandoori Spiced Chicken Breast with Grilled Tomato Jam and Yogurt
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/tandoori-spiced-chicken-breast-with-grilled-tomato-jam-and-herbed-yogurt-sauce-recipe/index.html


Again, the decision to use Greek Yogurt was made and a substantial substitution. The tomato jam was to die for. Perfect to keep in the fridge as your newest and greatest condiment. For a less spicy version (yes, please, and thank you) omit the chile. The chicken recipe seemed a little spice, so the white pepper was omitted and the cayenne amount quartered. It still had a heck of a bite.

Even if her living quarters are only a quarter decorated, the Princess will sleep with a fully tummy tonight, with the city lights sparkling above her and the weekend in sight.