My first effort

        I've never been a talented cook or singer, both of which annoy me greatly. (Have no writing experience either which will become evident). Not much I can do about the singing but as a new mum I find myself at home alot more in the evenings so I have been spending my energy and cash on trying new recipes. To be clear these are not all my own recipes, I'm just trying out as many different dishes as my budget, Talent and boyfriends patience allow.

        I'm not sure why I am blogging as although I have not read any blogs before now, I would imagine they are all by talented foodies. I am hoping writing these recipes down will mean one day soon I won't find torn out magazine pages with recipes in every handbag and coat pocket. This is just my learning experience and some won't turn out great so the fact I'm posting them anyway tells you I have way to much time on my hands. Thats the excitment though isn't it. You buy the ingredients, do your best and you never know whether it'll be Egon Ronay or Egg-on-Ronny! So if anyone reads this they will probably be like me, just people who like to eat and love giving it a go 'I try very hard' aahhhhh! I cook home dinners with a bit of effort I suppose and rarely slimming stuff - FAT IS FLAVOUR -

        One of my goals is to find a recipe for the perfect curry. I've made some reasonable ones but never managed to crack it. So last nights effort was SUBJI. This recipe won the OFM best readers recipe award 2010 so I had high hopes........

Sweet potato and aubergine Subji

enough for 2

1 large onion chopped
4 cloves of garlic chopped
ginger (thumb sized piece) chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chillies chopped
salt and pepper
butter
olive oil
2 tsp garam masala
2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/2 tin chopped tomatoes
coriander good handful
1 large aubergine chopped in small cubes
2 sweet  potatos chopped slightly larger
2 good handfuls of spinach

I fried the onions garlic chillies ginger cumin seeds and a pinch of salt in oil and butter until soft. Stired in the garam masala, turmeric and cardamom, followed by the chopped tomatos and half the coriander.
Simmered for 5 mins then popped in the aubergine covered with a lid and simmered for 20 mins.
Added the sweet potatoes and a bit of water as it got a bit dry. Then simmered for another half an hour. Finally added the spinach and once it had wilted stirred in the rest of the coriander and served with basmati rice.

The other half said he really enjoyed it but I thought it was lacking something ( lamb probably). Wasn't to hot but had a nice kick to it. I found it a tiny bit harsh tasting and didn't give me that comforting feeling that I get from a good curry. It wasn't bad but I think back to the drawing board for currygate. Maybe it was a bit healthy for my 'fattier the better' palette.

If by some miricle someone has read this far and got any recipes they can reccomend, would be very greatful


What to make tonight?????????????