New recipes!

Most people know I have never particularly enjoyed cooking, but because there is no such thing as frozen food, or quick meals here in Armenia, I've had to learn and have actually really started to get into cooking since I've moved on my own. For those who know me well, my days of nachos and cereal for dinner are long gone! So, thought I'd make a page for some of the dishes I've made, especially so I can remember them when I come back to America and in case any of you want to give them a whirl!  I'm going to include recipes for most.

Lentil Vegetable Curry

One of the other PCV's Caroline, gave me this recipe

Ingredients:

1/3 cup matsun (matsun is basically a mix between greek and plain yogurt)

3 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp oil

3 cloves garlic, diced

1 large onion, diced

2 Eggplants, into 1/2 inch sized pieces*

1 large tomato, diced

2 tbsp of Curry Powder

3 1/2 Cups Water

1 bullion cube

1 Cup Dry Lentils

1 tsp salt

Directions:

Heat oil in pan on medium heat. Sautee the garlic and onion until translucent. Then add the eggplant and sautee for a couple of minutes. Add the tomatoes. Stir and sautee for a couple of more minutes. Add in the curry powder and stir until fragrant.

Add the lentils and the bullion cube. Then add the 3 1/2 cups water. Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil. Then, lower back down to medium heat and allow it to simmer until all the water nearly gone (about 20-30 min). Turn off the heat. Stir in sugar. Then stir in matsun. Add salt. And enjoy!

Recommended for 3-4 people. And best if served over white rice.

*Eggplant is great when it's available in the summer. In the winter, I used potatoes instead. Carrots are a great addition, too.

Coffee Date Bread

good for breakfast, especially as I've started to run out of Cliff Bars and I got Iranian dates as Christmas present, they are beyond delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup chopped pitted dates 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup strong brewed coffee 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 cup white sugar

1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

1.	Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan, and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
2.	Place the dates in a small bowl, and sprinkle the baking soda over. Heat coffee to boiling, and pour over the dates and soda. Set aside.
3.	In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, sugar and egg until well blended. Stir in vanilla. Blend in the flour and salt, then fold in the pecans and date mixture. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
4.	Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until the top of the loaf springs back when lightly touched. Let stand for 5 minutes before removing from pan. Peel off paper, and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Apple Breakfast Bars

as close as I've gotten to homemade granola bars so far

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2/3 cup dates, chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups raw apples, shredded

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients. Let stand 10 minutes.
2. Press mixture into 8" x 8" baking dish.
3. Bake at 375º F until lightly browned, about 25 minutes.
4. Loosen with spatula, and cut into bars while warm. Serve hot for breakfast.

Other stuff I've made:

Applesauce

Lavash chips 

Salsa

Betty Crocker Stuffing

No-bake cookies

Cabbage Soup

Chili

Cabbage and Carrot Egg Rolls