CinnaMonkey Frozen Yogurt, Awesome Autobiographical Reads, and Lots of New Albums

It's nasty hot here in Spain, and this week happens to be Ice Cream Week on TheKitchn...  SO:  Frozen goodies!

"CinnaMonkey" Frozen Yogurt  

Ingredients:
2 small-medium bananas
1 1/2-2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. skim yogurt
1/4 c. skim milk
1 tablespoon of liquid caramel (substitute honey, sugar+vanilla extract, etc.)
A few Dashes of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Chopped up chunks of dark chocolate

Directions:
Because I'm awesome/a beast, and I don't have a blender, I squished everything by hand with a potato masher, directly in a plastic container.  Again, because I'm awesome, I don't have an ice-cream maker, so I put it in the freezer for about 45 minutes, stirred it up again, and left it to freeze for another 30-45 minutes or so.  I just kept repeating the process until I thought it looked pretty good--3 or 4 times. 

I served it with extra cinnamon sprinkled over the top and a caramel drizzle.  For a little crunch, I think some cinnamon flavored kiddy cereal or even some crumbly cookies over the top could be a nice addition.  Yes, you're allowed to do it because it's not ice cream, it's frozen yogurt.
This is my adaptation of a recipe found whilst trolling Pinterest. You can find the original here at OhShineOn's blog.

Books
Although I usually don't read nonfiction works, I've recently read two outstanding autobiographies.  The first was Just Kids by Patti Smith, and the second was Black Boy by Richard Wright.

Just Kids by Patti Smith                                                          80 greasy grilled cheese sandwiches
The book tells the story of her life with Robert Maplethorpe.  Swarms of celebrities--Bob, Jimmy, Janis, Andy W.--and the incredibly chaotic scene of New York City in the 70s provides an interesting backdrop for a very moving story of personal struggles in pursuit of art and self-understanding.  The progression of their very unique relationship and their sometimes intersecting, sometimes parallel searches for fulfillment propel the book chronologically and emotionally.  I believe I have a better understanding of the human beings behind the iconic images.  Both Smith and Maplethorpe are incredibly enigmatic and accessible all at once.  The book (and a recently released single) has left me anxiously awaiting the release of Smith's new album Banga.

Black Boy by Richard Wright                                                     
I won't rate this because it seems insulting to connect food with a book that so often talks about a person's nearly lifelong, poverty-induced hunger.
This is a very strong portrait of a dark time in American history and a bleak period in a very gifted person's life.  Readers can feel Wright's alienation not only from society due to his race, but also his psychological alienation from family and self.  Throughout the book Wright has to grapple with crushed hopes and failed communication, being forced into certain roles and accepted patterns of expression, by those around him. You follow Wright's perceptions of others, watching his insight and introspection deepen as he ages.  The increasingly sophisticated self-reflection is what makes the narrative so engaging for the audience.  A very important, very modern work.

Music
NPR's First Listen has provided me with enough auditory material to fill multiple, longwinded blog posts this week.  However, because I'm feeling a bit lazy, I will give a quick gloss of highlights, as a nibble, and leave it to others to decide more once they listen.

Regina Spektor's What We Saw from the Cheap Seats                         Holy li2uoi4u2o83u4oi1u!
Very, very exciting stuff.  I'll be happy when it's released for purchase.  Listeners can see that she's still making enjoyable music.

Valtari by Sigur Rós                                                                         23153 Viking sized sheep heads
Misty, other worldy.  Sigur Rós.  It was worth waiting for.

Heaven by The Walkmen                                                                                     65 cups of ambrosia
Although I don't really understand it, something makes me giggle and think of The Smiths, Deathcab, and Buddy Holly.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Here                                                        26783 Zero bars
Country folk funk.  Fun rhythms, lo-fi sounds.  Tambourines.  done.

Go out and read a book, stuff your face with something cold, and listen to some cool new stuff.

Holy-super-cram-jam-packed-extravaganza-ness

It's been almost a month since I made my last post. It's been a very eventful start to my spring however, so I believe the delay is justified.

Stuff of interest to others:
Food
I made a bunny cake. Cute. Moist. Inhaled.
The version I made with Gramma (intentionally misspelled to demonstrate pronunciation) was a bit different because I used one cake round for the body and another for the head and tail, but you can find the general idea here: Betty Crocker Easter Bunny Cake.

Why yes, those are marshmallow teeth.

I made black bean brownies. My picky relatives gobbled and nommed without even knowing they weren't the ridiculously indulgent treats they seemed to be.  I found the recipe here at Pennies on a Platter , but I cut the sugar and oil by about half, upped the cocoa powder a bit, and used sugar free chocolate chips.  The batch yielded 25 brownie bites made in a cupcake maker. I did some calorie math after my changes and they came out to just over 100 calories per brownie bite. They were the best when they were warm and served with fresh fruit.


Music
Carla Morrison's song "Me Encanta"                                       32384 overpriced gourmet coffees
The song was available for free on iTunes, so I downloaded it and now I want MORE. Absolutely great. Actually, the first word that came to my mind while I was listening was, "gorgeous". Though she sings in Spanish, her lyrics are simple and sweet, and her voice contains all the meaning a listener really needs. Great folk sounds accompany her with a clean style that enhances her work. I'm definitely getting the album Déjenme Llorar soon.

Alabama Shakes' debut album Boys & Girls                            983983 peanut butter sandwiches
This album rocks so hard it hurts. I was a little worried that all of the hype couldn't be fulfilled, but I was pleasantly surprised. After listening to the album, all I can do is drool over the thought that one day, maybe, the world would be lucky enough to have them and The Black Keys at the same concert.
If ever this happens, I will need a change of pants.


Movies
The Hunger Games
I've already seen it twice and am anticipating many more times. The subtle black humor and man's barbarism in this creepy modern society is fascinating. The acting is also quite good. I love that the main character is a strong, smart teen girl. And my favorite part: you never know who anyone really is--actions, motives, inner feelings are all left to the viewer/reader to infer for themselves.

The Lorax
What a great surprise! I mostly saw the movie out of my loyalty to the Great Dr. Seuss, though I was afraid that it might destroy a bit of my childhood if it went badly enough. But as I said, a treat was in store, and I left the theater pleased. My sister who saw it with me left a bit teary-eyed. It preserved the message of the book without being too "preachy", and kept my attention although most kids movies are boring for me. Well done, Danny DeVito.


Books
I haven't listed everything I've read or audiobooked within the last month because it would be creepily/pathetically long, so I just posted the top three coolest.

Memoirs of a Geisha
Yes, I am years behind the times. But I've been slowly expanding my circle of reading to encompass more modern works in addition to the classics, so lay off.
I can see why this was such a popular book for so long. It's a powerful story that uses a mix of humor and emotional drama to lead the reader to see the world in a very different way. Such a vastly different time and society viewed through the eyes of the main character was a great break from my day-to-day. It's a pretty quick read which is well worth the time.

The Joy Luck Club
Again, if you're one of the cool people who read it a long time ago, lay off.
This is a wonderful series of vignettes pulled together by a few common threads: ancestry, immigration, hope, disappointment, and the relationships between mothers and daughters. The stories are told in alternating chunks, by the characters who lived them. I would actually consider this a good present for an aunt, mother, grandmother, sister, etc; and an interesting resource to pull from for a short story unit for junior high/high schoolers.

Dracula
I was honestly shocked.  Although there was a certain amount cheesiness due to the era in which it was written, it had a very modern sentiment about it. I was completely engaged. It was very cleverly crafted and interestingly unfolded for the reader through a series of journal entries and dialogues. There's a reason it has been the basis for countless other works after it: it's just a good story.


Personal neatos:
I spent two days in Sevilla, shopped a bit in Badajoz, and went to Paris for 3 days towards the end of the month.
I completed an interview (in French!) as part of an application for graduate school.
I flew home and FINISHED A HALF-MARATHON! *I've updated my "10 Things I would like to do" post to reflect this.* I think I'm going to keep this going. Maybe even something a bit longer is to come...?
I've seen lots and lots of robins' nests, full of eggs.
I stuffed my face with all kinds of goodies not available here in España.
I chugged limitless quantities of any coffee I could find.
I came back to my pueblo and celebrated Easter with my primary students with several belated Easter Egg Hunts.
I was accepted to study at the Université d'Orléans for 2012-2013!
I've put out 2834928734927 job applications in hopes of not being completely impoverished for the next school year.

Happy spring!

Homemade Tortillas and a "Baboon Moon"

Lately I've been making loads of homemade tortillas.  I can control the ingredients--no preservatives, low sodium, and a reduced amount of oil (no lard here!)--and they're super fresh.  You can just make a big dough ball and leave it covered in plastic in the fridge, pulling pieces off as you go through a couple of days--the flour actually incorporates better over time.

I adapted my recipe I found at Cooks.com.  

When I make them just for myself, I use:

1 cup of flour (you can substitute whatever crazy hippy thing you please)

1 pinch of salt

1-1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil*

1/3 cup of water

*Note: your tortillas take the taste of your fat source, so some people prefer tasteless oils, though you can really use what you like.

I mix everything by hand in a big bowl and go for it.  It should mass together without being too dry or too sticky. I don't have a tortilla press, or even a rolling pin.  I cover my cutting board with plastic wrap, sprinkle on some flour, put on a little dough ball, and roll it really thin using the side of a smooth, tall drinking glass I've covered in flour.  Then, I put it in a dry pan over medium heat to cook it up. NOMz.

Best fresh, but still good later after 10-20 seconds in the microwave.

For my dinner tonight, I used two to make "Sloppy Josés".  It's basically a reworked version of Vegan Dad's Red Lentil Sloppy Joes.  

I used: Caramelized onions, Soyrizo or real chorizo, tomatoes chunks and a little juice, lentils, BBQ sauce, mustard, vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper, hot sauce, cheese, and a dollop of yogurt or sour cream.

Maybe I'll put some pictures up later.  But a baboon is waiting for me.

Healthier-style dessert quesadilla in the making...

Final product.  The Surfing Baboon.

 Silly name for a fun dessert: The Surfing Baboon. (1 serving)
1 tortilla
1 small pat of butter
1/2 a plantain or small banana, thinly sliced
2-3 tbsp chopped pineapple
1/2 tbsp honey*
1 tbsp shredded coconut (I used unsweetened)
pinch cinnamon
*Feel free to add more or swap with brown sugar/agave, etc.
Topping: natural skim yogurt, another drizzle of honey, and some more sprinkled coconut and cinnamon

Heat a pan.  Spread a very thin layer of butter on the tortilla, and put the butter-side down on a plate.  (I butter first, then fill because I don't want honey everywhere.)  Fill 1/2 of the tortilla with the plantain slices and pineapple pieces.  Drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon and coconut over the top.  Fold it, and hustle that goodness into the pan.  Flip it after about 2-3 minutes (when it's golden and almost irresistible).  Finish off the second side, and top it as you please.  Try to keep from screaming with delight as you inhale it.

So, to sort of explain the half-jokey name of my quesadilla: 

Nils Petter Molvær's Baboon Moon                                                     2398040293 root-beer floats
What a very interesting album.  I think it is one of those works that you can listen to many times and take something very different from each experience.  It is difficult to classify.  I guess I'll explain it as a dark, self-styled experimental jazz.  Trumpets, bass-lines, electric guitar, willful drumbeats.  It's very contemplative, but not in a brooding way.  We need more musicians to make self-reflective music of this style.  If nothing else, the novelty of the album should be its biggest selling point.

Madrid and Andrew Bird

I spent a wonderful weekend in a city blooming with spring.

In the middle of one of the busiest capitol cities in the West is a beautiful park bustling with people enjoying the space and sun.  Rollerblading is still alive and well in Spain...  

Behold: (thanks to my photographer) El Parque del Retiro.  

Yes, that's a duck.

I also had one of the best meals I've ever had in Europe at Restaurante Alboroque.  The dishes were cooked to perfection, using simple, high quality ingredients. The staff was very professional and accommodating.  The prices were also quite reasonable for the quality.  3 courses and a bottle of wine for two at 100 Euros.  

Finding this little gem wasn't easy, though.  It is off of one of the busiest streets in Madrid, Calle Atocha, tucked away in a building that is far too easy to pass by without noticing.  Although it's possible to make reservations, they're not required, and I walked in wearing regular clothes from my day as a tourist.  

Though it would've been awkward in such a nice place, I wish I'd taken pictures of the meal. The website only has pictures of the restaurant’s interior, but the food really deserves its due.

My meal: duck liver over a polenta cream with a red berry reduction (Higado de pato sobre crema de maiz y frutos rojos con mandarina); a risotto with hare, artichokes, and mushrooms, (arroz meloso con liebre, alcachofa y setas); and a molten chocolate cake with an orange scented shell (pastel caliente de chocolate con cascara de naranja); paired with a very good Spanish red wine, Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas 2007. My companion had an exquisite warm vegetable salad followed by seared Iberian pork over a spinach and mango salad, followed by a trio of homemade ice-creams. 

If you've not checked out the new album from Andrew Bird, do yourself the favor and give it a listen!  What an inventive way of making a truly unique contribution to music.  Though the audio isn't directly available through this link to NPR any longer, there is a nice review.
UPDATE!  Andrew Bird performed on NPR's World Cafe.   Click.  it.

Music from Nick Lowe and Honey Hobo Cheesecake

Two fantastic new discoveries made within the last 24 hours that I couldn't wait to blog about!  
1. Thanks to my semi-professional music discoverer, I have been introduced to Nick Lowe.
2. Through my endless roaming of food blogs, I found a fantastic recipe which I've adapted into my own "Honey Hobo Cheesecake" or "Single Lady Honey-Yogurt Cheesecake" pick the name you prefer.


Nick Lowe's The Old Magic                                                                        2343243543 Creme Eggs
iQue guay!  It's a bit difficult to classify because Lowe seems to have had a very wide array of influences, but you can definitely hear pieces of his former father-in-law Johnny Cash.  Personal, a bit rusty/retro.  Lots of fun guitar, piano, and trumpets to a great tempo.  Maybe one could call it British Rockabilly?  Whatever it's name, it is well worth a listen.  Pronto.
G'head: http://nicklowe.com/

Honey Hobo Cheesecake, or Single Lady Honey-Yogurt Cheesecake (4-6 servings)
I've mentioned in previous posts that I have no oven but a crazy love of sweets.  However, I've never directly said that I have no cake pan, and that I live alone; so what treats I do make are in small air-tight containers.  Life is sometimes sad.
But hobo cheesecake is not.

I got a little too impatient to wait for it to set all the way...

Crust:

1 Tbsp. raw sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1/4 c. crushed fiber cereal flakes

1/4 c. crushed quick oats

1/4 c. crushed digestive biscuits

(Because I wanted a kind of earthier flavor and heartier crunch, I mixed my crust ingredients.  I squashed the cereal, then the oats, and finally the biscuits a few at a time until I got the amount of crumbs I wanted in my measuring cup.  You could easily substitute a bunch of graham crackers or cinnamon-flavored cereal and use the same plastic-bag crush method.)

Filling:

8 oz. light cream cheese, extra water drained, softened

1/4 c. raw sugar

Dash of caramel liquid or vanilla extract (vanilla is super hard to find in rural Spain!)

Dash of ground cinnamon

3/4 c. natural skim yogurt, extra water drained

3 Tbsp. honey

Directions: 

Open up a corner of the yogurt cups and flip them upside down to let them drain, and place them off to the side.  Getting rid of the liquid really helps it set up later. 

Mix the crushed oats, biscuits, and cereal with the sugar.  Mix in the melted butter.  Transfer the mixture to the final container, and press firmly along the bottom, and if desired, up the sides. Put it off in the fridge.

Mix the cream cheese, sugar, caramel liquid, and cinnamon together until well incorporated.  Measure the yogurt, and add the honey to the measuring cup on top.  (This makes clean up a lot easier!)  Mix into the rest of the cream cheese mixture.  Give it a taste and see if a little more cinnamon or caramel is needed. When you're satisfied, get the crust, pour the mixture over the top, and put it all in the fridge for a several hours to firm up--or the freezer to speed up the process.  
I sprinkled some cinnamon and drizzled a little caramel over the top for serving.
*Make this in the morning the day of, or on the night before you hope to enjoy it!*

Unpretentious, single dish, hobo-style.

Sort of the ugly duckling of the cheesecake world.

Simon Cake

Since I have a [notorious] sweet tooth, but no oven, I've been making no-bake desserts.

I've decided to post two "recipes" for an icebox/no-bake cake my family calls Simon Cake.  I've put the word, "recipes" in quotes because it's not really an exact way to prepare a specific cake, but rather a method that can be used in a wide variety of ways.  

Single-serving of Raspberry and Chocolate Simon Cake

A few years ago, someone showed me their family recipe for a no-bake cake.  Although I promised not to share specifics with anyone, passing on the technique is acceptable.   The original, which still shows up at family gatherings, uses a rich, custardy buttercream, sort of like a tiramisu with digestive biscuits instead of lady fingers.

The method is easy; alternating rows of cookies and filling to make a nice layered dessert.  The cookies are dunked in a liquid to help them soften and to give them extra flavor.  

I've improvised a couple of new versions using different combinations of ingredients I like.  I tried to post using really different ingredients to show how versatile this little cake can be.  

Parfait-Style Raspberry and Chocolate Simon Cake (2 servings)

1 sleeve of digestive cookies (about 10 each were actually used)

1 serving cup of yogurt (low/no-fat works)

1 package of raspberry flavored cocoa

8 teaspoons raspberry jam (approximately 4 each)

Some chopped white/milk chocolate for garnish

Assembly: I made individual servings, so I used a jar.  You can easily double the recipe for 4-6 servings, and arrange the cookies in larger rows on a plate.

1. Prepare the cocoa according to the package directions, just using a bit less water for a stronger flavor.  Pour about 2/3 of the cocoa into a shallow bowl to make it easier to dunk the cookies, and let it cool--save the rest of the cocoa just in case, and drink it when you're done. :)

2. Dunk one cookie into the cooled cocoa liquid, and place it at the bottom of your individual serving jar.

3. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of yogurt on top.

4. Dunk another cookie, place it on top as the base for the next layer, but put a heaping teaspoon of raspberry jam on top.

5. Repeat this alternating layering process until you run out of enough room in the jar, or until you run out of yogurt.
6. Garnish with chocolate pieces.
7. Refrigerate for at least an hour.*

*This is pretty important because it gives the cookies time to soften and the flavors to marry.  If you freeze it immediately, it doesn't seem to reach the desired taste and texture quite as well.  If you want to store it for a little while, wait to freeze it after this initial hour.

After an hour of waiting: scarf mode.

Worth. The. Wait.

Now, a richer adaptation.  I've been feeling a bit nostalgic and missing the U.S. lately, so I decided: what better way to relive my chubby childhood than to make something using peanut butter and cream cheese?

This is an only slightly oversized piece of Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese Simon Cake

Peanut Butter and Cream Cheese Simon Cake (4-6 servings)

(All of these are approximations, and where possible I substituted the "light" version for each ingredient...)

1 sleeve of digestive cookies

4 oz. cream cheese

2 oz. peanut butter

2 tbsp. sugar (or more/less to taste)

1/4 c. coffee + 1 tbsp. hot cocoa drink mix added

Assembly: About the same as above, but if you want to take the cake to the table to serve it, be sure to build it on the serving plate itself.  I made mine in a little plastic airtight container for easier storage, and served it on regular plates or in dessert bowls.

1. Soften the cream cheese, mix in peanut butter and sugar.  This can also be whipped for a lighter texture.  Taste it to see what you think. (I made mine less sweet because I wanted something rich and a bit tangy.)  As the flavors cool, they'll meld together a bit more.  

2. Dunk the cookies one by one into the cooled coffee liquid, arranging them in a layer side-by-side as you go.  I put a layer of 4 on each row because I wanted a taller cake with more visible layers.

3. Spoon over the peanut butter mixture, covering the cookies evenly.  I found myself heating the mixture up in the microwave once or twice to make it a bit easier to spread.

4. Repeat the layering process until you run out of enough of the peanut butter mixture to make any more layers, or until you think you've made a big enough cake.  If you have coffee liquid left you can pour a bit over the final layer, or throw it out.

5. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Additional Ideas

You can really mix and match.  This technique can be adapted to be vegan, low sugar, etc.  Whatever combinations you know go well together should work.  If you would eat it in the same bowl as a parfait, try it out.  Just taste as you go.

Cookies: graham crackers, chocolate sandwich cookies, vanilla wafers, chocolate digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies.  I think animal crackers are the only toughies here because of the shape--try to keep with squares for multiple-serving cakes, and round or square for single-servings.

Dunking liquid: almost any coffee, tea, espresso, cocoa, flavored cocoas, a splash of coffee flavoring like peppermint or toffee, a splash of alcohol like rum or bourbon added to the coffee.  I've never tried anything with fruit juice or dairy, but I think it's possible.

Spread: buttercream, all sorts of nut butters, chocolate-hazelnut spread, dulce de leche, fruit jams, pie fillings, whipped cream, cream cheese, mousse, pudding, yogurt...  You can use sugar substitutes, light versions, etc.  It could be whipped, left creamy, combined, alternated; you name it.  Just think about what you want your final texture and taste to be.  If you want something airy, you may want to use whipped cream.  If you want something rich and tangy, cream cheese.  Decadent--chocolates, caramels, custards, and puddings.

Add ins: fruit such as bananas or berries should hold up well, chopped dried fruits and nuts, chopped candies

Serving: some nuts or fruit, a drizzle of chocolate, hot fudge, caramel, or fruit sauce, whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream

Among the combinations I'm hoping to try out:  
Chocolate graham crackers dunked in peppermint coffee with chocolate mouse layers.
Chocolate sandwich cookies dunked in espresso, layered with dulce de leche cream cheese.  
Shortbread cookies dunked in cocoa, layered with a whipped cream and chocolate-hazelnut spread and banana slices.

'1491', Music, and Microwave Cookin'

I've been spending the last several days reading, running, and relaxing around my pueblo.

Reading
The main focus of my reading was Charles C. Mann's 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. I enjoyed the book from the perspective of a former history student and an interested reader for pleasure. 

To be sure, Mann is a journalist working in the world of ethnographic history, archaeology, and anthropology, leading to some mistakes and an uncharacteristically stylized form of writing for the genre. His undertaking is also a bit extreme: he includes two entire continents under the ideological umbrella of "Pre-Columbian Indian societies" and sets to work spinning his narrative, trying to help a reader picture what life was like "before contact". 

The organization of the book is at times problematic. Rather than following a chronological or geographical organization, he follows a more journalistic-line of thematic ideas, jumping between eras, societies, and vast geographical regions. This leads to sometimes concentric, sometimes overlapping circles of narrative. He also attempts to give both sides of the modern academic debate surrounding various issues, but with somewhat tenuous segues, so at times he seems to be deconstructing a wall as he is building it. This organizational pattern can leave a reader thinking, "Wait, didn't I just read that?" or "I thought he just dismissed that theory as inaccurate..."  There are also some easily avoided errors which I easily found during my reading, (a quick example: he calls Extremadura, Spain a town for example,) but the intention and the overall content made for a nice read.

When considering the intention of the author, I believe 1491 was pretty successful. This book is an attempt to address modern, mostly American interpretations of native peoples. Though not necessarily "dispelling myths", it's an interesting way of perceiving cultures which are often marginalized or discredited as being true "civilizations". My incredibly Euro-centric education has often minimized the impact of Indian groups, and it was nice to see things from a different point of view. At the very least, it's increased my interest in reading more about many of these groups on my own.
You can read an excerpt from the book at Charles Mann's website.


Music
NPR's First Listen has really impressed me lately with their musical selection. Leonard Cohen's Old Ideas, Ana Tijoux's La Bala, Gotye's Making Mirrors, and Kayhan Kalhor's I Will Not Stand Alone are all worth a serious listen. For free. Each in its entirety.
Old Ideas                                                                                              3 pairs of mirrored sunglasses
Cohen's dirty old man image remains preserved in his latest album. His crusty voice with gospel-inspired lyrics and accompaniment are reminiscent of the good ol' "Hallelujah" days. Check out "Amen" specifically.

La Bala                                                                                                             A glass of fine vino tinto
This album includes a lot of what was refreshing about M.I.A.'s work, just in Spanish. Great beats, forceful lyrics. The best part: I can understand a lot of what Tijoux's saying now, but I must warn that it's very political.

Making Mirrors                                            8 obscure candy bars you've probably never heard of
Gotye's album is sort of an eclectic mess, but a fun listen for a lighter mood. Synth, pop, and catchy melodies in a slightly high-pitched voice make his work pretty unique. (And I'll admit, maybe a bit hipster.)

I Will Not Stand Alone                                                       1 comfy couch and endless cups of tea
Kalhor's work is of an entirely different animal. It's Iranian sounds, sans-lyrics, often combining various string instruments such as a kamancheh in a free-formed shape of the audible. Something perfect for a more meditative mood or just quiet relaxation. Beautiful.

Health
In one of my earliest posts, I mentioned my goal of running a half-marathon at some point. The past few months, I've actually been training for it. I'll be going home for Easter break, and I've signed up to participate in my hometown's running festival.
I've been using Adidas's free miCoach application on my phone to prepare, and I've really been enjoying it. Of course, we'll see how well I've actually been prepared at the end of March...
I've also been doing a little yoga following my runs to keep my muscles loose. I found a free video podcast that I kind of like on iTunes: YOGAmazing. I'm feeling more fit and have noticed some of the benefits of regular exercise.
Both sites are careful to mention that they're no replacement for professional consultations, so be sure to do what's right for you and get advice from a doctor.

Recipe 

Following my long runs as a mini-celebration, I have a little recipe which has allowed me to indulge my ridiculous sweet tooth and love of molten lava cakes, even though I don't have an oven in my apartment.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cake from Instructables
I decrease the sugar and flour a bit, and use part of the butter called for to grease the inside of the mug rather than directly including it in the batter. From my own calorie checking, this cake is probably really enough for two, (about 900 calories I think,) but if you decide to half it, the cook time would need to be adjusted.

January Holidays

New Year's Eve was quite a night.
I traveled to a little village near Roquefort (like the cheese) and spent time with a large group of friends. Dinner lasted hours because there were quick breaks for dancing after each course.
The meal began around 9:30 with a pastis toast. Pastis is an anise-flavored liquor that usually kicks off big meals. There were five courses to follow our apéritif: Small savory pastries and other hors d'oeuvres opened; homemade foie gras, shrimp, and salmon came next. Duck breasts and baked apples were the main course, then a nice variety of cheeses was passed around. For dessert: champagne and galette des rois à la frangipane. I was a maniac.
I went to bed at 5:30 the next morning, and I was the first to leave.

Aix-en-Provence a few days before the New Year.

Kings' Day was the next big celebration of January. Here in Spain, it's the day that families open their presents together, not Christmas.
Of the several King Cakes I've tried over the years, everyone seems to do something a bit different. I've seen/consumed three different kinds in France, a few more here in Spain, and countless others in New Orleans. I've also noticed King Cake season seems to be just a few days here in Spain, about 2 weeks in France, and the whole season from Kings' Day until Ash Wednesday in Louisiana.
However, the same basic rules apply to each. If you find the hidden goodies, you get the crown and some luck, but you have to buy the next cake.

Two styles of King Cake and some other French favorites including Bûche de Noël below.

Just in case you feel the need to bake a little something sweet, I'm including some festive links!
For a galette des rois à la frangipane recipe, you can check out Piratage Culinaire in French, or Lost in Austen for an English translation.
For one version of roscón de reyes you can look at the I love tortilla de Patatas! blog.

Music...
I also want to recommend Bill Ryder-Jones's interesting new album If... NPR's First Listen has a nicely written article by Bob Boilen, and you can stream the entire album for free. First Listen: Bill Ryder-Jones, 'If...' .