A Few Things I Saw Yesterday

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#445)

A small cardboard box containing $58.00 in sundries and other staples. A canvas bag containing a book, a journal, and a camera, a cardboard box containing a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor's, and a 4lb. bag of dog food.

Urban Simplicity.

(more) Fortune Cookie Philosophy

I believe this to be true.

To read more fortune cookie philosophies, click here.

Urban Simplicity.

More about the Birds (numéro cinq)

So I was finally able to capture a couple pictures of the papa bird feeding the baby chicks (the top and bottom photo). And second from the bottom is the mother bird keeping a watchful eye as usual. Their breed was also identified...House Finch (thanks Rita!). And the image below is a closeup of one of the babies...they have become so full and chubby--and full of feathers--in less than two weeks. I'm pretty sure there are four in the nest. The reason the pictures of the parents are somewhat blurry are that I've had to take their photos not only from a distance (they hear the camera turn on, I swear) but also through an unwashed window (I really do need to clean my windows). Anyhow, to see previous pictures of the birds--in chronological order--click here, here, here, and here.

Urban Simplicity.

Two Views from my Handlebars

These are two views from my handlebars. The above is in the morning--facing eastward--on my short commute to work, and the below image is in the late afternoon on my way home, facing westward. Both images are on Allen Street in Allentown; the neighborhood in which I both live and work. I enjoy riding a bike on this street because it is so narrow. It is narrow enough that cars have to drive pretty slowly, and indeed sometimes even have to stop in order to let another pass (though when it is not crowded with either morning or evening traffic lunatics do tend to speed down this narrow street.) And when it is crowded during peak traffic times I often ride in the middle of the lane because I can keep pace with the cars if not go faster than them. And on a day like today--that was supremely beautiful outside--the morning ride was so lovely and fresh and the late afternoon ride invigorating after rushing around a hot kitchen. Most days--today being one of them--I felt glad and truly blessed that I was on a bike instead of in a car in traffic, but also that I had the initiative to be on a bike. I'm just saying. I'll get off my little soapbox now.

Urban Simplicity.

Four Photos Looking Skyward

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#444)

A dough rising bucket and a cardboard box containing loaves of freshly baked whole wheat bread.

 

100% Whole Wheat Bread

Makes 2 loaves

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup water

2 teaspoons instant yeast

____________

4 cups whole wheat flour

1 3/4 cups water

____________

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup olive oil

3 teaspoons instant yeast

3 teaspoons kosher salt

In one bowl make a preferment by combining 2 cups of whole wheat flour with 1 cup water and 2 teaspoons of instant yeast. Begin the autolyse in another bowl by combining 4 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 3/4 cups water. Stir each bowl just enough to combine the ingredients, taking care not to get yeast into the bowl with the autolyse. If the contents in either of the bowls need more water, add a small amount. Cover both bowls and allow to rest and ferment for 30-90 minutes, during which time the preferment will begin it's job multiplying yeast and fermenting flour, and the autolyse will soak the grain, swelling the gluten.

After an hour or so, combine the ingredients from both bowls into the bowl of an upright mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the honey, olive oil, salt, and 3 teaspoons of yeast (add the yeast and salt on opposite sides of the bowl). Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled container, cover it loosely, and allow to ferment for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in bulk. Deflate the dough and allow it to ferment an additional 30 minutes.

Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and cut it into 2 or 3 pieces. Shape into loaves and place into lightly oiled pans. Loosely cover the loaves with plastic wrap and allow to ferment for 30-60 minutes, or until double in size and when gently touched with a fingertip an indentation remains.

Bake the breads for about 30-40 minutes, adding steam to the oven a few times (either with ice cubes or a spray bottle) and rotating the breads every ten minutes. The breads are done when they are dark brown and sound hollow when tapped upon. Remove the breads from their pans and allow them to cook on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Urban Simplicity.

Mother and Child Reunion

A few things first. In the event this is the first you've seen these birds this is a continuation of a post I started a week ago regarding birds that have taken residence on my front porch. To see previous posts, click here, here, and here. I've been somewhat concerned because I haven't seen anyone tending the babies in the past day but I think they (the adult birds) have simply been sneaky about it. The image above is the best shot I've gotten of the elusive mother. She's skittish and sees or hears me as I approach the window. Actually, as it turns out, I'm not sure if the above bird is the mother or the father...it turns out there have been two of them taking care of the baby chicks. Both are small birds--likely not taller than four or five inches--but the other bird has bright red breast and neck feathers. It's amazing watching them feed and tend to the little ones. But speaking of them...they're not that little any longer. It's amazing how quickly they grow. The best I can figure is there are four or five of them pictured in the pile of feathers below...pretty soon they will be overflowing from the nest.

Urban Simplicity.

Kim Chi

I've posted a few variations of this recipe in the past, but what it comes down to is that kim-chi is a spicy fermented cabbage recipe not unlike sauerkraut  (but did I mention spicy). The above image may be a bit misleading because it is not the finished recipe, it is the ingredients that have just been mixed together prior to fermentation (beautiful isn't it). In this heat it should be fully fermented in a few days, or at least by week's end. The basic recipe is listed below, but really the ingredients are really up to you. If you'd like to learn more about fermented foods--via articles I wrote (yes, shameless self-promotion)--click here or here. I also recommend this book.

 

Kim Chi

(Korean-Style Sauerkraut) 

1 head Napa cabbage, cut into two-inch pieces

1 small daikon, grated

2 tablespoons kosher salt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small piece ginger, minced

1 small onion, minced

2 tablespoons chili paste

1 tablespoon sugar

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Transfer to a container that is wide enough to fit a few small plates inside it. Press the cabbage down and weight it with plates. Cover the container and leave at room temperature. After a day it should release enough liquid that it is submerged, if not, add a little salted water. After about 2 days small bubbles will appear, after about a week or so it will smell and taste distinctively sour. Taste it as often as you like and when the flavor is to your liking transfer the container to the refrigerator to slow its fermentation.

 

Urban Simplicity.

 

Pictures of Water and a Few Other Things

Today it was hot, humid, and overcast. To get a breath of fresh air this evening I rode the short distance to Erie Basin Marina and drank a couple beers while I listened to free live music and snapped a few pictures. The marina is a crossroads (or more specifically, a cross-waters) of the Buffalo River, the Erie Canal, and Lake Erie. Click any image for a larger view.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#443)...and a couple comments

On and being pulled by the bike...$184.67 in groceries.

Comment #1...I went to a big box supermarket today, haven't been to one on a while. Not that I'm boycotting them or anything...I just don't find them that convenient and would much rather shop in a smaller store. Anyhow, as my merchandise was being rang out I noticed that the cashier was putting it in plastic bags. I asked her not to put the remainder in bags, that I didn't need them. I also mentioned that we could simply put the groceries back in the cart. How are you going to get them home, she asked, do you have bags in your car. Well, I told her, I have baskets and a trailer for my bike...I can just put everything in those without the bags. You're going to carry all of this home on a bike, she inquired (it was a full cart). Yes, I don't live too far. She eyed me suspiciously for the remainder of the transaction.

Comment #2...It is possible for an adult to survive in America without the daily use of a car.

Urban Simplicity.

Pasta (e Pesce) Fra Diavolo

If you've been to this blog before you know that I enjoy cooking and eating pasta, and just because it's hot outside doesn't mean I'm not hindered. Tonight for dinner I made one of my favorites...Pasta Fra Diavolo. I cooked it in my outdoor kitchen in my backyard to alleviate heating my teeny indoor kitchen. For this version I used whitefish, but nearly any seafood can be incorporated. I also ate a side dish of cauliflower aglio e olio. The basic recipe for Fra Diavolo is below, but to learn more about it--including the etymology of it's name and why there are specific ingredients in the recipe, click here. To learn to cook nearly anything aglio e olio, click here.

Penne Fra Diavolo with Halibut

Yield: 4 portions

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 anchovy fillets

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 teaspoons minced parsley

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2/3 cup red wine

2 cups tomato purée

1 pound diced halibut

1/2 pound penne rigate

Combine the olive oil, onion, garlic, anchovies, red pepper, basil, parsley, and salt in a skillet over medium heat. Stir and mash the ingredients with the back of a wooden spoon until the onion and garlic is translucent but not browned. Stir in the wine and simmer it for a minute or two, then add the tomato puree. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook it for 5 or 10 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick thin it with a little water. While the sauce is simmering boil the pasta until al dente. Stir the fish into the sauce, bring it back to a simmer and poach it for about 5 minutes. When the fish is cooked gently fold in the pasta. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors of the sauce and fish permeate the pasta.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#442)

A paper bag containing a large tin of various leftover food items brought home from work, a canvas bag containing--among other things--two books, a cell phone, and an extra camera, six live Cordylena Bloodtsone plants.

Urban Simplicity.

Squawkin' for Momma

This post is another continuation of the birds that took up residence on my front porch (click here or here for previous posts). They are really amazing to observe, and also how fast they are growing. I still have not been able to get a good photo of their elusive mother...the minute I step on the porch she flees. The nest is visible outside a window and sometimes all it takes is for me to approach the window for her to flee. The bottom photo is one I took of her in the nest feeding her chicks early this morning. The photo was taken from a distance and through an un-washed window.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#441)...plus a quick glance and a couple comments

On the bike...A full tank of propane.

Comments...First of all I love the slogan that Yuba often uses, "What a bike can do." And I love the comments and looks that I often get while carrying stuff on a bike (looks that say...I didn't know you could do that). The above image is one I took on my way home from exchanging my empty tank for a full one (it's getting hot out--89F/31C today--time to start using the outside kitchen). As I was pulling into the lot of the store with the empty tank on the back a guy in an SUV slowed, then came to a complete stop to look at the bike and me as I glided up to the front door. At first I thought he was angry by his look, but then his frown--behind the air conditioned glass of his vehicle--turned to a smile then a huge grin. He gave me two "thumbs up" and I could see his lips moving and he said "What the f#*k (I take it he was complimenting me). Then, after paying my bill in the store and meeting the manager outside near the propane cage to exchange the tank, the manager offered to carry the full tank to "my car." Not wanting to explain things to him (sometimes it can get tiresome) I told him I didn't mind carrying it. He then told me that he was supposed to, that it was store policy. Okay, I told him, my bicycle is parked over there. Blank stare. Then I had to explain the bike and said that it was big enough to carry this. As we walked and the bike came into view his eyes got big and he says, "Holy s#*t!" Again, I take this as a compliment.

Urban Simplicity.

New York State Paid Me to Remove My Truck from the Road

Yup, it's true. Many of you know that I recently sold my truck, and after being car-lite for many years I am finally car-free (I did recently join Buffalo Car Share but haven't used it yet...haven't used a car in more than a month actually). Anyhow, as if the savings from the true cost of car ownership weren't enough, New York State sent me a refund check for un-registering my truck. A few weeks ago when I turned in my plates the nice woman at the counter told me I would likely receive a check in the mail because I had almost a year left on my vehicle's registration. Honestly, when she told me this I just sort of shrugged it off...yea, right, like the state is going to give me money back for this, I thought to myself. Well, I stand corrected. The proof is above. And it's interesting that in the past month or so that I have not had my truck I haven't really missed it (obviously it's much easier this time of year while the weather is nice). And while I enjoy the benefits of physical exercise and the peace of mind riding a bike or walking, a side benefit is that it's a lot easier on my wallet...and that makes me happy.

Urban Simplicity.

Five Quotes from Harvey Milk

Photo Found Here

Harvey Bernard Milk 

May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978

“All men are created equal. Now matter how hard they try, they can never erase those words. That is what America is about.”

 “I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you...And you...And you...Gotta give em hope.” 

“It takes no compromise to give people their rights...it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.”

“Politics is theater. It doesn't matter if you win. You make a statement. You say, "I'm here, pay attention to me”

“Hope is never silent.” 

To read more in the Five Quotes series, click here.

The Birds...Two Days Later and Under a Watchful Eye

This is a continuation of a post I entered two days ago regarding these cute little birds that have taken to nest on my front porch. It's amazing how they've grown in just two days...it's the first time I looked in on them since the previous post, which I believe is right after they hatched. I was curious, so I went out with a stood and stood on it. And just like the other day the mother bird left the nest when I approached...but this time she didn't go far. She flew to a branch only about ten feet away and watched...her head may have been sideways but we know she was watching my every move. Anyhow, I talked nicely to them (and her) as I snapped a few photos and assured her I meant them no harm. Amazing, I think. I'll try to post a few more pictures in a couple of days, if she allows it...

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#440)...and a bread recipe

A dough rising bucket and two loaves of freshly baked whole wheat oatmeal-flax bread (recipe below).

Whole Wheat Oatmeal-Flax Bread

Makes 2 or 3 loaves

6 cups whole wheat flour, divided

2 cups oatmeal, plus additional for coating

½ cup flax seed

2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten

4 cups water, divided

2 tablespoons instant yeast, divided

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup honey

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Separate the ingredients into two bowls using this ratio: In one bowl combine 4 cups of flour, two cups of oatmeal, the flax seed, wheat gluten, and 3 cups of water; stir until just combined. In the second bowl combine the remaining 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of yeast, and 1 cup of water; stir until just combined. Cover the bowls and allow the ingredients to rest and begin fermenting for at least an hour, but up to 12. Then combine the contents of bowl bowls into the bowl of an upright mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the remaining tablespoon of yeast, along with the olive oil, honey, and salt. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 8 minutes, then cover and allow to rise for one hour. Transfer the dough to a work surface, cut it into two or pieces, gently shape it into loaves. Dust the counter with extra oatmeal and roll the loaves in it, gently pressing oatmeal into the surface of the raw dough. Place the loaves into oiled loaf pans, cover with plastic wrap, and allow to rise for 45 minutes. Preheat an oven to 425F. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on. Remove the bread from their pans and allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Urban Simplicity.

Crispy Spice-Fried Fish (recipe and pics)

To prepare chicken or fish like this is so easy and delicious that if you haven't in the past you'll be wondering why. I used salmon and ate it in fish tacos for dinner, but the fish is delicious on its own or as an accompaniment to rice pilaf or a salad. I used southwestern flavors for the tacos, but this could easily be made with Mediterranean herbs and spices or Indian spices (just to mention a couple variations). Chicken--or other meats--are delicious like this as well. Below is an image of it being cooked, and below that is the method to make it.

Dice 12 ounces of fish or chicken and place it in a bowl. Season it with whatever you like...I used two teaspoons each of mild chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin; also add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix the fish or chicken gently to coat it with the spices. In a separate small bowl mix together a tablespoon each of lemon juice and cornstarch; mix it until the cornstarch is dissolved. Add a large egg and beat it with the lemon and cornstarch until mixed. Add the egg-lemon-cornstarch mixture to the seasoned fish and gently mix again. Set aside for about 10 or 15 minutes. Heat about 1/2 inch canola oil in a heavy skillet over a medium-high flame. When the oil is hot enough that a piece of fish or chicken sizzles when dipped, it is ready. Carefully add the fish or chicken and fry it on both sides for about two minutes, or until crispy, golden, and cooked through. Carefully remove it from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate that is lined with absorbent paper.

Urban Simplicity.

Things That Can be Carried on a Bike (#439)

6 live vegetable plants, 6 herb plants, a 12ft. garden hose, an 18ft wire fence, 5 tomato cages, 4 lbs of dog food, a bottle of red wine, and $67.24 in groceries.

Urban Simplicity.

Beautiful and Incredible--but Slightly Inconvenient--Nesting

Okay...firstly, this is incredible. A tiny little bird family on my front porch. But the reason I say it is inconvenient is its location...on a faux bamboo shade to shield the sun from my house on a hot day..today it was 89F/32C. I noticed the bird's nest starting to take shape a few weeks ago and before I knew it I could see a bird sitting in there; I figure she was guarding eggs. I can see the nest from the window next to my computer and glanced out today and saw the little beaks sticking up over the straw. I went out and stood on a chair to get pictures. I didn't want to get too close (I used the zoom) but still the mother flew away when I stood on the chair. I snapped a few quick pictures and got down before momma bird came back with papa and a few of his friends (maybe I've watched too many Alfred Hitchcock movies). She came back almost immediately after getting off the chair. It's night now, and as I type these words I can see her silhouette perched in the nest with her chicks. I'll not be able to use that shade until they leave the nest, I suppose. But it's worth it. Sometimes it's so easy to forget (I'm speaking of myself here) how incredible and amazing the fabric of life is. Things like this help me remember.

Urban Simplicity.