Sourdough Starter

 If I had to pick a bread to eat for the rest of my life it would be Sourdough.  So while Sean and I were living in Utah my amazing sister Xochitl told me that she had some Sourdough starter to give me my mind was blown.  I had no idea it was humanly possible to make Sourdough at home!!  Ok I guess I knew it was possible otherwise this delicious bread would not exist but I was still very excited.  You can get your hands on starter two ways; it can be given to you or you can make it.  If you know someone (like me) who has some getting from there would be the best option because the flavor will be better as the starter gets a more "sour" taste as it ages.  If you cannot get a little bit from somewhere then you can make your own its simple to get going.  A little warning it can get messy.  I would not start this if you will be gone for the entire day. 

Ingredients:
2 Cups Flour
2 Cups  Lukewarm Water
1 Tablespoon Yeast
1 Tablespoon Sugar

First place the water, sugar, and yeast in a mason jar (place the mason jar  in a bowl, in case your starter spills over) Let the yeast rest for 10 minutes.  Then add the flour and stir, it should be the consistency of pancake batter if it isn't then add more flour or water.  Place plastic wrap over the top of the jar and place the jar a bowl as it will rise a lot.  I use a rubber spatula to stir the starter when it starts to creep to the top of the jar.  Let sit for 48 hours or until it has a "sour" smell. 

 

Now as far as storing the starter you can do two things.  You can store it in the fridge by putting a lid on your jar or you can keep it on your counter.  If you choose to keep it on your counter it will become more flavorful but you will need to "feed" it (flour and water) more frequently.  When storing the starter in the fridge you should "feed" it once a week so it will increase in flavor. 

When you are going to use the starter you will want to take it our a couple of hours before needed.  Use the amount the recipe calls for but make sure to leave about a cup in the jar so you do not have to redo your starter.  You will need to "feed" your starter again after you remove the needed amount add in equal amounts of flour and water to your starter and let it sit again for 48 hours. The longer you have a starter the tastier it becomes, so like I said if you know someone with starter ask them if they would be willing to share with you.  If you know me ask me, I would love to share mine!  I will be posting a sourdough pizza recipe soon.  It is seriously mind blowing!

Lomo Saltado

The other night my cute husband and I were on a date.  Every once and a while we will ask each other some "get to know you" questions just to learn about our evolving interests.  My husband and I have been fairly predictable with our answers.  If I ask Sean his favorite color I know his response will be purple or if I ask who is his favorite band it will be either Regina Spektor, Mumford and Sons, The Shins or Fun.  So when I asked what his favorite food was in my mind I could hear him saying "my moms lasagna" but to my surprise he didn't say that he said Lomo Saltado... Mind blown!  Lomo Saltado is a Peruvian stir fry and it is delicious. 

Here is what you need:
1 lb. New York Strip Steak, cut into bite size pieces
1 Red onion, cut into strips
1 Large tomato, cut into strips
1 Bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
3 Cloves of garlic, chopped
1 Lime
1/2 Cup chopped cilantro
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
1 Cup of rice
French Fries (yes I said French fries)

OK now here are some notes on the ingredients.  First off the meat, I prefer New York Strip Steak, you can use any type of beef, but when I am feeling lazy I will instead use Pre-cut beef.  For the Bell Pepper I like to use half of a red and half of a orange for some color variety.  Lastly to get the most juice out of your lime place it on your counter, press firmly down and roll it around. 

Place the cut meat in a bowl and season it with salt, pepper, a little bit of olive oil, lime juice and chopped garlic.  Let the meat marinate for at least 20 minutes. 
While the meat is marinating slice your onions, tomatoes and pepper like the picture below.

Pre-heat your oven.  I like to season my French fries for a little bit of extra kick.  When they are on the pan sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.  Then place in the oven to cook.  Then prepare your rice, season as you like. 

Now back to the meat! Saute meat over medium heat until the meat has just browned (it will be cooking for a while longer so you don't want to completely cook the meat or it will get chewy.)  Now add the onion and cook stirring for  minute.

 Then stir in the tomatoes and peppers.  Cook until the onions are tender. Then add the cilantro and cook for one minute. 

Now this is how you serve the dish!
                                  
                                                                            Rice                                                                       

 

French Fries

 

Meat and Veggies

Happy Husband!

 

 

I hope you enjoy! The best thing about cooking is making food taste how you want, so always add or replace any ingredients based on what you like!