Tzatziki

I am into sauces lately, it seems.

This is another versatile one that I find myself using for all sorts of things, from salmon to lamb. For parties I will poach a side of salmon and serve it cold, with this along side. With lamb meatballs I will just pile this right on top or shove both in a pita with some feta cheese and tomatoes. Or I will sauté some chickpeas and kale with some harissa, fry an egg, and dollop tzatziki on top of the whole thing for breakfast. It's, rich, creamy, garlicky and refreshing and feels like it might actually be good for you. It adds richness, tempers heat, and adds an herby flair. It's a work horse.

Tzatziki is Greek in origin and goes really nicely on a crudite platter, a meze plate or a summer buffet. Or eat it with a spoon if you want. Because I do. I make sure to use full fat yogurt here. When it comes to yogurt, sometimes it doesn't matter, but for tzatziki, it definitely does. Plus you are already using sour cream, so why not go all out? There are a ton of recipes for this out on the webs, and you can even buy it pre-made in the store (but it is really easy to make, so don't do that) but I get raves about this one. People love it. It might be the full fat yogurt.

It is super easy. It takes about 30 minutes start to finish, and about two-thirds of that time is waiting for cucumbers to drain, so you really have no excuse. Easy, easy easy. I think the "hardest" thing is mashing the garlic and the waiting. You do want to wait though, because the better you drain that bad boy, the richer the sauce will be.

Tzatziki is delicious. Make it.

OK here goes: In re: Trump. If his latest appalling scandal, his "locker room talk" from back in 2005, his use of p***y, has put you over edge, but the appalling things he has said about Mexicans, Muslims or women in the past hadn't yet, welcome to the other side, but I have questions for you. Sadly, I have worked most of my adult life with privileged men, and what he said surprises me NOT AT ALL. In fact, I am surprised so many people are surprised that (some) men talk like that. I am appalled, grossed out, and sad, but not surprised. It's a real bummer to hear it out loud instead of just imagining its being said when you leave the room, but I am not surprised. BUT LET ME BE CLEAR. What he said? What he described? THAT'S SEXUAL ASSAULT. It's not flirting, it's not making a move, it's not fun and games, it's SEXUAL ASSAULT. I am appalled but not surprised. Lastly, to the men that are upset/appalled/grossed out because you have daughters, sisters or moms, I would like you to take some time getting upset/appalled/grossed out because he is talking about actual human women that are actual human people in their own right, not because he is talking about someone who could have some relationship to you, a man. If it takes having a mom/sister/daughter to think about women has having agency and dignity, you need to take some time. 

1. I was at the RMV last Friday afternoon and it is a hellscape. But it sure does make me appreciate the app that let me edit this page while I was sitting there. Yay technology! Making tortured wastelands productive since Al Gore invented the interwebs.

2. I made lobster Rangoon the other night and they were delicious, but the filling pocket blew up like a balloon when I fried them, and I realized that was probably a result of all the water in the filling turning to steam, so now I have to figure out how to avoid that. My favorite takeout places don't seem to have that problem.

3. Related to 1 (see above) could someone please explain how the ticket system works? I mean I sort of get it, and things always seem to be moving along at a decent clip, then ALL THE SUDDEN there's a totally new letter involved. All kinds of As Bs and Cs and then out of nowhere there's an X and an I in the mix. You think they are just messing with us? I wouldn't blame them. If I worked there I would totally mess with you all to pass the time. Also, they could make a killing with a bar in the waiting area. (Don't @ me, it is a city RMV, no one drives to get there.)

4. WHO WAS EVER LAUGHING??? No but seriously you guys, seriously. What is happening.

​5. What I am reading: Notorious RBG. And tonight I am going to see Anthony Bourdain, and I have actually never read Kitchen Confidential. I sort of assume that will change after I see him speak.

6. What I am listening to: My Favorite Murder Podcast, The Ezra Klein Show Podcast, what ever is on my brother in law's iPod that is currently the only thing I can play on my living room speaker.

7. Where I am eating: At home, mostly, or at the incredibly delicious Brewer's Fork, which is where seester is working.

8. My dog best friend is moving out today and I am really sad. I might like dogs now, don't @ me.

Tzatziki (makes about 3 cups)

1 english cucumber, shredded
1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided, plus additional to taste
1 large clove garlic
Juice of one lemon
1 cup sour cream
1 cup full fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup dill
1/2 tsp fresh pepper or to taste

Shred the cucumber in a food processor or on a box grater. Place in a fine sieve and top with 1 tsp of the kosher salt. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to drain. While the cucumber is draining, using the side of a kitchen knife, smash the clove of garlic and mash with 1/4 tsp kosher salt to a fine paste.

Mix the garlic in a bowl with the lemon juice. Add the sour cream and yogurt and mix well. Mix in dill and stir to combine. Press any extra juice out of the drained cucumbers, and add them to the mix. Stir well and add the pepper and any any additional salt to taste.