Literally EVERY night Trouble and I are working on the Carnival of Cute. This week we are focusing on getting the word out. Los Angelenos, please help spread the word!

Tonight I am refining the DJ set list, ANY REQUESTS?

-Comments open for discussion-

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 9:19 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Bits and Bobs, Carnival of Cute, Trifle

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 9:16 AM 0 comments  

Labels: FASHION, FOREVER 21, Trifle

My fondest childhood memories from living in Tokyo involve the unique flavours of the amazing Japanese cuisine. It isn't all raw fish and noodles, I'll have you know! Chicken Katsu (breaded chicken) with Japanese curry (fruity and spicy) is one of my top dishes of that time!

Ingredients:
Curry sauce:
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon canola/sunflower oil
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
3 tbsp flour
2 tbsp curry powder
2 tbsp crushed tomatoes
1 bay leaf
1 carrot, diced
1 potato, diced
1 small fuji apple, grated
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce


Chicken Katsu:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
2 tblsp flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 cup oil for frying, or as needed
salt and pepper to taste

2 cups steamed white rice
4 cups of water

Bring chicken stock to a simmer in a pot.

Then season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the flour, egg and panko crumbs into separate bowls and set a side.

Next melt the butter into the a new saucepan add ginger, garlic, and half the onion. Cook a for few minutes until done. Sprinkle in the flour and cook until browned (basically, make a roux.) Add curry powder and tomatoes, stir well. Mix in 1/2 cup hot stock, making sure to scrape the stuff off of the bottom of the skillet.

Pour the mixture into the simmering stock. Add the the rest of the onion, potato, and carrot. Simmer 30 minutes.

Put rice in rice cooker.

While the sauce is simmering, coat the chicken breasts in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip them into the egg, and then press into the panko crumbs until well coated on both sides.

Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in the hot oil, and cook 3 or 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on newspaper.

Then add the apple, soy sauce, and honey top the sauce. Allow to cook for 5 more minutes. Serve white steamed white rice.

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 10:42 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Chicken Katsu, Food, Japanese Curry, Recipes, Trouble

The Hubby and I constructed our Thanksgiving sandwiches after our long hike. Our tummy's started to rumbling when I was baking the pumpkin and cranberry bread...the smell of spices filled the house!

The husband likes to pile up the roast turkey, with horseradish, potato crisps, cranberry sauce and gravy on his roll.

I combined turkey with cranberry sauce, sweet potato crisps and smothered the bread in gravy. I served the sandwiches with halloumi, cherry tomato, red onion and green bean salad. The Hubby doesn't like the traditional green bean casserole and this salad is definitely more welcome at our table! The pumpkin bread was perfect to finish off the meal . All the tastes of Thanksgiving with a little bit of a twist! (I wish there was still some left!)

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 10:30 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Food, Thanksgiving, Trouble

My goodness, who knew 46 degrees felt so cold!

This weekend I slaved over the Carnival of Cute and managed to bring in the yuletide cheer. My Christmas tree is up and several gifts have been wrapped.

This year I struggle with the thought of "wanting" gifts. Even thinking of what other people can get me has become a chore.

On the other hand, my gift shopping has gone very well. I am half done and plan on settling the rest this week.

Do you make a Christmas list? Or does your family wing it?

-Comments open for discussion-

How cute is this H&M sweater?!?

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 9:11 AM 0 comments  

Labels: FASHION, HandM, Trifle

I also headed down to Sanrio Small Gifts. But I chose to go on their last day at Barker Hangar with Katie and Delilah. We got there just before the queues started to get long!

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 11:27 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Art, HELLO KITTY, Sanrio, Trouble

I also headed down to Sanrio Small Gifts. But I chose to go on their last day at Barker Hangar with Katie and Delilah. We got there just before the queues started to get long!

Posted by Put Up Your Dukes at 11:27 AM 0 comments  

Labels: Art, HELLO KITTY, Sanrio, Trouble