"Joe the Plumber" vs. "Dan the Plumber"

It’s a “Battle Royale”!
It’s going to be a real knock-down-drag-out!

Who is the better plumber (for Southern California)?

- “Dan the Plumber” has never been on TV.
- “Joe the Plumber” has never fixed a leaky faucet in Aliso Viejo, or cleared a clogged drain in Rancho Santa Margarita!

- “Dan the Plumber” has never been featured prominently in a presidential campaign.
- “Joe the Plumber” doesn’t have a website, advertising his services, for customers all over Orange County, CA!

- “Dan the Plumber” has never been interviewed by a newscaster.
- “Joe the Plumber” is not a licensed plumbing contractor in California (License # 877283)!

Since this is an amateur bout, folks, it only goes three rounds, but I think the decision is obvious!

If you are a Southern California business or home owner, in need of standard or emergency plumbing repairs, “Dan the Plumber” wins all three rounds!

* Does your home in Mission Viejo need a new water heater?
* Does your Irvine business have a clogged toilet?
* Would you like a softener installed in your Laguna Beach home?
* Does your Costa Mesa business need to have the sewers jetted?
* Would you like to have a Reverse Osmosis system installed in your Tustin home?

Only “Dan the Plumber” can do all of these things and much more; “Joe the Plumber” isn’t allowed! (And his response time would be terrible since he lives in Ohio, or Indiana, or something.)

By the way… Who is “Joe the Plumber”, anyway? Does anyone really know? I mean, we have heard him mentioned in a presidential campaign, and then there was the guy on the news, but, is that the REAL “Joe the Plumber”?

“Dan the Plumber”, on the other hand, is a REAL person! He owns AB&R Plumbing (a full-service, 24-hour plumbing company, serving all of Orange County), as well as New Technology Plumbing (A commercial new construction and tenant improvement plumbing company). Some might say he is The Greatest Plumber in the World, but “Dan the Plumber” wouldn’t, he is just too modest.

Indian Cooking - Frequently Asked Questions

The Idyllic Countryside Races By -- Abe Pachikara

Friends, folks who attend my culinary classes, and random people, intrigued by India, ask me an array of questions about preparing Indian food. Below you'll find responses to some of their most common questions.

1) What is "curry"?

"Curry" is a term coined by the British to describe savory Indian dishes that feature meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices. Although some spice mixtures are widely used, such as garam masala, Indian home cooks use many other spice combinations to flavor food. (I love the flavor that develops by combining cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, for example.) I recommend you avoid the generic "curry powders" sold in chain grocery stores if you want to create authentic Indian flavors.

2) What is the difference between North Indian and South Indian food?

North Indian cuisine reflects culinary traditions brought to India by the Mughals, Muslim Turks from Central Asia. These traditions include the preparation of aromatic pilafs and roasted meats. North Indian food also incorporates more dairy products and features more flat breads. South Indian cuisine, by contrast, reflects the region's more tropical climate. Meals commonly include rice and often feature fish. In addition, many curries are seasoned with coconut. The vast majority of Indian restaurants in the U.S. serve North Indian cuisine (which includes samosas, tandoori chicken, and paneer).

3) What type of regional cooking do your recipes feature?

The recipes generally come from my parents' home state of Kerala - a tropical region located in southwestern India. (The word Kerala translates to "land of coconuts.") See my brother's blog for some beautiful photos taken in Kerala.

4) What tips do you have for buying and storing spices?

Purchase whole spices whenever you can. They retain their flavor longer than powdered spices and can be ground just before you prepare a recipe. Store them in airtight containers and place them in a dark, cool place.

TIP: Home cooks from my mother's generation often purchase spices in bulk and store them in glass jars that housed other items (such as jam, olives, or mustard). It is a good way to save money and to help preserve the environment.

5) Where do you shop for spices?

I head to Devon Street. My favorite store is Fresh Farm International Market (located at 2626 West Devon Street) which carries fresh curry leaves, integral to Kerala cooking, and a wide selection of whole spices and dhal (lentils).

6) Do I need special equipment to make your recipes?

Most of the recipes require basic kitchen tools. However, you will need either a mortar and pestle or a small coffee grinder to prepare spices. If you opt for a coffee grinder, dedicate it to grinding spices. (You will not want to grind coffee beans in the same grinder you use to powder cumin, fennel, and coriander! Ick!)

Strawberry Power Shake-No sugar added

Here comes a healthy and filling breakfast shake. Measurements are approximate.
Ingredients:
Strawberries-2 cups
Milk-1.5 cups
Dates-10
Almonds-a handful
Saffron-for garnish(optional)

Method:
Blend everything to a smooth and creamy shake. Chill and serve.
If the shake is very thick, you may add some more milk.

This is my entry to the following events:
FIC: Pink/Rose - March 31st event started by Sunshinemom and hosted by priya.
JZ's Lets Go Nuts: Almonds - March 31st event started by Aquadaze of Served with Love

Some of you already congratulated me for winning the first place in Magnificent Click event hosted by Gayathri. Thank you friends! Congratulations to other winners too! I am excited to receive this beautiful award from Gayathri. Thank you so much!This is very encouraging. I hope to learn more about food photography from my husband.