Diary of Veggie Stir-Fries

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -corn oil -paprika -red peppers -ziti with lines -green peas -cashews

This was an experiment, a study in paprika, if you will. I've learned from it that if paprika can be used in stir-fry, it needs friends. Paprika working alone (well, actually, with the corn oil) to flavor veggies is not the tastiest experience. The stir fry wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. I overcooked the poor red peppers and I got peas all over my apartment. I'll go on a pea hunt later tonight!

Taste 5
Originality 9
Color 7
Spontaneity 6
Craft 2

Total 29

Music: Lacky Ligon - Galunlati

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -peanut oil -onion -paprika -caraway seeds -soy sauce -okra -red peppers -orange peppers -snow peas -di-colored tortellini -honey roasted peanuts

This was my first collaberative fry since starting the diary. Dave Shaver, beloved brother and drummer, was my partner in veggiedom. He shall give the comments on our experience.

This being my third stirfry-making experience with my beloved brother and mandolinist, this stir fry was much different than anything we have made before-- but not necessarily in a bad way. There was a noticable lack of pasta in this experience, but that was not good or bad for the stirfry. If anything, it placed more emphasis on the veggiedom experience. Adding the paprika was a wonderful touch. We were slightly apprehensive about it's mixture with the soy sauce (and originally were planning on omitting the soy sauce), but in the end decided to put them together, and it was a lovely treat. My okra virginity was also taken from me on this very evening (as well as my tortellini virginity! mmmmmm yummy). The peppers were a good taste; although, they might have been overcooked slightly. The texture of the nuts gave a good punctuation to the meal. Overall, I have no regrets. It was an acceptable experience. And, might I add, the fine looking stir fry pan in the picture supplied is my newest purchase, so that I may try to further my knowledge and experience as a stir fry extraordinairre.

Taste 6
Originality 8
Color 6
Spontaneity 9
Craft 5

Total 34

Music: The Catler Brothers: Crash Landing

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -butter -olive oil -onion -garlic -rosemary -thyme -basil -carrots -soy sauce -wagon wheel pasta -cashews -more thyme

This was a decent carrot fry. The ingredients were getting old, but they seemed to hold up long enough for me to eat them. The cd was the most delightful element.

Taste 5
Originality 6
Color 5
Spontaneity 6
Craft 5

Total 27

Music: The Bad Plus: These are the Vistas

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -butter -olive oil -onions -garlic -rosemary -thyme -basil -green beans -ginger flavored soy sauce -cashews -honey -more basil

A saucy little beanfry. This has been a very nice meal. If I had gone a little easier on the sauce, more green beaniness might have come through, making it even better, but other than that it was perfect. The last three ingredients on the above list represent spontaneous adjustments I made that really helped to make it great. Without the cashews, honey, and second sprinkling of basil, the soy sauce would have really dominated.

Taste 8
Originality 6
Color 4
Spontaneity 8
Craft 6

Total 32

First album: The Tatum Group Masterpieces, Vol. 3: w/ Lionel Hampton, Buddy Rich
Second album: 50 Jaar Stichting Huygens-Fokker
Other special stimulus: sunshine

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -onion -thyme -basil -red potatoes -soy sauce -carrots -red beans -cashews

Blech. This is awful. I'm probably going to throw it out and have a bowl of Cheerios. No harmony. Evil food. Blech.

Taste 1
Originality 6
Color 4
Spontaneity 7
Craft 4

Total 22

Music: ZIA - v1.5

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -peanut oil -garlic -basil -red potatoes -soy sauce

This was a potatotastic meal, my friends. Simple. Good.

Taste 8
Originality 6
Color 3
Spontaneity 6
Craft 7

Total 29

Stimulus: Star Trek: the Next Generation

Stuff (in approximate order of inclusion) -peanut oil -onion -garlic -rosemary -thyme -basil -red pototoes -cauliflower -ziti with lines -soy sauce -almonds

This was a pretty tasty little fry. The potatoes were a nice change of pace, but I would have preferred for them to be cut a little smaller. I used the spice triad -- rosemary, thyme and basil. Ziti and cauliflower were excellent. I think the key was the almonds. They just brought the whole thing into focus.

Taste 7
Originality 6
Color 6
Spontaneity 5
Craft 6

Total 30

Stimulus: Star Trek: the Next Generation