Ingredients:

400 g Peeled and de-veined Tiger Prawns (Shrimp)
Penne, Ziti or other Tubular Pasta (2 Servings, follow instructions) 
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Bunch coriander (Cilantro)
1/2 Cup White Wine
3/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Ground Pepper
2 Tsp Vietnamese Garlic chili Sauce

Shellfish is definitely my favorite food, especially the bearded clam... When it comes to Prawns, I am extremely particular. Here in Oz, prawns are prevalent, and people cook huge batches up for barbecues all the time. Often times they are very mealy and full of brine, but without much flavor. I used to spend hours each morning at the restaurant de-veining and peeling prawns, so I try to buy them cleaned. Tiger prawns are your best bet, in my opinion, as they are very meaty and firm... and taste fantastic.

A few things to remember about prawns... (Sounds like a Death Cab song... he he)

• "Green" means raw, not the color of Kermit, or a special type of prawn.
• Pink means some sweaty guy has put them in a huge pot and boiled them, YUCK!
• You will rarely, if ever, find fresh prawns. Expect frozen...
• Peeled means no hassle, no poopy bits to clean out, and less weight!

The other thing you will need for this recipe is Vietnamese Garlic chili Sauce. You can find it at most good grocery stores, or your local Asian grocery. Like I said, I normally don't dig on spicy, but the flavor in this stuff is amazing, and you will (should) find yourself using it all the time. Check out the picture to the left, and just look for the big white cock! 

To start things off, cook up your pasta as per the directions on ze box. While your pasta is cooking, squeeze the tail off your prawns, and slice them in half, lengthwise. You can use the cut where they were de-veined as a guide. Also, finely chop your garlic, and coarsely chop the coriander. When the pasta is done, put it in a colander and rinse with cold water until the pasta is no longer hot.

Get some oil in a saute pan, and add your garlic. When the garlic starts bubbling and blipping away, add the prawns. Toss the prawns until they are slightly pink (about 2 minutes). You DO NOT need to cook them all the way, as you will be reducing your sauce in the same pan. The prawns will start to curl up, and look really funky. Add salt and pepper and toss. Add your wine, and let the wine reduce for about 3 minutes. Add the chili sauce. Now add your cream, and reduce for another 3 minutes. Add your pasta and toss. Add the coriander and toss. Continue tossing, and when the pasta is nicely covered, (before the sauce has gone sticky), serve it up in a nice bowl. Add a coriander leaf to garnish. Yum!!!

American's generally have a warped view of Australia. For the 2000 Olympics, there were truly tourists who expected to see kangaroos hoping down the streets of Sydney. In reality, Sydney is a modern metropolis with the most beautiful harbor in the world. However, travel just a few hours out, and you are confronted with a completely different world. A world where rum, utes (think el caminos) and strong hair spray rule... and Kangaroos truly do roam the streets.
 
This weekend was the annual Goulburn Rugby Ball, which I have been lucky enough to attend for the past 3 years. Most of the younger members of the community attend, in full regalia. Usually Konky and go it alone, but this year we brought a crew in from Sydney. We all logged up at Lockyersleigh, Konky's property outside of Goulburn. While many took the opportunity to ride horses, I always like to do a bit of trail riding. Being that it was about 0 degrees, I had to get rugged up a bit more than usual, and ended up looking a bit like a window licker.

The ball started out civil enough. There was some disappointment that the event planners decided to hold the event on the night of the most important rugby match of the year, the Bledisloe cup. I had placed a twenty five dollar bet on the game, and was a bit disappointed myself that I didn't get to watch it (even though I lost my money). The first shout I purchased consisted of one rum, one beer and a bottle of Champagne, and cost a whopping $11.30. While speeches were made, and an auction was held to raise money for the team, we all poked at the horrible mystery dinner that was served to us. There was anticipation in the air for the Lumpy Underdacks to take the stage, and the dancing to begin. An announcement was made that dessert was being served in the "smoker's lounge", and it all went downhill.

Freaky Friday on a flight to Paris, but I just couldn't believe that anyone could pull that role off as well as Jodie Foster, so I watched XXX instead (for shame). I mean let's face it, The Accused ain't got nothin on Freaky... But I digress... So, I thought I had better see what this young well endowed freckle face was all about.

So, me and Ms. B went to check out Mean Girls at the new Greater Union Theatre in the Southern Hemisphere's largest shopping center. I had some membership card in the mail, and I thought I might get some free stuff, or something. I kept handing the card to random people, and they kept swiping, but I have no idea what for. It was a bit like being in a Margaret Atwood novel...

They also had assigned seating, which was just plain confusing (especially for us sorry asses who could get lost in our own homes), their was chaos in the snacks area, and there was some kind of cattle processing area where you had to pay for the treats you had already picked up. I was extremely close to panic attack at this point.

The theatre was horrendous, and still seems to in the midst of construction. It's definitely a recurring theme, here in Oz. Nothing ever seems to be finished! Back in the US, things aren't opened until everything is gone over and spit shined, and erected the giant tie in displays. Here, they don't even get the roof on, and they're already selling smoothies.

Mean Girls was a riot. I am a sucker for teen movies, but this one took the cake. I can certainly see the Lohan appeal. She's the kind of girl you want to give a bit of a cuddle... very sweet looking, with a fantastic smile, and other assets. Poor Ms. B. had to keep listening to me mumbling "boobs" over and over in every scene. I was kind of disturbed by Lacey Chabert, who's head hasn't grown since Party of Five. She has this adult, overly tanned, boobs ahoy body, yet still seems like she's about to scream at Baily for turning up to Owen's birthday party drunk as a skunk and in a clown suit.
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I also got to check out Dogville on the weekend, Lars Von Trier's film staring Oz' own Nicole Kidman. Lars has stepped away from Dogme 99' for a while and does an almost "Our Town" theme with this one. It was very haunting, as of with all of Von Trier's work, and the whole anachronistic, stage drama feel made the whole thing seem more real. Speaking of Von Trier, can anyone back in the states tell me what is going on with "Kingdom Hospital?" It is credited to Stephen King, but does it have anything to do with Von Trier's kick ass film, "The Kingdom"?
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Props are being given out like after dinner scraps, and I am the red headed step child. Blogger superstar Lindsay Lindsayism has dubbed previously mentioned Thigh Master as her new best friend, to which he has exclaimed, "I'm after Lohan, not Ism, Damnit"... while the king of PHC, Uncle Grambo seems to have hetroflexible feelings for the TM, and praised Gijyun for her "ode to alcohol". However, he does not have to suffer the continually alcohol fueled harassment by our little Coloradan Bukowski.

It ain't cheatin' if your in different zip codes, baby!

... Seppo 2:13 pm...

Monday, July 12, 2004

Lost in Translation

Those who know this Seppo know that I would rather Karaoke than do just about anything. I love getting up on stage and singin' a bit of Delilah, or Mustang Sally. What's more fun then gettin up on stage and singin' to a bunch of strangers? Going with your favorite Chinese pixie to Karaoke World. For a mere 38 bucks an hour, you get your own room, two microphones, and are allowed to bring in your own booze. Heaven I say!!!

The little pixie started things off, suddenly loosing her slight eastern accent, and transforming herself into Tori Amos. It was almost confusing as she performed a nearly perfect version of "Silent All These Years." Me and Sal sang some solos, culminating with a Summer Nights duet, with me going a bit too crazy on the final.

Chopper blew us all away with a countryfied version of Milk Shake... which had us all rolling. All in all a fantastic time, until the Chop some how lost his phone, and I managed to send a message to everyone in my phone, about 5 times each.
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Narcissism at It's Breast

It seems that Paris' self obsession has gone out of control, as she stops to pick up her favorite video, One Night in Paris. Priceless...

... Seppo 9:55 pm...

Thursday, July 08, 2004

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This soup is excellent, especially for those balmy winter nights. It is winter over here in Oz, which only equates to about 55 degrees f., but the soup still goes down well. It is very impressive as a starter, and goes well with just about anything. I make a batch once a month or so, and it keeps in the fridge for about a week, so me and Mr. Bean can take it to work, or eat it for dinner on the fly. It’s also great to wake up with a hangover, and know you have something hearty in the fridge. Be careful if you try to heat it up when you are drunk, spillage is eminent!

1 Kilogram Chicken Wings
150 Grams Wild Rice
1 Clove of Garlic
1 Large Onion
2 Carrots
500 Grams Chicken Breast
2 Tablespoons Dried Tarragon
2 Tablespoons Dried Thyme
3 Tablespoons Salt (or to taste)
Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
1 Cup White Wine
2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream

For the Roux

100 Grams Butter
1/2 Cup Flower


I make a very simple chicken stock for this one, as it makes the flavor fantastic, and it's cheap. Just grab a kilo of chicken wings (should cost you about three bucks), and simmer in 10 cups of water for about an hour. Strain, and you've got some yummy stock. You can choose to skim off the fat, but I like it, so I leave it... You can also strip the skin off the chicken wings and discard, then strip off the yummy meat. If you don't have the time, just chuck the all the chicken bits in the trash.

While your stock is simmering, finely chop up your garlic, onion, carrots, and chop the chicken breast into half inch pieces. Cook up the wild rice, as described in the package directions. Strain the rice, and cool it down with water. Set aside.

Ok, lets get things started. Get some olive oil in the bottom of a soup pot, or largish kettle and heat 'er up. Add the garlic, onion and carrots, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Next add your chicken, tarragon, thyme, salt and pepper. Don't add too much salt, you can add more to taste later on. Stir periodically for 5 minutes. Add your wine, and stir for another 3 minutes. Add your chicken stock (you should have about the perfect amount left, after it has simmered), and turn down to a low simmer. Go hang have a glass of wine with Scarlett and chill for about an hour. After about 45 minutes, go turn on the oven to about 200 degrees Celsius.

In order to thicken the soup, I use a simple roux. Roux is basically flower and fat. If you simply use flour, you will find that the soup has a bit of a doughy taste. When you make a roux, the results will be a beautiful, nutty flavor. Our fat, in this case, is butter. I am extremely particular about butter. I always buy either a European style butter, Danish or French (see picture). It really makes a huge difference. If you have ever been to Paris, you will never forget the cheesy taste of French butter served with Baguettes. Heat your butter in a small oven proof pan or small casserole. Then, stir in plain flower until you have a crumbled consistency. Stick the roux in the oven, and bake it for about 10 minutes, and it will go a nutty brown color.

While the roux is baking, add the cream to the simmering soup, and whisk it in. Whisk in your wild rice. Taste the soup. Yummy, huh... now season it to your taste, adding more salt and pepper, or herbs if needed. Pull the roux from the oven. Add a little bit of roux at a time, and whisk it in well. DON'T LET THE SOUP GET TOO THICK. Remember, it is really hot, and it will change consistency when it cools a bit. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes, and whisk it well. Serve it up with some crusty bread. Enjoy!

... Seppo 10:07 pm...

Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Tahitian Treat

Under normal circumstances, I would leave tracking down revealing photographs up to those who do it best. However, I have had several requests to find the controversial photos of Francesca Willis, model and student at Sydney's "most exclusive co-educational school," Barker College.

While my Chicken Wild Rice soup for New Recipe Tuesday simmers, I'll fill the rest of the world in on the story. Francesca, who up until recently had a Blog entitled Tahitian Temptress, posted a few naughty photos of herself, in her school uniform. Apparently the photos were sent out in emails, reaching far corners of the world. After said photographs were discovered by Barker College officials, she was suspended from school.

In the meantime, "respected" newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald, spread the word further, by publishing one of the photos on July 4th. While the Herald makes a point of knocking tabloid journalism, they felt that posting the story and photo were appropriate. They also made suggestions that the remainder of the photos were even more scandalous, and did not post Ms. Willis' face (only her voluptuous mammories).



I was able to track down the remainder of the photos, and and a shot of our beautiful temptress' face. While they are certainly Lohan worthy, they are definitely not as malicious or explicit as the Herald made out. Most are only of Fran hanging out with friends, while one is a bit, well, titillating.

In her statement, Fran says:

I got suspended from school on Thursday - not so smart but hey when you f--- up you got to deal with the consequences don't you . . . pity this kind of shit only ever seems to happen to me . . . anyway all I did was take a photo of myself in my school uniform in what the school called 'a compromising position' - big deal I was showing my bra, having a bit of fun . .

How long until FHM and Ralph line up with the paychecks? My guess is they are already knocking.

... Seppo 9:34 pm...

Monday, July 05, 2004

In the not exactly the musician I'd like to see naked front, Macy Gray plans to perform tonight in the UK wearing only a pair of high heels in support of the Elton John Aids Foundation. William Hung is said to have offered to accompany.

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Scarlett Johansson's transformation from gawky young character actor, in the likes of Ghost World, to striking beauty with an unmatchable presence on screen has been a joy to behold. It seems that the beauty isn't afraid to show her political colors as well, offering MoveOn.org some celebrity cred. While I hate to spend my time fawning over unobtainable celebrities (I'll leave that to the boys), I have to say that Scarlett can certainly take Mischa's place helping this Seppo out with New Recipe Tuesdays.
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While I have not been following Big Brother, it is continually amusing that this season has been a bit of a disaster. It seems their was a bit of a vote tally problem, and they are sending the evictee back into the house. Send in Al Gore, I say!
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While debate remains here in Oz over whether Meryl Streep's accent in A Cry In the Dark, or the alleged abduction of baby by Dingo is more controversial, new evidence has emerged in the "Dingo Ate My Baby" saga. Does this mean new episodes of Seinfeld?
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Thank you Liz, for your comments in my guestbook. It is not a revelation, however, that a single thirty year old, who's excitement comes from downloading episodes of Wonderfalls on his Powerbook, is boring. Kind of like watching grass grow, ain't it...

... Seppo 11:48 pm...

Friday, July 02, 2004

Randall Patrick McMurphy?

I just completed a four and a half hour psychological evaluation. I don't get the results back until next week. However, since the most damning of the questions was, "Do you ever get angry at others," I don't suppose it is the kind of test that could get me committed.

After my test, I went to Joh Bailey for a hair cut. NEVER tell a hair stylist, "Do what you think is best." scissors go flying, and you end up walking out with an effin' mullet! It breaks your achy breaky heart, god dammit.

G, That Sounds Like a Good Idea!

In the wake of the unprosocuted footballer gangrape here in Oz, the AFL has decided it would be a good idea to release a line of skimpy undies for women. It's nice to see that Australian sports organizations are willing to take the time to kick dirt in the female population's face.

The Price is WRONG, Bob!!!

Dean from Melbourne was very excited to have a shot at winning $250,000 on the Price is Right, until he got KNOCKED OUT by the giant spinning wheel! While American's would be searching out every lawyer in a ten mile radius, Dean's response was merely:

"The wheel was heavy. It had concrete in it, I reckon."

Fair dinkum mate!!!

... Seppo 4:34 pm...

Thursday, July 01, 2004

Let Me Ride!

I was waiting for the train to come yesterday and there was announcement that the 8.38 train was canceled and that there was delays expected on the later trains. While this is sort of an inconvenience, I was not too bothered, as I figure it can be a pain in the ass to run a public transportation service. Everyone in the slowly gathering crowd seemed to feel that there was a conspiracy against each of them individually. One very large man turned red and was calling the transportation service "effing c*nts."

People often accuse me of being a nervous person. They tell me to stop pacing, quit shaking my knee, and to relax. The truth of the matter is, I quite enjoy my nervous energy. I think that because I am always alert and rather excited about the things that surround me, I don't let too much bother me, and I am always able to face what presents itself. I just turn up the volume and let it ride.

I have to put my shit in reverse go back and take another's stop
Cause I'm (Rollin in my six - fo')

Swing down, sweet chariot stop and, let me ride
Hell yeah

Dr. Dre

... Seppo 10:47 am...