Stinky Flowers

At first glance, I thought this was some type of nepenthes, but this alien of a plant is more commonly known as the pelican flower or the calico flower. Aristolochia littoralis if you want to get technical.

Similar to the infamous corpse flower, the pelican flower gives off a smell similar to rotting flesh, attracting flies and other pollinators. They’re native to South America and are an important food source for butterfly larvae.

A couple things to be aware of (aside from the *smell*) if you choose to grow these:

* All parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested

* This is a vining plant, considered invasive in some parts

Nonetheless, I think the flowers are breathtaking.

Japanese-Style Curry

I’ve been using this Golden Curry sauce mix for at least a decade now and I must say, it’s fuckin fire. I usually find it at Walmart, but while visiting family in California, I stopped by Daiso and wouldn't you know, a whole ass Golden Curry section. I was surprised to see that the mix I use, came in different heat-levels ranging from mild to extra spicy. They also sold a ready-to-use, pour-over sauce, in the entire range of spice levels offered.

If the mix is inaccessible in your area, you can order on Amazon, but be sure to pay attention to the spice level indicated on the product listing. I stick to mild and medium because I don’t have a very high spice tolerance. My 4 year old loves the mild, and can eat it with no problem. There isn’t even a hint of spice in that one. To add extra kick at the end, I like using a Japanese seasoning blend called togarashi.

Overall cook time will depend on the type of meat you choose to use, or if you choose to even use meat at all. You can certainly make an all-veggie curry. It'd be just as delicious.

Ingredients/Shopping List:

• Beef for Stew

• Onions

• Potatoes

• Carrots

• Mushrooms (optional. I love shrooms so I use them whenever I can.)

• Golden Curry Sauce Mix

• Water

• White Rice

• Togarashi (optional)

Steps: TikTok Video

• Season beef with salt and pepper

• Sear beef and remove from pan

• Saute onions and carrots, season with salt and pepper

• Add potatoes

• Add water to cover

• Bring everything to a boil then add Golden Curry Sauce Mix according to the directions

• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-40 minutes (depends on type and thickness of meat)

• Serve over steamed rice

• Optional: Finish with togarashi

Yuzu Butter Veggies

Yuzu Butter Mushrooms and Kale

Whenever someone tells me they don't like vegetables, or any food really, I'm convinced it's because they haven't had it prepared right. Try this simple, quick recipe to win them over. Don't have mushrooms or kale? These same ingredients will compliment broccoli, spinach, collard greens, even cabbage, just as well. Use whatever you've got.

Ingredients:

• vegetable(s) of choice

• olive oil

• salt and pepper (duh!)

• garlic

• butter

• white wine or your choice of broth/stock

• yuzu juice (Feel free to use lemon, lime or any citrus as a substitution)

Steps:

• heat oil in pan, sauté garlic until brown

• add butter to pan

• add veggies to pan

• saute all ingredients and season with salt and pepper

• add wine/broth to steam the veggies just until crisp (or softened, depending on the type of veg used)

• add a light amount of yuzu and flakey salt to finish

Please enjoy!