Sholeh Zard (Persian Rice pudding)

Among the next few post will be some traditional Persian foods. These are what I call "debatable" recipes. Between my paternal and maternal grandparents alone you can come up with 85 varieties. I always wondered why these recipes are so special and I figured out the hard way. By the time you decide which recipe your going to go with, which family member your going to let down, and finally figure it out on your own, it really becomes your own recipe. Let's take this recipe for instance, Sholeh Zard. One of my favorites! 

Steak with mushroom cream sauce and baked sweet potatoes

So I sometimes get a crazy idea for a recipe and try my best to put it on a plate. I only have one issue, I NEVER write down what I did. A few weeks go by and my brother walks into the kitchen and goes "Can you make that steak and mushroom thingy with the sweet potatoes?" That only gets him the puzzled look of "I wish I knew how I had made that" Well I tried this recipe again and it came out perfect. Well kinda. Ill explain later.  

Up-cycled Pallet Planter

First of all I'd like to dedicate this first tutorial to my father. Today, June 1st, was the four year anniversary of his passing. I wouldn't be sitting at this computer now writing this blog if it weren't for him. I will always follow my dreams, no matter how intangible they may seem at times, because of him. I know he will laugh when I fall and push me back up when I need it. So in his memory here is a beautiful and fun tutorial on how to brighten up your back yard, patio or any other outdoor area.