The Joke That is Public Housing

You know, I really don't want to use this blog as a forum to gripe about my job or rage on and on about the absurdness of Public Housing [aka the Projects, let's be real and not try to make it sound sweeter by using such jargon]. After all, I'm sounding a little hypocritical, considering that my living is earned by other people's lack of making one for themselves. If my last sentence doesn't piss you off, stop reading this. You just won't get it. But you have your days where you're just fed up. Today is such a day.

I believe initially the intention of project housing was an idea of the US government's to be able to form a Reservation, if you will, for African Americans. Something similar to what our Native American brothers and sisters were forced upon, promising them "somewhere of their own to be" so that wealthy white landowners could have all of the good farming lands to themselves. Don't agree? I dare you to find any urban housing development from the 1960's that wasn't catered specifically to blacks, hence the Reservation comparison. It's an area designed specifically to house one ethnic group. Period.

When "the great migration" started in the early decades of the 20th century, thousands and thousands of blacks moved north, looking to reach their own quintessential American Dream. Promises of industrialization and factory jobs meant that they, unlike the generation before them, could work an honest job and bring home an honest wage and support their families. No more beatings. No more forced, unpaid labor. Free at last, free at last, good God Almighty, they were free at last.

But what does our Government do? Panic. "OH NO!" They cried. The blacks are coming to Chicago and Detroit and New York and Pittsburgh and taking all of our jobs! Where are they going to live? Not by quality white people! Let's erect tall buildings and make false promises of better living. Let's give them all kinds of benefits- free food, health insurance, even help to pay their rent. The catch? Just one- they just have to stay there in the housing developments, not attempt to move out and live in quality neighborhoods where they can own their own home. Sounds a lot like a Reservation to me.

And the part that irks me most? Who is paying for all their subsidized rent? Who is footing the bill for the food stamps and medical coverage? Why, Johnny Taxpayer- of course!

At some point, Civil Rights became a huge issue in our country. A few brilliant African Americans decided that they still haven't achieved equality, and decided to protest and boycott and make some pretty thought-invoking speeches. Good for that handfull that didn't accept project living as their only choice.

As time went on, the Projects evolved into housing for the poor, the disabled, the uneducated and the unmotivated, of all races and creeds. In other words, still a Reservation for society's undesired. Smart, visionary-type black folks got out of the projects and decided that Uncle Sam was not going to dictate how or where they lived. They were going to work hard, educate themselves and their children, and by golly thanks to Fair Banking and Fair Housing practices, they were going have a life truly of their own! Maybe no one has ever told these folks- but just because you may have been born and raised in the Projects, that doesn't mean you need to stay there! Ones sole ambition shouldn't be to live as much as you can off the taxpayers dime, and think that it is totally OK to choose to not be a productive citizen.

So, this isn't meant to be a racial debate. If anything, I'm pleading for not just the Black Americans who live in project housing, but the po' white trash and the so-called mentally disabled to ask themselves just what would they be doing if housing wasn't so freely available to them? YIKES! They'd have to find a job! And I, blissfully enough, would be out of work!

At some point our government, who stared this mess, needs to put their foot down. If the option to receive public housing wasn't available, better regulated or limited to the "truly needy", people would have to start being responsible for themselves. I strongly believe that certain groups of people NEED to start educating themselves about how badly they are being used and exploited. The folks that own urban housing projects are mad rich, once again taking advantage of the less fortunate not unlike plantation masters of long ago. For every poor piece of ghetto trash they rent to, ownership gets a big fat subsidy check. Let's not even get into all of the grant money and housing restoration incentive checks these owners are eligible for just so we can keep the projects lookin' pretty! Ask me how much of this "grant" money the owners get to pocket for themselves, it might make you sick.

Personally, I shiver at the idea of someone using me as the vehicle to make them wealthier. I'd feel so violated. This is American after all, I can create my own wealth. I choose whether or not I live a comfortable lifestyle by the sweat of my brow and the Biblical principal that states simply "if you don't work, you don't eat". And I don't care what pop culture says- there is no such thing as ghetto fabulous. And if you find that mind-set attractive, then list your occupation as slave, 'cause honey that's what you are.

I could rage on but at some point I need to get back to my own reality, which is all the bitching in the world by me isn't going to make one bit of difference. The recipients of public housing need to be ashamed. They need to get off their fat apathetic asses and stop feeling so entitled.

So I feel a little better now that I've exercised my right to free speech. Don't agree? Agree? Either way, you're always welcome to comment.

Experiment Recipe #2; CARAMEL PUDDING

PUDDING!! Every time I hear the word, I think of the movie Hot Shots!, when the Admiral is "drinking" pudding from a mug.

Funny as that was, pudding is no laughing matter to a serious cook. Good thing I don't take anything too seriously, even my pudding. But making it at home from scratch is crazy easy and so much better than the stuff from the J-E-L-L-O box. No offense to Mr. Cosby.

So it was with great enthusiasm that, as I was thumbing through my Classic Pennsylvania Dutch Cooking book that I found this recipe for Caramel pudding (page 221).

It was beyond simple, so there aren't any horror stories to go along with this post. Just remember one thing when you are eating pudding- it's best when served in the appropriate bowl, and for Pete's sake if you must use a mug, grab a spoon!!

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

1 cup lightly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups milk (I used 2%, but I bet whole milk would have been better!)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter in heavy skillet or large saucepan. Add brown sugar and salt, stirring constantly over medium-high heat until it caramelizes, about 5 minutes- be careful not to burn it.

Remove from stove and slowly mix in 2 cups of milk. Return to stove and heat to near boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly. Combine flour and cornstarch and stir in; then slowly add remaining cup of milk. Reduce heat to low and cook until thickened and smooth.

Remove a few tablespoons of pudding, and stir them into beaten eggs; then return mixture to pudding. Cook another 2 minutes, being careful not to let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. To prevent skin from forming on top, lay wax paper over it. Serve warm or cold. (And with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream, as did I.)

Banned From Marshalls

Yesterday I was in some hot water. I was officially eighty-sixed from Marshalls department store by way of a self-imposed punishment.

Do not- I repeat- DO NOT go into Marshalls unless you have self-control. I lost mine, and a lot of money from my wallet. Gulp.

Normally I find interesting things there, but I've never ever gone completely mad in the housewares department as I did yesterday. In hindsight, it was embarrassing- the way I smiled like a Cheshire cat all the way to the check out.

I found the perfect lamp. It has a toile shade, exactly the same as the Waverly fabric that covers my kitchen chairs. I found an incredible basket for on top of the fridge, you know for dumping all of the crap that collects up there. Oh, and the ramekins I found. Perfect little round dishes for, uh, whatever. And unbelievable Easter decorations. Just thinking about it makes me want to run up there again during my lunch. But I must exercise the utmost restrain.

Hey- wait a minute. I have a gift card for Marshalls. Leaving... now... must... go...

Recipe of the Week; CAJUN-STYLE CATFISH

I like to celebrate Fat Tuesday, so I can inevitably wake up the next morning feeling like it's even Fatter Wednesday. Not this year, however, I'm on a lean, low-carb kick. No sugar either, so we'll be without the King Cake or beignets.

From what I understand, catfish is controversial when it comes to dieting (how I hate that word). It's controversial in that it is apparently a fattier fish, but it's still a good source of protein and B12. I was once told that because it's a scavenger-fish (think goat- it eats anything) it can contain excessive toxins. I just hope the fish I'm eating tonight isn't from the BP oil-saturated waters of the Gulf Coast, but chances are it's farm raised. I can do without the petroleum, thank you very much.

At any rate, I'm not frying the fish, so I'm not swaying too far from my weekly regimen. My other choice was some fried catfish muffaletta's, which really looked great but I certainly can do with out the heavy French bread and the fried fish. I am making some red beans and rice to go with the fish, and I promise I'll limit my rice intake and eat lots of beans. So it won't be a Fatter Wednesday for me this year, but a Fartier one instead. I like to toot my own horn. Happy Mardi Gras, ya'll!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
1 large garlic clove, pressed through garlic press
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (2 1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 teaspoon creole seasoning
4 catfish fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In skillet, saute onion, celery, pepper, and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Place the catfish in an 13 x 9 baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray. Top with vegetable mixture; sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flake easily with a fork.

Experiment Recipe #1- HOMINY CROQUETTES

My plan was to begin this project with what [I thought] looked like a pretty simple recipe. My plan marginally backfired. As seemingly basic as it read, this recipe was just that, albeit a little time consuming. It was my own fault for not reading the recipe all the way through. Things like "bake for 1 hour" are pretty important factors to consider if you'd like to have your weeknight meal before 9:00 pm. Oops- my bad. And not knowing what to serve with it, it just so happened we had chicken tacos in mind for dinner this evening anyway, so this was a welcome change from the Spanish rice which I typically have along with my tacos.

That being said, the time and effort was worth it. I know I'll make this again, my husband quite enjoyed it. It makes a lot, and as I was pouring the batter into my casserole dish I thought it would have been best that I halved the recipe! Incidentally, the leftovers are great warmed through the next morning and served with fried eggs.

I guess that's what I like about "experiment" cooking- you learn from your mistakes!

Here are a couple pointers if you decide to make Hominy Croquettes:

This recipe is not for little, individual cakes, as I assumed by the mentioning of "croquettes." (I likened it to salmon croquettes.) The recipe calls for instant grits, which made the recipe a little confusing because I had quick-cooking grits. I can't say specifically that I used the right amount, since the way instant and quick-cooking grits are prepared varies. I do think I prepared to much, so I didn't use all the grits I cooked.

Speaking of GRITS- make them ahead if at all possible. Because you're working with raw eggs in this recipe, combining hot prepared grits and eggs will cause the eggs to be scrambled. I had to let my grits cool for a good 20 minutes or so in the fridge, which again ate into my prep time. Also, I had to carefully temper the eggs as the grits were still warm, which takes a little time and finesse. (Both of which I lack considerably.) SO much easier to do if your grits are prepared sufficiently in advance and already cooled. My egg whites had already been whipped while I waited for the grits to cool, and I think they may have deflated a little in the interim. This led to a "not so puffy" final result, which was disappointing. And, since I have an unhealthy addiction to cheese, I decided to make this recipe using the addition of Cheddar as the post-recipe variation suggests.

Besides accidentally dumping all my melted butter on the counter top and saturating the upper edge of my precious cookbook, the process went relatively smoothly.

I intend on taking pictures of my experiments as well, but we dug into the dish before I could get a shot of it "whole." Here's my result in an individual serving, garnished with cilantro for fun.
1 1/4 cups instant grits
1 1/2 cups water
1 3/4 cups canned hominy, drained (one 14.5 oz. can is just enough; I used white hominy)
3 large eggs, separated
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk ( I used about 1 3/4 cups- 2 was just too much)
Preheat oven to 350.

Cook instant grits in water over medium heat in covered saucepan for about 4 minutes. Chop hominy in food processor. In large bowl, lightly beat egg yolks with a fork. In separate bowl, whip egg whites until they form soft peaks. Mix (cooled) grits, hominy, butter, sugar, salt, and beaten egg eggs yolks together until well blended. Gradually add milk and mix until smooth. Fold in beaten egg whites. Pour into buttered (I just sprayed mine with cooking spray) 2 to 2 1/2-quart casserole dish. Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown. Yield 6 servings.

VARIATIONS:

Add 1 cup of grated Cheddar cheese to mixture before baking.

Add 2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to mixture before adding egg whites. Serve with poached fruit.

The Skinny on Fat Tuesday

It's Mardi Gras, ya'll!

But what exactly is Fat Tuesday? The question was bugging me. I know I'm always whipping up some New Orleans-esque fare on this day, just so's I can feel like I's at Mardi Gras. (that's my poor imitation of Cajun-speak.) Oh, and Mardi Gras is on my bucket list.

So I did a little surfing. Mardi Gras literally means Fat Tuesday in French. It's rooted in the Christian faith, ironically enough. Can't imagine what exposing ones, ahem- boobs- has to do with Christianity, but let's roll with it, or Laissez les bons temps rouler, if you know what I mean. Oh, those Cajuns know how to party!

Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday [40 days before Easter], which is the beginning of Lent in the Catholic faith. What Lent meant to me growing up was "we will be eating fish every Friday until Easter Sunday", thanks to my Mother who was raised in the Catholic faith. The purpose of this relates to fasting for spiritual discipline, not necessary that you MUST eat fish (as I believed until I was much older) but rather you abstain from eating meat on Friday, as was mandated by the 1966 Apostolic Constitution of Pope Paul VI, Paenitemini. Oh, rules, rules, rules. This is one of the many reasons I believe in non-denominational Christianity.

In essence, Lent is the period of the liturgical year [pertaining to public worship] leading up to Easter. Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer, through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

So what does this have to do with Mardi Gras? It essentially boils down to one thing- party hard the day before Ash Wednesday, so that you will have time for reflection, and seek forgiveness for all the sinning you manage to do in for one whole day. Eat, drink and be merry. And flash your boobs if you are so moved.