Topic: New Year Resolutions 2014

[JerryM]

i feel this will be the last of these.

2013 has been a good year and now feel i have little to learn. brave statement i know. with curry you will never be satisfied and always something to learn. for me the "little to learn" meaning what i want to learn or essentially have need to.

over the year i've done a desk top study asking "what, when why" to test my understanding. i've also revisited spice frying in hot oil. recipe refinement is now my main focus through curry weeks of cooking the same dish all week.

the bengali bob balti experience was the stand out of the year.

the dishes i make often are at 9 out of 10. the family are also now resistant to meddling further. nothing is jumping out at how to move to a 10.

2014 targets:
1) Brown madras - i'd like to make in roads to this
2) crack a few more mains - dopiaza next on list. roshun and shatkora remain on the radar
3) Mix powder - i'm happy buying it (iffu) but feel it's an area that i need to master

always interested in what others plan to do.

[Garp]

Nice idea Jerry.

I've learned a lot in the time I've been here but still so much to learn.

I've now got a method of cooking tikka-style chicken that is always tender and moist and I'm very happy with my Korma and Punjabi Masala and maybe Butter Chicken. I also now can make cracking parathas and chicken pakora.

Need to get a few more dishes into the 8-9/10 range next year and try a different tikka paste/powder. I feel the Rajah Tandoori powder is too overpowering for many dishes.

I am also going to try a different base - I like mine, it's quite neutral and versatile, but want to try something else out of curiosity.

My main wish, at the moment is to produce quality naan. Fed up with either biscuity texture or pancake/crumpet texture. Got to get a tawa and try Chris's.

Overall, I've enjoyed my time here so far. I may be a pain in the @rse at times, but I'm a good guy really

Merry Christmas to evryone and aw the best for Ne'erday

[JerryM]

Garp,

well pleased you are doing well - it's what's the site for.

i know it's natural to stick to what you know. in case it helps - i use iffu tikka, marinade for 3 days then gas bbq on skewers produces real good stuff - i feel mustard oil is important if you've not already tried.

well worth trying a few different bases - i cycle 3 off down to there different characteristics. i use my take for different to ease of ingredient. i make parker21 for a coconut flavour and iffu (sort of saffron) for nearest BIR. of coarse most of the bases on the site will deliver and even though the base tastes different it's impact on the final taste is limited by the other ingredients particularly mix powder.

h4ppy-chris naan are well worth trying - best i've made ever. a tawa is crucial - been using a heavy cast iron frying pan and it's not fit for purpose.

best wishes