Vegetable Animal

Industrial Farming Sucks

2011-11-22T12:21:00.001-06:00

Sometimes celebrity chefs get it right. Here is a quote from Jamie Oliver on the US food industry: "It’s because the food companies of America own you. They’re more powerful than government. They’ve got better lawyers, more money, deeper pockets and really they know that you’re all really busy worrying about a million other things."

Why is the US food industry reprehensible? Because it puts profits before environmental and human health, damaging the latter to a great extent. Here is how:

Agriculture is greatly industrialized in the US, meaning huge swathes of land devoted to one crop (monoculture), meaning crop pests and diseases go buck wild with no competition from polyculture induced diversity of pests, meaning huge amounts of toxic fertilizers and pesticides are required to combat such irksome challenges. Pesticides and fertilizers pollute our waterways and oceans, and our bodies. Industrial, monoculture farming relies heavily on fossil fuels to water, fertilize, harvest, and process crops, and to transport them around the world to your mouth. If you eat industrially farmed produce (or products made with them) you are essentially eating oil. When burned for energy, oil emits greenhouse gases, the main cause of anthropogenic climate change.

What can be done to change this sad state of farming? Eat local, organically farmed produce. This eliminates much of the oil used to transport the food to you, removes the use of toxic pesticide residue that will enter your body and the environment, and supports polyculture farming (reducing risk of super-disease and -pest invasions). If you think organic food costs too much, that's because industrial produce market price is understated, it doesn't take into account the not-so-hidden costs of environmental damage, healthcare costs, and the costs associated with climate change. If it costs more, eat less.

Of course, if you are already undernourished, and you really can't afford to eat less, you will recognize the need to revolutionize our dependence on "cheap" fossil fuels and "cheap" food. The health of the earth and ourselves depend on big, difficult changes. The corporations want to keep you poor, sick, obese, and too busy to stop them from destroying our live-giving planet. Corporations have made it their legal right to put profits before ethics. Join your local Occupy movement and add yours to the chorus of voices demanding an end to corporate greed.

Taller Intensivo del Libro y Papel - Semaine Tres

2011-06-21T08:49:00.001-05:00

My contribution to the collaborative paper and book project Pore Awë is a two-color sheet of handmade, hand-cut paper.

Using the deckle-box method of papermaking I added mud from the TAGA premises to a vat of naturally colored daphne fiber and water. Some bits of stone, leaf, and probably some bug parts and possibly even larvae make their way into the sheet. The mud not only colors the daphne a deeper shade of brown, differentiating it from the other sheets in the book, but it is also conceptually significant to the mythology. In the English translation of Pore Awë, the Yanomami “ate just earth until Pore taught them to eat bananas.”

Next, I pulled a sheet of bright orange daphne fiber, naturally dyed with tumeric (curcumin) and achiote (annatto, onoto). Using two fan-shaped leafs found on the premises of TAGA I created a shaped sheet using the blow-out method. The leafs are lightly pressed onto the wet pulp while it is still on the mould. Next water is sprayed around the leafs removing the pulp around them. The resulting shaped-sheet is couched on top of the mud-colored base sheet, forming one unified sheet of paper. Once pressed and dried, the paper is quartered, abstracting the original leaf form. Radiating from the corner of the sheet the orange shape references both the sun’s rays and a bunch of ripe bananas.

From in between the radiating lines, I cut almond-shaped bits of paper from the base sheet. The shape and orientation of the removed pieces are conceptually significant to the myth. In one respect they symbolize the rain that prompted the lost hunter Hõrõnami to seek shelter immediately before he discovered Pore Awë, the banana, and ultimately the power they both held. In another respect they symbolize the many holes I find in myths in general, and Pore Awë in particular. From my contemporary, Western, perspective, educated to question tradition and authority, raised to seek empirical evidence for given truths, the translated myth is wrought with inconsistencies and wreaks of superficiality, masking the real truth of the banana’s origin. Of course, as with all legends, there are essential truths buried under the layers of mythology, and to me the most intriguing part of these fictions is that they are a starting point for understanding historical realities. Uncovering these truths is beneficial to a greater understanding of humanity’s relationship to its environment.

Once bound, the sheet will cast light and shadows on the sheets before and after it, referencing the positive and negative energies inextricably linked to the transfer of knowledge and power.

Taller Intensivo del Libro y Papel - Semaine Dos

2011-06-02T13:46:00.003-05:00

During the second week of the workshop, artists began producing paper for their contribution to the book. Some artists used plain sheets as a substrate for printing while others integrated conceptual elements into the paper itself.

For my contribution to the book I used the deckle box method of papermaking. The base sheet is made of natural-colored daphne fiber with mud inclusions found onsite. The mud gives the paper a deeper brown color. A second sheet of daphne fiber, dyed with ground tumeric and whole achiote (aka annatto, onoto) seeds, is processed using a blow-out method, in which a object is placed on top of wet pulp to protect it while water is applied around the object in order to remove excess pulp. The result is a shaped sheet which is then couched on top of the base sheet, forming a single sheet of paper with two-colors and an image. (Many thanks to Melissa Potter for documenting my process).

Taller Intensivo del Libro y Papel - Semaine Uno

2011-05-22T19:00:00.010-05:00

I arrived in Caracas, Venezuela on Monday May 17th, 2011 accompanied by Melissa Potter, Haley Nagy, and Sheroanawë Hakihiiwë to participate in Taller Intensivo del Libro y Papel (Intensive Book and Paper Workshop).

For one month we will be working with seven additional artists (Natalya Critchley, Emilio Narciso, Leonardo Nieves, Suwon Lee, Juan José Olavarría, Luis Romero, Agustín Villasana) to interpret a Yanomami creation story, Pore Awë. Utilizing the facilities at El Taller de Artistas Gráficos Asociados (TAGA) the group will collaborate on making paper, printing, and binding an editioned book to support the Yanomami community.

Our first week was dedicated to introducing hand papermaking techniques to the group and beginning the production of paper to be used by each artist for their interpretation of the story.

ANTHROPOCENE: MFA Thesis Exhibition

2011-04-18T09:04:00.002-05:00

ANTHROPOCENE
Opening: Friday, April 29, 5pm to 7pm
Exhibition: April 29 - May 20, 2011
Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts
1104 S. Wabash Ave, 2nd Floor
Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm; Sat, 12pm-5pm

ANTHROPOCENE is an interdisciplinary body of work combining art and science to explore the complicated history and future of anthropogenic effects on the Earth’s systems. This project is partially supported by a grant from the Albert P. Weisman Award, a private trust affiliated with Columbia College Chicago.

More images and information

Interview by Chicago Publishes

2010-12-01T20:52:00.005-06:00

An interview by Chicago Publishes' Julie Hunt on my book "Salty":

“Paper is unique; a lot of people don’t think about how it’s made, because it’s everywhere all the time. Making it just sort of changes your point of view on paper,” says artist Maggie Puckett, third-year student at Columbia College Chicago and December’s featured banner artist. She sat down with us for an interview on her craft, environmentalism, and dangerous paper...Read More

Dangerous Little Books

2010-08-17T08:31:00.004-05:00

Invasive Species
handmade cotton paper with exotic seeds and conquistadors, found sails, and abaca paper
4 x 3.25 x 0.5 inches (closed)

Salty (Lick at your own risk)
handmade salt paper
2.75 x 2.25 x 0.5 inches (closed)

TORMENTS. written at Sea
handmade cotton paper, pigments, found paper, thread
3 x 2 x 0.5 inches (closed)

TOTAL OCEAN RECALL the handmade book

2010-05-11T10:10:00.002-05:00

TOTAL OCEAN RECALL
handmade paper, drum leaf binding
96 pages

See more images of the project

Maggie Puckett, Media Artist of the Future with a Medieval Twist

2010-05-02T11:50:00.008-05:00

Maggie Puckett loves the juxtaposition of the Interdisciplinary Arts Department at Columbia.

“It’s an interesting department,” she says. “It’s like a conjunction of the medieval with the Book and Paper Arts and the future with Media Arts.”

Maggie finds herself more on the medieval spectrum, producing artist books (a work of art realized in the form of books) in the Book and Paper Arts program. After completing her studio arts degree at NYU, Maggie found herself drawn to the involvement of an artist book.

“I like it because it’s more complex than more traditional forms of art, and it takes longer to flesh out,” she says of the process of creating an artist book. “There’s a lot of measuring and cutting; a lot of mathematical aspects combined with the creative. It’s a good balance.”

TOTAL OCEAN RECALL

2010-04-27T13:20:00.006-05:00

"Total Ocean Recall" is a collaborative, community project that took place at Version Fest’s NFO XPO April 24 and 25 in Chicago. Visitors to the experimental art fair were encouraged to help remember, draw and list the ocean's inhabitants including animals, plants, fungi, and micro-organisms. Using pens, markers, and colored pencils, over 100 species were rendered on handmade paper, representing the collective oceanic memory of the art fair's visitors. The paper is currently being bound into a book. Documentation of the process and the final book will be available here. The purpose of this project is not only to encourage participators to seek more knowledge about the world's ocean and its inhabitants, but to make them examine our society's reliance on external sources for access to mass amounts of information.
See more TOTAL OCEAN RECALL

Version 10: April 24/25 NFO XPO

2010-04-13T21:52:00.003-05:00

Come participate in my radical art experiment...

NFO XPO
@ Benton House (3052 S Gratten Ave)
www.bentonhouse.org
Sat. 4/24 12-7:30 + BBQ/After-Party (see below)
Sun. 4/25 12-6
$7 adults/free for youth

The NFO XPO ("info expo") brings art groups and community organizations together to exchange information and ideas, and also provides a public platform for each individual or group to present itself. It's a trade show for experimental art, emerging art spaces, and radical exchange. It's our version of what an art fair should be. This year’s XPO is hosted by Benton House, an amazing neighborhood social service agency.

Participants include: A Literal Letter Service, Criticorps, Agebt Orangerie, Trendbeheer (NL), Agent Orangerie, The bARTer collective( CO), Sticker Award, Memory and Bus Shelter Project, Maggie Puckett's Total Ocean Recall, Greg Gilliam, Midcoast Free School, Roxaboxen, S'mores Grant Project, Vegan Galery, Chicago Underground Library, The Lines of the Rebellion(AG) , MFA AKV/St. Joost, (ƒ)utility Projects + DIYLILCNC.org ) (Taylor Hokanson, Patrick Lichty, Chris Reilly, Ben Stagl), What it Is, Le Dernier Cri, Seripop, Allison Kilberg, Tom Torleumeke, Kristen Reger (Space LIC), Cave (Detroit), The Org Gallery (Detroit), Retablo-A-Go-Go (Sante Fe), Mathias Marx (DE) , Creative Oscillation Channel, threewalls with Curating Yourself, Amy Schleser + Pop Quiz Trigonometry, Jeriah Hildwine, Rukuspace, Next Objectivists, Printervention, Melissa Potter, Ray Emerick, Skype Dance (at the XPO and at Bridgeport Coffee House), Stephanie Burke & others.

Sat. 4/24 8pm: Korean Polish BBQ / After party / Performance
@ Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S Morgan)
$5 or free for NFO XPO visitors

versionfest.org

Spicy African Stew for Spring

2010-04-13T21:36:00.004-05:00

1 large sweet potato, roughly chopped
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic with skin
1/4 head cauliflower, roughly chopped
2 handfuls baby carrots
olive oil
freshly cracked black pepper
1 tbs curry powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp sweet paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 c coconut milk
1 c vegetable broth (add more for a thinner soup)
chili paste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix vegetables with enough oil to cover and evenly coat with spices. Cover with foil and roast for one hour. Let cool. Peel garlic cloves, place all vegetables in a food processor and blend. Transfer to a saucepan, adding coconut milk, broth and chili paste to the desired level of heat. Heat through and serve hot. If desired, decorate with coconut cream and chili paste before serving.

Variations: Try adding cilantro, lime, minced fresh ginger, or green onions before serving. Peanut butter would also be a welcome addition, add with coconut milk.

Upcoming Exhibition: Planet Earth

2010-03-23T09:40:00.003-05:00

Planet Earth
April 9 - May 5, 2010
Opening: Friday, April 9, 6-10pm
PlayfulZen Gallery
2147 S. Lumber, Loft #516
Chicago, IL

My new, earthy works in paper will be on display at this upcoming exhibition in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Opens Friday, April 9, 6-10pm.

Works In Paper

2010-03-20T19:07:00.001-05:00

Harmful Algal Bloom
Hand pigmented cotton paper
33 x 22 inches

Harmful Algal Bloom
Hand pigmented cotton paper
33 x 22 inches

Harmful Algal Bloom
Hand pigmented cotton paper
33 x 22 inches

Works In Paper

2010-03-15T17:39:00.005-05:00

Undersea Volcanic Eruption
Hand pigmented cotton paper
33 x 22 inches

Algae Bloom
Hand pigmented cotton paper
33 x 22 inches

Algae Bloom
Hand pigmented cotton paper
33 x 22 inches

Squall
Handmade paper with white and black linen
33 x 22 inches

Underwater Explorer / Exploiter

2010-02-28T19:17:00.003-06:00

Underwater Explorer
cyanotype on paper
18 x 12 inches, 2009

Underwater Exploiter
cyanotype on paper
18 x 12 inches, 2009

See larger

altered book: aquarium

2010-02-22T20:42:00.004-06:00

aquarium
handbound altered accordion book, 24 pages
oil paint and ink on found paper and cover
4.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches (closed), 2010

See more aquarium

Papermaking Part 2: Deckle box sheet formation

2010-02-10T21:55:00.003-06:00

Large deckle box with black linen pulp draining. Background: Completed sheet patiently waiting to be pressed.

Black and white linen pulps draining in unison to make a stormy ocean effect. Background: Fellow papermakers hard at work. Papermaking is a laborious activity.

Agitation of the pulp is essential for a sheet of even thickness.

Closeup of draining black and white linen pulp.

@The Center for Book & Paper Arts, Chicago

Current Exhibition: Beyond Belief

2010-02-09T17:06:00.003-06:00

Beyond Belief
The Galley
Center for Book & Paper Arts
Exhibition: February - April 2009

Peripherally related to Columbia College's Critical Encounters: Fact & Faith

Upcoming Exhibition: Process Impact

2010-02-02T23:09:00.003-06:00

Two recent prints will be included in the following upcoming exhibition:

Process Impact: National Exhibition of Activist Art
Eagle Art Gallery
Murray State University, Kentucky
Reception: Friday, April 16th, 6-8pm
Exhibition: April 16 — May 2, 2010

Process Impact is a national juried exhibition that will provide young artists who are using art as activism with an opportunity to exhibit their work in a collaborative show. Environmental concern, consumerism, health care, and civil rights are just a few examples of topics open for discussion. This exhibition will create a multi-faceted experience for gallery visitors to view art while learning about important issues and how to get involved.

http://www.processimpact.blogspot.com/

Papermaking Part 1: Cooking & Beating Linen

2010-01-31T20:48:00.004-06:00

Cooking linen rag with soda ash.

Beating linen rag for papermaking.

Center for Book and Paper Arts, Chicago

Swim Fish

2010-01-30T09:51:00.004-06:00

Rain Barrel Exhibition

2010-01-20T11:06:00.005-06:00

Recycle the Raindrops has partnered with The Chicago Center for Green Technology in coordinating an installation of painted rain barrels.

The Chicago Center For Green Technology
January 19 - March 7, 2010
445 N Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL

Ulva lactuca

2010-01-15T08:27:00.005-06:00

Ulva lactuca (detail)
handbound book of cyanotypes, 12 pages
9.25 x 7.5 inches (closed), 2010

Ulva lactuca is a type of green marine algae known as sea lettuce. Cyanotypes were made by exposing photosensitive paper lined with sea lettuce to the sun. The prints were developed in water from the bay in which the sea lettuce grew. See More from Ulva Lactuca

California Art Project 1: Submerged Object (12.28.09)

2009-12-10T19:11:00.012-06:00

On December 28, 2009 three objects were submerged off of a dock in Alamitos Bay, California. A cast of the Manneken Pis (head and body separated) and a clump of local asphalt were lowered into the water to promote the growth of sedentary tidal zone organisms such as barnacles, mussels and seaweeds.

From the bow of a large catamaran positioned directly over a sunken dock, the concrete body was lowered into place. The body will be documented periodically from underwater.

The concrete head was tied to a line held by a cleat on the dock. The line can be pulled up periodically to observe the growth of organisms.

The asphalt was submerged the same way. Here is the clump, held by one of my young, but trusty assistants, Joe.

California Project 2: Rock Painting of Marine Organisms (12.31.09 -)

2009-12-08T14:12:00.010-06:00

Images of tropical marine plants and animals will be painted on the surface of large rock in the Anza-Borrego Desert in Southern California on December 31, 2009. Using natural pigments and tools found on-site the rock painting will reflect the geological history of the region, which used to be part of the ancestral Gulf of California, supporting tropical marine life.

UPDATE 01/10: http://www.maggiepuckett.com/projects/marinedesert.html

California Project 1: Submerged Object (12.19.09 - )

2009-12-08T11:06:00.013-06:00

An object with a surface that facilitates the colonization of algae, barnacles and mussels will be tied to a rope and submerged off of a dock in Alamitos Bay in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach, California on December 19, 2009. The location and project are intersections of human civilization (dock, object) and nature (bay, plant and animal colonizers). The object will be raised and documented again before January 7, 2009. Visitors to the site will be encouraged to raise the object and document it themselves. They may upload their photo to an album (TBA), tracking the ecological changes that occur. The submerged item will not only provide space for the possible colonization of marine animals and plants, but will become an educational tool for visitors to the site.

Cyanotypes

2009-11-18T09:51:00.005-06:00

Chevalier de Beauve (detail)
Cyanotype
18 x 12 inches

Marinacide (detail)
Cyanotype
18 x 12 inches

Letterpress printed poster & upcoming exhibition

2009-10-28T20:34:00.005-05:00

Letterpress printed poster for upcoming group exhibition...

Gallepartmenty^2009
November 21, 5-10pm
The Front @ 1307
1307 Bosworth St
Chicago, IL
thefrontat1307.com

Lithography, Part 2

2009-10-24T16:45:00.002-05:00

Shark
lithograph
15 x 13 inches

Lithography, Part 1

2009-10-23T19:08:00.006-05:00

Original drawing on (left) and developed lithographic plate (right)

Sketch for lithographic plate

Upcoming Exhibition

2009-10-16T20:01:00.002-05:00

At Close Distance: Labyrinth of Self
November 11 - February 13, 2010
Reception: November 12, 5-8pm
C33 Gallery
33. E Congress Ave, Chicago

At Close Distance, an exhibition of Columbia graduate student interdisciplinary work, explores how the concept of home reinforces the sense of self. It is the path of separation, the coming and going that creates and shapes identity and memory. As landscapes change, it is the primary sense of home, the anchor to our origins that inform where we’ve been and where we’re yet to go.

The exhibition is a coordinated effort between curators Laura Elayne Miller of IMAGe Unit and Eliza Fogel of the Graduate Student Advisory Board to represent and draw connections between the multidisciplinary work being produced by Columbia graduate students.

2-Color Offset

2009-10-15T22:10:00.001-05:00

"Marine Biologist" variations and offset plate
Offset printed on a Heidelberg GTO
5.25 x 5.25 inches

Rain Barrel

2009-10-15T21:50:00.001-05:00

Recycle the Raindrops
Hand painted rain barrel on display at GreenTown 2009: Chicago, October 15.

Printing @ Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts

2009-10-11T19:23:00.002-05:00

"Marine Biologist" on drying racks

The History of Underwater Exploration

2009-10-04T15:41:00.001-05:00

digital illustration, 17 x 12 inches

The Vampire Squid from Hell

2009-08-07T15:28:00.001-05:00

The Vampire Squid from Hell, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, is a small, sinister looking cephalopod that lives deep in the sea. Cloaked in black and red, its eyes and skin glow in the dark depths of the ocean, sparking the curiosity of nearby prey. The Vampire Squid is also capable of counterillumination, a strategy used to mask its silhouette from predators swimming below. (Learn more at Wikipedia)

See more images of Vampyroteuthis infernalis

North Pacific Gyre

2009-08-05T20:26:00.001-05:00

Environmental Cleanup Coalition (ECC)
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, also described as the Eastern Garbage Patch or the Pacific Trash Vortex, is a gyre of marine litter in the central North Pacific Ocean, estimated to be twice the size of Texas. The ECC plan calls for modifying a fleet of ships to clear the area of debris and form a restoration and recycling laboratory called Gyre Island. (Wikipedia)

See more images of the North Pacific Gyre

Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey, Rhinopithecus avunculus

2009-08-02T11:46:00.000-05:00

More information about the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey

Layers of the Ocean

2009-07-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

Before venturing into the depths of the sea, it's a good idea to learn the proper names of the ocean's layers.

Summer Fun at Serpent Lake

2009-07-11T18:24:00.000-05:00

Vote for my design on Threadless.com

2009-06-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

Vote for my designs on Threadless.com

2009-06-06T18:13:00.000-05:00

2009-05-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

2009-05-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

Beer Battered Fish Tacos

2009-05-25T11:29:00.001-05:00

A crunchy way to get some fish into your diet. Makes 8 tacos.

2 tilapia fillets, cut into quarters
4 tbsp flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup beer
8-16 corn tortillas (doubling up on tortillas strengthens the taco)
vegetable oil
Toppings: Thinly sliced cabbage or lettuce, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce

Heat 1/2 inch depth of oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix 3 tbsp flour with garlic and onion powders, cayenne and black peppers, and salt. Add beer and mix until a thick batter forms. Sprinkle tilapia with 1 tbsp flour. When the oil is hot enough that a drop of batter immediately begins to sizzle, dip fish in batter and carefully add to the hot oil. Working in batches, cook fish until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Heat tortillas. To make a taco, place one piece of fish on 1-2 tortillas, and dress with favorite toppings, such as cabbage, fresh guacamole, and fresh salsa.

Mini Crustless Spinach and Ham Quiche

2009-05-25T11:03:00.000-05:00

A rich and flavorful brunch for a special occasion.

1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
several handfuls of baby spinach, chopped
5 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
handful of deli-cut ham, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese, can be a combination of any cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one large 6-muffin tin. Saute onion in olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Add spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted. Remove from heat, set aside. Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl, add spinach mixture, and stir to combine. Divide mixture evenly among greased muffin tins. Bake for 25 minutes. Cool for 8 minutes before serving. Delicious with a side of pink grapefruit. Garnish plate with baby spinach leaves for a colorful presentation.

2009-05-24T19:16:00.000-05:00

Malaysian Laksa

2009-05-24T18:55:00.000-05:00

1 package extra-firm tofu
vegetable oil, enough to cover bottom of large pot
8 oz peeled, seeded pumpkin, butternut squash or yam, cut into ½ inch cubes
1 15 oz can coconut milk
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 ½ cups water
Various raw vegetables, chopped: cucumber, cilantro, baby bok choy, bean sprouts, tomato, scallions, mint

SPICE PASTE
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
1 small onion, grated
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp spicy chile paste, more to taste
2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped (optional)
juice of 1 lime

1 To make the spice paste, mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. Puree if desired.
2 Heat oil over medium high heat in a soup pot. Add tofu and fry until golden brown, in batches if necessary. Set aside on paper towels to drain. Drain all but 2 tbsp oil from pot.
3 In the same pot, add spice paste and saute for about 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk, broth, water, and pumpkin. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
4 Add tofu to mixture and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5 Ladle soup into large bowls and garnish with lots and lots of fresh vegetables.

VARIATIONS
• For a heartier meal, add 6 oz thin rice noodles along with the pumpkin.
• Substitute chicken for tofu. Saute chicken and add to soup in step 4.
• Substitute tilapia (or other mild, white fish) for tofu. Poach fillets in the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Barbecue Rub

2009-05-24T18:48:00.000-05:00

2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp salt
2 tbsp white sugar
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Use or keep in a container with a tight fitting lid.

Guava Barbecue Sauce

2009-05-24T18:33:00.000-05:00

Tangy, spicy, and flavorful, this tropically inspired barbecue sauce is an easy way to perk up a summer meal.

2 cups guava puree
1 cup canned tomatoes, crushed or pureed
1/3 cup molasses
1/2 onion, grated
3 tbsp honey mustard
2 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp liquid smoke
4 tsp barbecue rub (see recipe Barbecue Rub)
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer for 1/2 hour to an hour, depending on desired thickness. Great on ribs, pulled pork, pork chops, chicken breasts, and tofu.

2009-05-24T17:27:00.000-05:00