pink rickshaw

art: dfw south asian film festival

"A film is a petrified fountain of thought."-Jean Cocteau

This weekend is the Dallas area's inaugural DFW South Asian Film Festival. The event should be a treat for local film lovers and is a rare opportunity to view new, independent South Asian films right here in Texas. The line-up is a mix of shorts, documentaries and feature films from South Asian filmmakers and filmmakers around the world. Many of the films and documentaries tackle important social issues of the region. I know I am especially looking forward to (and willing to brave the snowy weather for) two notable films that have been making their way through other festivals: the opening film, Brahmin Bulls and the centerpiece film, Sold. Both screenings will be followed with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers. 

homemade ricotta cheese

"The poets have been mysteriously silent on the subject of cheese."-Gilbert K. Chesterton

The idea of making homemade cheese is fairly intimidating. There are animal enzymes involved (rennet is equal parts amazing and gross), patience and more patience. But in the quest to try new things, I purchased this kit and was looking forward to giving it a whirl. Okay, actually I was terrified. So in the spirit of easing into the adventures of cheesemaking, I needed to start with something whey simpler (I allowed myself one cheese making pun. There will be no more, I promise). Inspired by my favorite local Italian restaurant, Carbone's, who serves their delicious housemade ricotta with warm garlic bread as an antipasti, I thought it would be fun to try a homemade version. Traditionally ricotta is made from heating the leftover whey from other cheese making projects but fortunately there are simplified methods to make ricotta like this one. The recipe is easy with no special kit or ingredients required. Commence the cheesemaking.