Fish's new tank project

[untamed]

One just can't give enough praise to anyone willing to paint their plumbing!! I'm a fan. Nice work.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Looks very nice!

The first thing I noticed in your picture was the sticky rice basket and pot above you and to the left. Mmmm.

That's just the foodie in me

[Fish]

Thanks Untamed! It is really the result of being anal about the details and having too much time on my hands.


Chef,
You have a good eye. I am addicted to sticky rice after living in Thailand for two years and spending some time in the Isan. My wife picked up a few recipies and makes a pretty mean Namtok (?? I cant spell Thai names in english).

- Chad

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Ahhh. Laab Namtok? It's my favourite!

I haven't lived in Thailand, but I've been five times (including during the Tsunami....phew). I lived in Malaysia when I was a teenager, though. I miss it something fierce :-)

[Fish]

Haha yup its my favorite too.
I've been meaning to make a trip back there but our kids are still a little young for travelling...

- Chad

[justinl]

gee thanks guys. Now im hungry and have a wicked craving for some sticky rice.

[Fish]

Yesterday I stopped by Gold's and picked up a Stealth heater and a thermometer.






So far I am very impressed with the stealth - it has held the temp rock solid compared to my second hand ebo (which had water drops inside the glass!) - as an added bonus, it matches the red/black color scheme I have going on.
I have one question though. This morning I found that the part of the heater that gets hot was covered with little bubbles, I blew them off but there appears to be a film or scale left on the outside. I could probably scratch it off or use some vinegar to scrub it but I am worried that it will just build up again. Is this a problem? Any thoughts?


One final piece of equipment:





This is my laboratory grade digital metering pump that is going to add topoff water at the exact rate of evaporation.

Cheers,

- Chad

[X-Treme]

Originally Posted by Der_Iron_Chef

Ahhh. Laab Namtok? It's my favourite!

I haven't lived in Thailand, but I've been five times (including during the Tsunami....phew). I lived in Malaysia when I was a teenager, though. I miss it something fierce :-)

Now you two have my interests peaked about this Namtok stuff..... I absolutely ADORE sticky rice.....so WHAT is it?

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Originally Posted by X-Treme

Now you two have my interests peaked about this Namtok stuff..... I absolutely ADORE sticky rice.....so WHAT is it?

If Chad and I are talking about the same dish, it's generally beef or pork marinated and cooked in lime juice, fish sauce, powdered toasted sticky rice, mint, cilantro, green onions, thai chilies and shallots.

If you want an official recipe, I could work one up for you! I generally sort of....just throw a little of this in, a little of that....

[Fish]

Originally Posted by X-Treme

Now you two have my interests peaked about this Namtok stuff..... I absolutely ADORE sticky rice.....so WHAT is it?

Namtok means 'water fall' in Thai which is weird because every other dish is named after exactly what is in it. ??

You take a steak of beef and marinade it for a while in fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai chilis. Then you lightly sear it over a fire, then slice it up into thin strips. Then fry the strips with more fish sauce, lime juice, mint leaves, cilantro, red onions, dried chili flakes, and this powder that you make from toasting uncooked sticky rice until brown then grinding it into powder (adds a nice smokey flavour). I like to eat it with my hands just like they do in the Isan. Roll some sticky rice into a ball and flatten it and little and pinch some of the namtok up with it. Stuff it in your mouth. Dip some sticky rice in the juicy sauce. Repeat.
Dang it X-Treme, now I'm hungry!

- Chad