A couple of really gray days around here – the temperature is still mild, but it's rainy, dark... Just plain yucky - the kind of day that needs some spicing up!! Now, I must admit I've never delved too deep into Middle Eastern or Indian food – no reason other than the sources I know of are not exactly nearby, and get forgotten when I go exploring? But I use many of the key ingredients in much of my cooking: fresh ginger, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cloves, paprika... so when I came across this recipe for Tandoori Chicken, well, it seemed to be just the thing. I don't know anyone who actually HAS a tandoor (not even my brother, who wants one of everything ), so I was extremely pleased to see that this recipe called for skewering the meat and cooking on the grill. THAT technique I am well acquainted with, thanks to our beloved Spiedies! Cubing the chicken is the most tedious part (well, skewering the slippery things takes a little time, but that's kind of fun)... The marinade whips together in seconds – even if you toast your spices like I did. If you're good with a whisk, don't bother with the food processor or blender – just as easy, and less to clean! Grilling only takes about 10 minutes. I didn't have any cucumbers (other than pickles), so I mixed a few chopped herbs into the yogurt blend (like what is suggested in the next link) for a cooling balance to dip into. Whole wheat tortillas stood in for naan (the “authentic” flatbread suggested) – and dinner was served. Easy AND satisfying! Dinner number two will be a Tandoori Chicken PIZZA! Whole wheat dough, some peppers and onions, fresh moz – don't have the chutney suggested, but I'm thinking maybe some of that guava jelly that's been on the shelf (a whimsical purchase along the way)... Leftover herbed yogurt drizzled over the baked creation... Yes, you still have to turn on your oven for meal #2, but stretching dough and adorning it is not exactly a strenuous activity, and takes no time at all. Cross-cultural for sure, but fun, flavorful, and delightful. What more could you ask from a meal? Make that TWO meals More on that later. Enjoy!