Seating Arrangements and Chicken Tikka!

Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead is a great summer read.  It takes place on a summery New England island.  It is about a big family wedding where things keep going wrong.  You will find yourself laughing (and wincing), but there is a great deal of heart there as well.

I was lucky to meet the author (on the right) recently, as well as J. Courtney Sullivan (on the left), the author of The Engagements (which I posted about recently).  They were funny, bright, and warm and I can't wait to read their next books!

Chicken Tikka

I got this recipe at an International Fair in Providence a few summers ago, and it is one of my family's favorites. I wish I had written down the restaurants name so I could give credit!

1 tsp. crushed garlic
1 tsp. fresh ginger, chopped
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
3 Tblspn. plain yogurt
1 tsp. salt
2 Tblspn. lemon juice
1 Tblspn. tomato paste
1 package chicken breasts (cut in bite-sized pieces)
1 onion, sliced
1 med. green pepper, sliced
3 Tblspn. oil

Blend together ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin and chili powder in bowl.  Add yogurt, salt, lemon juice, and tomato paste.  Add chicken to spice mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for 3 hours in refrigerator.  Arrange the onion and pepper slices in the bottom of a baking dish.  Drizzle half the oil over the onion and pepper.  Arrange chicken pieces on top of onion and pepper and cook under a pre-heated broiler, turning once and basting with the remaining oil for 25-30 minutes.  Serve on a bed of lettuce or rice.