The Crackling Spices Of Indian Tempering
()Tadka is a method widely used in Indian cuisine, in which whole or ground spices are heated in hot oil or ghee. The process extracts and retains the spices' essence and aroma, delivering a flavorful punch to the final dish.
Monkey See
DVD Picks: 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'()
December 6, 2011 Bob Mondello recommends the original BBC miniseries of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, ahead of the new film.
Best Books Of 2011
From Tiny To Tome, The Best Gift Books Of 2011()
December 6, 2011 There's a difference between great books and great gift books, and these are the books to put bows on. Critic John McAlley presents 20 titles that span Harry Potter, Alexander McQueen, Annie Leibovitz, Mickey Mouse, the periodic table elements and the dictionary — something for everyone on your list.
Performing Arts
'Once' And Again: A Love Story Gets A Second Life()
December 6, 2011 Once, the 2007 film about a street musician and Czech immigrant who pen songs during an unforgettable week in Dublin, is now an off-Broadway musical. John Tiffany, the acclaimed director of Black Watch, collaborates with Irish playwright Enda Walsh to tell the emotionally charged love story.
Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!
Sandwich Monday: The Marmite Sandwich()
December 5, 2011 In honor of BBC America's upcoming Wait, Wait special, we eat the utterly British Marmite Sandwich. Marmite, if you're not familiar, is dark brown yeast extract paste. Or to put it another way, [gagging sound].
Food
Party At Martha's: Stewart's Tips For 'Entertaining'()
December 5, 2011 In 1982 — long before she had her own TV show or magazine or brand — a young caterer named Martha Stewart wrote a book on entertaining in other people's homes. Now, nearly 30 years later, Stewart's 75th book invites readers into her own house.
Monkey See
It Costs Seven Times As Much As Angry Birds, Charlie Brown()
December 5, 2011 A Charlie Brown Christmas is all about the true meaning of Christmas, which is not the acquisition of things. It is also now a new thing.
Author Interviews
'Times' Advice Guru Answers Your Social Q's()
December 5, 2011 New York Times advice columnist Philip Galanes details how to handle breakups, cellphone calls and food allergies — among other topics — in his book Social Q's: How to Survive the Quirks, Quandaries and Quagmires of Today.
Fine Art
At MoMA, A Look At De Kooning's Shifts In Style()
December 5, 2011 New York's Museum of Modern Art is currently hosting the first major Willem de Kooning retrospective. Critic Lloyd Schwartz says the exhibit traces the development of de Kooning's entire career, along with the little detours he took along the way.
Monkey See
Honor Among Thumbs: A 'Dragon Tattoo' Spat And An Imperfect System()
December 5, 2011 A spat between The New Yorker and Sony Pictures over an early review of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo raises some interesting questions about the increasing pressure to do more sooner.
Author Interviews
'Man Seeks God,' Finds Wayne Of Staten Island()
December 5, 2011 In Eric Weiner's newest book, Man Seeks God, the former NPR foreign correspondent heads around the world on a humorous and thoughtful quest for spirituality.
Three Books...
3 Problem-Solving Reads For The Scientific Sleuth()
December 5, 2011 Science has a way of getting inside our heads — especially when it comes to the powers of the mind. Author and neurologist Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa recommends three brilliant brain-teasing books.
Author Interviews
Short And Sweet Status Updates Tell Their Own Story()
December 4, 2011 In 420 Characters, Lou Beach crafts micro-stories, each the length of a previous character limit on Facebook statuses. What began as a writing exercise for the accomplished illustrator will soon be a published book.
Monkey See
Not Just Any Set: Behind The Scenes At 'Funny Or Die'()
December 4, 2011 Neda Ulaby visits the set of a video from the comedy website Funny Or Die, and she examines how funny videos have become a successful business.
Author Interviews
Pauline Kael's Legacy Built By Straying From Herd()
December 4, 2011 Longtime New Yorker film critic Pauline Kael was famous for her scathing, but honest movie reviews. A new biography chronicles her career, her personal life and her impact on movies.
Movie Interviews
'Dangerous Method': Freud, Jung And What Went Wrong()
December 3, 2011 For years, Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud were close friends and collaborators, but they had a falling out that ultimately ended their relationship. Turns out, there was a woman involved. That story is the subject of a new film.
Art & Design
Liz Taylor's Jewel-Dripping Collection On The Block()
December 3, 2011 After a world tour, Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry, clothing and memorabilia is on view in New York City. After 10 days on display, some 2,000 objects from the film star's life will be up for auction, both at Christie's and online.
