dpk’s weblog

Blackened Chicken Breast Recipe

I didn’t feel like signing up just to rate the recipe (what’s with having to sign up for everything lately, sheesh), so I’ll rate it here: It’s very good. I had to make some changes to the recipe, for various reasons:

1. Changed paprika from 1/2 to 1/4 teaspoon
2. Skipped onion powder — I just don’t have any. :)
3. Used olive oil instead of cooking spray (don’t have any), and just spread the oil and spices on the chicken with my hands
4. Heated the oven to 375F instead of 350F
5. Bake for 14 minutes instead of 5 minutes, checking temperature after 10 — 5 minutes leaves it pretty raw. I think that was a typo, anyways.

I plan to get a small jar and mix up the oil and spices so I can just brush it on, in the future. I figure that’ll keep in the fridge forever, and save me a bunch of hand-washing between steps.

ZAP Issues One Billion Dollar Purchase Order to DaimlerChrysler Group for Smart Cars

ZAP reported that it has received over $1 billion in advance purchase orders for the Smart Car Americanized by ZAP from U.S. auto dealers, and continues to receive more as a result of its marketing efforts.

..however..

ZAP has not agreed to accept all Smart Car purchase orders at this time. ZAP is currently in discussions with a number of potential partners to meet the strong American demand for the Smart Car. [...] Once ZAP finalizes the required strategic partnerships and has approval from all government agencies, it will determine its delivery schedule for Smart cars in the United States.

We’re still a long ways off from seeing lots of these cars on the road.

Unfortunately, the US smart website is poorly designed, requiring Flash, making you click pointless, often “dancing” buttons to get to its very limited content. It does not even list the miles per gallon figures. Given how small and light they are, and that they only have a 60HP engine, the cars themselves should be far more efficient than this travesty of a web page.

It is yet to be seen if Americans, with their unfortunate desire for large, wasteful vehicles, will buy in. With it starting in the same price range as other cheap imports (think Kia, Hyundai), 8,900€ (around $11.2K, and based on pricing in France), it at least has a chance. I’m sure they wouldn’t be happy with that comparison, though. :)