Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Vegetable Briyani

This is a Wholefoods Recipe, I found it on their website. ENJOY!


Serves 6 to 8

Top the finished biryani with a fragrant mix of sliced jalapeƱos, tomato wedges and chopped cilantro, if you like.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon canola oil
2 to 3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 large red onion, cut into small wedges
1 (2-inch) piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped roasted cashews, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon curry powder
5 cups (1 1/2-inch) chunks fresh vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots or green beans
2/3 cup water
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup basmati rice, rinsed until water runs clear then drained

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Heat oil in a large ovenproof pot over medium high heat. Add garlic, onion, ginger, half of the cashews, salt and pepper and cook, stirring often and adding a splash of water when the mixture sticks to the pot, until deep golden brown and soft, about 15 minutes. Add yogurt and curry powder and cook until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes more. Stir in vegetables, water, salt and pepper, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender on the outside but not cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove pot from heat and stir in frozen peas.

Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add rice and simmer for 5 minutes; drain well. Arrange rice over vegetables in pot, cover pot with foil then a tight-fitting lid and bake until rice and vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover, carefully transfer contents of pot to a large bowl and toss together gently. Spoon into bowls and serve garnished with remaining cashews.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 7oz/208g-wt.): 240 calories (60 from fat), 7g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 42g total carbohydrate (5g dietary fiber, 6g sugar), 6g protein

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Nail Trend

For Fall the colors of choice are:
Nudes, Gunmetal [TOLD YOU!!!], Reds...

So basically, all the colors I have been telling you about all along. :)

Paper Love

I went to B&N to buy a new weekly planner for 2010. For some reason no stores ever sell these things in December or January, so this year I had to make sure I purchased mine at the height of the season, when the selection was at it's prime... but I digress.

I love Molenskie notebooks, I own a few, so I was very happy to see that they also had weekly planners. Fantastic. Then I walked by another brand of notebooks and planners that were just as chic and simple. ECOSYSTEM. Made from 100% post consumer recycled paper. Made is the USA and 25% less in cost. SOLD! I bought a whole bunch of notepads, including my weekly planner.

Molenskie is made in China and costs more, explain that to me please! ECOSYSTEM! Buy it! Love it!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Face Mask

I learned this one, aw... about 12 years ago. It's for tightening pores. The recipe is:
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon lemon [fresh squeezed]
3 drops of vitamin E oil

Mix together and apply to face, carefully avoiding the eyes. Keep on for 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

Nail Polish Dilema

I love the new color of nail polish that I got from my friend: Pink Promenade Creme by N.Y.C. - the problem with it, is that it stinks! The smell when I apply it is unbearable. My whole house, both floors, smelled like nail polish for the next hour and a half. If i have time, I will look for some "healthy" nail polish. Keep you posted.