Chicken Butter Masala

Chicken Butter Masala (Spice)

Servings: makes 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamon (crush before adding)
• 1 thingy of garlic chopped finely
• 1 inch of fresh ginger grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin, toasted and ground (Ryan is a cumin fiend. extra cumin so I added 1 tablespoon whole cumin) - Indian store also called Jeera
• 1 teaspoon coriander, toasted and ground - Indian Store also called Dhania
• 1/2 an onion
• 2 cups tomato (freshly diced)
• 3 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste (Or 1-2 whole dried chilli can be got in any ethnic store)
• 3-4 chicken breast cut into bite sized cubes (I like to use the antibiotic/ hormone free chicken which don't have ridiculously abnormal sized breasts)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek leaves - Indian store also called Methi
• 2 tablespoons cashew or almond butter (optional - I couldn't find this)
• 1/2 -1 cup non-fat plain yogurt (this was instead of heavy cream to make it more healthy)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala - Indian store (or I shall post a different recipe on how to make your own, my mom makes her own, and I borrowed some of hers)
• salt to taste
• butter (optional for garnish)
• cilantro (optional for garnish), chopped

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken cubes in the garam masala, honey, fenugreek, almond butter and yogurt, for an 10 minutes to an hour (if you have time at hand, I just did 10 minutes and it was fine).
2. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, ginger, garlic, cumin and coriander and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
4. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and cayenne, reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Add the chicken, honey, fenugreek, almond butter and yogurt and simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
6. Add salt to taste and remove from heat.
7. Serve over basmati rice garnished with butter and cilantro. Also good with naan, puri, roti etc.

Geek Guy Gets The Sexy Model

There are two hot girls, and one is talking and suddenly you notice oh there's a frog looking guy on the right side of the screen. The hot girl in the pink dress suddenly slowly turns towards the frog, and they move in ever so slowly, purposefully for a kiss. The shot goes in close to show them kiss, intimately. For a seemingly long time, until you feel uncomfortable and squirm in your seat. Something seems wrong. Something is off. They shouldn't be kissing? This isn't porn? What? What is this? <--- click to watch!

Note: I am not a big fan of Go Daddy per se, but their latest ad did cause me to think deeply.

Have you noticed how are mind works sometimes, especially when we think we are the most open minded person, and then WHAM!

A year ago my friend started learning pole dancing, I was kind of surprised, for she and I had taken other dance lessons together. She told me it was an amazing work out, and lost a lot of weight doing so. It was funner than going to a gym and running on a treadmill. I realized more women were learning pole dancing for this very reason. Later she told me she was learning burlesque, and this was something I had no idea about, but I had to take a moment and think about it before I judged a friend I love to dearly.

My thoughts went like this - I love her a lot as my friend. She is doing a dance which I equate with stripping. Is stripping really bad? I should research burlesque. Should I not like her, judge her, or have a lower opinion of her because she chooses to express herself with her body? After all isn't belly dance, and other dances similar? Wow I am not as open minded as I thought I was, so now I am a hypocrite to claiming I am open minded.

I researched burlesque, watched videos online, and even watched Christina Aguilera and Cher's movie "Burlesque" (I don't care what the critics say, but I loved it!). I also talked to her about it, and understood it more. She was brave to go and drop her clothes in front of a crowd. It seriously takes balls! This isn't streaking, this is performing in skimpy clothes. I actually grew to admire her more. One has to be very comfortable with one's body to be able to do that.

I have another friend that enjoys photographing naked ladies for artistic photography. It isn't porn. It's tasteful nudity and appreciation of the human form. Especially with the unhealthy mindset we have in regards to what a woman's body should look like, appreciating the feminine form in all her shapes and sizes is something not many people can do. But she does. First I thought "Omg this is scandalous" Then I told my self to shut up and learn to love myself naked. How many of you honestly love your self naked - yes love handles, bulges et. al. ? How many of us truly think "She may look like an hippopotamus on the outside, but maybe she is a wonderful person on the inside. Let me get to know her." How many of us do that? We usually judge on appearances, careers, hobbies, dress choices before we even let ourselves get to know the stranger.

Many such incidences occur through out our lifetimes. Where we me encounter a cognitive dissonance type situation. It's tough, but we find ways to overcome it. So this years Superbowl featured an advertisement for a Go Daddy dot com featuring a hot model, and a nerd kissing. I think the point was sexy websites/ technology and the mastermind behind it all - a geek, come together to give you amazing web hosting services. Apparently this imagery caused a big hue and cry, disgust, and was termed "inappropriate" (an gun violence on TV is totally appropriate?). Maybe parents were concerned kids would see this "kiss" and suddenly the encyclopedia on SEX, and the Kamasutra would magically get downloaded into their brains through this perversion on TV. Like men jumping on each other, a murderer running amok the teams, and Beyonce dancing in a skimpy outfit is totally appropriate. Then again what do I know, i don't have kids yet. It's funny how we accept certain things, but don't accept others.

Some people claim it was a hot woman kissing an unattractive guy, the imbalance got to them. Maybe we accept people who are equally attractive or equally unattractive to date each other. That is acceptable. However an unattractive person dating an attractive person is not? Who makes these lame societal norms? So a skinny person should not date an obese person? Older woman should not date a younger man? Aren't we above this? Love is love! Let it be! Do we prefer war over love?

Since when did Love seem inappropriate over Violence?
We need to teach our kids to love better than we have learned to love.

Or apparently it feeds a negative stereotype that beautiful women/women are dumb. And most unattractive men are rich? What?! Bill Gates and Melinda Gates should sue these people who think this stereotype is common? Shouldn't they also ban Modern Family then?

Yeah, I was kind of grossed out by the kiss, but at the same time I thought why can't the nerdy guy get the pretty girl. Maybe because it was a raw kiss, no chick flick music in the background. Just a sensual kiss, tongue and all. I do it! So why did it seem wrong? Or is something wrong in my head cause I was all like "yeah go beat up the (-insert team name-)!!!" Really Pree? You condone violent sports that cause serious injuries all for an egg shaped ball, but can't deal with the nerd's dream come true kiss?

I'm thinking that kid was the luckiest nerd kid ever! And may all unattractive guys know they can get a hot chick on their arm. :-P Anyway the advertisement did work for the company!

All I'm trying to say is think, think before you realize some skewed societal norm is leading you to judge another person!

 

 

The Princess and the Frog Prince!

Other Articles:
http://www.underwearexpert.com/2013/02/bar-rafaeli-underwear-godaddy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bar-rafaeli-underwear-godaddy

 http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/02/06/the-woman-behind-godaddys-crass-effective-super-bowl-ads/







Breathe!

ॐ Master Cleanse - Day 10

I did it, to the best of my ability.
I drank lemonade for 10 days, and detoxing with a triple leaf Chinese, detox tea.
I also munched an apple. Due to the onset of feminine problems (yes, the monthly kind) I have had to eat apples, and a little protein and iron so that I just didn't lose it all. It was unforeseen, and shouldn't have started, oh well, it is nature's way of purging.

The ten days have been insightful, intense, and eye opening. Balance, awareness, and mindfulness come into mind when I look back on what I have learned. I meditated on bringing more balance to my life. Also I learned, that hunger like all other problems can be overcome through determination and persistence one can reach their goal.

There are people there who are hungry not by choice, but due to famine, drought, poverty... Every time I had a hunger pang, I thought of them. I had the choice to go eat whenever I wanted, but had I been in their position, I would receive no option, but starvation. So I did not eat. I had headaches a few times, but they became increasingly less, as I DID have the juice. I had dizziness at times, but I focused on breathing to abate it. I was aware of the connection I had through hunger to other hungry people. Today I break that connection. At some points during the fast, the thought of just a crumb would satiate my hunger. I begged for even a crumb of bread, a drop of other liquids, but I held strong to my promise of fasting, and remembered there were those with out that choice. I was aware. I saw and felt, and suffered. I overcame, and worked on.

I had odd cravings, and thought about what it would feel like to put it into my body. Do I want to? I was mindful about whether I wanted that in my body, and questioned it's nourishing potential. I desired nourishing foods such as fresh fruit, vegetable, ethnic dishes made fresh. I made the decision to not ingest artificial, processed, hormone and preservative laden food any more. To focus on in-taking as much as I can natural spices, nuts, live foods such as vegetables, and if and when consuming meat, be conscious of how, where, and when (what they were fed, treated, lived, and always getting it fresh). Being aware and mindful of what I put in my body became so important to me. Also having balanced meals to keep everything within me balanced.

Living a balanced, mindful life is important, for there are so many things going on, and there is an ease in which I for one can slip into extremes - extremes of working, extremes of watching television, extremes of gym-ing , extremes of drinking alcohol, extremes of eating, the list goes on. Everything should be moderated. At times it may be difficult, however we can strive for the balance in every aspect of our lives, by being mindful, and aware.

Fasting/ Master cleanse is not for everyone. There are other ways one can learn to meditate better, live better, or whatever other goal you are trying to achieve. So follow your own path, and remember to do it right, and stick to it. Every one's body is different, (as well as thought processes, emotions etc.), so your experience maybe different. Everybody learns something different from an experience that maybe similar. Be open, accepting, and ready to experience new things (I mean it in all the good things one can do).

Breathe!

Changing Times at Downton Abbey

Warning: May Contain Spoilers - Don't read if you haven't watched Downton Abbey Season 1,2, and 3. Also please note, this is all written from my interpretation, perspective, and observation of the show. This is also a fictional show, however based on actual historical events.

Season 3 of Downton Abbey, so many changes have erupted after World War 1. Especially for women. A few episodes in (3.06 to be exact), we have Ethel working for Mrs.Isobel Crawley. The could be scandal is that Ethel was once a maid at Downton Abbey, but got pregnant by an officer who was healing at the house during WW1. They were in fact fooling around. He denied the child, and died when he returned to his post at war. So, Ethel having no where to go, shunned by the officers family, turned to desperate measures - prostitution. Apparently "Bastard" children were looked down upon in those days. Are they still?

Eventually Ethel makes the difficult decision of giving up her son to the family of the officer. They would promise him a good education etc. Mrs. Crawley takes her in, out of the goodness of her heart, because she believes in reformation, changes, and second chances. Ethel is her cook, and cooks tea or luncheon for the Crawley ladies, to which Lord Grantham utterly objects. He's very stuck in the old ways, however these women support change, and praise Ethel. So good to see support, and women coming together.

In this episode we also find out that Mr. Bates who was in prison for a long time on account of murdering his ex-wife, is set free, due to the charges being dropped. Sure he is happy, and I am happy for him and Anna, (who is his newly wedded wife), however it's hard to see everyone accept and welcome a former convict, but not give Ethel a second chance, yes she sold her body, and slept around, but apparently its worse to be that, than to be suspected of murder due to a known past of having a vile temper (his ex-wife was just as vile too though). Maybe a comparison can not be made, but it almost seemed a double standard.

Lady Edith Crawley, was unsuccessful at her one attempt at marriage, as her would-be husband left her at the alter for he was embarrassed by comments made by certain people at his age (he being much older than her was unaccepted by some, and her happiness did not matter to them). Though her rivalry and politics with Mary may have made her seem despicable at first, she changes her ways, and sibling rivalry is always present among women! ;-)  During the war Edith took up driving, and helping out with a tractor on the farm. After the war she seemed bored, especially with marriage not having worked out, she begins writing, and she just might be one of the feminists to be published! Her family especially her father is against her writing, he's against most modern things. I wish Lady Edith all the best with her endeavors, in fact I support her. Let's see what the rest of the season has in store for her!

In the previous episode Lady Sybil passed away due to preeclampsia, on the eve of her giving birth. A sudden complication, overlooked by the knighted Ob/Gyn, but diagnosed by the family physician. It was frustrating to see a bunch of men stand around and make health decisions for women. Isn't this still the case, politically? So many patriarchal societies still exist? Will women ever be "equal" to men? Which goes back to the sibling rivalry, and the tricks that Mrs. Grantham's maid O'Brien is up to, constantly trying to bring others down. Rivalry between women, in a  world where women still get the worst end of the deal, why must we bring each other down? I think this will continue due to some women's catty nature, however I am glad we can stand up and support each other for the most part.

Lastly at dinner The Crawley's invite The Rev. Mr. Travis over to see if he can convince Tom, to change his mind and have Baby Sybil baptized as Protestant. However many of the ladies stand up to the Rev. and question him intelligently with regards to the correctness of Catholicism, and even other religions. This was empowering to watch due to the new independent thought processes that were awakened. Mary eventually revealed that Sybil had confided in Mary and asked her to see that the baby was baptized as Catholic. The questions still remained, is Protestantism superior to Catholicism?  What about all those truly good Catholics? Is Protestantism superior to other religions? What about all those good people in India and China?

So looking back at that episode, how much have we really changed? Would we shun Ethel today? What if you found out your waitress was a former prostitute? Would you object? You find out your son's best friend in 1st grade is a bastard child of a lady who works a lowly job, would you tell him to befriend someone else? Do you believe your culture/religion/race is superior to others? Why is your life more important than anyone else?

I personally enjoy watching Downton Abbey, and other period films, including reading the British literary classics, for they often depict a great "change" - ie. The Tale of Two Cities, Pride and Prejudice, and many more. It's amazing to go into that different time, and live, travel, adventure with these characters, and come back to the present day, relieved that we have so much freedom. From the stoic and stern times, when women were to be seen not heard, to now where women are applauded for walking down the catwalk in their lingerie (Victoria's Secret pageant thing), Beyonce sing awesome empowering songs (Independent Woman, Single Ladies, etc.) in that oh, la, la, la, leotard at the Superbowl, or that I can write my blog and not be looked down on for being a woman putting herself out there through writing, or even Facebook! Social networking existed then of course, but not like it is today, and perhaps clubs were more prominent with men, women would meet quietly and play bridge or something. People could be private as to just stay in a room forever and never come out (Jane Eyre, the Secret Garden etc.). We can still be private, but if you choose to live loud, then people don't mind. There will be criticism, not everyone is as open, but its more accepted now... and what do you know burlesque is making a come back as an art form! Who wudda though!

Girl Power!


<3 to Downton Abbey!

Breathe!

The Characters of Downton Abbey

The Crawley Sisters

The Staff

Mr. Bates, in prison... Les Miserables

Ginger Pork

Last night I was lonely, and bored, so I cooked Ginger Pork, although I couldn't eat it because I am still on the master cleanse. But it turned out great I shall feast on it tomorrow.

Ingredients:
2 inches fresh ginger (grated)
2 clove garlic (grated)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sake
1 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 pound thinly sliced pork (or beef, etc)
1 green onion (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 tablespoon Cumin (because Ryan loves cumin and can not get enough of it, also optional)
sesame seeds to taste (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sake in a bowl.
2. Marinate the pork in the mixture for 20 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a pan.
4. Put the onions, tomatoes, and Cumin in for about 10 minutes while the pork is still marinating.
5. Add the pork and the marinade and saute until the pork is cooked and the marinade has reduced to a sauce.

Ready! Now pair with rice or naan! :-P