Breakfast Banana Boat

Hi Folks!

Last night I went and saw 'Water for Elephants.'  I really enjoyed it and was impressed by the unique setting and interesting story.  I went with a friend who read the book and she said they didn't follow the book exactly (as they never do) but she thought it was still great.  I suggest you see it for yourself!

Lately I have been stuck in the past.  The movies, tv shows and books I have been into lately have been in the time frame of the 30's to the 60's.  I feel sort of like I was born in the wrong era.  I long for the simplicity of days gone by, but perhaps it isn't as great as I am making it out to be.  I guess I would miss some modern convienences like my smart phone and food processor :).

These last few morning I have been enjoying a dessert style breakfast.  I am totally hooked on Banana Boat with Almond Caramel.

I decided that when it is sprinkled with coconut, roasted in the oven for two minutes on 350, it was more breakfast like.  I mean it is fruit, with dark chocolate, almonds, almond butter, and a little brown rice syrup.  All healthy ingredients and high in protien.  Not too shabby.  Plus it tastes amazing.  Roasted banana is the ultimate!

Question:  What books, tv shows, or movies have you been into lately?

Curried Vegetables

Hiya!

Happy Saturday!

I feel super productive today.  I woke up early, made breakfast, and then headed out to the yard to do some much needed clean up.  I raked all of the dead leaves off of our front yard.  I ended up filling up FIVE BAGS of dead leaves.  I'm glad I got to it when I did, it rained shortly after I finished.

After I went inside and ate lunch I washed my car, inside and out.  Let me tell ya, shower was much needed after all of that work. 

Now I'm taking a bit of break before doing some cleaning and making dinner.  Tonight I'm going with a few friends to see 'Water for Elephants'.  I nice way to cap off an great Saturday.

As you can see my one of my May goals (do major yard work) is beginning to take shape.  I also started working on one of my other goals (saving some moolah on the grocery bill).

Last week before I headed to the store to do some much-needed grocery shopping I decided to check out my grocery stores 'circular' on-line.  I got some great deals on foods I was going to buy anyway, and ended up saving $19.05!  Why didn't I do this before?


With all the food I bought I decided to make a dish close to my heart.  Curry reminds me of my English Grandparents who make it every Saturday.  Last time I visited I watched my Grandma prepare it and got a few of her pro-tips.

Tip #1 - Cook curry powder.  On low heat cook curry powder mixed with oil for a few minutes.  I guess it 'activates' the flavours.

Tip #2 - Use dried cardamom seeds (about 5 or 6 per batch of curry).  These are a total game changer.  Their flavour in the curry is amazing.  It is awesome when you get one on your fork.

Tip #3 - Use fruit.  The sweetness of the fruit couteracts the strong curry flavour and make the dish savoury-sweet.  I use apples, coconut, and raisins along with tons of vegetables.  My personal ratio is 5 cups of fruit/vegetables to 1T of curry powder.

Tip #4 - Cook curry ahead of time.  This is truly one of those dishes that are better the second day after the flavours have had time to marry together.  My Grandma makes curry in the morning and then re-heats it for dinner.

Tip #5 - Serve with rice and naan bread.  Make sure you add enough broth or water so that the curry stew-like. Delish!

Question: What did you get up to this fine Saturday?