This sounds delicious... from Dr. Weil.
Ingredients
3⁄4 cup brown rice
1⁄4 cup wild rice
2 teaspoons salt or to taste
1 bunch asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 celery stalks, chopped fine (about 2⁄3 cup)
1⁄2 onion, chopped fine (about 1⁄3 cup)
1 small carrot, chopped fine (about 1⁄3 cup)
1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme
6 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons minced scallions or green onions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon natural soy sauce (such as tamari)
1⁄2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
GARNISH
Parsley sprigs
Instructions
Put the rice with the salt in 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
Trim the tough ends off the asparagus stalks and discard. Steam the asparagus until tender yet crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain it in a colander, then rinse under cold water. Let the asparagus cool for a few minutes. When completely cooled, cut into 1-inch pieces, reserving 1⁄4 cup of tips for garnish.
Coat the bottom of a large pot with the olive oil. Add the celery, onion, carrot, and thyme. Cover and cook over low heat for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Add the vegetable stock and cooked rice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool a bit.
Carefully transfer small batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Return all the blended mixture to a pot. Stir in the asparagus, scallions, parsley, soy sauce, pepper sauce, and ground pepper.
Return to a simmer for 2 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with reserved asparagus tips and parsley sprigs.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Vegetable Nuggets
This was actually the left over veggie burger mixture. I just shaped it into nuggets and fried it.
Garlic Tofu with Broccoli
I think I've posted this recipe already in the past but nonetheless, I had this yesterday for early dinner, 5pm. Ingredients:
about 2 cups pressed tofu cut into cubes
2 cups broccoli florets, nuked for 1 minute
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tbsp vegetable oil (I used ghee yesterday)
2-3 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
1 tsp roasted sesame seeds
Heat the oil in a wok. Pan-fry the tofu until brown then set aside. On the same wok, add a little more oil if necessary to fry the garlic. Once the garlic is brown, return the tofu, add the broccoli and stir fry for about a minute. Remove from heat and add the veggie oyster sauce, mix well. Sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds and serve with steamed rice.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Alia's Guesthouse & Om Cafe
Practice was great this morning. One realization... look forward when jumping through... really forward, not only on that space in between the hands. It keeps the shoulders down and makes the lift higher.
Got this link from the ashtanga yahoogroup. Might check it out when I'm there this July. The guesthouse price is beyond my budget though so staying there is not an option. But for afternoon tea or meals, definitely.
Got this link from the ashtanga yahoogroup. Might check it out when I'm there this July. The guesthouse price is beyond my budget though so staying there is not an option. But for afternoon tea or meals, definitely.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Veggie Burger with Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Veggie Burger
1 large potato, cubed and nuked for 1 minute
1 box ready-to-eat chickpeas about 350g
1 egg
1 veggie stock cube
oil for frying
Using a blender or food processor, mix all the ingredients well and form into patties. Refrigerating this for an hour will also help. Fry as usual.
Mushroom Sauce
5 pieces dried chinese mushroom, soaked in warm water and sliced thinly. Reserved the water as stock
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, fine chopped
1 tbsp grated ginger
2-3 tablespoon tomato catsup
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp red miso
1 tbsp oil
dash of black pepper as needed
Heat the oil in a pan, saute garlic, onion and ginger. Add the sliced mushroom and add about 2-3 tbsp of the stock. Add the rest and mix well. Allow to cook for 3-5 minutes and the sauce will be ready. Scoop it over the burger patties and eat with steamed rice.
1 large potato, cubed and nuked for 1 minute
1 box ready-to-eat chickpeas about 350g
1 egg
1 veggie stock cube
oil for frying
Using a blender or food processor, mix all the ingredients well and form into patties. Refrigerating this for an hour will also help. Fry as usual.
Mushroom Sauce
5 pieces dried chinese mushroom, soaked in warm water and sliced thinly. Reserved the water as stock
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, fine chopped
1 tbsp grated ginger
2-3 tablespoon tomato catsup
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp red miso
1 tbsp oil
dash of black pepper as needed
Heat the oil in a pan, saute garlic, onion and ginger. Add the sliced mushroom and add about 2-3 tbsp of the stock. Add the rest and mix well. Allow to cook for 3-5 minutes and the sauce will be ready. Scoop it over the burger patties and eat with steamed rice.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Berries Good for the Heart
A new study shows that eating moderate amounts of berries every day may lower blood pressure and raise good cholesterol. The problem is, I'm not really a fruit eater... or maybe I'm just not used to Western fruits as I eat bananas almost every day. Aside from the fact that it's easy to eat, it goes really well also with my daily muesli and yoghurt breakfast. I also love mangoes and papayas but they are expensive here in Riyadh.
I bought some kiwis, strawberries, cherries and plums about 2 weeks ago and guess what? Most are just rotting in my fridge. Threw the strawberries already but the rest are still there. They still look edible so I might eat them soon.
Nothing much exciting. Had steamed rice and fried tofu with chili garlic and hoisin sauce. It was nice.
I bought some kiwis, strawberries, cherries and plums about 2 weeks ago and guess what? Most are just rotting in my fridge. Threw the strawberries already but the rest are still there. They still look edible so I might eat them soon.
Nothing much exciting. Had steamed rice and fried tofu with chili garlic and hoisin sauce. It was nice.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Veggie Burger Steak with Mushroom Sauce
Had this for early dinner (5pm) yesterday. Will post recipe later. It's practice time. ;-)
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Heart Rate Behavior during Mysore and Led Ashtanga Practice of a 30-year-old Male
I just want to post this and not really into deep scientific mood at the moment so I'll just point out observations based on the above graph:
- For a 30 year old male, the training range recommendation is at 60%-85% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate, which is 114 to 162 beats per minute.
- Both mysore and led classes raise the heart rate above 120 bpm at certain points in the practice.
- In mysore, average HR above 120bpm started from the standing position until backbends.
- In led, average HR above 120bpm started towards the start of the seated 1 sequence.
Thoughts:
- The practice of ashtanga yoga provides a mild stimulus to the cardiorespiratory system to improve cardiorespiratory health.
- Energy required to perform a motor skill decreases as the performance becomes more efficient.
- Once the fitness and skill level of the practitioner improve, the performance of the same asana sequence might not provide the same stimulus as in the beginning.
- According to Patanjali, asanas should be comfortable and steady. The aim is not to increase heart rate to aerobic levels which increases sympathetic response (???) but to promote relaxation and increase parasympathetic response. (I still need to back these up with literature though. Just thoughts at the present).
- Tiwariji mentioned that the shift from Raja Yoga to Hatha Yoga in India (and probably around the world as well) was brought about by the increasing health problems in the population - diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases. There is still a need to use modern scientific methods to validate the many beneficial but still anecdotal claims of yoga in order to solidify its place in the field of modern medicine. Many will only believe if there are concrete evidences of its numerous therapeutic claims.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Pain, Sorrow and Unhappiness
Heyam Dukham Anagatam
Yoga Sutra II:16
Yet, all is not lost. For, sorrow that has not yet "arrived", not yet reached the field of experience, can be avoided; unhappiness that has not yet befallen may be avoided, by avoiding psychic contact with it.
Yoga Sutra II:16
Yet, all is not lost. For, sorrow that has not yet "arrived", not yet reached the field of experience, can be avoided; unhappiness that has not yet befallen may be avoided, by avoiding psychic contact with it.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Brahma Arpanam
"This chant from the Bhagavad Gita (4:24) that is traditionally chanted before eating as a means of reflecting on the inter-related nature of all things." - Yoga Workshop
Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir
Brahmagnau Brahmana Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam
Brahmakarmasamadhina
Om
Brahman is the Offering, Brahman is the Oblation,
Poured out by Brahman into the fire of Brahman,
Brahman is to be attained by one,
Who contemplates the action of Brahman.
Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir
Brahmagnau Brahmana Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam
Brahmakarmasamadhina
Om
Brahman is the Offering, Brahman is the Oblation,
Poured out by Brahman into the fire of Brahman,
Brahman is to be attained by one,
Who contemplates the action of Brahman.
Taking Part in Earth Hour 2008
I just signed up to the new Earth Hour website for 2008. Earth Hour is on 29 March 2008 at 8pm, and it looks like it's going to be really big. So far, as well as Sydney, there'll also be Adelaide, Atlanta, Bangkok, Brisbane, Canberra, Chicago, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Dublin, Manila, Melbourne, Montreal, Odense, Ottawa, Perth, Phoenix, San Francisco, Suva, Tel Aviv, Toronto and Vancouver all turning off their lights for an hour in the name of fighting global warming. And I'm sure there'll be more cities by March.
Sign up for Earth Hour with me by visiting www.earthhour.org and join the movement.
Sign up for Earth Hour with me by visiting www.earthhour.org and join the movement.
Earth Hour 2008
From yogini friend Elle Tan.
=====================
On March 29, 2008 the Philippines will join countries around the world as we literally "turn the lights out" for Earth Hour – an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove that when the people of the world work together, they can make a difference in the fight against global warming.
Earth Hour will take place throughout the Philippines from 8 to 9 in the evening on Saturday night, 29 March 2008. WWF invites you to participate by shutting off lights for 60 minutes, organizing your own "lights-out" event or by forwarding this mail to your friends, workmates and family.
It started with a question: How can we inspire people to take action on the world’s climate change?
The answer: Ask the people of Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour.
Launched in Australia on the 31st of March 2007, Earth Hour moved 2.2 million
people and 2100 businesses in Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour. This massive collective effort reduced the city's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year. With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning
a symbolic event into a global movement.
YOUR participation will go a long way in spreading the message that we, as individual droplets working collectively – can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers.
For more information, visit: www.earthhour.org and www.wwf.org.ph/main.php
If you want to learn more about how else you can help make Earth Hour in the Philippines a success, or drop us a line at (632) 920-7931, (632) 920-7923, or (632) 920-7926
=====================
On March 29, 2008 the Philippines will join countries around the world as we literally "turn the lights out" for Earth Hour – an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove that when the people of the world work together, they can make a difference in the fight against global warming.
Earth Hour will take place throughout the Philippines from 8 to 9 in the evening on Saturday night, 29 March 2008. WWF invites you to participate by shutting off lights for 60 minutes, organizing your own "lights-out" event or by forwarding this mail to your friends, workmates and family.
It started with a question: How can we inspire people to take action on the world’s climate change?
The answer: Ask the people of Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour.
Launched in Australia on the 31st of March 2007, Earth Hour moved 2.2 million
people and 2100 businesses in Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour. This massive collective effort reduced the city's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year. With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, many major global cities are joining Earth Hour in 2008, turning
a symbolic event into a global movement.
YOUR participation will go a long way in spreading the message that we, as individual droplets working collectively – can create an impetus far more powerful than the mightiest of rivers.
For more information, visit: www.earthhour.org and www.wwf.org.ph/main.php
If you want to learn more about how else you can help make Earth Hour in the Philippines a success, or drop us a line at (632) 920-7931, (632) 920-7923, or (632) 920-7926
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Vegetarian Burrito & Taco Salad Recipe
TACO SALAD:
Romaine lettuce cut into strips
fresh salsa (tomato, onion, green and yellow bellpepper, fresh cilantro/coriander, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoon tomato catsup)
Grated cheddar cheese
Dorito's Nacho flavored tortillas
BURRITO:
Tortillas
*vegetarian chili (chili con veggie)
Romain lettuce cut into strips
fresh salsa
grated cheddar cheese
hot sauce
Arrange, roll, chow!
VEGETARIAN CHILI
1 cup brown lentils soaked overnight
500ml water
1 large carrots, grated
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 large white onion, finely chopped
2 large tomato, chopped
2-3 bay leaves
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
salt to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
Cook the brown lentils in 500ml and add the bay leaves in it. Try to use just enough water to cook the lentils. Adjust water as needed. Set aside. Drain if needed.
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil. Saute the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant. Add the tomato, grated carrots and lentils, mix well. Add the rest of the ingredients, adjusting the spices accordingly to suit your taste. Stir thoroughly. Allow to cook covered for 10-15 minutes on very low heat.
Romaine lettuce cut into strips
fresh salsa (tomato, onion, green and yellow bellpepper, fresh cilantro/coriander, salt and pepper to taste, 2 tablespoon tomato catsup)
Grated cheddar cheese
Dorito's Nacho flavored tortillas
BURRITO:
Tortillas
*vegetarian chili (chili con veggie)
Romain lettuce cut into strips
fresh salsa
grated cheddar cheese
hot sauce
Arrange, roll, chow!
VEGETARIAN CHILI
1 cup brown lentils soaked overnight
500ml water
1 large carrots, grated
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 large white onion, finely chopped
2 large tomato, chopped
2-3 bay leaves
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
salt to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil
Cook the brown lentils in 500ml and add the bay leaves in it. Try to use just enough water to cook the lentils. Adjust water as needed. Set aside. Drain if needed.
In a separate pan, heat the olive oil. Saute the garlic and onion until soft and fragrant. Add the tomato, grated carrots and lentils, mix well. Add the rest of the ingredients, adjusting the spices accordingly to suit your taste. Stir thoroughly. Allow to cook covered for 10-15 minutes on very low heat.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Pasasana in Everyday Life
Can't get those heels down in pasasana? Try hand washing your clothes the old fashion way, hehehe... it will surely help lengthen the soleus and Achilles tendon.I still have to try washing my socks while one arm is around the knees though - should help in binding. ;-)
Cheers.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Potato Soup turned Minestrone
Cheesy potato soup (Hehehe, I think I can hear M saying, "Cheese on soup again??? Yuck!!!") was the planned dinner last night but when I opened the ref, I saw an old carrot and half a box of chickpeas (at first I thought it was sweet corn). So I told myself I'd just make vegetable soup.
After collecting all the vegetables that I need plus one organic vegetable stock from the ref, I proceeded to the kitchen and prepared the ingredients. Boiled about 750ml of water in a small saucepan, added the potatoes chopped into small cubes, then the carrot which was prepared the same way, the chickpeas, and the stock cube.
The soup looked like minestrone so I thought maybe I should add tomato in it. Walked back to my room to get 1 tomato, returned to the kitchen and chopped it into small chunks. Added the tomato into the soup, stirred it, and had a taste. Still lacking something... "hmmmnnnn... what can I add?" Checked the cupboard and saw a small box of tomato paste, cut it open and added about 2 tablespoons into the soup. Had a taste again, and "mmmm... better.. needs some herbs though". Took the dried rosemary and basil out and added about a teaspoon each. Dash of salt.
Time to hit the shower and dinner should be ready in 10 minutes.
Toasted some nice bread which I bought from Carrefour, buttered it and I had my first bowl of the soup. It was good but thought it can be better. After the first bowl, I decided to puree the rest, had the 2nd bowl topped with formaggio cheese and voila... tomato-based soup! Had 3 bowls plus 5 slices of buttered bread in all while watching Wowowee. Dinner was lovely.
"What's with the cheese!?!", M.
Brian left a comment on my post on tempeh and informed me that the B12 found in tempeh is actually just an analog of the vitamin. He also sent me this link.
"Getting B12 shouldn't be difficult for vegetarians, including vegans", the article said. It also mentioned that former meat-eaters already have enough B12 stored in the body to be recycled and re-used for up to 20 or 30 years. Dairy and eggs are good sources of vitamin B12 so the deficiency in this nutrient is not an issue for ovo-lacto-vegetarians.
Thus, the cheese in the soup, M. :-p
After collecting all the vegetables that I need plus one organic vegetable stock from the ref, I proceeded to the kitchen and prepared the ingredients. Boiled about 750ml of water in a small saucepan, added the potatoes chopped into small cubes, then the carrot which was prepared the same way, the chickpeas, and the stock cube.
The soup looked like minestrone so I thought maybe I should add tomato in it. Walked back to my room to get 1 tomato, returned to the kitchen and chopped it into small chunks. Added the tomato into the soup, stirred it, and had a taste. Still lacking something... "hmmmnnnn... what can I add?" Checked the cupboard and saw a small box of tomato paste, cut it open and added about 2 tablespoons into the soup. Had a taste again, and "mmmm... better.. needs some herbs though". Took the dried rosemary and basil out and added about a teaspoon each. Dash of salt.
Time to hit the shower and dinner should be ready in 10 minutes.
Toasted some nice bread which I bought from Carrefour, buttered it and I had my first bowl of the soup. It was good but thought it can be better. After the first bowl, I decided to puree the rest, had the 2nd bowl topped with formaggio cheese and voila... tomato-based soup! Had 3 bowls plus 5 slices of buttered bread in all while watching Wowowee. Dinner was lovely.
"What's with the cheese!?!", M.
Brian left a comment on my post on tempeh and informed me that the B12 found in tempeh is actually just an analog of the vitamin. He also sent me this link.
"Getting B12 shouldn't be difficult for vegetarians, including vegans", the article said. It also mentioned that former meat-eaters already have enough B12 stored in the body to be recycled and re-used for up to 20 or 30 years. Dairy and eggs are good sources of vitamin B12 so the deficiency in this nutrient is not an issue for ovo-lacto-vegetarians.
Thus, the cheese in the soup, M. :-p
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Yoga: Not Just an Exercise
Depression came to visit again. And what more appropriate time to visit than the moon day? The new moon day to be exact. A number of articles has been written on the different energetic experiences that people go through on moon days. Ashtangis, in practicular, are very much aware of this and thus the observance of moon days as asana rest days.
My belief in the subtle energetic field that governs all things in this world is not really that solid until a couple of days ago. I made this pact with another person two years ago and somehow I felt something odd last Friday night. As I wrote in my journal, "A partnership, be it in the form of marriage, friendship or long time commitment, when sanctified with rituals, leads to the creation of a strong but subtle energetic bond between two people... a bond that is felt even with physical absence and great distance." I felt a corruption in that bond and thus the emotional outburst. I didn't know what was happening, I just felt something was wrong.
The experience was confirmed by the same person the next day. Some will say it's only a coincidence... maybe... maybe not... whatever it was, I felt it when it happened.
I feel way better compared two days ago but I just want to know what science has to say regarding yoga and depression.
You can read the full article from Psychology Today here.
Here's a summary of that article:
Regular practice of hatha yoga reduces stress and anxiety. The Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program (SRRP) developed by Dr. Jon Cabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression. This method involves observing one's mental processes.
The practice of pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, has been found to be very effective in treating depression.
Stephen Cope, author of the book Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, explained that the practice of yogasanas, or yogic postures, improves mood by moving energy into the body and directing it to parts where negative emotions are stored. Regular practice can release these blocked energies and create an experience of well-being. Cope also mentioned that yoga students can also benefit from their relationship with their yoga instructors. The instructor can provide a "container" or a safe place for investigating, expressing and resolving emotional issues.
Yoga combined with traditional psychological treatments for depression has also been found to be more effective in preventing relapse.
My belief in the subtle energetic field that governs all things in this world is not really that solid until a couple of days ago. I made this pact with another person two years ago and somehow I felt something odd last Friday night. As I wrote in my journal, "A partnership, be it in the form of marriage, friendship or long time commitment, when sanctified with rituals, leads to the creation of a strong but subtle energetic bond between two people... a bond that is felt even with physical absence and great distance." I felt a corruption in that bond and thus the emotional outburst. I didn't know what was happening, I just felt something was wrong.
The experience was confirmed by the same person the next day. Some will say it's only a coincidence... maybe... maybe not... whatever it was, I felt it when it happened.
I feel way better compared two days ago but I just want to know what science has to say regarding yoga and depression.
You can read the full article from Psychology Today here.
Here's a summary of that article:
Regular practice of hatha yoga reduces stress and anxiety. The Stress Reduction and Relaxation Program (SRRP) developed by Dr. Jon Cabat-Zinn of the University of Massachusetts has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression. This method involves observing one's mental processes.
The practice of pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, has been found to be very effective in treating depression.
Stephen Cope, author of the book Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, explained that the practice of yogasanas, or yogic postures, improves mood by moving energy into the body and directing it to parts where negative emotions are stored. Regular practice can release these blocked energies and create an experience of well-being. Cope also mentioned that yoga students can also benefit from their relationship with their yoga instructors. The instructor can provide a "container" or a safe place for investigating, expressing and resolving emotional issues.
Yoga combined with traditional psychological treatments for depression has also been found to be more effective in preventing relapse.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Subway and Kitkat
Practice was good last night. Thought would only do primary because had to finish by 7pm to prepare for a personal training session with Jehan but one 2nd series asana lead to another and the next thing I know, I'm done with my intermediate routine (first few poses).
Still not back at the cooking routine so it was Subway for lunch and 65g of caramel flavored kitkat bar for snack today. The nutritional content of a 41g caramel flavored kitkat is published here.
Just at the office waiting for 6pm Health Club hours to start. Still feeling the depression brought about by the new moon. But everything's cool. Things will get better soon.
Still not back at the cooking routine so it was Subway for lunch and 65g of caramel flavored kitkat bar for snack today. The nutritional content of a 41g caramel flavored kitkat is published here.
Just at the office waiting for 6pm Health Club hours to start. Still feeling the depression brought about by the new moon. But everything's cool. Things will get better soon.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Bhagavad Gita on Moderate Eating
"It is impossible to practice yoga effectively if you eat or sleep either too much or too little.
But if you are moderate in eating, playing, sleeping, staying awake, and avoiding extremes in everything you do, you will see that these yoga practices eliminate all your pain and suffering" Chapter VI slokas 16-17
But if you are moderate in eating, playing, sleeping, staying awake, and avoiding extremes in everything you do, you will see that these yoga practices eliminate all your pain and suffering" Chapter VI slokas 16-17
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Pad Thai
INGREDIENTS
250g Flat Thai noodles
1-2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup carrots cut into thin strips
1 mushroom stock cube
8-9 tbsp sweet soy sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shelled peanuts
1-2 tbsp vegetable oil.
Cook the noodles according to the instructions found in the package. Set aside.
Mix the soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Set aside
Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the peanuts and stir fry for about a minute (I made a mistake of leaving it for a few minutes so it ended up a little burnt on one side), add the vegetables and stir fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables are soft.
Add the stock cube dissolved in 1-2 tbsp liquid from the noodles. Mix well.
Add the soy sauce-vinegar-sugar mixture and mix well. Remove from heat.
Add the noodles (drained if you used a lot of water in cooking it, just used enough so I didn't drain it last night), and mix everything thoroughly.
Serve and enjoy. You can top it with chopped spring onions, fried onions or fried eggs.
Will upload photo soon. I'm in the office right now and as before, the upload and hyperlink tabs are missing.
250g Flat Thai noodles
1-2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup carrots cut into thin strips
1 mushroom stock cube
8-9 tbsp sweet soy sauce
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shelled peanuts
1-2 tbsp vegetable oil.
Cook the noodles according to the instructions found in the package. Set aside.
Mix the soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Set aside
Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the peanuts and stir fry for about a minute (I made a mistake of leaving it for a few minutes so it ended up a little burnt on one side), add the vegetables and stir fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables are soft.
Add the stock cube dissolved in 1-2 tbsp liquid from the noodles. Mix well.
Add the soy sauce-vinegar-sugar mixture and mix well. Remove from heat.
Add the noodles (drained if you used a lot of water in cooking it, just used enough so I didn't drain it last night), and mix everything thoroughly.
Serve and enjoy. You can top it with chopped spring onions, fried onions or fried eggs.
Will upload photo soon. I'm in the office right now and as before, the upload and hyperlink tabs are missing.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Enigmata Tree House in Camiguin
"We arrived in the treehouse at night, which made it difficult to see the entire structure. Despite that, it was easy to feel charmed by the place. Quaint is not the word to describe it; rather it is artistic and bohemian in look and feel. Ros, the owner, welcomed us and had us remove our shoes before leading us to our room, the Eagle’s Nest, on the third floor. The rooms are built around a big acacia tree and are supported by poles. The staircase is narrow but not even it was missed by details. In between steps are wood planks carved with varying patterns from nature such as leaves and flowers." - Debbie Sion
Debbie is one of my good friend Fritz's high school classmates and is based in Davao City. I haven't met her personally. She wrote a good review of the Enigmata Tree House in Camiguin and it made me want to visit my paternal grandmother's home island this July.
Debbie is one of my good friend Fritz's high school classmates and is based in Davao City. I haven't met her personally. She wrote a good review of the Enigmata Tree House in Camiguin and it made me want to visit my paternal grandmother's home island this July.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
How to Prepare Tadka Dhal
powered by ifood.tv
Discovered another way to learn how to prepare vegetarian dishes... cooking videos! watch other people prepare it...
Here's the link to other great vegetarian cooking videos.
www.ifood.tv
Go Nuts!!!
Not the doughnuts... but nut-nuts... Alrifai Nuts and Kernels is one of my favorite shops here in Riyadh, the macadamia nuts are really good... but it's an indulgence... because it's expensive... and I don't really need it.
Check out their website at www.alrifai.com. The products listed online are not complete. They have really good barbeque flavored nuts here. The website only listed cheese and plain varieties.
Check out their website at www.alrifai.com. The products listed online are not complete. They have really good barbeque flavored nuts here. The website only listed cheese and plain varieties.
Galler Belgian Chocolates and Shamiana Indian Cuisine
Sometimes, it pays to know people, specially fellow Filipinos here in the Kingdom. You'll get to get some freebies or have a taste of world-famous Belgian chocolates for free, hahahaha.
Last night after practice, I tagged along with housemates to go shopping, or using M's term "retail therapy". Wednesday is basically my free day except for some online attendance updating and class upkeeping.
The married housemates usually shop until the malls or the supermarkets close at around 12 midnight so I seldom join them. It felt right to just hang out with them last night so I did.
When we got to Danube Supermarket/Hyatt Mall, Mhar saw an acquaintance at the Galler Shop so we got some free taste of their products. I tell you, it was worth staying up late and not being able to wake up at 4:30am for pranayama. Not really good at using words to describe my experience so I'll you with, "it was heaven and pure indulgence".
Next stop, Auntie Anne's Pretzel. Ruby, Mhar's wife who's about to give birth in less than 2 weeks, was craving for Auntie Anne's pretzels since two nights ago. Realized that maybe if I'm not very active and don't moderate my sugar intake, I might end up having diabetes because of my sweet tooth.
Then, we passed by a watch store and drooled over some really nice Fossil watches. Maybe if I have some cash left at the end of this year, I'll get one. My sight is set on travelling so I need to save up for that.
Last stop was the food court and I saw a new sign, "Shamiana Tandoori and Indian Cuisine". Checked out their menu and decided to get the tikka panner with naan but unfortunately, they didn't have it anymore as it was almost closing time. I opted for the other vegetarian combo which has mixed veggie curry and curried chickpeas. It was good. It also came with rice biryani, naan, papad and dhal. The dhal was great. I wasn't hungry so I just had a taste and took it home. That will be lunch later.
Can't upload photos so here's some of the links:
Shamiana
Galler Belgian Chocolates
Auntie Anne's Pretzels
Traditional Daal Recipe
Last night after practice, I tagged along with housemates to go shopping, or using M's term "retail therapy". Wednesday is basically my free day except for some online attendance updating and class upkeeping.
The married housemates usually shop until the malls or the supermarkets close at around 12 midnight so I seldom join them. It felt right to just hang out with them last night so I did.
When we got to Danube Supermarket/Hyatt Mall, Mhar saw an acquaintance at the Galler Shop so we got some free taste of their products. I tell you, it was worth staying up late and not being able to wake up at 4:30am for pranayama. Not really good at using words to describe my experience so I'll you with, "it was heaven and pure indulgence".
Next stop, Auntie Anne's Pretzel. Ruby, Mhar's wife who's about to give birth in less than 2 weeks, was craving for Auntie Anne's pretzels since two nights ago. Realized that maybe if I'm not very active and don't moderate my sugar intake, I might end up having diabetes because of my sweet tooth.
Then, we passed by a watch store and drooled over some really nice Fossil watches. Maybe if I have some cash left at the end of this year, I'll get one. My sight is set on travelling so I need to save up for that.
Last stop was the food court and I saw a new sign, "Shamiana Tandoori and Indian Cuisine". Checked out their menu and decided to get the tikka panner with naan but unfortunately, they didn't have it anymore as it was almost closing time. I opted for the other vegetarian combo which has mixed veggie curry and curried chickpeas. It was good. It also came with rice biryani, naan, papad and dhal. The dhal was great. I wasn't hungry so I just had a taste and took it home. That will be lunch later.
Can't upload photos so here's some of the links:
Shamiana
Galler Belgian Chocolates
Auntie Anne's Pretzels
Traditional Daal Recipe
Monday, March 3, 2008
Stronger, Faster, Smarter
Exercise does more than build muscles and help prevent heart disease. New science shows that it also boosts brainpower—and may offer hope in the battle against Alzheimer's.
By Mary Carmichael | NEWSWEEK
Mar 26, 2007 Issue
Read the full article here.
My friend Joji blogged about this at Flowyogaqc. I sometimes wish I am as skillful as her when it comes to writing. Guess people always want what they don't have.
By Mary Carmichael | NEWSWEEK
Mar 26, 2007 Issue
Read the full article here.
My friend Joji blogged about this at Flowyogaqc. I sometimes wish I am as skillful as her when it comes to writing. Guess people always want what they don't have.
Spanish Bread
Filipinos love this for an afternoon snack... especially the working class pinoys... costs only 1 peso per piece (1USD = 40php) with a bottle of Coke... your afternoon snack can only cost as little as 10php. Not very healthy though but this is what poor Filipinos have for snacks.
Lighty crumbed pastry filled with sweet butter and cream cheese.
http://www.valeriosbakery.com/breadpastries/spanishbread.html
Lighty crumbed pastry filled with sweet butter and cream cheese.
http://www.valeriosbakery.com/breadpastries/spanishbread.html
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Build a Better Salad
- Add more dark green leaves like spinach, romaine lettuce, arugula or chicory (not actually familiar with this one) to get the most folate and beta-carotene.
- Mix it up with light green leaves such as iceberg to tone down the bitter taste of the dark leaves.
- Add fruits and vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, brocolli, red and yellow peppers (the author of the article doesn't recommend the green one), carrrots, sprouts (cooked to avoid risk of salmonella and E.coli).
- Limit corn, artichoke hearts, beets and sun dried tomatoes.
- Avoid large portions of dried fruits like cranberries or raisins (too much sugar)
- Stick with fresh fruits like berries, pears, or orange slices.
- Add about 3 ounces of protein like tofu, beans, or chickpeas.
- Limit nuts, seeds, olives, or avocados to about 1/4 cup. They are healthy source of monounsaturated fats.
- Limit cheese to about 4 dice worth (I like cheese so I probably won't follow this, hehehe) and choose low-fat. You can also mix half of regular and half of its low-fat version, or stick to lower fat varieties such as goat and mozarella cheeses.
- If you want carbs, crush 3-4 crackers or baked chips into your salad. (or perhaps baked croutons?)
- Limit dressing to 1-2 tablespoons.
Read the full article here.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hardin ng mga Diwata (Garden of the Nymphs)
The acro-yoga-inspired piece that I choreographed for the UP Pep Squad's concert held last Feb 28 at University Theater, University of the Philippines in Diliman. This year's concert was also a part of the year-long centennial celebration of the University and marked Coach Lalaine's 10th year as the head coach of the team.
Photos courtesy of Alric Mondragon, a UP Pep Alumnus.
The inspiration
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)