We Put on a Good Front

My adult daughter paid me a huge compliment the day she described me to someone. She said, "My Mom is the strongest person I know."

It's great to be kind and helpful, to be there in a pinch, to be the 'go-to' person when others need you. We put on a strong front, we are capable, we are willing.

But sometimes we need help: we need to cry, we need to vent, and yes, we need to be bitchy. We, in other words, are human.

So choose wisely in your circle. Have at least two people who you could go to if and when you need a friend. Do it now, before the need strikes. Find the people who are as happy to help you as you are to help them.

It just makes sense.

It's Time to Spice Up My Life!

I have certain recipes that are my "go-to's". They are tasty, safe, healthy... and sometimes boring! So this morning, I put on my workout gear with the intention of cleaning the house! (Yes, it's easier to clean in running shoes!)  As I moved a stack of old magazines, I stopped to flip through it to see if it was savable, (it was, after all, dated 1994) and there I discovered three recipes that I intend to try this weekend for my husband, Patrick, and I. (I am a vegetarian, Patrick is a carnivore.)

I have always loved Indian food, but have very seldom attempted it at home. So this old edition of Fast and Healthy Magazine (no longer published, sadly) really tipped me toward a nice challenge. This, coupled with the time to dedicate to a shopping trip, is forming the perfect storm for cooking this delectable food!

So I am presenting the recipes here: two are for the main dish and one is the secret of the spice. I hope you, too, will feel adventuresome in the near future, and you will Spice Up YOUR Life!

P.S. I made these for dinner tonight. My only regret is that I did not double the recipe so that I could have leftovers tomorrow!
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Potatoes, Peas and Carrots Dinner
Serving size: 1 ¼ cup   5 PP
Serves 2

1 Tbsp oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp finely chopped fresh gingerroot
1 cup cubed (1”) unpeeled potatoes
1 cup frozen sweet peas
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup water
1 tsp turmeric
½ tsp salt
1 tsp Garam Masala Seasoning*
Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic; cook and stir until golden brown. Add ginger; cook and stir an additional one minute. Add potatoes, peas, carrots, water, turmeric, and salt; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in Garam Masala Seasoning. Makes 2 (1 ¼ cup) servings.
1 ¼ cups = 210 calories, 7 g protein, 31 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 8 g fat, 0 mg chol, 640 mg sodium.


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Garam Masala Seasoning

Can be purchased in the supermarket or you can make it yourself as follows:
1 ½ tsps ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp pepper
½ tsp cardamom
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Indian Chicken Curry
Serves 2   8 PP

2 tsp oil
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 medium tomato, chopped
¼ cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 ½ tsp curry powder
1 ½ tsp coriander
¼ tsp salt
1 whole skinless chicken breast (about ½ pound) cut into 1” pieces
2 – 4 TBSP water, if desired
2 cups hot cooked rice (cooked without margarine or salt)


Heat oil in medium saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until golden brown and onion is tender. Add tomato. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 5 to 7 minutes or until tomato is soft, stirring occasionally.
Stir in yogurt, curry powder, coriander and salt. Mix well. Add chicken; stir to coat. Cover; cook 5 to 10 minutes until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Stir in enough water for desired consistently. Serve over rice.
Per serving: 440 calories, 34 g protein, 3 g fiber, 4 g fat, 360 g sodium, 55 g carbs