Vintage treasures

Como adoro chávenas-de-chá e loiças antigas, os meus olhos brilham quando encontro destas belezas clássicas e florais - e imagino sempre um chá com amigas, uma mesa com peças diferentes, misturadas com estilo, no meio dos risos e conversas que temos...

Aqui vos mostro algumas das porcelanas novas que encontrei. Fotos simples, sem grande styling, que ando cansada e triste, a inspiração não me dá para mais...

As I love vintage teacups and china, my eyes shine when I find these classical and floral beauties - and I always imagine having tea with friends, a table with mismatched pieces, laughing and telling stories, as we use to do...

So I'm showing you some of my new vintage teacups. Simple photos, no styling, as I've been tired and a little sad, so I can't find much more inspiration...

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17 Day Diet - Day 17

 

So my first 17 days are up.  I think I did pretty well.  I had a few slight mishaps with peanut butter and pork but all in all, I stuck with it and I did see results.  I lost a little over 10 lbs. and my daughter lost 5 lbs.  Not bad for 17 days. I'm happy.  I won't be blogging about the next 17 days but I do plan to continue.  The goal for the next phase is to introduce more carbs.  But only every other day.  So I'll be adding some corn tortillas, beans and squash very soon.  

My goal with this diet was to relearn to eat. Healthy, that is. I had the hardest time getting focused and I needed a plan.  This plan worked for me but it won't for everybody.  Everybody who wants to get healthier DOES need a plan though.  Any plan, Weight Watchers, Atkins, Southbeach, whatever works.  But get a plan and stick to it.  I'm back journaling my food and that is essential for me. I don't plan to give that up anytime soon. 

I thought I'd share some recipes that I plan to make in the next several weeks as I continue on the 17 Day Diet.  This egg roll stir fry was really good.  Especially with added hot sauce!

This Raspberry Glazed Rosemary Chicken is one of our favorites.

I haven't had this in ages but it sounds really good!  Ginger Peach Glazed Chicken with sugar free jam is tasty without all the sugar.

I've only made this once but I remember.  It sounds great for the 17 Day Diet, I have Bombay Chicken on the menu plan for next week!

If you're looking for more recipes, Veronica from Veronica's Cornucopia has a pinterest board all set up for 17 Day Diet recipes. I've got several of them printed up and planned for future meals.

I found a bunch of good recipes on Skinnytaste.com also. 

There is a whole section on The Doctors with recipes for the first phase of the 17 Day Diet.

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Smokey Balsamic Chicken - 17 Day Diet - Day 16

 I love BBQ sauce.  What I don't like is all the sugar that comes in BBQ sauce.  I know, I could make my own which is much better but I don't always have the time for that.  This is kinda a cheating way to get the BBQ flavor, without actually having the sugary sauce.  

Liquid smoke.

I always underestimate this stuff. I've used it several times and always forget how awesome it flavors foods. This chicken is very simple and doesn't use many ingredients. It is healthy and full of flavor!  This is seriously one of my favorite ways to eat chicken!

 

Day 16 - 17 Day Diet Menu Plan

Green Chile Eggs

Apple

Yogurt

Turkey (4 oz)

Peanut butter (2 tbsp)

Yogurt

Balsamic chicken

Green beans

2 bites of baked beans

I kinda snacked today. Peanut butter has been my downfall lately.  It's like it is my dessert or something. I'm finding myself dipping in there just to get a tiny bit. Today I was hungry so I ate a bit more than just a small fingerful.  It still all worked out well.

Smokey Balsamic Chicken

2 tbsp. butter

2 1/2 tsp. liquid smoke, divided

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup water

2 - 3 cloves garlic

2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts, I used tenders

3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp. brown sugar

salt and pepper

In a large pan, melt butter with 1 1/2 tsp. of the liquid smoke. Toss onions in and saute for a minutes or so. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and brown for about 10 minutes, turning once. Remove to a plate, add garlic and one cup water to the pan, boil for about 1 minute scraping up the browned bits. Return chicken to pan, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 20 - 30 minutes. Move chicken to one side of pan (or briefly remove), stir brown sugar, balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp. liquid smoke. Boil uncovered until slightly thickened. Move the chicken around in the delicious liquid to slightly caramelize on the chicken. Serve with flavored onions over the chicken.

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Haagen-Dazs arrives in Chennai

Häagen-Dazs, a name that brings a twinkle in every eye,

Häagen-Dazs, a brand that people who are into desserts, especially ice creams will know

Häagen-Dazs, need i say more?

Well, today, Chennai has a new entrant in the ice cream arena, that too in prime location- Khader Nawaz Khan road. Yes, you read it right. Even though all this while  Haagen-Dazs ice creams were available across select outlets in the city, a stand alone outlet sure changes things. It shows that the city has welcomed the brand, has shown them they have a place in this beautiful city. :-) 

Häagen-Dazs (pron.: /ˈhɑːɡəndɑːz/) is an ice cream brand, established by Reuben and Rose Mattus in the Bronx, New York, in 1961. Starting with only three flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and coffee, the company opened its first retail store in Brooklyn, New York, on November 15, 1976.  Häagen-Dazs produces ice cream, ice cream bars, ice cream cakes, sorbet and frozen yogurt.

~Source: Wikipedia 

The outlet is situated in the same complex as Cascade & Man mandir store in Khader Nawaz Khan road, and on the ground floor is where Haagen-Dazs is located. The Franchise is owned by Sam Paul, the one who opened Crimson Chakra on KNK road, and who also owns Toni & Guy salons in the city.

 The range of desserts-Top shelf- Brownie, Cookies[they were huge], Blueberry muffin and choco muffin; 2nd shelf-  Cheese cake, Blueberry cheese cake, Apple crumble pie and behind is the Minnesota Mud pie. 

 The waffle cones, they were divine- so crisp and beautiful

 Paradise- a layered heavenly dessert- ice cream scoops tucked between layers of waffles, served alongside fresh strawberry fresh cream and chocolate sauce.

Chef Anthony, addressing the crowd & answering queries

               The set of 3 cup cake ice cream desserts
                                                                                                                          The tub of ice cream we got when we left

The pricing is around,
Single Scoop Ice Cream Rs 180/- 
Double Scoop Ice Cream Rs 300/- 
Large Pint Ice Cream Rs 700/- 
Shakes/Drinks Rs 300/- odd 
Sundaes 3 Scoops+Sauces Rs 420/- 
3 Cup Cake Ice Cream Desserts Rs 550/-
There also offer elaborate desserts, almost like a meal, which cost around 800 bucks. So, take your time, sample the ice creams and then decide what you want :)

They are priced similar to Movenpick situated across the street. Only time will tell which of the two giants survive and which one buckles.  

Location:
 No. 32, Ground Floor, Platinum Towers, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, 
Nungambakkam, 
Chennai - 600034

Disclaimer:
The reviews posted on this blog are based on my personal experience. Also remember that restaurants and eat outs sometimes change with time, so does their food and service. So, kindly consider these factors while visiting the places. Remember, no two palates are the same. Bon Appétit  :-)

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Stir Fry w/ Sesame Sauce - 17 Day Diet - Day 15

 So what do you do when you have a refrigerator full of vegetables and you're doing the 17 Day Diet?  Make stir fry of course.  I think I used every vegetable I had.  I just kept chopping until the pan was full.   I love how pretty and colorful it is!  I totally need to make this more often.

Day 15 - 17 Day Diet Menu Plan

Green Chile Eggs
Banana
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Yogurt
Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wrap
Yogurt

I've been eating a lot of buffalo chicken.  I like to cook a whole bunch of chicken in the crockpot and smother it with Franks buffalo sauce.  Sometimes I'll throw a packet of ranch dressing in there.  Then I shred it, or leave it whole and have buffalo chicken in my refrigerator to eat on salad or on a lettuce wrap.

Stir Fry with Sesame Sauce Recipe

1 1/2 lbs. chicken, cut into bite size chunks

1 1/2 lbs. broccoli
1 cup pea pods, ends trimmed

1 zucchini

1 yellow summer squash

2 carrots
2 celery stalks

1 red pepper

1 large onion
1 can water chestnuts

3 green onions

Sauce:

3/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp. garlic,minced

3 tbsp. seasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup splenda or other sweetener

1 tbsp. sesame oil

2 tbsp. cornstarch

3/4 tsp. red pepper

Hot sauce, optional

Chop all the veggies into bite sized chunks. Brown the chicken in a pan with a bit of cooking spray. Add celery and carrots and cook for 3 - 4 minutes. Add onions and red pepper, cook for about 2 - 3 minutes. Add the rest of the veggies and the sauce and cook until veggies are done and sauce is thickened, about 6 - 8 minutes. 

 

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Chicken Chow Mein - 17 Day Diet - Day 14

 I know I've shared this recipe before not too long ago.  It's perfect for the 17 Day Diet so I am sharing it again. The amount of vegetables in this dish is insane. It is incredibly filling and delicious. It's easy too, I don't measure the celery and onion anymore, I just cut a bunch and toss it in.  It makes a super big crockpot full of food.  Don't worry, it reheats from the refrigerator nicely. 

 

 Day 14 - 17 Day Diet Menu Plan

 

Green Chile Eggs

Broccoli Slaw Teriyaki Wraps

Watermelon

Chicken Chow Mein

Yogurt

I love having leftovers in the refrigerator. It makes meals so much easier.  Plus, putting together the chow mein in the morning and then coming home to an awesome smelling house totally rocks.

Chicken Chow Mein Recipe

1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast
1/2 cup water
3 chicken bouillon cubes
1 1/2 lb. chopped onion (about 2 large)
1 1/2 lbs. chopped celery (about 1 bag)

1/3 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup soy sauce
5 tbsp. molasses
2 cans bean sprouts, drained
2 cans water chestnuts, drained
1 can bamboo shoots, drained
2 red peppers, chopped

Put the chicken, water, bouillon cubes, onions and celery in crock pot. Cook for 7 - 8 hours on low or until chicken is ready to shred. Shred chicken and add back into crock pot.

Add red peppers, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts to slow cooker. Mix soy sauce, molasses and cornstarch in a small bowl and add to the pot. Stir to combine. Cook for about 1 hour on high until slightly thickened.
Total calories = 2242 calories
15 cups = 150 calories per cup


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Pongal... Kanu pidi...

1st comes Bhogi, the day when old and unwanted things are burnt and thrown out to ring in the new. The highlight of the day is Bholi [rice pancake with lentil or coconut filling made with jaggery]

2nd day is the Main Pongal day, the day when people rejoice a good harvest. Us city dwellers wake up , shower, do a pooja thanking the Lord for all that he has blessed us. Special prasadams are 

Sakkarai Pongal made in the traditional paanai with Manjal leaves tied around it [ sweet rice dish cooked in the traditional vessel- either a brass pot or pan with fresh turmeric plant tied around it]

Karumbu [sugar cane]

Fruits

Payasam [ milk based rice pudding of sorts]

Plain Rice with ghee 

3rd day is Kanu pidi and Maatu pongal [for the cows]. 

On pongal day, before we hit the bed, we were told that the next morning we had to wake up early [before 6am if possible]. These days we do Kanu pidi sometime in the morning. Gramma would draw a line using the fresh turmeric on our foreheads and then we would prep the space for the Kanu pidi..  Women of all ages place offerings for the crows while praying for the well being of their family, husbands and brothers incl. 

• In an open space in our backyard, gramma or mom would draw 5 kolams in a line. 
• Atop that we would place two Turmeric plant leaves for each person. 2 beetle nut leaves, 5 pieces of Karumbu, 2 of beetle nut is placed on the left side. 
• 3 bowls - 1 with sakkarai pongal, 1 with curd rice and finallly one with white rice coloured using the fresh turmeric is kept beside the leaves. 
• A small bowl of water is also kept

We make small balls of the different rice and place them in rows on the leaves. And then wash our hands, take some water in our palm, run it around the leaves and drop them on the ground. Say a prayer and complete the process.  

Women say "Kakaipidi vachen Kannupidi vachen, Kakka kuutam kalienchalum, enka koottam kalayama irukkenum" [i hereby make an offering for the crows, for the family, even if the crow family splits, mine should not] before winding up and heading for a shower.. The other key aspect is that one has to make sure none but crows eat these, other animals/birds need to be shooed off [cos we believe crows are our ancestors]... :) 

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