Sunday, June 12, 2011

Saturday, Saaaaturday

That was my attempt at Elton John singing my blog title. :)

Anywho, what a great saturday it was. Gorgeous, sunny. I'm really enjoying biking in this weather :) I started out with a quick 30 minute ride. Decided to ride up to my office to pick up something I left there and made my return journey along the river. The water was sparkling despite being murky blue :)

After my walk, my pups were anxious to get outside too so I had two quick walks as well. Taking the two together is impossible. For me anyway. They are only this big...

...but they are strong little stinkers and when they try to run towards something, it feels like they are about to pull my arms out...so, ya. I will walk them one at a time. Plus I get more activity :)

After I ate and showered, I headed out the buy the BF a birthday present (his birthday is Tuesday~which will remain a secret until then in case he happens to read) and headed down to see my friend Dani (who just found out she is having a baby boy in the near future~congrats!!). She had some clothes she was getting ready to donate and was kind enough to offer first dibs to me :) Got some new-to-me workout gear out of the trip so I was a happy camper! She and her fiance has just purchased a new harley which was shipped since my last visit. I've only been on a motorcycle once and really enjoyed it so I casually mentioned i'd like to ride :) Clay came home from work before I was planning to head home so he agreed to take me out (yippee).

I will now insert some nerdy photos of my very biker friendly outfit (complete with flip flops) and the massive & heavy head gear Dani gave me to wear....




It was so much fun..I can't wait to do it again. I unselfishly offered to be Clay's riding buddy as Dani can't ride due to being prego ;)

I had my heart set on making a curry dish this week but things get in the way so it got pushed off until today. This is in no way an authentic curry but it turned out delicious just the same....

I'll call this one, Cauliflower Curry :)
2 T Canola oil
2 t minced garlic
1 t minced ginger
1/2 t coriander seeds
1 T cumin seeds
1 cinnamon stick
1 t fennel seeds
1 T dried cilantro
2 T turmeric
1 t sea salt (to taste)
2 T curry powder
1 T ground cumin
1 T garam masala
1 can coconut milk
1 can no salt added fire roasted tomatoes
3- 3/1 c Mixed veggies (I used cauliflower (mainly), carrots, green pepper & asparagus)

In a saute pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Once oil is hot add garlic, ginger & spices through fennel seeds. Allow them to "fry" in the oil until fragrant. About a minute or two. Add veggies and toss to coat. Next, add remaining spices, tomatoes & coconut milk. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cook 20-30 until veggies are tender (I like my vegetables "al dente" so I cook on the shorter time frame).

Don't mind the color, it tastes good :)


Garnish with lime wedges & serve with Naan bread or rice. Enjoy.

Question, can anyone recommend a good salt substitute? I don't mean something like Mrs. Dash but an actual salt substitute. I would like to cut back but I really feel it makes food taste better.

4 comments:

  1. I loooooove curries! I'm also impressed that you make up your own recipes. I'm still pretty much a by-the-book girl, especially for ethnic dishes. I love how you aren't afraid of lots of different spices!

    Unfortunately I don't know anything about salt, but I do know that once you eat less, your taste buds change. I really only add salt if I'm cooking for a potluck or party where lots of other people will be trying it.

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  2. mmm that curry looks wonderful! :)

    congrats to your friend Dani! :)

    Re the salt sub I have tried them but eh I didn't really like them. What I like to use is lots of dried herbs like TJ's 21 seasoning blend, garlic powder, and black pepper. Usually that does the trick because when I want something salty something savory will usually suffice! :)

    Hope you have a wonderful week! :)

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  3. @Diana @ VeggieNextDoor It's fun to experiment when cooking! I like not knowing how something will turn out and i'm excited (and relieved) when it turns out delish. It's really easy once you learn the basic spices of a cuisine. From then, it's just a pinch of this or a dash of that ;) Maybe I will try to add less salt to see if that helps! thanks :)

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  4. @Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food Thanks Jenny! I love curries mmm mmm! I will try adding more spices/herbs to offset the salt. Thanks for the suggestion :)

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