Food (Vegan/ Vegetarian): Indian (Bengali Style) Tofu with Green Beans and Potatoes

Now that I'm into the eighth month of my 2011 resolution to really learn how to cook, I decided it was time to tackle Indian cooking. Plus, I've been wrestling with the idea of becoming a vegetarian/ vegan and Indian food is a great healthy option for vegetarians, but indian cooking can be quite labor intensive, time consuming and complex. I've been fearful of Indian cooking for a long time, if the spices are not mixed properly and added at the right times, the dish can quickly turn into a disaster. Oh, and did I mention, also a fire hazard. Needless to say, up until now I've shied away from it.

Earlier in the year, when I tackled Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon and Coq Au Vin, I learned about the French concept of "mise en place" meaning "everything in its place". This essentially means that when tackling difficult recipes or combining complex food flavorings, it's best to have all the ingredients washed, cut, measured, and separated into piles or cups before even starting. 

After giving it some thought, I realized that this French phrase could help me with Indian cooking. Now, true Indian cooks, like my mother and my grand-mother, do exactly the opposite of "mise en place". Their definition of measuring means a pinch here and a handful there. I new that as a novice to Indian cooking, this "indian style" of measuring would not work for me. So, I bought some small prep bowls and measured out all the spices and washed and cut all the ingredients before hand and found that this concept really works. In Indian cooking, most of the time, the spices have to be added quickly and at the right time, and if you're concerned about measuring and cooking at the same time, then there is much more room for error.

Using this French concept I created a recipe for Bengali Style Tofu with Green Beans and Potatoes. It's a relatively easy recipe and a great option as a side dish with rice and dal or even as a main dish for vegetarians and even vegans. Plus, it's healthy and delicious too!

Bengali Style Tofu with Green Beans and Potatoes

(4 Persons)

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/3 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
• 2 dry red chili pods, broken into bits  (mildly spicy), add more chili pods for additional spice
• 1 package of extra firm tofu, cubed
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed and left whole
• 4 small red potatoes, cubed
• 1/4 cup water
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Directions:

1. Measure out the spices and place them right next to the stove top in separate piles or cups.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the tofu and saute for about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the tofu from the pan and let it rest on a plate lined with a sheet of paper towel.
4. Heat the additional 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the mustard seeds. Keep a pot lid handy, as the seeds may splatter and fly all over. When the splattering subsides, add the turmeric, garlic, and chili pieces and fry until the garlic turns light golden (about 30 seconds).
5. Add the beans and potatoes. Let the vegetables sizzle undisturbed for one minute. Fry the vegetables, by turning them, for about 5 minutes. Add about 1/4 cup of water along with salt and the mustard powder and mix well.
6. Add the tofu back into the skillet and mix well.
7. Reduce the heat to low or medium-low and cook covered, until the vegetables are thoroughly cooked (about 20 minutes).
8. Uncover and continue cooking, turning and tossing the vegetables until they look dry and glazed (3-4 minutes).
9. Enjoy!

Serve with Rice and Dal.

Bengali Style Tofu with Green Beans and Potatoes





Food: Salmon Pasta Salad

I made this recipe for dinner last night and it was easy, healthy and delicious. The best part is that it can be eaten either cold or at room temperature and so it's perfect for a weeknight meal on a hot summer day. It would also be a great option for a picnic lunch.

Salmon Pasta Salad

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces of pasta
• 1 pound of salmon fillets, skinned, pin bones removed
• 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cucumbers, cut into cubes
• 4 green onions, cut diagonally
• 3 tablespoons wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup thin soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon asian chile sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• zest of half an orange
• 1/4 cup minced ginger
• 1/4 cup cilantro 

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain in a colander, rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly. 
2. Broil salmon for 15-20 minutes. Allow the salmon to cool and break into small pieces. 
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, salmon, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions and toss well. 
4. For the dressing, in a small bowl, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, chile sauce, sesame oil, peanut oil, sugar, orange zest, ginger and cilantro and mix well. 
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and toss to evenly combine. 
6. Enjoy!

Salmon Pasta Salad

Food: Margherita with Grilled Chicken Paninis

I love panini sandwiches and I always knew they were easy to make. But, I never tried to make them at home because I thought I needed a panini grill, and another expensive kitchen gadget just wasn't in my budget nor did I have the storage space.

Initially, I tried to use my cast iron griddle to make panini sandwiches by flipping them over and searing both sides, but my paninis always fell apart. Then I saw Mario Batali's Grill Press and it seemed like the solution I was looking for. It was inexpensive, $20 rather than the $200 I'd have to spend for a panini grill, it was small and easy to store, and could be used with the cast iron griddle that I already own.

Mario Batali's Red Grill Press and Cast Iron Griddle

I made Margherita with Grilled Chicken Panini Sandwiches last night and they turned out beautifully. It's super easy, quick, healthy and delicious!

Margherita with Grilled Chicken Paninis

(Makes 2 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices of thick bread
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 chicken breast
• 6 large fresh basil leaves
• 1 large tomato (6 tomato slices)
• olive oil for seasoning

Directions:

1. Preheat the cast iron griddle pan and the grill press over medium heat.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt, pepper and olive oil. 
3. When the griddle is hot, sear both sides of the chicken breast until cooked all the way through (about 5 minutes on each side). 
4. Let the cooked chicken breast rest for about 5 minutes and then cut into diagonal slices. 
5. Place 1 slice of mozzarella cheese atop 1 bread slice, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with 3 basil leaves, and 3 tomato slices. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper and top with 2 slices of chicken breast, and then top with the second bread slice. Brush both sides of the sandwich with olive oil. 
6. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, pressing down with the grill press, about 4 minutes. Transfer the sandwich to a plate and serve. 
7. Enjoy!

Margherita with Grilled Chicken Panini

Fashion: On The Go Manicure/ Pedicure

Have you ever looked down at your hands or feet and realized that you're in desperate need of a manicure/ pedicure but you just don't have the time to sit and literally wait for paint to dry? Well, this happens to me pretty regularly. 

So when I heard of an instant manicure/ pedicure solution I knew I had to try it. Beauty enthusiasts  have been raving about Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. However, I'm not usually a fan of nail art, at the salon it's too expensive and I certainly don't have enough skill to do it myself at home and so I was a little skeptical. 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects in "Frock Star"

When I opened the box and saw nail stickers, I was ready for a refund. But, I tried to keep an open mind and still give them a try... and I'm glad I did. Within 20 minutes I had a new pedicure and never had to leave the couch. 

The nail stickers are quite easy to put on, shape very well to your natural nail and last for about two weeks. The best part... no drying time! Here's a little hint: to make them last longer, put on a clear coat of polish on top.

I wasn't adventurous enough to try nail art on my hands and so I thought I'd try them on my feet first. I tried "Frock Star" and I love it, my feet are ready for a night out. Now, what to do about that manicure?

Pedicure in "Frock Star"

Fashion: Cruelty-Free Drugstore Makeup Brands

I think most women like to browse the makeup aisles at their local drugstore, and I'm definitely no exception. Although most of the times I don't actually need anything, but sometimes a $1.99 lipgloss is exactly the little pick me up that I've been looking for.

Since I like to browse the drugstore beauty aisles so much, I thought I'd do some research and figure out which drugstore makeup brands are free of animal testing.

Through my research I realized that sadly only two of the major cosmetics companies are animal cruelty-free, Revlon and Almay. Revlon and Almay have proven to PETA that they perform no animal testing on either their ingredients or on their finished products.

Sadly, many of the cosmetic companies claim their products to be cruelty-free because they don't perform animal testing on their finished products, however, many of the companies still perform horrific animal testing for their ingredients.

The following drugstore cosmetics companies are certified to be cruelty-free for both their finished products and ingredients according to PETA: Revlon, Almay, Physician's Formula and e.l.f Cosmetics (can be found at Target).

So from now on when I'm browsing the beauty aisles at my local drugstore, I can still get a little pick me up and remain true to my conscience.

Fashion: Espadrille Wedges...the one shoe that every girl needs for the summer

Anyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE designer shoes, they're beautiful and in most cases even quite comfortable. I'm always on the look out for a great pair of shoes and if I had to pick only one pair for the summer, they would have to be espadrille wedges. Wedges are stable, easy to walk in, and give you height without having to walk around on your tip-toes. For vertically challenged girls, like myself, wedges are an absolute must in your closet.

Espadrille wedges are everywhere this season, they come in a variety of colors and heel heights, but my favorite has to be Jimmy Choo's "Polar" Espadrille Wedge Slingbacks. I love that it comes in nude patent leather which blends into your feet and basically makes your legs look about 4 inches longer.

Try on a pair of espadrille wedges and see how you like them, I think you'll love them as much as I do!

Jimmy Choo "Polar" Espadrille Wedge Slingbacks

Fashion, Food and Fitness in San Francisco, California

During a three day weekend it's easy to re-boot your mind and body in sunny California. My husband and I spent a long weekend in San Francisco and we did just that with fashion, food and fitness. 

Fashion-Union Square in downtown San Francisco: San Francisco is one of the trendiest cities in the country, just look around you at all the shoppers and it's easy to tell that you're surrounded by style. 

Union Square

Union Square is mostly known for designer fashion and is home to quite a few flagship stores such as Juicy Couture and Levis. If you're a shoe lover like I am, then don't miss the "10022 Shoe" department at Saks Fifth Avenue...trust me, it's something to see. 

Also don't miss visiting Maiden Lane in Union Square where you can find designer boutique stores such as Seven Jeans, Theory, and Tory Burch. Maiden Lane is closed off for pedestrian traffic only and so you can even get a quick bite to eat right on the street. 

Maiden Lane

Food-Napa Valley: The next day we were off to Napa Valley for some great wine and food. The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena is a must see. If you're visiting during the weekend try to stop in at a cooking demonstration which includes a take-home recipe, a tasting and a glass of wine. Our demonstration was for an artichoke and fennel salad which was delicious! Next, don't miss eating at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. In all seriousness the cod and broccoli dish I had is one of the most delicious meals of my life, I never realized fish and broccoli could be so tasty. Plus, if the weather permits sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view of the Napa Valley hills. 

Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena

I'm sure that the Culinary Institute of America has great desserts too but my heart was set on eating dessert at the famous Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. Because the bakery is so well known expect to stand in line, during the weekends, for at least 30 minutes. But, it was worth it, we ordered cookies, croissants and macaroons and they even packed it up for us for our flight back home. 

Bouchon Bakery in Yountville

We couldn't go all the way to Napa Valley and not take a wine tour and so after the bakery we were off to Domaine Chandon right down the street from Bouchon Bakery for wine tasting. Domaine Chandon is best known for their sparking wines and is a large and well respected winery. In one flight you get four full glasses of wine and even get to take the wine glass home as a souvenier. 

Since Domaine Chandon is a large winery we wanted to also visit a small family owned winery and we were off to Madonna Estate in Napa. The experiences are quite different. The tasting at Domaine Chandon was like visiting a trendy wine bar in the city with large crowds and beautiful surroundings while the tasting experience at Madonna Estate was very personal and the proprietor even gave me a fresh cut rose from his personal flower garden. I bought two bottles of wine to bring back home which  now is easier than ever with Wine Skins which are sealed bubble wraps shaped like wine bottles which protect the wine bottles in your luggage. Our wine bottles were kept perfectly intact in our checked luggage. 

Fitness- Solage Spa in Calistoga: For our last day in California we were off to relax at the Solage Spa in Calistoga. Calistoga is best known for their geo-thermal mineral water which is natural spring water at around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. At Solage Spa we had the Mudslide Experience. They call the system "The Mud," "The Waters" and "The Rest." First you rest in a heated private room with a body mask of a mineral enriched clay and volcanic ash blend mixed with pure essential oils. Next you go rest in a tub of geo-thermal mineral water. Lastly, you finish off taking a power nap in a sound/vibration chair. After the hour long treatment you feel fully relaxed and your skin is soft and moisturized. Afterwards take a swim in their geo-thermal mineral water pool overlooking the Napa Valley hills, it's paradise. 

In three short days, I left San Francisco with some new great clothes, great food and wine, and fully relaxed from a great spa experience.