Thursday, January 5, 2012

Movie, Cleaner, Health Report, PC Probs.

Nannie McPhee ReturnsLast night I watched Nannie McPhee Returns – I know I am too old for such movies, but I loved it. Especially the little twist near the end. I like Emma Thompson so much anyway, I think she is a brilliant actress. In this movie I particularly liked the pigs doing synchronised swimming. Maggie Smith was in it too, I always enjoy her performances, she is very good in the TV series I am watching, Downtown Abbey. Funny, once when I was a lot younger, I was told Maggie Smith and I looked alike, I could never see it, nor could anyone else.

My new cleaning lady came again today, she makes me somewhat Mrs. Mop2ashamed, but I have never been very good at housework, my mother always had a cleaning woman and so did I for a lot of my life. These days I can’t manage much at all anyway and nor can Matt. The joys of getting older. I must confess I don’t really want to manage much mind you. She has also started working for a neighbour who tells me she is delighted with her work and has recommended her to a friend, I should ask for a quantity discount!! I guess I have one thing going for me, I may not be much of a housewife but I like and am good at cooking, she (the cleaner) doesn’t.

For those who asked about my health, I am still suffering from bursitis, if that’s what it is, although during the day I appear to be a lot better, although when I lay down in bed Wednesday night I was in agony. I have a CT scan scheduled for the 24th. But when I am likely to see the specialist, heaven knows. I just find it so difficult to believe I am having so much pain and they can do nothing to help. I thought modern medicine was better than that. Matt is supposed to have bursitis in his hip (odd for us both to have it) but luckily his doesn’t usually appear to be as disabling. I had to back out of a bowling tournament for Sunday much to my annoyance.

I’m having an irritating problem with my computers at the moment, I cannot for the life of me, get my Homegroup to work. Its driving me bonkers. I don’t really know why it stopped working in the first place, so I can no longer use my printer with my laptop from another room. As I said, irritating. No doubt it will get sorted eventually. It is such a useful thing to have because apart from printer sharing, I can start a blog on one computer and pick it up on the other if I wish.

I thought this recipe looked delicious when it came through from WebMD yesterday. I do get bored with the same ol’ same ol’ and am always looking for something different.

Brown Rice Pilaf
By The Gluten Free Goddess
WebMD Recipe from Foodily.com

There's no reason for rice to be boring. Spike it with flavor. See my below for ideas on jazzing up this classic pilaf recipe. Hummus makes a tasty condiment, perfect with pilaf (not to mention, it's a brown_rice_pilafcomplementary vegan protein).

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small to medium red or yellow onion, diced fine
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 1/2 cups hot gluten-free broth
2 tablespoons red or white wine (optional)
1/2 to 1 teaspoon spices, as you prefer (curry, cumin, saffron, cinnamon, thyme, mint, parsley)
1/2 cup golden raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots, or cranberries
1/3 cup slivered toasted almonds, walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and saute the onion until softened.
Add the uncooked rice and lightly stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the rice is nicely coated and begins to turn golden brown.
Add your spices and seasonings. Stir to coat.
Slowly pour in the hot vegetable broth and wine (it will steam; be careful); stir and bring to a boil.
Cover and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 45 minutes. Stir in the dried fruit bits and toasted nuts, and mix well. Cover and keep warm for a minute or two before serving.
Notes: To toast nuts for pilaf: Gently heat a dry skillet and lightly toast the nuts, shaking occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes. Remove the nuts and set aside.
Add sliced, stir-fried red and yellow peppers or roasted green chilies for a flavorful combo.
Flavor ideas: Mushrooms and cranberries, apricots and almonds, chopped tart apple and walnuts, roasted green chilies, and pine nuts.
Total Servings: 4
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Calories: 323
Carbohydrates: 55.0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Fat: 10.2g
Saturated Fat: 1.4g
Fiber: 3.4g
Sodium: 39mg
Protein: 6.3g

Have a great day
Jo

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