Pumpkin Biryani recipe
This recipe is perfect for using up the insides of pumpkins which have been carved into frightening Halloween creations!
2 large red onions, peeled and sliced finely
50g butter
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
2cm fresh ginger, peeled
1/2 tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp ground cardamom seeds
pinch ground nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bay leaves
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 green chilli, sliced and de-seeded
Juice of 1 lime
500g- 1 kg pumpkin
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
50ml Greek yoghurt
250g basmati rice
1. Preheat the oven to 200 C/ Gas Mark 8. Gently fry the onions on most of the butter until soft. Blitz the garlic and ginger in a food processor with 1 tablespoon of water to make a paste. Add to the onions and fry for 2-3 minutes then stir in the chilli, spices and lime juice.
2. Slice up the pumpkin flesh and butternut squash then roast for 30-35 minutes. Meanwhile, wash the rice and leave to soak for 15 minutes. Drain, then partially cook in boiling water for 4-5 minutes.
3. Mix the pumpkin and butternut squash together with the yoghurt and most of the rice then place in a large ovenproof dish and add the remaining rice.
4. Place in the oven for 1 hour until the rice is soft then stir before serving.
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Wednesday 2 October 2013
Clothes shopping
On Monday, I took a couple of hours off and met my Mum for some clothes shopping. I desperately need some new clothes especially as I have two very exciting projects starting and jeans just won't do! A lovely girly day planned and some retail therapy. Sounds bliss...
I can truly say that clothes shopping has become one of my worst things ever! It was awful, depressing and if it wasn't for my Mum I would have turned round and come home. I have put some weight on and was wondering how this would affect the sizes I buy. Having always been an 8 top and 10 bottom, I prepared myself that this may no longer be the case. Clearly, I am an awkward shape because 10's looked a bit too tight and 12's hung off me. Or, clothes just didn't fit right.
Whilst I found it depressing, I know I am fit and healthy and with a little bit of work, the rest of the weight will come off. It got me thinking about how other people might find clothes shopping especially women who are bigger than me. With the average UK women now a size 16, how do they find clothes to fit? As we were walking round, I started to look more at what other people were wearing and realised there are only a few people who actually wear clothes that fir them really well and suit them. If I found it depressing at a size 10 what must some a size 14 or bigger feel like?
It also seemed that clothes were smaller in shops and cut really badly (unless that's just me). Surely, clothes sizes should be a little more generous given that we're all getting bigger. It's well known that wearing well fitting clothes is more flattering but may be it's just not possible for everyone. Of course, there are also the wonderful changing room mirrors which seem to add a dress size and show every bit of cellulite, fat and any other imperfection.
All in all, a depressing experience. I would love to hear how you find clothes shopping. Are there certain shops you know you can rely on for good clothes or is it a nightmare? I left with a top and a skirt which don't match but at least I have things at home they go with. I also have renewed determination to get back into a size 10 and look good in it through healthy eating and exercise.
Tell me how you find clothes shopping by emailing info@wisechoicenutrition.co.uk or visit the website www.wisechoicenutrition.co.uk
I can truly say that clothes shopping has become one of my worst things ever! It was awful, depressing and if it wasn't for my Mum I would have turned round and come home. I have put some weight on and was wondering how this would affect the sizes I buy. Having always been an 8 top and 10 bottom, I prepared myself that this may no longer be the case. Clearly, I am an awkward shape because 10's looked a bit too tight and 12's hung off me. Or, clothes just didn't fit right.
Whilst I found it depressing, I know I am fit and healthy and with a little bit of work, the rest of the weight will come off. It got me thinking about how other people might find clothes shopping especially women who are bigger than me. With the average UK women now a size 16, how do they find clothes to fit? As we were walking round, I started to look more at what other people were wearing and realised there are only a few people who actually wear clothes that fir them really well and suit them. If I found it depressing at a size 10 what must some a size 14 or bigger feel like?
It also seemed that clothes were smaller in shops and cut really badly (unless that's just me). Surely, clothes sizes should be a little more generous given that we're all getting bigger. It's well known that wearing well fitting clothes is more flattering but may be it's just not possible for everyone. Of course, there are also the wonderful changing room mirrors which seem to add a dress size and show every bit of cellulite, fat and any other imperfection.
All in all, a depressing experience. I would love to hear how you find clothes shopping. Are there certain shops you know you can rely on for good clothes or is it a nightmare? I left with a top and a skirt which don't match but at least I have things at home they go with. I also have renewed determination to get back into a size 10 and look good in it through healthy eating and exercise.
Tell me how you find clothes shopping by emailing info@wisechoicenutrition.co.uk or visit the website www.wisechoicenutrition.co.uk
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