Friday, December 4, 2015

Tight Clothes, Christmas Eve Bowling. Tanzanite.

I have been thinking a lot lately about women who are obese or simply overweight and insist on wearing clothes which are tight or too small. I don't understand it. Don't they ever look in the mirror? Don't they have any one at home who would tell them? It seems to apply to all ages too, not just the older ones. Do they young ones think they look sexy in tight clothes even though they have rolls of fat and jutting out rear ends? I would like to gather them all together and give them a lecture. I have had weight problems all my life and I have never, and would never, wear tight clothes. There was one time when I could have done so I guess and at that time mini dresses were all the rage. I did wear those. But I was NOT overweight. I just Googled for pictures and saw some really gross ones. I suppose this is not exclusive to women, men do the same, but I see more women on a regular basis at both bowling and exercise classes I suppose and it just horrifies me. I was also just reminded about swimwear. Particularly when we went to the Dominican and saw gigantic women in bikinis or men in tiny little swim suits which you could hardly see because of the rolls of fat. Then again, why do people let themselves get that fat in the first place. Many will try and convince you it's glandular. In fact I am told that it is a very rare disorder to have. Maybe I'm lucky that the only thing I pig out on, these days, is asparagus and then only in the spring. Not that I couldn't pig out regularly on various foods but I am not tempted to do so any more (I don't think I ever was actually). It is actually not that difficult to lose weight, the difficulty comes in keeping it off and, believe you me, it is very difficult.

Thursday bowling I did well as usual, so did Matt although he did very well on Monday too this week. I talked to some friends who bowl on Thursday's too and we have decided to have a little party together on Christmas Eve. This means that I too will have to provide some treats and I don't make cookies. I guess I will be buying. I have never made cookies in my life, as far as I remember. Too easy to pick up and stuff in one's mouth maybe. I sure am not going to start now. One woman said veggies and dip. Maybe I could do a fruit platter. Hmmm.

I have just discovered, well I had heard of it before, the gem Tanzanite. Didn't know much about it, but lately I have had a few ads come through by email. This was a picture in today's. I want, I want. I won't get though, too expensive. Isn't it beautiful?






This is what I am planning for supper.




Braised Paprika Chicken

WebMD Recipe from EatingWell.com



Braised Paprika Chicken



Sweet Hungarian paprika gives this creamy braised chicken the best flavor. This is a good “pantry dish” since you should have the basics on hand and only need to purchase the chicken. You may vary the recipe by using cubed veal shoulder instead of chicken and mushrooms instead of peppers. Serve with whole-wheat orzo flavored with minced parsley or dill.

Ingredients

  • 3-3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces, (thighs, drumsticks and/or breasts), skin removed, trimmed
  • 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cups finely diced onions
  • 1 pinch sugar
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley, dill and/or chives

Instructions

Step 1
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
Step 2
Heat oil and butter in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are very soft and light brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in bell peppers, tomato paste, paprika and crushed red pepper. Add the chicken and stir it gently into the onion mixture. Sprinkle with marjoram and add broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is very tender, about 50 minutes.
Step 4
Just before the chicken is done, whisk sour cream, flour and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 5
When the chicken is done, remove it to a plate. Stir the sour cream mixture into the sauce; return to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce coats the spoon. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken to the sauce and reheat, about 1 minute. Serve garnished with parsley, dill and/or chives, if desired.

Have a great day
 

27 comments:

  1. Hi Jo - obesity or just plain fat and eating indiscriminately is rife now-a-days for many without an understanding of food. The Tanzanite is such a blue ... the party idea sounds a good lead in to Christmas ... it'll be interesting to see what you do... cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The British were, apparently, healthiest during the war years when we didn't have access to the foods we have today. It is a gorgeous blue isn't it? We should have fun.

      Delete
  2. Jo, you said what I could never say online about obesity. Too many folks I know would be very offended. I've been told that we need to accept folks as they are. Well, if so, at least they could cover up the flab.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Having struggled with weight all my life, I don't have sympathy for those who don't do anything about it I'm afraid and I just don't understand people who let themselves get so big. I agree about covering up the flab.

      Delete
  3. Tanzanite is one of my fave stones. I love purple anyway!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wasn't familiar with the stone before now JoJo.

      Delete
  4. What also gets me is older women who wear short shorts. Even if they have the legs for them, I think after a certain age enough is enough is enough. I vowed a few years back to go with just capris, not shorts above the knee (not that I wore short ones to begin with). I think the world has thanked me for that decision.

    betty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, I am guilty Betty, I wear shorts, not short shorts mind you, and my legs are terrible. But, I hate Capri's, I think they are a very unflattering garment. Mind you, at my age, I don't care about flattering any more and wear shorts to be cool. I am sure a lot of people are horrified at my legs but.....

      Delete
  5. I've been heavy for most of my life, but I've never walked around in tight clothes. I especially don't understand why women wear tight wedding dresses. No one sees the tag with the size number on it, but everyone can see if you're bursting out of your dress!

    I love Tanzanite, especially all of the different shades of blue it comes in. I have a small Tanzanite ring my parents gave me when I graduated, and I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Precisely Danielle. I am in the same boat but do NOT wear tight clothes. I don't remember seeing a bride in too tight a dress, but I imagine it would look terrible.

    Lucky you, Tanzanite isn't cheap. I have been looking at prices lately. Not much chance I'm afraid.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I watched an old home movie from the sixties. It was of a dog show my parents took us to and the one thing that struck me was how thin everyone was. Even the old man I'd remembered as being fat when I was a kid, really wasn't that fat at all. We had no fast food restaurants in our town back in the sixties. the only junk food was fish and chips. Burgers were real not made out of synthetic plastic stuff. I never wear tight clothes because it makes me feel fatter!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's true Pinky. I have pictures of myself when I thought I was fat, and pictures of when I really was fat. Even then I wasn't as fat as many people are today.

      As for you and tight clothes, like you have to worry. If I was a slim as you are I wouldn't have a worry in the world.

      Delete
  8. I don't have an answer but it is a shocking sight. My husband can tell you stories that would curl your hair of all he sees daily - the lack of clothes on mature women. I love that ring, beautiful. I think a fruit plate would be lovely and very welcome!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly can be Yolanda. Men's butt cracks are bad enough, but women's really tee me off.

      I love that ring too. If only. OK maybe a fruit plate will be my choice.

      Delete
  9. That chicken looks good. I'm with you on the clothing thing. I can't imagine the mind set because it's not only unattractive but it looks uncomfortable. I've baked thousands of cookies over the years though now that my children are grown, I only make them at Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We just ate the chicken, couple of slight alterations, and it was delicious Susan. You are right it must be uncomfortable.

      Nary a cookie here I'm sad to say.

      Delete
  10. Hi Jo,

    Just before I switch off my computer at gone two in the morning, I thought I'd leave a comment on your blog. So here goes.

    Perhaps those obese ladies in the clothes too tight just don't care.

    I miss bowling. Next time I'm in Vancouver and Kelowna, I shall have to head to a five pin bowling alley.

    Chicken recipe is nice.

    Enjoy your weekend, Jo.

    Gary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It being about 4 a.m. now Gary, I assume you are well and truly asleep. You are right, they probably don't care.

      I would really miss bowling if I came back to the UK. Is there a 10 pin alley anywhere near you? Better than nothing.

      Chicken recipe was delicious.

      Delete
  11. I have been so busy this week so I am sorry for not visiting like I have been-this time of year is just crazy. I agree with you about the fat women...and men. I call them Whales in spandex and I just don;t get how they think they look great. I saw one this past summer wear a little top and her stomach was like a beer belly hanging over plus she was wearing short shorts which were gathering in the middle of her butt-I just about veered into a car because I was looking at the monstrosity called Ick the woman. I often find that the men in the little red speedos at beaches with their big bellies hanging over to be German. I just don;t get it. On a nicer note, glad you are enjoying your bowling:) This chicken recipe sounds yummy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know what you mean about being busy Birgit. You are so right in your comments. I personally know it is difficult to stay at a reasonable weight, but really? Bowling is always fun and the chicken recipe was delicious.

      Delete
  12. I do enjoy sweet paprika as well as hot and mild, but being Hungarian, I'll eat any kind of paprika. Though I understand why you used white meat, I really enjoy the marylands better for this. Or even, just legs or just thighs. The meat is sooo tender.

    I dunno why people fit into clothes that don't fit right. It's a thing, I guess. Muffin tops, the girls are called here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Ivy. I have some very hot paprika which was given to us but I have a big jar of the sweet. I agree, the dark meat is more tender, but I always have chicken breasts in the freezer.

      I've heard the phrase Muffin Tops before.

      Delete
    2. Do you like cayenne pepper? I love sweet paprika and hot cayenne together.

      The market called me today. My 60 organic chicken legs are in. Woohoo. We love cold chicken legs that were baked with the paprika/cayenne combo.

      Okay, my break is over. Time to finish my kitchen. Wishing you the best weekend ahead. Cheers and boogie boogie.

      Delete
    3. Yes I certainly do like cayenne Ivy. 60 chicken legs, that's a lot of legs.

      Delete
  13. Those responsible for the management of health, environment and safety matters should consider the following guidance when determining what function the occupational health nurse specialist will fulfill within the company. There may well be variation in the function of an occupational health nurse between different organizations depending on the needs and priorities of the working population and the health care system Granuloma Annulare and Thyroid Disease which they are operating.

    ReplyDelete