Murder Rate, Bowling, RIP Clara, Valentine’s Day.

Just came across an interesting statistic. People always assume crime is worse in big cities, or at least murder happens more often although property crimes are more prevalent in urban areas. According to this CBC article, it isn’t so any more and more murders take place outside the cities; which makes me glad I live in a city even if it doesn’t really seem like it because we look onto a park. It is actually a per capita statistic, but it does mean you are more safe in urban areas.

Well I bowled, I actually bowled. First time in about 9 or 10 weeks. I did well in the first game, badly in the second and quit in the third because my legs were killing me. They are definitely not used to so much exercise lately. They were aching pretty well by the time I sat down to rest. I haven’t even used my treadmill in a while so it was straight off the sick bed as it were. Sad news at the bowling alley though, I have mentioned, several times, about one of our number, Clara Wagner, who was 97 years old and going strong, unfortunately she had a massive heart attack at the weekend and is no longer with us. Why, I wonder? She seemed so fit when everyone her saw her last week. She bowled both Monday and Tuesday apparently and had just passed her driving test once again. Mind you she was so tiny we could never figure how she could see over the wheel. We had a one minute silence at the alley in remembrance. The picture is of her birthday party at the bowling alley last year, I missed the one they held for her this year.

Of course, today is Valentine’s Day which, as I have said before, has changed drastically from when I was a youngster. Valentines were sent to those you loved and unsigned so it was a secret. Today anyone and everyone can receive a Valentine. To me its nonsense, but that’s just me. We are not going out or anything although we are planning a nice dinner at home. The one and only time I think I ever went out for dinner on Valentine’s Day the restaurant was crowded, the meal was a set one and it wasn’t terribly good anyway even though it was normally an excellent restaurant. We actually prefer not to go out on holidays, Fridays or Saturdays. However, for those of you who do go out, I hope you do have a lovely evening and wish you all Happy Valentine’s Day.

This recipe came from the South Beach Diet email I get every day. I have talked about London Broil, the US version, several times, and this uses the same cut of beef. In Canada we buy top round – I am not certain this is the same cut, but it certainly works as well. Of course it’s a bit early for the good asparagus which will be around about mid May.

Beef With Asparagus and Mushrooms

Serves: 4

Details:

Wood-scented rosemary, nutty garlic, and zesty lemon give an otherwise ordinary steak and vegetable dish a touch of sophistication. 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds London broil, 1" thick
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, divided
• 4 teaspoons crushed dried rosemary, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small onion, sliced lengthwise
• 1 pound asparagus, cut into 2" pieces
• 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Nutritional Information:

370 calories
17 g fat (4.5 g sat)
12 g carbohydrate
42 g protein
3 g dietary fiber
180 mg sodium

Directions:

1. Score both sides of steak in a diamond pattern by carefully making 1/8-inch-deep diagonal cuts with a sharp knife at 1" intervals. Rub half of the garlic and 2 teaspoons of the rosemary into both sides of meat and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak and cook, turning once, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Heat remaining oil in the same skillet. Add onion and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Add remaining garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add asparagus and mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until asparagus is crisp-tender and almost all the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Stir in lemon zest and remaining rosemary; season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Cut steak into thin slices and serve with the vegetables

Have a great Valentine’s day