Ghee Rice

Ghee rice as the name suggests is a very rich concoction and meant for special occasions. My mother who doesn’t believe in coconut milk has never cooked it. When at school my friends talked about ghee rice, I always thought that it meant white rice mixed with ghee. I can’t remember when I first tasted the actual Ghee rice or when I cooked it first or where I got this recipe from. But this is a pretty standard recipe, mildly flavored by spices and needless to say a little unfriendly around the hips.

Without much ado here is the recipe,

• Onion – 1 thinly sliced
• Green chillies – 5
• Cardamom – 2
• Cloves - 2
• Cinnamon – 1 inch stick
• Bay leaf – 1
• Ginger-garlic paste – 1 Tbsp
• Cashewnuts – 10 (optional)
• Basmati rice – 2 cups
• Ghee or butter – 50 gms
• Coconut milk – 1 cup
• Mixed chopped vegetables – 1 cup (carrot, peas and potato)

Heat the butter or ghee in a pan and add the spices. In recent years I use sunflower oil or Olive oil. Then add the onions and Chillies and fry until it is soft (don’t brown them). Then add the ginger and garlic paste and fry till the raw smell disappears. To this add the cashew nuts and the vegetables. Any vegetable can be added, to make it look nice include green and red colour vegetables like peas, beans, broccoli, carrot. I tend to add frozen vegetables, saves time on cutting the veggies. Saute them for a few minutes and then add the washed rice and fry it briefly in the ghee mixture. For 2 cups of rice, 4 cups of liquid is required. Add one cup of coconut milk (The tinned ones are very good) and add 3 cups of water. The general rule is to add one fourth of coconut milk and three fourths water. When the water starts boiling reduce the fire to the least possible level and close with a lid and cook until done. For 2 cups of rice, it generally takes 20 mins to cook thru. When done mix the rice gently with a fork or the back of a wooden spoon. Server hot with a raita and enjoy all the praise from the guests. If I use frozen veggies and coconut milk from a can, this rice gets ready in 30 minutes.
thanks http://tamilspice.blogspot.com

Top ten Anti Aging Foods

Here are other 10 of the best anti-aging foods to nourish your body for a glow that comes from within.

1. Watercress. The health benefits of watercress don't disappoint
2. Red bell pepper. Red bell peppers are loaded with antioxidants which reign supreme when it comes to anti-aging
3. Papaya.
4. Blueberries. 
5. Broccoli. 
6. Spinach.
7. Nuts. 
8. Avocado.
9. Sweet potatoes
10. Pomegranate seeds

To improve your eyesight

Improving eyesight involves a combination of good habits, a healthy lifestyle, and sometimes medical intervention. Here are some tips that can help:

Healthy Habits

1. Regular Eye Exams: Visit an eye specialist regularly to monitor your eye health and adjust prescriptions if needed.
2. Proper Lighting: Ensure good lighting when reading or working to reduce eye strain.
3. The 20-20-20 Rule states that every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain from screens.
4. Screen Time Management: Limit the time spent staring at screens and take regular breaks.

Diet and Nutrition

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like zinc. Leafy greens, carrots, fish, and nuts are excellent for eye health.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain eye moisture.

Eye Exercises

1. Focus Change: Hold one finger a few inches from your eye and focus on it. Slowly move it away while maintaining focus, then look at something in the distance. Repeat several times.
2. Palming: Rub your hands together to create warmth, then cup them over your closed eyes for a few minutes to relax your eye muscles.

Protection

1. Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunglasses that block 100% UVA and UVB.
2. Use Safety Eyewear: Wear protective glasses when engaging in activities that could harm your eyes, like certain sports or working with tools.

Lifestyle Changes

1. Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts.
2. Manage Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and hypertension can affect your eyesight, so managing them is crucial.

Medical Intervention

1. Corrective Lenses: Use glasses or contact lenses as your eye doctor prescribes.
2. LASIK Surgery: Laser surgery can correct vision issues for eligible candidates.

Regular Eye Care

1. Clean Eyes and Lenses: Clean your eyes and contact lenses to prevent infections.
2. Proper Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep to rest your eyes.

Implementing these habits and seeking professional advice when necessary can significantly contribute to maintaining and improving your eyesight.