7 Great Ways to End the Day in Style

Eat Drink Enjoy_Cambur End the day in StyleAll too often we hear about ways to start the day, with habits and routines we should implement in order to have a good day. What is often missed out on is finishing the day! LETS’ FACE IT – the end of the day is an important time to wind down and set yourself up for a good nights sleep and the next day that will carry along from that anew.

1. Have a hot bath or shower
The best thing about a hot bath or shower is that it will relax your tensed muscles. No matter what kind of day I have had I always try to have a hot shower about 30 minutes before sleeping. It helps calm my mind, plus soothe my head and shoulder muscles. You will also find it easier to nod off if you are warm.

2. Make a warm glass of milk
Sometimes before bed we can get a slight hunger pang, not enough to warrant a meal or snack even but rather to nod us off to sleep. Try lightly heating a small cup of milk, stir in some cinnamon and raw honey and sip on it before going to bed. The milk will help calm the stomach and give a sedative effect, so don’t be surprised if you start yawning soon after.

3. Read something relaxing and inspiring
Firstly and most importantly make sure it is something that interests you. This normally comes hand in hand with relaxing and inspiring. A good book before bed will calm the mind and fill your mind with positive ideas and hope for the next days.

Those are some of the best easy reads I have had in the last month or two. So take a look and see if you enjoy any.

4. Visualise the next day
This takes just 10 minutes and can set things up for your next day. Try just laying down closing your eyes and focusing on your breath. Then move into visualising key points and things you want to achieve the following day or even that week, make sure your visualisations are positive and make them play out to be ideal. Of course this guarantees nothing but it certainly helps.

5. Write down what needs to be done tomorrow
Clear your mind, get things off your chest. By simply grabbing a pen and paper and listing out the following:

  • What needs to be done
  • The order in which you will try to do the tasks
  • What’s on your mind

You can clear a load of clutter in your mind that might normally keep you up at night ruminating and worrying.

6. Make a gratitude list
This goes back to habits, by simply noting down at the end of each day a handful of things you are thankful for you will feel much better.

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful. – Buddha

You don’t need to spend much time on this just note down four or five things that went well today and store them in a journal on your bedside.

7. Do some basic stretches
Stretching before bed is very relaxing. Nothing too stimulating should be done just a few simple yoga poses and stretches will do fine. This is especially useful if you have a desk job or something that has you sitting around all day. It can make your hip flexors and abductors very sore as well as crushing your lower back. So lengthening stretches along with something for the legs are great.

Good night, sleep tight and (of course) don’t let the bedbugs bite!

Enjoy ,
Posted on April 26, 2012 by Tamar Leave a comment


See through Toaster? Yes Way!

Oh my goodness… as if we weren’t spending enough time in front of the microwave watching our meals heat. ;-)

Now we can watch our toast… well toasting.  This is the best invention ever… Look even Dane Swan and Sam Newman from the AFL Footy Show agree.  

Part 1

Part 2

Magimix has to be the toast of the town for bringing us the world’s first see through toaster.

These are gorgeously fashionable and an absolute must have for anyone that boasts a stylish kitchen.

Good–bye to the breakfasts that have crossed over to the dark side; hello to perfectly toasted slices of golden perfection.

These Magimix Vision Toasters have some pretty clever technology under the bonnet; long life quartz elements, extra wide slots for all types of bread, a handy lever to reach those small pieces and an easy crumb tray mechanism all add up to the perfect toast.

You will never see your toast the same way again.

You can get your very own Magimix Vision Toaster (RRP $399) at David Jones and selected independent stockists nationally. For further information, visit www.magimix.com.au

Eat, Enjoy
Posted on April 5, 2012 by Tamar Leave a comment


An easy way to ease the pressure

Most people put their pressure cookers away during the summer, thinking of the cooker again in autumn when they get a yearning for the hearty soups and stews that the cooker does so well.

Anyone who’s spent too many hours in the kitchen knows why pressure cookers were invented. Not only do they do their thing in far less time than conventional stovetops―perfect for last-minute changes of plans.

Pressure cookers can make the tough tender and, by allowing several items to be cooked together, meld disparate flavours. Especially good with grains, dried beans, and meats, pressure also brings out the best in less predictable fare such as risotto, fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Fruits find a welcome home in pressure cookers, as do fish such as salmon and tuna.

No wonder the instrument you may remember as some kind of spatter-prone demon from the back of your mother’s range is making a comeback.

Led by European redesign in the 1980s, a second generation of pressure cookers beckons anyone who wants to add an extra measure of speed to meal making. The old jiggle-top model is still available, but it’s been spiffed up, declunkified, and rid of annoying old habits like blowing its top, and your meal, all over the ceiling. Even more advanced are the spring-release-valve models; they are quieter and quicker to decompress. Both are safe, though, and each cooks just the same inside.

And it’s also what actually happens in the pot that accounts for the renewed interest in pressure cookers. Superheated steam seals in nutrients, requires very little fat, and can put a meal on the table in a half hour. Perfect!

Fissler Pressure cooking

It’s not rocket science. Add your ingredients, plus at least a half-cup of whatever liquid the recipe calls for. Lock the lid; bring your cooker to high pressure on the stove. Start the timer, and reduce the heat to the lowest setting required. When the timer goes off, reduce the pressure. Quick-release action on the spring-valve models lets you do so at the stove; most jiggle tops must be carried to the sink so cool tap water can bring the pressure down.

Either method requires only a couple of minutes and stops the cooking process at once. Easiest of all is just letting the cooker sit for about 10 minutes. The pressure will drop while you go about the rest of your meal preparations, and, in general, get on with your life.

Fissler has made your life in the kitchen safe and simple. The device apart from being safe is maintenance-free and keeps away the noise and odor. As it reduces cooking time by 70% your fuel bills will be lower than normal. And, the most important feature is that you are able to provide a nutritious diet to your family. Could you ask for more?

Now just put your feet up and relax…. cooking couldn’t be less stressful.

Fissler’s Pressure cooker are available from Myer, David Jones or leading cookware retailer!

Eat, Enjoy
Posted on April 4, 2012 by Tamar 1 Comment


Nuts? How much is enough…

If you are a fan of any kind of healthy diet you will no doubt be into eating nuts and seeds. They provide a power punch of nutrients, good fat and anti-oxidants. They are cheap and easy to get on the move making for a perfect snack….

Eat Drink and Enjoy Nuts and Seeds

Main Benefits - To me the main benefits of nuts come from their abundant source of minerals like Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc which are pretty hard to find in today’s diet. They also provide good levels of nourishing fats which help promote the health of body and mind. Obviously some nuts are better than others but they all hold their qualities;

  • Almonds - A Vitamin E powerhouse and probably the most versatile nut when it comes to taste. They are great with fruit or alone and provide a nice crunch making them the perfect “grab a handful” nut.
  • Walnuts - The only nut packed with Omega-3′s. That’s why if you only eat one type of nut, make it the walnut. They are tasty sprinkled on berries or yoghurt and work a treat with apples or strong Cheese.
  • Brazil Nuts - Just 3 of these will provide you with your daily intake of Selenium, a potent anti-oxidant which is one of the tried and proven methods to cut your risk of developing many diseases.

Those are three of my favourites and definitely something you should aim to have in your diet daily. Of course there are loads of other great nuts like macadamia’s, pecans (especially tasty) and cashews (actually a legume but good nevertheless) not to mention seeds which are awesome for sprinkling on things or snacking on.

What to Avoid – Well, there are some things which you would consider a nut but actually are not. The most guilty is the “peanut” which is actually a legume and this makes it unfavourable in comparison to other nuts. Peanuts have a high Omega-6 fat content, and while not the end of the world it doesn’t compare to the 3-6 fatty acid ratio that walnuts hold. The main thing for me though is that peanuts are often contaminated with carcinogens and mould, putting a load of stress on your immune system and body in general. They are also one of the most pesticide ridden crops around!

Saying this, I always keep a tub of organic whole-nut peanut butter at home for a few reasons:

  • They are packed full of Vitamin E, Magnesium and Foliate which are hugely beneficial to your health.
  • Fresh Organic peanut butter is also great on carrots and celery allowing for a quick and healthy snack
  • As long as you don’t eat too much of the stuff and stick to it in moderation, I feel peanuts are a healthy option but make sure you go for fresh, quality and organic!

Too Little - So how many nuts are too few? Nuts are pretty much the best source of monounsaturated fat you can get. And this makes your skin supple and provides general nourishment for your glandular system. Unfortunately the body cannot make it by itself so it relies on diet making it essential you get some nuts, seeds or olive oil in whenever you can.

Just Right- I would say eating around 40-60 grams of nuts per day is optimal. There is not much harm in going higher so long as the rest of your diet is in check. Sixty grams of nuts amounts to about 2 handfuls which should be doable for even the busiest person.

Too Much- It’s easy to ’go nuts’ on nuts. Not only calorie wise but through mindless eating. I have been to many a dinner party in which the cocktail nuts got the better of me. The main problem with a high intake of nuts is that they can be very hard to digest in large quantities putting a strain on your digestive system. Once you start hitting 100 grams of nuts that should be enough for the day unless you’re severely limited for food choices.

Nuts are amazing and definitely a power food we should all eat regularly. Just make sure to stick to raw, fresh nuts when you can.

Also, steer clear of trail mixes which are loaded with sugary dried fruits and chocolate chips etc. Although they are touted as healthy, they are far from it. Instead, create your own trail mix by mixing:

  • Almonds
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Cocoa Nibs
  • Coconut Flakes
  • Handful of Raisins

It’s far cheaper and allows you to pack specific portions as you please. Simply make a batch and store it in these gorgeous Aladdin Collapsible Storage Containers* and use it as you go along!

kitchen storage with style

* Available at Howard’s Storage, Matchbox, House and other leading kitchen and homewares retailers from just $7.50 each.

Eat, Enjoy , ,
Posted on March 15, 2012 by Tamar Leave a comment


5 reasons to take your Coffee black

black coffee - good for your health“Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.”

~ Charles Maurice de Talleyrand

It’s a rare sight to see someone drinking their coffee black these days especially with every variation from soy latte cappuccino to frappe white with half a stir… etc.

In case you need a reason, here are five reasons to drink your coffee black

1. Learn the taste of real coffee.

When you have a milk based coffee it is hard to appreciate and recognize the notes of the actual coffee bean all that can be tasted is the slight bitterness of the coffee. Drinking coffee black allows you to pickup of the subtle differences from bean to bean and different roasts. You will be surprised how diverse the flavours can be from fruity and chocolate to oaky and floral.

2. Do it for your health

Black coffee is calorie and sugar free, it contains fibre and we know that regular consumption of coffee has been known to decrease the risk of type II diabetes:

What more could you ask for? When drinking your coffee black you get all this with no excess calories.

3. Mental and Physical Energy

By drinking, Espresso’s and other black coffee you will get the energising effect and mental clarity far quicker as there is no milk/cream/soy in the coffee to slow its absorption and dull down the effects. This makes Black coffee before exercise work as a great performance enhancer as has been proven in several studies.

4. It’s Easy to Make

All you need is some ground coffee and a French press or a stovetop percolator and you are good to go, leaving you flexible to brew up a great coffee before a workout or during your mid afternoon slump.

Great post on using a French Press

How to brew with a StoveTop Espresso Maker

Or if you’re feeling adventurous and want a strong coffee, look into brewing Turkish coffee.

You will soon find that brewing your own coffee is a very relaxing and rewarding experience and look forward to brewing up a fresh coffee for breakfast or before a workout.

5. And of course it’s CHEAP 

Ever had a look at what the cheapest coffee at your local Cafe is? You guessed it… black coffee. As well as this, brewing a good cup of straight coffee will be your cheapest option at home, so you’ll save money in all walks of life.

Follow the fashion pundits – black is always in style.

Drink, Enjoy , , , ,
Posted on March 4, 2012 by Tamar 2 Comments


The Big C

Vitamin C is hugely important – but just how important is it and to what extent should we be eating Vitamin C rich foods or loading up on supplemental Vitamin C?

The first thing to remember is that our bodies cannot produce Vitamin C by themselves, so we need to get a good daily dose via diet at the very least.

What is often forgotten about Vitamin C is that it holds several important functions in the human body. A few of these are:

  • It’s an anti-oxidant
  • Helps production of neurotransmitters and hormones
  • Forms collagen
  • Boosts immunity
  • Prevents cardiovascular disease

Vitamin C also benefits our bodies in the following ways:

  1. It works against nitrates and carcinogens (the nasty stuff we find in burnt/charred foods and processed meats like salami and other deli meats)
  2. It helps with the conversion of Phenylalanine to Tyrosine (which in turn allows us to regulate our metabolism, deal with stress and relax)
  3. It helps our bodies make Collagen, which is the stuff that makes our skin stretchy and allows it to appear youthful and radiant
  4. It works on the immune system by helping to produce anti-virals and increasing the integrity of the mucous membranes which help us filter out bacteria and viruses from entering the body
  5. It’s a great cardiovascular protectant. This means it decreases LDL’s (the bad cholesterol) by turning it into bile which also helps your digestion

So, 5 very important points. Unfortunately, Vitamin C is often branded as a one trick pony and simply known for its anti-oxidant properties.

If you can manage to eat Vitamin C rich foods on a regular basis, a supplement should not be necessary (especially not the conventional type we see in stores today).

Vitamin C rich foods are pretty easy to find and your best sources are:

  • Citrus Fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit etc.)
  • Kiwis
  • Tropical Fruits
  • Bell Peppers
  • Broccoli and Kale
  • Berries
  • Tomatoes

So in a nutshell – Vitamin C is hugely important for the human body. One of the easiest ways of supplementing your diet is by juicing a few citrus fruits with the AMCO Athena Juicer, available at leading kitchenware stores for just RRP $239.95. For specific stockists, contact Cambur on 03 8787 4200 or visit http://cambur.com.au

Drink, Eat, Enjoy
Posted on February 8, 2012 by Tamar Leave a comment


Juicy News

I have a juicy secret. So juicy you’ll want to drink it.

I have fallen in love with a strong, sleek and fruitful woman. Her name is Athena.

The AMCO Athena Juicer (formerly known as the Orange X) is one of the latest juicers on the market, and the fruits of her labour have us completely and utterly amazed.

Athena is simple, uncomplicated. No power lead, no fiddly bits.

Athena is a low maintenance kind of gal. She will effortlessly press out the juice of oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes without pulp or seeds. And with the additional fruit attachment, you can add grapes, berries, apples, pineapples, tomatoes and other soft fruits to the menu.

I had an opportunity to test this beauty out and she was so easy to use. My family went berry picking over the end of year break so I had some beautiful blueberries, blackberries and raspberries to work with. I was able to easily get the juice out without the pulp! Now that’s what I call juicing.

Athena’s full of it (vital nutrients, that is). So drink up!

Here’s Athena strutting her stuff in The Sunday Age newspaper, and in Modern Home magazine.

Drink, Enjoy , ,
Posted on January 11, 2012 by Robert Leave a comment


Detox Smoothie

Partied a little too hard at a few too many Christmas parties? (I say parties, as the weekend just past may or may not have involved me slipping unnoticed into an office Christmas party. Where I knew no-one. Good time). Anyway, there is always that tiny window between copious-amounts-of-drinking-and-eating-canapes-at-Christmas-parties and copious-amounts-of-eating-and-drinking-at-family-Christmas-gatherings-before-falling-in-a-tired-heap-of-turkey-and-champagne. And in this window, may I suggest you try out our Detox Smoothie? Great for cleansing your system, brightening your eyes and skin, and getting a big ol’ dose of Vitamin C, this ones a goodie.

 

Ingredients

100g peeled beetroot

100g peeled carrot

5g peeled ginger

100g strawberries

2 oranges

 

Method

Wash fruit and vegetables, (don’t peel, as all the best nutrients live right underneath the skin) and then place in juicer, pour over ice. Enjoy, and become your brightest self.

Image source

Drink ,
Posted on December 21, 2011 by Robert Leave a comment


Christmas Recipes: New Tastes to Try

The holiday season is just about upon us, (14 more sleeps until the big man slides down the chimney, not that I’m counting…) So we thought we would compile our list of our favourite Christmas dishes for your taste buds. Perhaps you want to try something new on the Christmas table this year? Or maybe you want an easy-to-make dish that you can get the kids involved in. Either way, we have something for you. Read on, and try not to drool on your keyboard.

Gingerbread Christmas Baubles

A delicious and very cute way to decorate your Christmas tree, Gail from our office stole this recipe from a blog, but loves to recreate it every year.

125g butter, at room temperature
100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar
125ml (1/2 cup) golden syrup
1 egg, separated plus 1 extra egg white
3 to 3 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tbs ground ginger
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
Plain flour, to dust
300g (2 cups) pure icing sugar, sifted
Food colouring as desired

Method

1. Line 2 or 3 baking trays with baking paper

2. Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the golden syrup and egg yolk and beat until combined. Stir in the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Press dough into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

3. Meanwhile, place egg whites in a clean, dry bowl. Use an electric beater to beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add icing sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Divide icing into separate bowls depending on the desired number of icing colours you want including one white just in case. Set aside.

4. Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about 4mm thick. Use cutters to cut out shapes. Place on trays about 3cm apart. Repeat with any excess dough.

5. Bake in oven for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from oven. Transfer to a rack to cool and poke holes in top to loop string through. I used the pointy end of a Japanese chopstick (thinner at the bottom than Chinese chopsticks).

6. Place prepared icings in small plastic bags (or use bought icing pens). Cut a small hole in a corner of each bag. Pipe icing over bauble to decorate.

P.S. These will become soft if the weather is humid which may cause them to fall from the tree. I know this from first hand experience as yesterday was hum

Seriously Yum Chicken Curry and Rice Dish

Thanks to Liz’s Dad Jim, we’ve been give this delicious and ‘seriously yum’ chicken curry and rice dish. Thanks Jim!

2 onions
2 cloves garlic
3 tbls vegetable oil
6 chicken thighs
Copious amounts of Clive of India curry powder (apparently you can never have enough!)
½ – ¾ cup of basmati rice
Chilli flakes or finely diced fresh chilli (to taste)
Enough chicken stock to cover the entire dish (1-2 litres, just make sure you cover all the rice and chicken when they’re in the casserole dish)

Method

1. Finely slice two onions and two garlic cloves and gently fry them in a small amount of   vegetable oil until the onions are soft and translucent.

2. Purchase six chicken thighs. You could if you so desire cut up some chicken breasts and use these in addition to the chicken thighs.

3. Place the chicken thighs in a plastic bag with copious amounts of Clive of India curry powder. You cannot have enough curry powder. Make sure all the chicken thighs are fully coated and covered with the curry powder.

4. Place the chicken thighs (sliced chicken breast) in the frypan and gently brown on both sides. When browned remove these from the frypan.

5. Sprinkle frypan with a little bit more curry powder and oil. Add half to three quarters of a cup full of basmati rice to the frypan and gently simmer for a short period. This is to soak up all the curry powder flavour from the pan.

6. Add some chilli flakes or finely slice a chilli to give the dish a little bit more bite.

7. Return the chicken thighs, onions, chilli and garlic to the pan and mix well.

8. Place all ingredients in a casserole dish.

9. Generously cover all ingredients with chicken stock and place the casserole dish in your oven at 180°C.

10. Allow the dish to bake for approximately 30 min or until all the chicken stock has been fully absorbed by the rice. If the dish becomes a little bit dried out add some more chicken stock.

Christmas Biryani

Our intern Rory is from a Sri Lankan household, so his family likes to bring together their culture with more traditional Christmas dishes, such as baked ham and Christmas pudding. Yum! (And I digress, the above picture is not the actual dish. However we wish we did have it in the office right now!)

Ingredients (serves 4)
300g (1 1/2 cups) long-grain rice
40ml (2 tbs) olive oil
1 onion, finely sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
4 chicken breasts, cut into 2cm dice
1/2 tsp ground chilli
1 tsp ground cumin
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
6 fresh curry leaves (optional)*
150ml thick plain yoghurt
1 tsp white sugar
3 tbs sultanas
3 tbs slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup roughly chopped coriander leaves

Method

1. Cook the rice in salted water for 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large frypan over medium heat, add the onion and cook for 1-2 minutes   or until softened. Add the garlic, ginger and chicken, and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the spices, curry leaves, yoghurt, sugar and sultanas, stir for 1 minute, then reduce heat to very low.

3. Place the rice on top of the sauce. Cover the top of the pan with a folded tea towel, then place the lid on top of the tea towel. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Remove lid, add nuts and half the coriander and stir well to combine.

Garnish with the remaining coriander, and offer chutney and sliced tomatoes and onions with the dish.

What are your favourite Christmas dishes? Do you stay traditional, or do you incorporate new flavours and different cultures into your Christmas dinner? Join the discussion over on our Facebook page!

Image Source
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Posted on December 12, 2011 by Romy Leave a comment


How To: Dress the Perfect Christmas Table

Christmas is a mere 19 sleeps away, and that means only one thing: there is going to be a lot of food and drink consumed in the next few weeks. And for most people, you’ll either be overwhelmed with guests, or be overwhelming others with your presence.

If you’re the lucky bunch who got picked to host Christmas this year, we’ve found a lovely video from the gorgeous linen company AURA, which will show you how to style the perfect Christmas table.

Have a look, and while you’re at it you might enjoy Tracie Ellis’ design blog, which you can find here.

We’d love to see pictures of your Christmas table settings, and hear about and share your favourite Christmas recipes. Head on over to our Eat Drink Enjoy Facebook page to join the (highly food related) Christmas conversation.

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Posted on December 6, 2011 by Romy Leave a comment