realizations

I have to say I LOVED yesterday's curry. I had it with rice last night and that was pretty good but today for lunch I had it with Sweet Potatoes and that was FABULOUS!!!! MMMM . . .

One thing I have realized is that the trick to me for staying with a good healthy eating plan is to not feel deprived. If I spend all my time looking and yearning for the food I am cooking for my family, I won't stick with this long term. But I am not feeling deprived. Eating the lunch I had today felt luxurious. It was creamy and spicy and yummy. I didn't miss the fat and meat at all. It was just a wonderful comfort food that I LOVED!

I am planning on making a hash with cabbage, potatoes and carrots. I may even make some Rich Brown Gravy to go with it. Sounds yummy to me.




RICH BROWN GRAVY

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: makes 6 cups

1/4 cup water
1 onion, chopped
1 cup whole wheat flour
5 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup soy sauce
fresh ground pepper to taste

Place the 1/4 cup water and the onion in a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring occasionally until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and mix in well. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly. (This will toast the flour and give it a rich flavor.) The flour and onions will clump together. Add the remaining water and soy sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Blend in batches in a blender jar until smooth. Place in a clean pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until gravy thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Season with fresh ground pepper to taste.

Hint:
If the gravy fails to thicken to your satisfaction, you may want to add an extra thickener to the gravy. Use a mixture of 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed in 1/4 cup cold water. Add a small amount to the gravy while stirring until it is thick enough for serving.