Inspiration

Poster found on Etsy

My View Wednesday

This Wednesday, we have the fourth and final instalment in our series of original origami marine art. While I love the art, I think this means I have to get out of my office a little more.

True vintage

If you haven't seen the Queen's coronation before, the entire thing is available on youtube. Here's Part 1. 

Diamond day

60 years ago today, Queen Elizabeth acceded the throne. No matter how you feel about the monarchy, you must agree that there are few people in the world who dutifully show up for work every day for 60 years. Some argue that being queen is accompanied by some incredible perks. Retirement, however, is not one of them. An official photograph was released yesterday to celebrate this landmark event (Queen Victoria is the only other monarch in British history to reach 60 years on the throne) and it's interesting to contrast it against a portrait taken at the coronation in 1953.

official Coronation portrait by Cecil Beaton

and official Diamond Jubilee portrait by John Swannell

The Head of State Opening Parliament for the first time in 1952 and most recently, in late 2011

                 Riding Surpise in 1952                                                and still riding at just shy of age 86, January 2012

         On a state visit, 1954                                                                    Hosting a state visit, November 2011

The same tiara (and hairstyle?!) in 1952 and 2011

The official celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee will happen in June. I'll blog more about this and look at some of the highlights of her reign in April and May, leading up to the big celebration.

Compassion Hymn

Keith and Kristyn Getty (mentioned previously here) have written a beautiful song for congregational worship entitled "Compassion Hymn". Like most Getty collaborations, this piece pairs a meaningful text with really lovely music. It's a piece I find myself humming the chorus without realizing it, through the week. I think that's what a good hymn does- it becomes relevant and applicable in daily life.
  

                                                                              Sheet music and Lyrics are available at Gettymusic.com

Indian food part 1

Indian food is tough for those who can't have milk as it is laced with ghee (clarified butter) and cream. After some experimentation and recipe try-outs, I have come up with a dairy free version of Butter Chicken that's just as good. My secret is coconut milk but don't worry- you really can't taste the coconut with everything else. While I want to remain humble, I have to say that it's just delicious.

adapted from a few places (
serves 6-8

4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, grapeseed, olive or a mix)

2 Tablespoons curry powder

1 onion, very thinly sliced into inch long slices

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 (14 oz) can coconut milk (full fat)

1 (28 oz) can stewed, crushed tomatoes

1 cup or 1 small (8 oz) can tomato sauce

3 tablespoons sugar

chopped cilantro

Cut chicken into into 1/2-inch chunks and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onions and reduce heat to medium-high. Cook onions until they become brown and slightly crisp. Add curry powder and garlic- cook 30 seconds more, stirring constantly. Add chicken, tossing lightly to coat with curry oil. Reduce heat to medium, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center and juices run clear. Add coconut milk, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar stirring well to combine. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes.  Serve garnished with chopped cilantro over steamed Basmati rice with naan bread and Aloo Gobi (recipe coming next week) on the side. 

Chef Jeff sautéing chicken

Butter chicken served along with Aloo Gobi, Basmati rice with peas and naan bread

Inspiration

Easily said. Less easily done.

My View Wednesday

Still at my desk.... so here's #3. (For a reminder, refer to #1 and #2)