The Shed

My recent experience using a curry kit where I mentioned that I’m always searching for that ‘secret ingredient’, brought unexpected results.  Zana from SpiceZ commented on my review and offered me a sample of her SpiceZ Sri Lankan Curry Kit, promising “You will discover the secret ingredient in our product.”

Result -This is the best Lamb Curry I have ever cooked.

 

 

I’ve never tried Sri Lankan food. A little bit of research showed that many Sri lankan’s eat curry for Breakfast Lunch and Dinner – sounds good to me!!.

 The food is spicy. Sri Lanka has its own unique dishes and flavors. Sri Lankan cuisine has been blended with Indian, colonial and Arabs for centuries. Local spices such as cardamom, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, curry leaves and powder, fresh chilies and garlic are used in cooking. This enormous collection of ingredients makes Sri Lankan dishes unique and delicious.

The curry kit arrived very promptly. On opening the packet I saw at once that the ingredients were super fresh. Here’s the dried ingredients –

 

Enough ground spices for a kilo of Beef or Lamb 

 

 

This was exciting!  I ordered a kilo of large chunky lamb bits from the local butcher – John and Sue’s Bayview Butchery.

I asked Zana for any extra cooking instructions and she was extremely helpful. From her information I decided to marinate the Lamb overnight in the ground spices, vinegar, lemon juice and salt. 

 

 

The next afternoon I opened up the packet of dried spices for a closer look before starting to cook.

 Curry leaves, Cinnamon Stick, lemon Grass, 3 dried Chillies, Mustard Seeds and peelings of ‘something’. Wow.

 

I cooked the sliced onion slowly for about 12-15 minutes then added grated Garlic and Ginger . A few minutes later I added two tomatoes and 3 extra green chillies that had been ‘wazzed up’ in the blender.

I let all that simmer for a further 5-10 minutes, then added the marinated lamb and marinade. It was looking rather dry so I added about half a cup of water. The recipe suggests adding beef stock which I will definitely do next time, but this first time I didn’t want to hide the flavour of the kit in any way.

I cooked the curry in a covered dish, in a low oven, for 2hrs 30mins. Just before serving I removed the larger dried ingredients and then used a tip Zana had given me – “take the meat out of the gravy at the end of the cooking process and fry it in a frying pan till nicely browned.  Then add it back into the sauce.  Delish!”

I enjoyed the meal, I had got the chilli heat just right, the curry was excellent if a little undercooked, which was my fault. I could tell that the curry was too young, so I froze 3 servings for later.

A week later I cooked one of the saved meals. I gave it a further 1hr 30mins in the oven at 105C. Mouth watering spicy curry aromas were coming out of the oven and I knew this would be a good one.

The curry was so much better again and I rated it –

“The Best Lamb Curry I have Ever cooked“.

This SpiceZ  Sri Lankan Curry is the closest I have yet reached in my search for Curry Nirvana, (which I would rate at 10), so I will rate this at 8.5 which leaves room for future curry gastronomic delights.

I shall be buying these SpiceZ kits from now on –I’m hooked. Zana was extremely helpful with advice, the kit was really fresh and the recipe simple to follow.  The SpiceZ website is http://www.spicez.com.au/

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Bob Nicholls shed mate hurt his arm and couldn’t drive, and my 88 vette was waiting for a new hose. So we combined the parts of us that worked and I drove Bob’s gleaming red Stingray to the Atherton Car Show, with him as passenger.

It’s been my ambition to drive a 3^rd generation Corvette further than just the usual short test drive and this trip included a run up the twisty Gillies range – perfect. For years I wanted a Stingray but when the time came, I choose to get the later model for it’s drivability. This was my chance to compare the two generations.

 

I climbed in and adjusted the seat and telescopic steering, then with a word from Bob about the engine being cold, which I think was a reminder to treat his baby gently, we left Bayview Heights at 7.45am. The exhaust burbling as we drove down Toogood Rd. The first things I noticed were the different travel on the brake pedal and more turns on the steering. The suspension was firm but not harsh, the accelerator smooth.

 

The view out the windscreen with the two fenders sticking up either side of the long bonnet brought a smile to my face. I love the look of the Stingray, it’s a stunning design.

We joined up with other club members at Edmonton and then set off in convoy of five cars that grew to seven by Gordonvale. As we began climbing the Gillies, Bob advised me to lock the auto in second, it was the perfect gear, of course.

 

While I got to know this Corvette, the convoy made better time and soon there was no-one in front. By halfway up the range I had the feel of the car and moved the speed up a notch. The wide tyres gripped well, with no noise on the corners and the suspension handled the bumps. The temperature gauge remained steady.

 

Further up there was very slight rain, not enough to turn on the wipers. I slowed down a bit in case it made the road slippery but never felt any loss of grip. Once we were through the wet patch we picked up the speed a little and caught back up with the convoy just as we emerged at the top of the range.

 

We arrived in Atherton and I entered the driveway to the International club at an angle to avoid catching the low front spoiler. While Bob signed in, I parked the vette on the grass beside the other club cars. Bob soon got out the polishing rag, so I went to have breakfast – Hey this car sharing is fun!

 

It was a very pleasant morning at the car show, lots of interesting cars to see and people to talk too. The time passed quickly and soon it was time to go home. I enjoyed the drive back, feeling I had got to know the car well.

 

The shiny red Stingray was noticed everywhere. Even as we arrived home, a lady across the road took a picture of us. The looks are the 3^rd generation Corvette’s best feature. It’s different to drive compared to the 4^th, just as the 5^th is different to the 4th.  There are similarities too – the low driving position, near to the back axle, being the obvious one.

 

I’ve driven a lot of cars, including Taxi’s and even underground trains and loaders, but never driven a Mustang or Camaro, and I wonder what it’s like behind the wheel of the larger cars like the Parisienne? I’m always looking to drive different cars and willing to reciprocate with my 88 vette. Ideally the owner comes along, that way they know their car is treated well, and their knowledge of their car is part of the experience.

 

Thanks Bob for trusting me with your Corvette, my day behind the wheel of a Stingray was special.

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Steve shed mate put me onto a new health product; Max GXL  –

It’s all about Glutathione,  the most important molecule you need to stay healthy and prevent disease.

MAX GXL ‘Glutathione Accelerator’.

Glutathione  is CRITICALLY  important for our bodies.

I’m very sceptical of these type of things, and generally convinced they don’t have much effect on our bodies. But  MAX GXL is different.

 

UPDATE: I’m so impressed with the potential of Max GXL accelerator that I have joined the team and can now help others to be healthy and live longer.

This product is new to Australia and due to be officially released later this year. I’m excited to get in on the ground floor of a product that can help so many people and has the potential to become a HUGE business!!

 

Click HERE to buy or become part of the growing Max team.

 

Glutathione is the critical life-giving molecule that works to prevent Aging, Cancer, Heart Disease, Dementia and necessary to treat everything from Autism to Alzheimer’s disease. There are thousands of medical articles about it, showing that we couldn’t survive without this powerful antioxidant.

It plays an important role in fighting cancer, stabilizing blood sugar and cellular repair after a stroke.  It is the front line defense for preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which damages the arteries.  It protects the lymphatic system and the digestive system from an overload of unstable fatty molecules. It maintains the integrity of red blood cells and prevents damage to them. An important study done in Germany indicated that raising glutathione levels will increase T-cells, a prime marker of a good immune system function and crucial to those infected with HIV.

In addition to the above benefits, glutathione is useful in modulating blood sugar in diabetics and in boosting performance in athletes. It stops or slows down macular degeneration which causes vision loss and cataracts.

Glutathione is depleted by natural aging.  It is also depleted by chronic diseases such as cancer and arthritis; overexposure to pesticides; pharmaceutical drugs that stress the liver (acetaminophen) and aspirin; vitamin and mineral deficiency and birth control pills.

Through a long term study of immune system disorders and anti-aging, a Dr Robert Keller discovered that Glutathione is the most prevalent, powerful and multifunctional antioxidant in the human body – employed by every organ.

Our Glutathione level actually indicates our state of health and can predict longevity. This fact got me very interested.

We can’t raise our body’s Glutathione level with ordinary foods or pure L-glutathione. Even though glutathione is present in many fruits, vegetables and meats, this protein is instantly broken down during digestion into its three amino acids and only a very small percentage reaches our bloodstream and cells.

Glutathione is always in great demand and is rapidly consumed, so any Glutathione that is made will be used up quickly, making it even more difficult to increase this level.

OK so here’s where MAX GXL comes in -“MaxGXL provides the proper nutrients needed to promote the body’s own ability to manufacture and absorb glutathione. MaxGXLalso aids in liver support, thus helping the liver to function as the main production site and storehouse for glutathione.”
I’m interested in anything that helps my liver to stay in good condition.

The graph below shows the increase in glutathione levels experienced by 4 groups of people. Group 1 was tested after 6 months of use, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 were tested after only 3 months of the MaxGXL regimen.

The chart showes that MaxGXL more than doubles the Glutathione level and research shows that GSH levels decline by 8% to 12% per decade, beginning at the age of 20, so at age 58 I think it’s well worth giving the product a go.

I am the perfect Guinea Pig !

I was diagnosed with Dibetes type II in 2004 and with D.I.S.H (calcification of ligaments and bones) in 2005. I have 4 screws in lower spine (1998),a sore back, a very stiff neck , my left shoulder has been almost out of action for the last 18 months, despite steroid injections. I am short sighted, I have a cataract forming in my right eye and my right toes began going numb last July- a diabetes symptom.

 Here’s the claim –

‘Strengthening the natural defenses, decreasing the risk of illness, and guarding against the effects of the body’s aging process’

 INSERT 8/4/2010 –

 Reading all this makes me sound like a moaning, creaking, decrepid human being. I’m not!! I am revealing things here I never talk about, all in the interests of making a factual account of my journey with Max.

DAY ONE

My Max GXl arrived today, Wednesday 17th March 2010. The dose is 3 capsules twice a day – Steve reports that for the first few days he felt ‘slight flu-like symptoms’ as his body was ridding itself of the toxins.

I’ve just taken the first 3 capsules – and will report back here EVERYTHING that happens, as it happens – stay tuned!!

 

DAY TWO

No ‘flu like’ symptoms yet. Thirty minutes after taking  the first dose I felt a little ‘spaced out’ and my ears were pressured – as if the air pressure had changed a lot, which I’ve experienced when the eye of a cyclone has passed overhead.

When I first noticed it, I wondered what had caused it and then remembered I had taken the Max GXL – I had already forgotten I’d taken it! Anyway it passed . My toes were tingling during the early hours of the morning – hope that is a good sign.

 

DAY THREE

Today I got a sign that the Max GXl could already be starting to work, building up my Glutathione and detoxing my body of free radicals.

BUT – I honestly can’t say that I believe it could be working this quickly, I’m a very sceptical person. However, this was encouraging to me, whatever the cause  …. here’s what happened –

I was unloading the shopping trolley at the Supermarket checkout. For years I have supported myself with one hand on the trolley, taking as much weight as I can, and then I take tins out of the trolley one at a time to put on the counter – it’s a laborious process,  it hurts and very occasionally the pain has made me dizzy. My bad back causes constant pain even when sitting down.

Halfway through unloading the trolley today, I realised I was taking 2 and 3 tins out at a time,  then I realised I wasn’t leaning with one hand on the trolley and it wasn’t hurting my back . I was really surprised and stopped in mid load!!

Could it just have been one of those rare days when my back was at it’s best? I don’t think so – I don’t remember the last time I was able to unload the trolley two handed.

I am still full of doubts. It’s way to early to make any claims and I think I am in good health apart from all my ailments, so not expecting any miracles.

I already have a healthy diet, made extra healthy by having Diabetes. I don’t consume Milk, Eggs, Butter or Cheese. I drink Soy Milk and put Olive Oil on the few slices of multigrain or Spelt bread that I eat. I eat Almonds, Walnuts and Macadamia nuts every day and take 5,000 mg of Vitamin C and 6,000 mg of Omega 3 oil daily.

For whatever reason, a day with less back pain is GOLD!!

March 24 – Day Eight

Started my second box of capsules today. Nothing much to report. I’m very interested in the longevity claim as well as the other healthy aspects. I notice there are a heck of a lot of doctors on the Max International Global Team, selling the product – thats a good sign.

Friday April 2nd- Started 3rd Box

3 days ago I began to notice that my numb toes feel different. they’re still numb, but it doesn’t feel the same as before. They used to feel ‘awkward’  and uncomfortable.

Of course I am hoping like mad that the Max GXl will cure my diabetes and sore back – and there is zero evidence to say that higher glutathione levels will do that , but this is not my imagination – my toes are different.

Of course it could easily be that the part that was feeling awkward has now gone numb as well – I’m trying to be as objective as possible. I first noticed a tiny numbness last July and the numbness has progressed. I can still feel each toe, but they feel overall numb and when the doctor tests with a sharp point there are many areas I don’t feel.

Time will tell, thats for sure.  

I’ve read a lot of success stories written by people taking the Max GXL capsules. Often they don’t even realise it has improved their life until they stop taking it. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of information about Glutathione and it all says the same thing- that it is ESSENTIAL for longevity and well being.

I took this from an article on the web – and I agree completely!! 

“Glutathione’s main role is to prevent problems before they occur. Most however are reactive, and it works reactively as well, but how much better to prevent than react. Everyone should be raising and sustaining their glutathione levels on a daily basis if you ask me. You would be crazy not to.

If you were on track to develop heart disease, a stroke, or cancer, which most of us are, you wouldn’t know you dodged a bullet, but glutathionewould quietly do its work in the background reversing the oxidative stress and DNA damage that directly contribute to these big killers.

I don’t know about you, but I would like to delay these conditions for myself as long as possible. Wouldn’t you?

People notice when they feel pain and low energy, etc. but we can take for granted good health, stable energy, feeling good, etc.”

April 8th – Just finishing box 3

I think my numb toes are feeling very slightly better. Is this just wishful thinking? I still can’t be sure. As I type this at 11.36am they feel a little ‘tingly’ as if blood is flowing through them (which it is, haha). They still feel different, they are still numb. Early days.

Yesterday evening I felt really well and wide awake, haven’t felt like that in ages. It could be the Max GXl, but the night before I was extremely sleepy all evening, so I doubt the Max had anything to do with it. The only different thing that happened yesterday is that I went for a walk, haven’t managed to get out for several weeks because of work and the weather. I think I will chalk that up to the walk around the local hills, although I don’t usually feel so alive as that – maybe the exertion and resultant extra blood flow caused the Max to work better? It’s not easy to say what does what. I still feel good today, let’s see how long it lasts.

The last 3 nights I have slept very well. Our daily lives consist of up and downs, so I don’t report anything here until it becomes more constant. My sore neck and shoulder and of course my back cause me to turn from side to side as the pain increases from being in one position, but I don’t remember doing that as much as usual in the past 3 nights and I have woken up knowing I had a good sleep.

I’m trying to be as open minded as possible. Others report many detoxing effects, can’t say I’ve noticed any, but I did discover that I was already taking something else that could have been promoting  Glutathione production, not as efficiently as the Max does, but it means I started off in reasonable condition. I see Steve  is reporting something like a 300% increase in feeling well. He must have started a long way down the ladder hehe.

Friday 9  April 2010

My back has not been asked to do anything hard for over a week. I went for a walk around the hills and it was hurting so much afterwards I had to take a painkiller. I resist taking them, but I know when it gets like that, it’s important to jump in early to stop the muscles locking up. I once had a back spasm that lasted 3 months. I could NOT lie down, had to sleep in a chair. I had a Ct scan and couldn’t get off the table, took two big blokes to help me because lying down for only 20 minutes had locked me rigid. It was agony.

I don’t know if the extra Gltathione now in my body will be able to heal any part of my bad back, I certainly don’t expect it to help at this early stage, and with such a severe problem.

Saturday 10th April

After several months of consideration and research, I began taking Rice Bran today. It seems like a perfect complement to the Max GXL. The  Max produces the Glutathione and the Rice Bran ensures the Glutathione is as efficient as it can be – plus there are so many other benefits that Rice Bran gives. More info here http://shed.robhealey.com.au/health/rice-bran-good-for-diabetics/

Sunday 11th April

Slept like a log and woke up at 9:30am. Yesterday afternoon I did some heavy gardening, cutting down palm leaves and hauling them by hand down the hill, plus the usual mowing etc. My back was v sore again, but I resisted taking painkillers 2 days in a row.I slept well and woke up fine, my back feeling slightly achy, which is normal, and not excessively sore as I expected.

Thursday 15th April

Nine nights of good sleep!! Sceptic that I am, there is nothing I can put this down to but the MaxGX creating extra Glutathione, which is doing it’s job to make and keep me healthy.

I began taking Rice Bran on the 11th April, but the good sleeping began 3 days before that. Nothing else in my diet or exercise has changed.

Yesterday evening, for the second time, I experienced that ‘wide awake and alive’ feeling. Once again it was after a walk. The walking and the extra glutathione are combining to make me feel great! Wow I’m impressed.

 Friday 16th April

Ran out of Max yesterday-not sure how it happened but my autoship was not due to be sent till the 25th. I got it changed to next Monday, but I will have to go without for a few days. It will be interesting, because as posted before, “People notice when they feel pain and low energy, etc. but we can take for granted good health, stable energy, feeling good, etc” 

 Sunday 18th April

 So far I feel absolutely no different

 Wednesday 21st April

 I didn’t sleep well on Monday night, then last night I slept badly. My back was hurting , couldn’t get into a comfortable position. I turned from one side to the other every 5-15 minutes from 2.30am till after dawn when I finally got some sleep. This has been my sleep pattern for a long time. It will be interesting if this continues after I get my shipment of Max and start taking it again.

 

Friday 21st April 2010

I’m still out of Max capsules, the new order hasn’t arrived yet. I slept Ok Wednesday night, slept well Thursday night, but was still feeling the effects from anaesthetics for a gastroscopy, which may have helped.

As part of the pre op procedure, I had my blood glucose tested- normally it is around 10-12 and it was only 8!! WOW. I was very pleased, and I’m sure it is the Max GXL and the Rice Bran that have lowered it. I stopped self testing a while ago because the answer was always the same – too high in the mornings.

Last year I bought a new blood glucos tester but stopped testing when I ran out of strips. they’re expensive. I have now joined the NDSS and can get fresh strips at a massive discount. I’ll begin testing again tomorrow, encouraged now that I might see lower levels. 

UPDATE – my Blood Glucose levels are much lower than usual. Not taking the MAX has been a good test because all reports say that Glutathione does not last in the body more than a few hours and I’ve been without Max for nearly two weeks. There are two factors involved in the lower Blood Glucose levels since the last time I took regular tests; my dosage of Diabex has increased from 2 tablets to 3 and this is more than likely the reason for the lower readings- I certainly would expect so!! Also I am now taking 12gms of Rice Bran twice daily and that is supposed to have an effect as well.

My readings for April 22-28 , all taken on wake up when the readings used to be between 10.5 and 12.5 were  – 7.9,  7. 8, 8.9,  6.5,  5.9,  6.3,  8.5.

 

Thursday 29th April 2010

Received my new shipment of Max and began taking it again. 

 

Saturday 1 May 2010

A SIGN!!! – Yesterday and this morning and I was very sleepy and slept in. I remember feeling exactly like that last time I was taking Max and I don’t think this is a co-incidence. I slept very well last night.

 

Wednesday 5th May 2010

Even when my sleep is disturbed by noise etc, I am feeling very confortable and drowsy in bed and I’m happy to lie there with my eyes closed and dose away. I haven’t felt like that in bed for as far back as I can remember. My back always hurts a little bit, and for the last 2 years my shoulders have hurt more than the back, so usually I’m not comfortable at all.

 

 Wednesday 12 May 2010

Still having a good sleep and don’t want to get up in the morning, though as soon as I do I am wide awake. I usually toss and turn a lot from the sore back and shoulders, but I’ve noticed I am happy to stay on one side for much longer. I think the Max could be reducing the pain or the inflammation. I really do think this is due to the Max GXL. I haven’t been this comfortable in bed for many years.

 

Thursday 27th May 2010

My good sleeping continues. I’m sleeping very soundly unless disturbed by loud noises. I  get up to use the toilet in the middle of the night and get straight back to sleep again. Sleeping is the only thing I’ve noticed that has changed directly from taking the Max, but I can see how hard it is to report on something that is keeping me healthy!!

UPDATE:
I stopped taking Max GXL at the end of December 2010.

The reason – COST

I have no doubt that creating Glutathione in the body is an important strategy for longevity and health but there are less expensive ways to do it.

Before I began taking the Max I had been having Whey Protein Isololate shakes every day for breakfast. WPI also stimulate the production of Glutathione. Possibly the Max creates more, but Glutathione is a very tricky thing to measure in the body, not easily done. A few months after starting on the Max I also began drinking Rice Bran shakes my post on Rice Bran. Rice Bran also promotes Glutathion production.

The Max was costing me over $100 per month while the WPI and Rice Bran cost far less AND give me a meal.

It is now April 2011. I waited a few months before posting this update to make sure that I didn’t experience any effects from discontinuing the treatment. I had my yearly Diabetes check up and this year there were no areas of my foot that were numb. I attribute this amazing repair to the Rice Bran which I started because I had read about a lady who had numb legs for many years; she started on Rice bran and regained some feeling in her legs. Currently I have 20gms of Rice bran twice daily.

I have a friend who really feels the effects of taking Max and feels worse when he doesn’t. I assume that his body is particularly low in Glutathione and other essential health giving components.

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Some Research Links –

• De Rosa SC, Zaretsky MD, Dubs JG, Roederer M, Anderson M, Green A, Mitra D, Watanabe N, Nakamura H, Tjioe I, Deresinski SC, Moore WA, Ela SW, Parks D, Herzenberg LA, Herzenberg LA. N-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione in HIV infection. Eur J Clin Invest. 2000 Oct;30(10):915-29
• Nuttall S, Martin U, Sinclair A, Kendall M. 1998. Glutathione: in sickness and in health. The Lancet 351(9103):645-646
• “We literally cannot survive without this antioxidant,” Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. “What You Should Know about the Super Antioxidant Miracle”
• “Without glutathione, other important antioxidants such as vitamins C and E cannot do their job adequately to protect your body against disease.” Breakthrough in Cell Defense, Allan Somersall, Ph.D., M.D., and Gustavo Bounous, M.D. FRCS(C)
• “No other antioxidant is as important to overall health as glutathione. It is the regulator and regenerator of immune cells and the most valuable detoxifying agent in the human body. Low levels are associated with hepatic dysfunction, immune dysfunction, cardiac disease, premature aging, and death.” The Immune System Cure, Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe & Patrick J.D. Bouic, Ph.D.
• Fragala MS, Kraemer WJ, et al., “Influences of a dietary supplement in combination with an exercise and diet regimen on adipocytokines and adiposity in women who are overweight,” Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
• http://www.chemicalbodyburden.org/cs_organochl.htm
• Jensen GE, Clausen J, “Organochlorine compounds in adipose tissue of Greenlanders and southern Danes,” J Toxicol Environ Health. 1979Jul;5(4):617-29.
• Bjerk, JE, Brevik EM, “Organochlorine compounds in aquatic environments,” Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 1980;9(6):743-50.
• Crow KD, “Lipid profiles in dioxin-exposed workers,” Lancet. 1979 May 5;1(8123):982.
• Misra AL, et al., “Persistence of phencyclidine (PCP) and metabolites in brain and adipose tissue and implications for long-lasting behavioural effects,” Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1979 Jun;24(3):431-45.

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My search for Curry Nirvana (http://shed.robhealey.com.au/cooking/curry-nirvana) continues. Yesterday I tried using the ingredients from a Curry Z  kit.

Result- disappointing. The kit was at it’s use-by date and not fresh.

 

After this kit I tried a SpiceZ kit which I now rate as the best I’ve ever tasted – I wrote about that kit at http://shed.robhealey.com.au/cooking/spicez-lamb-curry/ 

 

I’ll leave this review here- it was an edible curry with great promise, but I was disappointed because it lacked something essential –

On opening the packet I found two sachets, one of dried leaves, chillies ,berries and a cinnamon stick –

 

The other packet was a good quantity of ground spice –

 

 

The packet was labelled ‘Southern Indian Chicken’ but I decided tio use Lamb because I already have a very successful Indian Chicken Curry – http://shed.robhealey.com.au/cooking/chicken-vindaloo-amazing

The serving suggestion was for 4 -6 people, using Ikg of Chicken, but as usual with these dried ingredient packets it doesn’t matter very much and I decided to use it all on 565 gms of Lamb.

There was not much aroma coming from the slowly cooking meal, I think that it needs a few hours slow cooking to release everything from the dried ingredients.

The result was a lot better than I expected from the lack of aroma. Curries usually improve by being left for a day or too and I have frozen a second helping, which will be very interesting to try.

My Recipe –

Saute one diced onion until clear.

Add 6 pressed large garlic cloves and 1 diced tomato.

Fry gently until tomato disintegrates, then add packet of dried leaves, stir for 1-2 mins and then put aside.

Quickly brown large chunks of lamb, in butter, in a wok that is as hot as you can get it. Don’t take too long or meat goes tough.

Add sachet of spices to wok, add more butter or oil oil if too dry. Once mix is saturated (10-15 seconds) turn heat down and  mix meat and spices around , add Onions etc that was put aside.

Add sachet of tomato paste and water to suit. Look at how much sauce you will need to judge how much water.

Put into dish with lid and put in oven at low heat- I try for 60-65C degrees

Wait minimum of 3 hours – 6 to 8 hrs would be better at this temp.

 

NOTES.

Meat goes tough if too long in Hot Wok, so get that Wok hot and try to brown meat within 1 minute.
Oven at 60-65C. Meat is cooked when it reaches 62-65C, the hotter it gets above that , the more it shrinks. Meat that shrinks is tough.

Garlic:Next time I will use 4 large cloves of Garlic instead of 6. I didn’t notice the garlic while eating but the following day I knew I had had a lot of garlic by the taste in my mouth.

UPDATE 6 March 2010

One week later – I tried the frozen serving last night. It had matured. The garlic was a little bit less strong. It was hot enough with 3 chilli’s, it was tasty, it was spicy but it didn’t have the ‘life’ that a curry should have. It was ‘dead’. It was ‘flat’. I can’t describe it any better than that.

There was plenty of live ingredients like Tomato, Onions and Garlic but there was a secret ingredient missing – I don’t know how to make that ‘life’ .

Looking back I notice my comment “There was not much aroma coming from the slowly cooking meal” – On the plate it wasn’t without a spicy smell but not as strong as usual.  The meal tasted good but perhaps a larger than expected part of enjoying a curry is the aroma coming from the food ?

This one was about 7 out of 10 for sure-  a bit of ‘life’ would have made it fantastic.

My search for curry Nirvana continues –

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Bruce shed mate showed me a set of these and said they fit everything on his Camaro.
I had to have a set!!

There is a 13mmm /  1/2″ clearance through centre of extension and sockets

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New set of rachet spanners SCA brand. All metric numbers from 10 to 19mm

WARNING– Be very careful when using non reversible ratchet spanners because you can get jammed.

These ratchet spanners don’t have a two way switch. To go the other way you turn them over. I got caught twice, in awkward positions, where I couldn’t unwind the spanner anymore because something was in the way- BUT I couldn’t wind the bolt back up, because of the ratchet.

The only way out is to somehow CUT the spanner – or the car. I was super lucky to get out of it both times- the second time I had to use a small sledgehammer and a chisel !!!!

Providing you think about the job first and look for possible problems, these are excellent spanners and they’re saving me time. They must be strong because the one I had to remove using a sledgehammer and chisel is undamaged and still works.

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When we moved to our present address there was no room for a shed. Space was very limited buit I needed a work bench and tool cupboard.

I was looking at an old Chinese writing desk one day that had a very clever mechanism to support the lid which became the worktop. I drew up some plans and made a tool cupboard base on the same principles, as this video demonstrates –

 

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I have occasional problems with Gingevitus, caused by DiabetesII and was getting some gum inflammation even though I use a powerful Braun electric toothbrush.

I researched dental waterjets, described by my excellent dentist as ‘A gurney for teeth’.

UPDATE 2: October 2012. My waterpik has lost pressure. It happened over a week or two. Not surprising, because I’ve used it 3 times a day for 2 1/2 years. I immediately ordered a new $150 free shipping – I can’t be without my Waterpik!

UPDATE 1:May 2012. I’m still using my Waterpic 3 times a day- it is brilliant. The hose fractured at the end of the 2 year warranty and I was sent a replacement very promptly. The company I bought my Waterpic fromwas called Prevident, now there is a dedicated Waterpik here – http://www.waterpik.com.au/   Everything I’ve said below is still correct.

There were various types on ebay at good prices but looking closely there were always problems – one was made for 110 volts and would need a converter, another was an old model, some had small reservoirs and were battery powered.

After a lot of searching I bought a Waterpik from Prevident – I’m so glad I did !!!

http://www.waterpik.com.au/pages/waterpik-australia-homepage.html

I brush my teeth for about 2 minutes and after that I use the Waterpik – It’s so good that it often pulls out debris that the toothbrushing hasn’t dislodged. I’ve read this in other reviews, and it’s true – and amazing!

It’s more powerful than I need;  I’ve got it set at  2/3rds and it stings my tongue as the water blasts through the gaps between teeth. It has a good size reservoir that runs for 110 seconds which allows a thorough cleaning.

There is a fitting for cleaning out gum pockets and another for cleaning the tounge but I find the basic jet does a good job. I use it three times a day and I can see it is holding back plaque and keeping my gums healthy.

It makes a rattling sound, a little less noisy than a hair dryer. I soon learned to keep my mouth almost closed to stop the spray going everywhere. It’s slightly messy (as all Gurneys are!!) with water running down my arm, as well as out of my mouth, but this is not a problem.

I’m really pleased with the Waterpik, well worth the money.

UPDATE March 31st 2010     – 3 months since I started using the Waterpic.

I went to the dentist today for my 6 monthly check up and cleaning. The hygienist remarked how different my gums looked. They are now pink and healthy and holding the teeth more tightly. There was less plaque too. She said to ‘carry on doing whatever I am doing’ because there was a big improvement.

This is all due to the Waterpik which I generally use 3 times a day. I noticed also that the cleaning was not painful at all – usually there are some sensitive areas, but not today.

Anything that make my teeth last longer is hugely important – $200 well spent.

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Two Corvettes, a Harley and a Corvette forum – great mate

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The Authority – knows EVERYTHING !

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