All Good Things Issue 30
Jennifer Aniston Salad + Whole Orange Cake + Body Shaking For Stress
Morning lovely friends!
A couple of months ago, our oldest turned 18. It is such a wonderful milestone and he is such a joy. We celebrated as a family back in April but Nick and I wanted to do something special for him, so a couple of weeks ago we transformed our backyard into a Venetian-themed party with lights, lanterns, beads, masquerade masks, silent disco, pizza truck and some arcade games thrown in for good measure. It was a memorable party for him and his tight-knit group of friends. But I think it was even more fun for Nick and me to organize it!
I saw someone post the other day that it feels like the last 40 years never happened. Why? Because Kate Bush's single "Running Up The Hill" which was released nearly four decades ago, is topping the charts right now (thanks to Stranger Things S4Â /my absolute obsession!), Top Gun Maverick (brilliant film!) is the top movie, Elvis is back on our screens and we are in a cold war with Russia. We are all favouring boxy straight jeans and flares and big curls on our heads. It's like the 70s and 80s have swung around and infiltrated our lives. I love it!
With produce prices skyrocketing right now, I have been exploring many different avenues to constantly source fresh ingredients for my work and everyday cooking. The cheapest and freshest option I have found is to buy produce at the local farmer's market (mine is in Hornsby north of Sydney). I have also just received my first box of produce from Rita's Farm and I am mighty impressed. Rita's Farm is an organic farm in Sydney and they have beautiful, cost-effective produce including wild-caught fish (yes!). I can't wait to order from them again. Meanwhile, I also continue to order from Delish Deliveries. And if you want to stretch your produce a bit further, check out Scrappy Cooking and Cornersmith Waste Hacks.
I wanted to end my little note by thanking you all for being part of my little newsletter world and for all the heartfelt, lovely messages you send me after every newsletter. You always know the right things to say and make my day extra special. I feel so grateful for you all. Thank you!
Â
"NOT REALLY" JENNIFER ANISTON SALAD
The infamous, viral, healthy and deliciously easy salad that Jennifer Aniston may or may not have eaten every single day for 10 years on the set while filming Friends. This (not really) Jennifer Aniston Salad made of quinoa, chickpeas, greens and feta cheese makes a great weekday lunch.
Â
The Story Behind The Viral Jennifer Aniston Salad
Now don’t quote me on this but back when social media started picking up, what Jennifer Aniston ate while filming Friends was a hot topic of contention. Just as the media has been fascinated by Rachel Green’s hairstyles and outfits, so was the internet by what Jennifer Aniston’s favourite salad was. Courtney Cox remembers a turkey bacon and garbanzo bean (that’s chickpea for us here in Australia!) salad that Jennifer Aniston used to make every day, a claim that has been refuted by Jennifer herself over the years. And I believe her. Here’s why …
Â
The viral Jennifer Aniston Salad has copious amounts of raw onion, which I am assuming would be a strict no-no while .....
A beautiful seasonal cake/dessert that requires no fuss at all. Boil whole oranges (or mandarins) in a saucepan, add them to a blender with all the other ingredients, blend and bake. Snack on this gorgeously moist cake with a cup of coffee or add a dollop of ice cream and settle down on the couch by the fire. Just pure bliss!
My Current Cooking List
Cheesy Mushroom Lasagna Soup (I created this recipe for San Remo - it's easy and yum!)
Vegan Eggplant Unagi
Turkish Sumac Onions
Mushroom Hot And Sour Soup
Creamy Mustard Slaw
Scallion Rice & Spicy Enoki Mushrooms With Garlic
Greek Yoghurt With Za'atar Eggs
Crispy Golden Prawn Pancakes
20 Minute Chilli Crisps
Asian Chicken Salad
Saucy Gochujang Noodles With Chicken
Quince And Blackberry Crumble Cake
Zucchini Crumble Coffee Cake
These are the latest additions to my cookbook shelf, a great mix of exciting cuisines and cultures.
Your Home Izakaya - Tim Anderson (Japanese)
Ayla - Santosh Shah (Nepalese)
Ammu - Asma Khan (Indian/Pakistani)
Lanka Food - O Tama Carey (Sri Lankan)
Don't forget to join My Cooking Club! I shall be announcing next month's cookbook soon.
Food For Thought » Shaking Parts Of Your Body Or The Whole Body Release Pent Up Stress
You must have seen or experienced toddlers throw a tantrum. Yes? Ever notice how they get so wound up just before (either they find themselves in a stressful or scary situation or they want something that they didn't get) and then there is the release. They shake parts of their body, wring their arms, throw themselves on the ground, yell, scream ... yes! It's not pretty! But after they are done, they are like angels. Soft and calm and cuddly.
There is a practice called "Shaking Practice" which I am only brave enough to do when no one is around because it is animated and personal and guttural. And way more civilized than throwing a tantrum. But boy, does it feel like something big and heavy leaves your body and you feel light and calm and revived.
Â
How?
To try shaking meditation
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, firmly planted and soften your knees and drop your shoulders.
Begin shaking and feeling the bounce through your knees and let the vibration spread to your arms and shoulders while keeping your feet planted.
Try to shake your entire body with little trembles and full body shakes.
Twist slightly, move head up and down, loosen your torso and let it just shake.
This video demonstrates this practice perfectly. It will really help you visualize! It's silly, fun and very liberating.
Â
Ever feel like you've lost the whole year in a blink of an eye? That you spend too much time doing things you don't want to which takes away time from the things that truly bring you joy .. yes me too! I recently watched a very sweet movie that follows this premise - Long Story Short. Rafe Spall stars in this time-bending romantic comedy (shot here in Sydney) that makes you instantly want to be more present in your everyday.
I recently watched Netflix's runaway hit Heartstopper. What an absolutely beautiful, feel-good show with a big heart! A show that brilliantly addresses and portrays the trials our young people face today, the bullying, the many layers of being bold enough to question and explore one's identity and the importance of the role adults play in that journey. The music is gorgeous too. A must-watch!
Eva Abley is AMAZING (and adorable)! A 14-year-old stand-up comic with cerebral palsy, she has impeccable timing and is just a joy to watch.
Are you a boomer? Find out (in Jimmy Rees' hilarious clip)! (btw POV means "Point Of View". And if you didn't know that, you might be a boomer or a Gen X like me :))
If you love The Office (US) and Minions .. you will love this!
That's all folks! See you next week with more good things xx