spiced beef kabobs with cucumber-yogurt sauce

ingredients

For the sauce: ½ English cucumber, peeled ¼ cup chopped fresh mint ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt, such as Fage 1 teaspoon lemon zest, from 1 lemon 1 tablespoon lemon juice, from ½ large lemon 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

For the kebobs: ½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt, such as Fage 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon zest, from 1 lemon 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon garam masala ¼ teaspoon cayenne 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes 16 grape or cherry tomatoes 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch cubes Eight 10-inch bamboo skewers, soaked if using an outdoor grill

instructions

For the sauce: Grate the cucumber over a strainer and squeeze out the water. Transfer the grated cucumber to a medium bowl along with the mint, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Mix to combine, using a rubber spatula. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the kebobs: In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, cumin, garam masala and cayenne. Add the cubed sirloin and mix to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Beginning with the meat, thread one cube of sirloin onto a skewer, followed by a tomato, another piece of meat, a piece of onion, another piece of meat and finishing with a tomato and an onion. Continue like this until all the skewers are assembled. Sprinkle the kebobs on all sides with salt, then place on the preheated grill and cook for three minutes per side for medium doneness. Serve warm with the cucumber-yogurt sauce

moroccan chocolate mousse

ingredients

  

2 cups heavy cream, chilled                1 ½ teaspoons agave nectar                     ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon                          ¼ teaspoon ground cumin                             1/8 teaspoon salt                                 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped

instructions

Stir together the heavy cream, agave, cinnamon, cumin and salt in a large bowl. Place the chopped chocolate in the bowl of a double boiler. Set the bowl over a pot of gently simmering water and stir until the chocolate is fully melted, about 5 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pot and set on a dish towel to dry the bottom of the bowl. Using a hand-held mixer, whip the spiced cream just until it forms soft peaks, 2 to 3 minutes; be careful not to over-whip. Now, using a rubber spatula, quickly and gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream. Serve immediately, or divide the mousse among serving bowls and refrigerate until ready to serve.

vietnamese red snapper with noodles

ingredients

5 cloves garlic, sliced 4 stalks lemon grass, trimmed, pounded and halved lengthwise 2 habanero chiles, minced 1 large or 2 small shallots, sliced 2 tablespoons Asian fish sauce 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon ground turmeric 1 pound red snapper fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces 3 ounces rice vermicelli noodles ⅓ cup vegetable oil ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup chopped fresh basil ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro ½ cup chopped fresh mint ½ cup sliced scallions

instructions

In a 1-gallon resealable freezer bag, combine the garlic, lemon grass, habaneros, shallots, fish sauce, ginger, sugar and turmeric. Mix all the ingredients around in the bag, then add the fish and seal the bag. Shake to coat the fish in the marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Quickly rinse in cool water, drain well and divide among 4 serving bowls. Heat the vegetable oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the fish along with its marinade. Remove the lemon grass and discard. Sprinkle the fish with the salt and cook, undisturbed, for 4 minutes. Flip the fish pieces over to lightly brown the other side, and cook another minute or so. Toss gently with a rubber spatula until all of the fish is cooked and the shallots are beginning to brown. Scatter the scallions, basil, cilantro and mint over the top. Spoon the fish over the rice noodles. Serve.

Giada De Laurentiis: Smashed Root Vegetables

Ingredients: 

• 1 celery root, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 1/4 cups)
• 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 small bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves sliced into thin ribbons (about 3 cups chopped)
• Zest of 1 small lemon
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions: 

1. Place celery root, parsnips, potatoes and garlic into a large pot. Cover with cold water by an inch and add 2 tablespoons salt. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until all of the vegetables are just tender.
    
2. Add chard and cook an additional 2 minutes, just to wilt the greens. Drain well and return cooked vegetables to the pot. Remove chard and set aside for a moment.
    
3. Using a wooden spoon, stir vegetables over medium heat to remove some of the excess moisture, about 4 minutes. Using a large fork or a potato masher, lightly mash the vegetables. Remove from heat and add the reserved chard, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, lemon zest, olive oil and cheese. Mix until well combined. Serve hot.

- See more at: http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/healthy-eating/healthy-recipes/giada-de-laurentiis-smashed-root-vegetables#sthash.7AC856Os.dpuf

Cat Scratch Fever

With a little patience, you can persuade your cat to stop clawing the sofa. 

To stop your feline from using your couch for manicures, you need to get him or her interested in a scratching post or pad.

Pick the right scratch device. For horizontal scratchers (cats that stay on all fours and scratch across a level surface), try a pad made of corrugated cardboard, which felines like because it’s rough like the bark of a tree. It also massages the paws. Many brands contain catnip to further entice your feline. Check out the SmartyKat SuperScratcher (made from recycled cardboard and organically grown catnip) at most pet stores. For vertical scratchers (cats that stand on hind legs and scratch up high), choose a tall and stable post covered in carpet (available at most pet stores) or roughtextured sisal fabric (it stands up to heavy use; go to purrfectpost.com) or solid cedar (the most natural choice; see cozycatfurniture.com).

Train your cat to use it. Place the scratching device near where your cat normally scratches. You might have to pick him or her up and indicate where to swipe when he or she eyes the couch. Once your cat gets accustomed to it, gradually move the post or pad to your designated “scratching area.” Before long—about one to two weeks on average—your cat will learn where to go when the itch to scratch strikes. If your cat ignores the post and continues to use the couch, patiently, firmly, and consistently remind him or her of the acceptable place for scratching. Harsher tactics like spraying your cat with water can backfire and create a more defiant or fearful pet.

2014 Beauty Awards: Hair

1 of  6 |Best Shine Booster: Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil

 Two to three drops of this lightweight oil from roots to ends on dry hair give the most lackluster strands gloss without slick. It’s all thanks to a high concentration of organic buriti oil (from the Brazilian moriche palm), which rehabs hair to health so it can reflect light evenly. This shine booster is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, silicones, and artificial colors and fragrance. ($27

2 of 6 |>Best Split-End Helper: Garnier Fructis Damage Eraser Split-End Bandage

 Did you do something new to your hair? It looks great!” was just one of the compliments flung a tester’s way when she took this bottle for a ride. The floral-fragranced, gel-like treatment temporarily seals frayed ends for an instantly healthy-looking hair. And to prevent further harm? Conditioning and protective cupuaçu butter. This split end repair helper is free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates. ($6, drugstores)

3 of 6 |Best Dry Shampoo: Herbal Essences Naked Volume Dry Shampoo

 Refresh days-old hair with a few spritzes of this powdery aerosol. The tapioca-based mix absorbs excess oil and leaves behind a clean, minty scent, but no white residue. This dry shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens and artificial colors. ($5, drugstores

4 of 6 |Best Curl Enhancer: Nuance Salma Hayek Blue Agave Wave Enhancing Styling Swirll

 Curly-tops are in luck! This product for curly hair guarantees bouncy, touchable spirals—no need for a full arsenal of stylers. The cream and gel cocktail is infused with blue agave extract and meadowfoam seed oil to smooth unruliness and give coils shape without stiffness. This curl enhancer is free of sulfates and parabens. ($10, 

5 of 6 |Best Hairspray: OGX Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Elevated Finish Spray

 Medium hold that you can still brush through, a satiny sheen, humidity immunity and zero crunchiness—this hairspray promises and delivers it all. Bonus: Moisturizing argan oil makes this spray work double-duty as a mending treatment. This hairspray is free of sulfates, parabens and 

phthalates. ($10, drugstores)

6 of 6 | Best Conditioner: Suave Professionals Natural Infusion Anti-Breakage Conditioner with Awapuhi Ginger

Strengthening honeysuckle and shine-imparting ginger in this hydrator seal the hair cuticle for easy detangling and reduced damage. The sophisticated bergamot, rose, jasmine and nutmeg scent is so delicious you won’t want to leave the shower. This hair conditioner is free of parabens and artificial colors. ($3, drugstores)

This Easy Stress Buster Is Cheaper Than Therapy

Draw yourself out by turning your emotions into a creation.

Feeling stressed or angry? You know it's best to express your feelings—but therapy and journaling aren't the only options. Bernie Siegel, M.D., a retired general surgeon in Woodbridge, Conn.,  suggests an alternative method in his book The Art of Healing. "When you draw, your intellect is quiet and your body speaks to you through images and symbols," Siegel explains. "Your unconscious takes over, and your issues will reveal themselves."

Dr. Siegel began using the method to connect with cancer patients. "When I'd ask someone who was about to get chemotherapy to draw his feelings about the process, and he'd use black and red to illustrate what looked like poison, I knew he would need hand-holding," Siegel says. Another patient drew flowers and symbols of hope in bright colors, indicating she was at peace and would have less pain, he adds.

Sketching can help with all kinds of issues—not just illness. "Illustration turns attention to your troubles, and once you know your demons, you're better able to handle them," Siegel explains. "Try drawing once a month, as a journal of your feelings. Your doodles can help you uncover shy you're stressed, or whether to take that job offer," he says. To try it, grab white paper and have every color available.

Doctor's RX
Pick a situation, problem or decision you are considering, and draw your choices in as much detail as you'd like. Return to the sketch the next day when you can view it rationally, as if someone else did it, examining the symbolism you've portrayed. As you decode your work, look for these key indicators:

A sense of order
If your draw a recognizable shape and things are where they should be, then all's well," Siegel says. "But pay attention to what doesn't look as it should. If you draw yourself without ears, perhaps you do not want to listen to difficult news. Or if you're not touching your partner in the image, your connection may be off-kilter. If you only depict part of a person, you may not view them as wholly in your life."

A sense of color
"The tones you use have meaning. Green generally symbolizes life, yellow is energy, purple is spirituality, black is ominous, red is emotions and orange is change," Siegel says.

Ask someone you trust what she sees in the sketch and how it makes her feel. Her comments, plus your own interpretation, will give you insight into your problem and help you make a self-serving, authentic choice.