Mr. Bijoy Writes

Just like every past year, here's the deal: Some people (I'm sure you know at least one) are difficult when it comes to gifting. So to make it easy on you, I find random, nifty things that I think would make cool gifts and I share them with you. Buy one for yourself, buy one for a friend, buy one for a lover, buy none. I don't get any money from sharing these with you, I just think these things are cool and unique. Sound good? Good. A fun watch for those that love a bold color statement.  I think chunky sweaters are still cool... Anyways, here's a great one for a woman in your life that won't break the bank. Know a stylish guy or a guy who needs some style? Get him this honest-to-goodness class ic. There is no substitute.   Add class to anyone's bar with this elegant tool set . Making popcorn easier to eat, because you can.  Elevate your or someone's kitchen with this .  Someone like to grill? This .  Touchscreen gloves that don't look like shit...

I have some thoughts about clothing and stuff. Some may call this "style" stuff. No. Some may call these "tips." No. Just my thoughts, in list form to make this easier on everyone. Take them as that, just thoughts.  There is no excuse worthy, no pain so cruel, as to legitimize the wearing of sneakers or tennis shoes with a suit.  If you're under the age of fifty-five, and do not possess a Southern accent, never purchase, or for that matter, wear, a seersucker suit. You're not Matlock. You want to stay comfortable on a hot day, get a linen suit. I can go on about this, but I won't.  Fanny packs with a suit... No. I've seen it. Really, I have. It's not okay. A North Face fleece jacket, or nay other polar fleece jacket, over a sport coat or suit jacket looks as ridiculous as it sounds. A good wool topcoat, long or short, or a trenchcoat (if the weather is proper for it) look better and work better than fleece. Everyone understands that your b...

So last night I had a short conversation with a few twitter folks ( @tobyamidor , @dee22ann , & @MelissaTraubRD ) about mac & cheese. So, from that conversation, here is a recipe for a healthier mac & cheese, for both deliciousness and happiness!  What ya need: 1 1/4 cups of raw cashews 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast 2 teaspoons of onion powder 1 teaspoon of kosher sea salt 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon of ground Tellicherry black pepper 3 cups of almond milk 3 tablespoons of quality cornstarch 1/4 cup of cold-pressed olive oil (you can use palm oil here as well) 1/4 cup of light white miso (yellow miso works, but I prefer the white varietal) 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice 16 ounces of cooked pasta (I like rotini, but you can use whatever you want. Just not bowtie, don't be irresponsible) Ok, so: In a food processor or powerful blender (I use my Vita-mix) grind the cashews with the nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, garlic ...

Riverboat Salmon is a fast preparation dish with some great benefits. This dish is light, yet filling and healthy. It’s a great main item in a light lunch or dinner. The rich flavor will please many and the light burden doesn’t weigh one down after the meal. What ya need: 4 salmon steaks (6-8oz. works best) 1 lemon, quartered 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder Ok, so: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Melt the butter in the skillet. When the butter is completely liquefied, add the soy sauce and garlic powder. Increase the heat to medium. Place the salmon in the skillet and cook 4 minutes on each side, or until well cooked. The fish will be thoroughly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Do not test doneness often or you will ruin the integrity of the filet. As the salmon is cooking, prepare the lemon. Cut the lemon in half. Cut one half of the lemon into four thin slices. Cut the other half of the lemon into four wedges. Wh...

With the absence of the spices in this recipe it would be weinershnitzel. This dish, however, utilizes some American classics, such as seasoned salt and cayenne pepper, to allow for a more country home-style flavor.  What ya need: 2 pounds of quality veal steak 1 egg 1 ½ cups of bread crumbs or crushed crackers 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt 1 teaspoon of lemon juice ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon of crushed black pepper (white peppercorns may be substituted) Vegetable oil Ok, so: Cut the veal steak into ½ inch thick slivers and allow them to better acclimate to the room temperature. While the steak is sitting out, mix the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and bread crumbs in a shallow dish.  In another shallow dish, beat the egg. In a large skillet, pour in oil to ¼ inch in depth. Heat the skillet on medium heat. In the time it takes you to prepare the bread crumbs, skillet, and egg, the steak should be ready to cook. Take the veal, one piece at...

On a trip to Georgia a few years back I came across a portabella soup that sparked my interest. I remember walking into this small restaurant and wanting something warm to help ease the crisp night air. This soup looked good, so I ordered it. I tried for months to try and mimic the recipe and it finally came through. I suggest this soup for cooler days as part of a hearty meal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  What ya need : ¼ cup of unsalted butter 5 chopped leeks (about 3 cups) 1 onion (roughly chopped) 10 ounces of portabella mushrooms (chopped – so about 4 cups) ¼ cup of all-purpose flour 3 cups of quality chicken stock 4 tablespoons of dry sherry 2 cups of Half & Half ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper (or white pepper, your choice) Ok, so: In a big pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and onion and sauté until the onions grow soft. This should take about ten minutes or so. Then add the mushrooms...

Ok, so about stir-fry... These days it seems like everyone has a version of stir-fry that works best for them in the kitchen. Some meat, some veggies, some sauce, boom. Now I'm not knocking your method, but I'd like to introduce a thought on the matter. Mess around a little bit. Have fun! My friend, and fellow chef, who has asked to remain nameless, have argued much on the subject of the perfect stir-fry. We have never agreed... until now. Try this recipe out and tell me what you think! It's fun, easy, and quick. Ingredients 1/2 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth (no need to get fancy) 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (make sure you go low-so) 1 teaspoon Chinese chile-garlic sauce (generally available everywhere) 1 teaspoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup fresh ginger, cut into fine matchsticks/lengthwise 1/2 pound snow peas 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined (please devein them, don't be gross) 4 small scallions, thinly sliced on t...