Spinach and Egg quiche- when you are downsizing with the ‘keto’ way!

Spinach and egg quiche topped with nuts - always yummy!

I was following an article on weight loss when I was introduced with the term ‘keto diet’. The concept follows that when the body doesn’t have any carbohydrate to burn, it burns down fats for energy.  The result is that excess keto body is produced and the break-down of food begins. Now, the most important part of the diet being the energy from each meal should be on the basis of 80% fats, 15% protein, and 5% carbohydrate. Well, as I was flipping the pages of a keto website, an idea clicked my mind and I thought, let’s give it a chance. With all available things in my house, I could prepare a very easy and palatable dish, a quiche made from spinach, egg and other veggies.

Preparation: For 2 people

Ingredients:

1.      4 eggs, battered

2.      1 bunch of spinach blanched,

3.      1 medium sized onion chopped,

4.      ½ tomato medium sized chopped,

5.      ½ teaspoon of salt,

6.      ½ cup of cheddar cheese shredded,

7.      1 green chili chopped,

8.      Sliced 2 garlic cloves chopped,

9.      2 and pecans sliced,

10.  1 teaspoon of butter.

Equipment used:

Microwave

Preparation:

1.      Melt butter in a skillet and then add the chopped onion and tomatoes to it. Toss gently until they get softened. Add the chopped garlic and cook again.

2.      Add the blanched spinach and then cook the veggies with the cover on. The veggies will release water and get softened. Remove and allow to cool down.

3.      Now add the eggs to it and fold the mixture till they get evenly mixed.

4.      Now place the mixture in a microwave safe container and then cook for 3-4 minutes.

5.      Top the shredded cheese over the egg content and again microwave for 2 minutes, till you see the cheese melt completely.

6.      Remove and then garnish with sliced nuts.

The idea of the quiche topped with nuts is not a general one; but trust me, my friends, the taste was just out of the world.

You may give this awesome ‘keto’ breakfast after you come from a walk or work out. Try this recipe even if you are not planning to shed some weight. It’s a healthy and yummy breakfast. 

Greenwich – thrills of standing at zero meridian!

     

View from the Royal Observatory

A visit to the UK, without a peek at Greenwich is truly incomplete. I planned my journey in such a way that I could cover a place or two in a single day. A trip to Greenwich would take a full day.  The city is a combination of fascinating museums, parklands, mesmerizing architecture, bustling markets, and much more galvanizing experience.

Getting to Greenwich: Greenwich, located at south east London and South bank of London. This city is rated as the UNESCO world heritage site which stands as the symbol of British culture and naval power for 400 years. We started from London and took a cruise over the Thames River till Greenwich Pier. There is accessibility by underground as well as rail and airline cable car.

·           From the Tower of London, getting to the Greenwich pier will take 20 minutes.

·          From St. Paul’s Cathedral, Greenwich will take hardly 25 minutes.

·          From Bond street luxury boutiques, North Greenwich is hardly 20 minutes.

·          Starting from the Monument, it will take 30 minutes to reach Greenwich by DLR.

In case you are planning to visit the place, take a closer look at the transport system, get updated via google and chalk out your journeys.

 Things to see in Greenwich: Once you land at Greenwich make sure you see the meridian line, the royal observatory, Maritime national museum, Old Royal naval college, Greenwich Park, Greenwich market and the O2 arena. From the pier, we walked all the way through Greenwich Park to reach the Royal Observatory.

The Royal Observatory: This is an observatory overlooking the Thames River and situated over a hill. Having played a great role in navigation and astronomy, this is best known as the prime meridian passes through. It cost us 15£ per adult and 6£ for a child ticket. 

             

The Timekeeper, a site near the entrance 

We followed the queue to enter inside.  This was founded by King Charles II in 1670, who founded the importance of seeking better navigation for country’s sea trade. 

                         

Observing the city from the viewpoint of Royal Observatory

Since 1884, Greenwich stands as the landmark of zero degree meridian. It was great fun to stand amidst the historical line of Meridian with two foot towards each side. It was an elating experience to discover the home of Greenwich mean- time.  

      

Camera obscura view 

We saw the great equatorial telescope, which was a 250 years old working observatory in Greenwich.  We enjoyed the view of Camera Obscura, which was a dark room with an arrangement to see the views of the Thames River, Royal naval museum, National maritime museum, all through a panoramic view. 

                

Standing at the prime meridian

       

Where the time zone starts 

 We saw the timekeeper of John Harisson’s which was used in the 18^th century.

 The trip was regarded as an experience of a lifetime.

           

National maritime museum, a great attraction 

Maritime national museum:  We saw the National maritime museum in Greenwich which was established in the 17^th century AD. The historic building is a part of the maritime Greenwich world heritage site. This place is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The cost of entrance is 10 £. Once you get inside there is a lot of attraction for the visitors. Never miss seeing the Nelson’s Trafalgar coat, Turner’s battle of Trafalgar’s gallery, Ship in a bottle, Caird library and archive, history of four new galleries, and the Jutland 1916 gallery.

      

Greenwich Park, a peaceful abode

                 

Greenwich Park: We walked past the Greenwich park which is a great walking space where you can spend the day picnicking or lazying around. The park is roughly rectangular in shape with sides measuring 1000 meters by 750 meters. The park has two levels having a number of dips and gullies. You can have an uninterrupted view of the Thames River, Queen’s house and the closet of the museum). If you follow the steep walk uphill, that will reveal a flat area which is an enclosed extension of the plateau of Blackheath.

    

The old Royal naval college: This is regarded as the architectural centerpiece of Maritime Greenwich. This is regarded as the UNESCO world heritage site. Previously there was a Greenwich hospital which was created for the sole purpose of treating wounded soldiers. Anyways, in 1869 the hospital was closed and the remains of the soldiers were removed. In 1873, after completion of the hospital, the building was converted to training establishment meant for the Royal Navy.

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Painted hall of Old royal naval college seems familiar? Recollect Harry Potter 

In fact, we were told that various Hollywood movies were filmed here at the Old Royal Naval college including Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, and Harry Potter.  

Greenwich market, a busy site 

Greenwich market: This is considered the only market place of London inside a world heritage site. There is no single thing on earth which you won't see here. There are stalls of antiques, jewelry, fashion garments, and accessories.

There is no dearth of places of interest surrounding London. In fact, you should take your time to travel and experience the various flavors of the city. The prehistoric sites will definitely attract you and you will fall in love with the variedly cosmopolitan culture. 

Barbequed fish skewers – a quick deal to spice up your Christmas meal!

  

Barbequed fish skewers!What more for a festive season? 

Well, Christmas nearing and you must be thinking where and how to celebrate this festive season. While there are various options to celebrate at restaurants or a plethora of home delivery option from the nearest food joints, why not take a chance to decorate your table with some awesome dishes? Trust me, I tried this fish barbeque and it was truly awesome as my friends loved it madly. I used air fryer and the minimum possible oil. Let me share with my food lover friends’ who are planning to spice up their Christmas meal.

For: 3-4 people

Ingredients:

1.       Fish fillet ( 3-4 packets),

2.       1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar,

3.       1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste,

4.       1 teaspoon red chili paste,

5.       ½ teaspoon of salt,

6.       3 tomatoes chopped roundish

7.       2 onions chopped roundish

8.       3 bell peppers chopped roundish

9.       Lemon juice for topping

Equipment used:

Air fryer, brush for putting oil.

Procedure:

1.       Marinate the fish fillets with vinegar, salt, red chili paste, and ginger garlic paste. Keep in this condition for 30 minutes.

2.        Now place them in the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3.       Place the chopped vegetable- tomato, bell- pepper and onions inside the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.

4.       Take bamboo skewers and skew the fish and vegetable in a series. You can make your own series.

You can top the beautiful, luscious skewers with mustard paste and some freshly squeezed lemon juice. Well, your Christmas palette cannot be more colorful without this barbequed skewed fish.

A day trip to Roman bath, the ancient city, travelling back 2000 years

              

Roman bath - a prehistoric site 

The Roman baths are a historical site, well preserved for public viewing and the construction dates back to the 18^th century AD.  While you dig into history, the archaeological evidence testifies that fact that the site must have been a center of worship that was practiced by the Celts. The springs are just an artifact of dedication to Goddess Sulis, who was identified by Romans as Minerva.

Means of traveling to the Bath city from the center of London: The city of Bath is situated 100 miles west of London and the same is 16 km East of Bristol. You must explore the enticing city on foot. You get frequent trains from London city to the Bath and the time taken to travel depends from 1 hr 15minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.  Traveling by bus will prove to be a cheaper one and that will take 3-4 hours to reach the city. The coaches do run an interval of 90 minutes. Traveling by taxi, private cars area lays permissible. You may explore the town in bicycle or on foot.

https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/getting-here

 (for your reference you may see the map that clarifies the various routes.)

You have to pass various areas before reaching the historic bath.

       

The entrance of the Roman bath 

Entrance:  The entrance is a well decorated are with huge sized paintings all over.  You can buy your tickets here, afford audio-guides and hire a courtesy child carrier for your toddler.

             

Terrace depicts statues of political celebs 

The terrace:  You will be elated to visit the terrace which is lined with statues of British governors and Roman emperors. Well, this is a great scope to have worthwhile memories and get pictured around.  The statues were constructed in 1894. The site is actually a huge area and found under the modern ground level.

  

  

A roman slave of the then era ( enacting although)

    

Meeting the Romans: There is a great attraction here in the Roman bath. You actually get to see people who once lived here. They are no other than people who study the Roman history well and enacts like the ancient people living 2000 years back. Don’t be surprised when these people dressed in ancient Roman robes introduce as they come from time machine. They say they were slaves or warriors and answer all your questions in the ancient world. Well, the figures are quite near to the ones you observe in pictures. Don’t get scared. They are not ghosts.

  

A coffin of the then era 

Temple pediments:  While you see the front of the temple, the statue of Goddess Sulis Minerva was housed, and the area recently portrays the roman time looks which are quite evident once you go through the animation show.  

                

Visuals of the changing room 

You will be going through the era when men and women used to bathe naked in the same pool and avail some massage and other body relaxing services. Well, this is a lesson to learn from that person from that era used to be open-minded and progressive. 

Hot water originating from the bath 

Skeleton of the then era 

Gorgon's head - a figurine 

You may see the head curved over the wall which is called the Gorgon’s head, that stands as the symbol of power for Goddess Sulis Minerva.

                

Tourists observe the courtyard from suspended metallic bridge

Temple courtyard: You may take a walk around the temple courtyard along the suspended metallic bridge. You can observe the stones which still have a bit of grass and fern in it. They were believed to belong to the Roman era and the time where sacrifices were made towards God. Truly, I felt like I was observing a sprawling civilization that came to an end with no notice from the destiny makers. Still, I am fortunate enough to observe the place which was conserved with great care.

 

                               

Souvenirs for yourself:  While exiting from the historic place, you may observe some stalls displaying beautiful souvenirs that include artifacts, show pieces, books, pens, and other stationeries which bear the logo or any symbol of the Roman bath. Carry home some great memories at the mere cost of some pounds.

Visiting the 3500 years old Archaeological structure, the Stone Henge :

                   

Stone Henge observed from a distance 

One of the most popular sites that existed around 5,000 years before and rated as one of the most popular UNESCO heritage sites is Stone Henge. It’s an enormous structure when a single stone rests over two other, thereby justifying the power of balancing act which is empowered by the divine power. The archaeologists say that it was first constructed 5000 years back and thereby it underwent another phase of construction at 2500 BC. Sources say that the structures were developed during the Mesolithic era and consist of several barrows that date to the 3500 BC.

You are not allowed proximity to this huge structure and expected to view it just from some yards away. The complex is open to tourists until 5 pm and it’s better to buy tickets online so as to avoid the length of the queue.  There is a various arrangement to be picked from the center of London, else you can make it on the way back from the Roman bath.

Well, I was happy as I have toured some pre-historic sites and to my understanding, London and surrounding have been the bull’s eye of settlement since ancient civilization that dates back from the Roman Empire.  As the saying goes, ‘Rome was not built in a day’, similarly, London and surroundings are evidence of the fact that civilization was a long built road in history.

Touring Oxford, the education hub of United Kingdom

    

Oxford, the epitome of a learning center.

We set for Oxford, the education hub of United Kingdom the next day.  Oxford is accessible by train or by bus from the center of London. In fact, there are various day trips organized by professional tour agents. They pick from central London and after the completion of the trip drop at the same place. The trip might cost you $52 per person excluding lunch. Touring the city bustling with International students was really fun. Moreover, summer is the best time to visit places of interest in Europe.

                 

Oxford has more cycles than any other vehicles

While entering Oxford, my eyes caught series of the cycle by the roadside which the students use to move around. In fact, there is no single university, but a group of colleges under the same University. We opted for a walking tour and passed around the famous Trinity College, Keble College, Balliol College, Wadham College and many more.

                      

Trinity college ( collected) 

   

Read the notice near the entrance 

The Trinity College: The holy college of Trinity founded by Sir Thomas Pope in 1555 is the target for many International as well as students based in the UK. The college was an all-male one till 1979 and then became a co-educational one. Various movies were filmed over here including the Brideshead Revisited, Last Enchantments, Lewis and Endeavour.  It’s a medium-sized college over a spacious site in the city and enjoys harmonious relation with the student and teacher.  The college is located in the main entrance of Broad Street and at a stone throw distance from Bodleian Library.

                      

Keble College 

Keble College: This College was established in 1870, as a monument to John Keble. The original teaching of the college was theological but the college reflects a wide range of subjects presently that reflects the diversity of degrees. After the Second World War, the trends of the college were towards science subjects. The college has four squads- Pusey, Haywards, Liddon, and Newman. The brick complex was designed by Butterfield.  The college has approximately 425 undergraduate and 246 graduate students. The college offers a supportive environment that enables not only academic excellence but also supports music, sports, and drama.

                            

Balliol College:  This College was founded in 1263, and it’s one of the constituent colleges of Oxford University of England. The college alumni have three former prime ministers. Noble laureates, numerous philosophical and literary figures once highlighted the benches of the famous college. In 1979, the college accepted the admission of women in its premises. We saw the front quadrangle and garden quadrangle. We were taken through the dining hall, the long stretch if tables and chairs where the genius was once seated to have meal and chit chat with fellow students.

Spotted the Mathematics department

We passed through the famous museum road and various departments that were scattered all over the city. Students who are regular visitors are quite versant with the buildings. We saw both professors and students used cycles for communication. 

                 

Bus to Oxford city tour 

There are regular tours for tourists over buses that read ‘Oxford tour’. In fact, the city was vivacious with students, tourists, and teachers. We were lucky to see some students dressed in graduation gowns.

                  

Skeleton of Dinosaur

The museum of natural history has much to explore 

Oxford Museum of Natural history:  We entered the Oxford Museum of Natural history where we were taken through an invaluable specimen of 4.5 million years of the history of the earth. I was just amazed to see the skeleton of dinosaur towering over my head, the label read ‘Iguandon’ and ‘T- Rex’. These must have been enormous creatures that dominated the world in pre-historic times.  I posed with my grinning face over the closely similar ‘T–rex’ supposing it could have been my sister once upon a time. The first dinosaur that was described by scientists were Oxfordshire’s Megalosaurus. We experienced the evolutionary history of fish, birds, reptiles, mammals and even more.  We were taken aback by the display of whale striking from the walls. We went to see the British bird display on the first floor. 

Dinosaur head to imagination 

We got an opportunity to see how the minerals were formed beneath the earth surface, stratified in the quarries.  The paleontology section had wonderful collections of fossils around the world. The area is a rich source of marine fossils starting from the late Jurassic to the middle ages. There was the presence of 20 touchable specimens that included animal skulls, fossils, and snakeskin.

It was an exciting tour to experience the remains of various prehistoric species.

          

Bodleian library, the greatest collection

The Bodleian Library: Libraries of Oxford are amongst the most celebrated ones in the world. Some of them are known to be from during the middle ages. The Bodleian Library group were attached to faculties, and it’s been a legal deposit over 400 years. It has a deposit of over 12 million items. Situated in Broad Street, it has a collection of books, newspapers, journals, magazines, maps, prints, drawings and manuscripts. There is a special occasion to be a reader of the library. The venue is open for various exhibitions and other events.  Only the people who are affiliated to a college, department of Oxford University receive membership for Bodleian Library.  Reader’s cards are not available to anybody.

 

Radcliffe camera 

Radcliffe camera: The Radcliffe Camera is a dome-shaped building of Oxford University, which was designed by James Gibbs and built in neoclassical style during 1737- 49. The word camera comes from the Latin word denoting ‘room’. It’s house to the Radcliffe library. The building was named after Radcliffe, who’s the most successful physician of England. The easiest way of accessing Radcliffe Square is from High street, besides the St. Mary Virgin church. Spending a few pounds, it’s possible to climb the tower to a platform above Radcliffe square.

               

Bridge of sighs, Oxford 

Bridge of sighs: the bridge is a link between the old and new quadrangles of the Hartford College. The architect of the structure was Sir Thomas Jackson.  It’s supposed to have similarity with the Bridge of sighs of Venice.

                        

St Mary Virgin church 

 Church of St Mary virgin:  This is situated on the northern side of the high street.  The best part of this church is that it allows a north view straight to the Radcliffe.

                  

Something interesting

The ghost tour of Oxford: As I passed the city, a hoarding attracted me which read’ guided ghost tour’. Well, for some people who are adventurous enough, this can be a golden opportunity. Well, the tour costs 12£ per person and it starts at 6:30 in the evening. A guide wearing a mask will take you through the nooks and corners of the city which are believed to be haunted. The tours generally start from the gate of Trinity College in Broad Street. Well, you will be taken through the dark chapters of history that reins in the walls of the colleges. These are the stories of agony, horror, torment as well as terror. 

 

Iconic buildings standing tall for years 

If you are lucky you might be a shadowy figure while whizzing past (although it’s a matter of belief). Well, I feel this is just a marketing gimmick and a policy to attract tourists. But, all you see if what you believe. So, if you have an open mind and heart, you will definitely love to explore the opportunity of meeting some English ghosts.

       

Some souvenirs as memento

The souvenir shop:  You will come across numerous souvenir shops across Oxford. You may shop various displays that include fridge magnets and oxford accessories.  You may buy glasses and mugs with printed oxford icons, as well as buy hoodies, keyrings, pens, spinner bell, mugs, and T-shirts.