Need a new bra for spring? Need more rice in your diet? May 20, 2010

via telegraph.co.uk

Bra that grows rice developed in Japan

“Triumph, makers of other gimmick bras including one that comes with a sushi set and another that comes with solar panels, said it came up with the “rice bra” because of the growing popularity of farming among city dwellers in Japan.

Growing concerns over food safety and the environment, and the ideal of a laid-back rural lifestyle, are attracting more urbanites to agriculture, once the mainstay of Japan’s economy. Rice is also the nation’s staple food.

“Over the last year, young Japanese women have taken a tremendous interest in agriculture. We wanted other women to experience farming as well,” Triumph spokeswoman Yoshiko Masuda said.

“Home kits that allow people to grow their own rice are very popular online. We thought that it would be fun if a bra could give people the same experience,” said Mr Masuda.

The bra, made of recyclable plastic, can be tied together to create pots that also double as the cups.

These are then filled with soil, and rice seedlings, that are watered through a hose that also doubles as a belt that goes around the wearer’s waist.

The bra also comes with gardening gloves. However, greenfingered Japanese women will not get the chance to grow their own bra rice, as the concept bra is not for sale”

MORE Triumph bras here.

Lisa’s Tofu-Walnut-Spinach-Garlicky-Brown Rice-Garam Masala Thing April 28, 2010

I love to make this for Thanksgiving.  Good any time of the year though…it’s just our tradition.

Adapted from “Tofu, Spinach & Walnut Loaf” from The Enchanted Broccoli Forest)

40 minutes to prepare — 1 hour to bake — Serves 4 to 6

Pre-cook 1 cup brown rice in 2 cups water

Steam separately:

• 18 oz fresh steamed spinach

• 2 cups minced onion (I like to use chive as well) with 6 large cloves chopped garlic

Fold the steamed spinach, onion and garlic together and add:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

• 1 Tbs. Braggs (or soy sauce)

• 1/4 cup Worcestershire or BBQ sauce

• 1 tsp. Garam Masala

• 1/2 lb. firm tofu, mashed

• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice

• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Adjust seasonings/add salt according to taste.

Place into oven-safe dish, top with panko for crunchy yum-yum sensation.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.

Let sit for about 10 minutes before consuming.

* I personally like to make this the day before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.  I feel that it lets all the flavors combine.

Buon appetito!