I watch embarrassing things. Here

Here is my lovely recipe for cashew gravy. It is a delicious vegetarian alternative or addition to a meat-based gravy and super easy. No giblets involved.

Cashew gravy

6 T. raw, unsalted cashews ground to a fine powder/paste
1 ½ C. water
1 T. cornstarch
1-2 T. soy sauce (I prefer a milder organic kind)
squirt of lemon juice
seasonings to taste (I use freshly ground pepper and a little garlic salt)

Grind the nuts in a food processor or blender until a paste starts to stick to the sides. While the food processor or blender is on a low speed, slowly add the water. Transfer about a third of this mixture to a saucepan and add the cornstarch. Heat and stir constantly until gravy starts to thicken. Add rest of cashew mixture to pan and add soy sauce, lemon juice, and seasonings. At this point you can really tailor it to your tastes by adding more of whatever you like. Although adding giblets at this point would be very counterproductive.

Flipping through the latest issue of People the other day, I came across a section devoted to Memoirs of a Geisha, and all the paraphernalia being produced in the name of the movie. Like, you can purchase replicas of the jewelry worn by the geishas in the movie, and there’s a whole line of Memoirs of a Geisha cosmetics and candles that come in hat boxes. You can even go to Banana Republic and buy clothes from a line also dedicated to the movie. People decided to get in on the action by doing this little box:

Okay, am I the only one who thinks this is a bit…odd? I mean, yes, beauty and mystery and all that, but remember the whole indentured sex slave thing? Remember the REASON behind the beauty and mystery?

And while we’re on the topic of sex and paraphernalia, what is up with the Sex and the City DVD collection retailing for $300? Three huuuuunnnndred dollars. For this price, I’d expect it to come with a manicure, pedicure, massage, sex toy, and a couple of cosmopolitans. But no, just plain ol’ 94 episodes and some good extras. Who is buying this collection? And are they pairing it with Official Memoirs of a Geisha Sake Bath and Rice Shimmer Powder?