Wednesday, February 10, 2010
To Cure What Ails You Chicken Leek Soup
I cooked this up the day after the big snow storm and our electricity had been off since the evening before. I can't believe how good this soup came out. So easy and sure to cure what ails you! Especially those snowed in winter blues!
3cups thin sliced leeks(round slices)
2 leaves Kale, remove large vein
1TBSP Olive Oil
handful chopped italian parsley
1/2 cup chopped Dill tops
64 oz chicken broth
1 full breast chicken cut into chunks
salt and pepper to taste
Saute leeks in olive oil medium heat in bottom of deep pot until soft, 5-8 minutes, stir occasionally so as to not brown.
Throw in parsley, dill and broth, bring to a boil.
Once boiling add chicken and turn down to simmer for 20 minutes.
Salt and pepper to taste. You can add more spices if you like but the leeks and dill really make this soup wonderful!
Monday, February 1, 2010
About that Cat
So talking about this kind of stuff doesn't really add anything of good to a food blog.
So I won't go into too much detail but...
Misha, our 12 year old cat has had a stroke. So now we have to keep him in so he doesn't go out and never return and we can keep an eye on him.
He howls at the door to go out still even after all this time of keeping him in.
I am so used to opening the door up for him when he insists that I have to catch myself when I am not thinking and starting to open it.
He also had a upper respiratory infection, and tapeworm. EWWW!
He was sneezing and eye dripping for a few weeks. Finally he is over it. The tapeworm only took one pill to kill (both cats had to be treated).
But it took me days to stop freaking out about parasites!
After a $500 vet bill I asked the Vet if it was a good idea to get Pet Health Ins.
She said, "you won't get it for this cat, it is a preexisting condition"
Do you think they could add Pet Ins to the Health Bill they are getting ready to pass(if they ever do) in Congress??
Needless to say both cats seemed to forget where the litter was and managed to find other areas of the basement to let us know they were not well. I am still not over that, even though they are now using the litter again.
Molly our Lab sleeps by Misha on the sofa, as if to protect him, they are buddies.
Oh, the joy of pet ownership.
Our Pets we couldn't be without; Misha the Mayor (Maine Coon Cat), Phat Phoenix (Calico with no tail) and Magnificent Molly (black lab) the best dog in the world!
So I won't go into too much detail but...
Misha, our 12 year old cat has had a stroke. So now we have to keep him in so he doesn't go out and never return and we can keep an eye on him.
He howls at the door to go out still even after all this time of keeping him in.
I am so used to opening the door up for him when he insists that I have to catch myself when I am not thinking and starting to open it.
He also had a upper respiratory infection, and tapeworm. EWWW!
He was sneezing and eye dripping for a few weeks. Finally he is over it. The tapeworm only took one pill to kill (both cats had to be treated).
But it took me days to stop freaking out about parasites!
After a $500 vet bill I asked the Vet if it was a good idea to get Pet Health Ins.
She said, "you won't get it for this cat, it is a preexisting condition"
Do you think they could add Pet Ins to the Health Bill they are getting ready to pass(if they ever do) in Congress??
Needless to say both cats seemed to forget where the litter was and managed to find other areas of the basement to let us know they were not well. I am still not over that, even though they are now using the litter again.
Molly our Lab sleeps by Misha on the sofa, as if to protect him, they are buddies.
Oh, the joy of pet ownership.
Our Pets we couldn't be without; Misha the Mayor (Maine Coon Cat), Phat Phoenix (Calico with no tail) and Magnificent Molly (black lab) the best dog in the world!
Rice Dish
Sundried Rice
Preheat oven to 350
Use a pan that can also go into the oven
I use my cast Iron Skillet that has a lid. If you have a dutch oven you can use that.
This is a good dish to use up leftover rice with.
Ingredients;
Precooked Rice (whatever 1 cup uncooked makes) I used basmati
2 large leeks. sliced thin, just the white part
1 Tbsp Olive oil
6 to 8 pieces sun dried tomatoes in oil
1 can black beans
2Tbsp flat leaf parsley
2 Tsp seasoning mix that has something like; salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic and chipotle(I used Penzeys Northwood Seasoning form the Strip) Many seasoning would do though and does not have to be that combination. Use what you have.
16 ounces veg broth.
Cheese (pregrated) You can leave this out if you want a Vegan Dish.
This is an easy dish to make but very satisfying. You can serve it as a one dish meal or add a salad to it.
Saute the leeks in the oil 2 min, slice the pieces of sundried tomatoes into strips and add. Saute another 2 minutes. Check leeks for tenderness. When tender add black beans, parsley, seasoning and rice. Mix and add veg broth a little at a time. You want to add enough broth just to be moist, but not soppy, with a little broth on the bottom. Flatten the mix lightly in the pan then add your cheese. I am generous with the cheese for the kids sake but don't overdo it or it will be greasy. Feel free to not add cheese at all as it stands alone well without it.
Cover your pan and stick it in the oven at 350degrees for 30 - 40 minutes. You can check at 30 and if bubbling on the sides it is done.
Preheat oven to 350
Use a pan that can also go into the oven
I use my cast Iron Skillet that has a lid. If you have a dutch oven you can use that.
This is a good dish to use up leftover rice with.
Ingredients;
Precooked Rice (whatever 1 cup uncooked makes) I used basmati
2 large leeks. sliced thin, just the white part
1 Tbsp Olive oil
6 to 8 pieces sun dried tomatoes in oil
1 can black beans
2Tbsp flat leaf parsley
2 Tsp seasoning mix that has something like; salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic and chipotle(I used Penzeys Northwood Seasoning form the Strip) Many seasoning would do though and does not have to be that combination. Use what you have.
16 ounces veg broth.
Cheese (pregrated) You can leave this out if you want a Vegan Dish.
This is an easy dish to make but very satisfying. You can serve it as a one dish meal or add a salad to it.
Saute the leeks in the oil 2 min, slice the pieces of sundried tomatoes into strips and add. Saute another 2 minutes. Check leeks for tenderness. When tender add black beans, parsley, seasoning and rice. Mix and add veg broth a little at a time. You want to add enough broth just to be moist, but not soppy, with a little broth on the bottom. Flatten the mix lightly in the pan then add your cheese. I am generous with the cheese for the kids sake but don't overdo it or it will be greasy. Feel free to not add cheese at all as it stands alone well without it.
Cover your pan and stick it in the oven at 350degrees for 30 - 40 minutes. You can check at 30 and if bubbling on the sides it is done.
Best Borscht
Remember the old Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen?
My husband has the 1977 version and it has a recipe called Russian Cabbage Borscht that I have made and loved.
In Portland Oregon I used to teach English to the Russians at their homes.
One family I became close with and they would cook me lunch every time I came.
Often it was different versions of Borscht, some red, some green. Some with meat, some not and not always with beets. But always so yummy. They would never give me a recipe because they said it was always meant to be with what you had on hand.
In this country we always think of Borscht as having Beets and Mollie Katzens version is a good one. But again I think I have made it better, by changing a few thing, and easier, by leaving some annoying steps out and giving you some choices. So here it is...
My "Best Borscht"
2 TBs Olive oil
1 large chopped onion
1 large chopped carrots
1tsp caraway seeds
1 to 2 stalks chopped celery (I don't use the ends and I also pull off the strands)
1/2 small head red cabbage and 1/2 small head regular cabbage chopped (but you can use just one head of any cabbage you like)
2 large chopped red potatoes
3 chopped beets
1tsp raisins
1/2tsp dill weed or use more fresh dill
8 ounce can diced tomatoes or 8 ounces V8juice
1 heaping TBSP Cider vinegar or wine vinegar
1 heaping TBSP honey
Veg broth or just water
salt and pepper to taste
Saute onions, carrots, caraway seeds and celery with olive oil in a large pot till onions are translucent.
Add cabbage, potatoes, beets, raisins, tomatoes, dill, vinegar, honey and just enough broth or water to cover. If you like a thinner soup use more broth or water as this makes a thick soup.
Cover, turn down to simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Taste to season with salt and pepper.
Serve with a dollop of, sour cream, yogurt, or your vegan alternative for a vegetarian or vegan soup!
My husband has the 1977 version and it has a recipe called Russian Cabbage Borscht that I have made and loved.
In Portland Oregon I used to teach English to the Russians at their homes.
One family I became close with and they would cook me lunch every time I came.
Often it was different versions of Borscht, some red, some green. Some with meat, some not and not always with beets. But always so yummy. They would never give me a recipe because they said it was always meant to be with what you had on hand.
In this country we always think of Borscht as having Beets and Mollie Katzens version is a good one. But again I think I have made it better, by changing a few thing, and easier, by leaving some annoying steps out and giving you some choices. So here it is...
My "Best Borscht"
2 TBs Olive oil
1 large chopped onion
1 large chopped carrots
1tsp caraway seeds
1 to 2 stalks chopped celery (I don't use the ends and I also pull off the strands)
1/2 small head red cabbage and 1/2 small head regular cabbage chopped (but you can use just one head of any cabbage you like)
2 large chopped red potatoes
3 chopped beets
1tsp raisins
1/2tsp dill weed or use more fresh dill
8 ounce can diced tomatoes or 8 ounces V8juice
1 heaping TBSP Cider vinegar or wine vinegar
1 heaping TBSP honey
Veg broth or just water
salt and pepper to taste
Saute onions, carrots, caraway seeds and celery with olive oil in a large pot till onions are translucent.
Add cabbage, potatoes, beets, raisins, tomatoes, dill, vinegar, honey and just enough broth or water to cover. If you like a thinner soup use more broth or water as this makes a thick soup.
Cover, turn down to simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Taste to season with salt and pepper.
Serve with a dollop of, sour cream, yogurt, or your vegan alternative for a vegetarian or vegan soup!
In search of the Perfect Oatmeal
We all know Oatmeal is good for lowering Cholesterol and can be a gluten free alternative to most cereals. But it can get boring day after day so I was on the search for a Perfect way to start the Day!
If you google 'Perfect Oatmeal' you find a nice recipe on whfoods.org
But of course I had to tweak it. I like mine thicker and sweeter than their recipe and I add a few things.
My Perfect Oatmeal
2 cups water
1 cup old fashioned oatmeal (just not the fast cooking kind)
molasses 1 to 2TBsp
honey 1 to 2TBsp
Cinnamon 1 to 2tsp
heaping 1/3 cup mix of dried: goji berries, cranberries, blueberries, cherries (or your choice changing this from time to time helps make it more interesting)
1/2 peeled and chopped medium tart apple (I used Granny Smith)
1 heaping TBP chopped walnuts, almond or pecans (your choice)
Bring the water and oatmeal to a boil. turn down to simmer for about 3 -5 minutes when oatmeal is at a cooked consistency. Add in all other items, I give you a range on some between 1 to 2 means that is to taste. You may want to try the 1 at first. I use the most amount in mine but this is a personal preference. You can always add later when you taste it.
Once all ingredients are added, stir, cover, turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
Eat with your favorite topping, milk, soymilk, almond milk or yogurt!
Yum!!
If you google 'Perfect Oatmeal' you find a nice recipe on whfoods.org
But of course I had to tweak it. I like mine thicker and sweeter than their recipe and I add a few things.
My Perfect Oatmeal
2 cups water
1 cup old fashioned oatmeal (just not the fast cooking kind)
molasses 1 to 2TBsp
honey 1 to 2TBsp
Cinnamon 1 to 2tsp
heaping 1/3 cup mix of dried: goji berries, cranberries, blueberries, cherries (or your choice changing this from time to time helps make it more interesting)
1/2 peeled and chopped medium tart apple (I used Granny Smith)
1 heaping TBP chopped walnuts, almond or pecans (your choice)
Bring the water and oatmeal to a boil. turn down to simmer for about 3 -5 minutes when oatmeal is at a cooked consistency. Add in all other items, I give you a range on some between 1 to 2 means that is to taste. You may want to try the 1 at first. I use the most amount in mine but this is a personal preference. You can always add later when you taste it.
Once all ingredients are added, stir, cover, turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
Eat with your favorite topping, milk, soymilk, almond milk or yogurt!
Yum!!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Insanity, Dementia or CDS
I always thought that insanity was a unique perversion of humans.
That dementia and alzheimers was particularly human.
Not to make fun of these horrible diseases, as we all have made reference to ourselves at one time or another when we forget something.
But I am beginning to see that animals can have something like which they call
CDS - Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
This is a much nicer term and one that I think I personally often do suffer from. But I am getting off topic.
This is about our 12 year old cat!
Misha(named after Mikhial Baryshnikov)I think has begun to lose his mind.
He would go outside and turn back around right away and sit at the door to come back in. When back in, within minutes he would cry to go back out.
We've decided to keep him in now that he is getting old and it is so cold out.
He is not at all happy at that and he meows so loud they turn into howling sounds that pierce the ear drums.
He was always good about going in the litter box when in, but now prefers to dump in front of Peters workbench (You probably guessed that Peter stepped in it, and you would be correct).
He just doesn't always seem to know where he is. He often will settle just to get up and pace again as if he forgot where he was going.
I liken it to me, when I go into a room and forgot why I did and then have to walk back out thinking that way I will remember what I went in for. CDS for the moment.
So I am reading about Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
Then of course I go through my usual guilt diatribe: "Why didn't we keep him in all along, why didn't I make my own organic pet food, maybe it is what we fed him, we are bad pet owners" and on and on until I am worn out of guilt and realize I need to take him to the vet.
So I am calling the vet in the morning to talk to him about CDS and how to give Misha the best last years of his life. Should I be grinding up that organic fresh raw chicken tomorrow for his meals...
That dementia and alzheimers was particularly human.
Not to make fun of these horrible diseases, as we all have made reference to ourselves at one time or another when we forget something.
But I am beginning to see that animals can have something like which they call
CDS - Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
This is a much nicer term and one that I think I personally often do suffer from. But I am getting off topic.
This is about our 12 year old cat!
Misha(named after Mikhial Baryshnikov)I think has begun to lose his mind.
He would go outside and turn back around right away and sit at the door to come back in. When back in, within minutes he would cry to go back out.
We've decided to keep him in now that he is getting old and it is so cold out.
He is not at all happy at that and he meows so loud they turn into howling sounds that pierce the ear drums.
He was always good about going in the litter box when in, but now prefers to dump in front of Peters workbench (You probably guessed that Peter stepped in it, and you would be correct).
He just doesn't always seem to know where he is. He often will settle just to get up and pace again as if he forgot where he was going.
I liken it to me, when I go into a room and forgot why I did and then have to walk back out thinking that way I will remember what I went in for. CDS for the moment.
So I am reading about Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
Then of course I go through my usual guilt diatribe: "Why didn't we keep him in all along, why didn't I make my own organic pet food, maybe it is what we fed him, we are bad pet owners" and on and on until I am worn out of guilt and realize I need to take him to the vet.
So I am calling the vet in the morning to talk to him about CDS and how to give Misha the best last years of his life. Should I be grinding up that organic fresh raw chicken tomorrow for his meals...
FOOD TINKERING
I will admit, I am not a good cook.
I am not 'Chef' material.
I am a Food Tinkerer.
I like to mix flavors till they become something that wakes up in my mouth.
I like spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Meats and beans(proteins) are the bed that they must lie upon. At least in my house!
I do not like touching to prepare chicken, meat or fish, but I do it because I must cook.
You really didn't need to know this, but there it is anyway.
I have been cooking lately and just not writing, so alas, you have missed some weird but interesting stuff.
1 leek sliced thin
1tbsp garlic chopped
1 sweet potatoe
1 to 2 cups green beans (I used last nights leftovers and any leftover veggies would be good here)
2 to 3 plum tomatoes (I know these are not in season but I like tomatoes in curry)
4 to 6 baby bella mushrooms
Chicken broth
1/2 can Lite coconut milk
1/2tsp curry
1/4tsp coriander
dash salt
Saute in a deep dish the leek and garlic in about a TBSP olive oil or butter for about 1 min then mushrooms another minute. add in chicken chunks just to quickly brown on both sides.
Add; enough chicken broth just to cover, the coconut milk, sweet potatoe, curry, coriander and salt.
Bring to boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes and add the leftover veggies and tomatoes in the last 5 minutes(if you add to early they will be mush, but I don't have to tell you that)
I go light on the spices because my kids would not eat it otherwise. Personally I would add more curry and some hot sauce if I was eating it. So go ahead and add what you like!
Oh, don't forget to cook your rice!
I bought a used rice cooker from a friend years ago and it is one of my favorite appliances. I always ruined rice cooking in a pot, but this rice cooker gets it perfect every time!
I am not 'Chef' material.
I am a Food Tinkerer.
I like to mix flavors till they become something that wakes up in my mouth.
I like spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Meats and beans(proteins) are the bed that they must lie upon. At least in my house!
I do not like touching to prepare chicken, meat or fish, but I do it because I must cook.
You really didn't need to know this, but there it is anyway.
I have been cooking lately and just not writing, so alas, you have missed some weird but interesting stuff.
- I made a turkey shepherds pie with pepitas. Leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. Lined the square bake dish with the potatoes, filled with chopped turkey, grilled onions, celery and spices and leftover gravy. More potatoes to cover and pepitas on top. Big hit with the kids.
- A few soups over the holiday that I can't remember what went into them. One was a Butternut squash with rice (leftovers of course) with a menagerie of spices. Max even ate this one.
- Tonight I made Coconut curry chicken over brown rice.
1 leek sliced thin
1tbsp garlic chopped
1 sweet potatoe
1 to 2 cups green beans (I used last nights leftovers and any leftover veggies would be good here)
2 to 3 plum tomatoes (I know these are not in season but I like tomatoes in curry)
4 to 6 baby bella mushrooms
Chicken broth
1/2 can Lite coconut milk
1/2tsp curry
1/4tsp coriander
dash salt
Saute in a deep dish the leek and garlic in about a TBSP olive oil or butter for about 1 min then mushrooms another minute. add in chicken chunks just to quickly brown on both sides.
Add; enough chicken broth just to cover, the coconut milk, sweet potatoe, curry, coriander and salt.
Bring to boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes and add the leftover veggies and tomatoes in the last 5 minutes(if you add to early they will be mush, but I don't have to tell you that)
I go light on the spices because my kids would not eat it otherwise. Personally I would add more curry and some hot sauce if I was eating it. So go ahead and add what you like!
Oh, don't forget to cook your rice!
I bought a used rice cooker from a friend years ago and it is one of my favorite appliances. I always ruined rice cooking in a pot, but this rice cooker gets it perfect every time!
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