Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Our Tuesday

Phew, busy day. After dropping off the monitor we stopped for gas on the way to the restaurant and paid $1.24 a litre, expensive, then I was totally annoyed that when we came back a few hours later, the same gas bar was charging $1.18 (I'm rounding up).i.e. 6 cents less. Grrr.

Had a very enjoyable lunch with our friend whom we haven't seen for a while. Then dropped into Costco and bought some chicken breasts and pork loins. I really like the meat there. I just wish I could pay with my Visa. Apparently these days they will accept Master Card but we don't have one and are unlikely to get one. One credit card is enough thank you. Talking of that, we get cash back every November. The cashback disappeared last Friday from our information on line and should have been deposited into our account.  No sign of it to date. I phoned them and they said it was on my next statement but I would not see it on line because I wasn't paperless (still get statements 'cos Matt can't use a computer). He said I would see it on the statement next week. What nonsense. If it didn't show up on line, my online accounts would be inaccurate. Another Grrrr.

After Costco I realised I had forgotten the shopping list so we had to go home and get it. Another grrrr. Although it did mean I could put the meat in the fridge. Headed to the grocers and bought up the store. I discovered they were now selling Kinchi so, of course I had to buy some to try. Hope it's good.  Didn't mention that I had some kelp salad at lunch (had it once before) and I loved it. Wondered if I could buy it round here and discovered I could at a Vietnamese store which I have been to a few times in the past. It really is delicious. Of course I don't know what is in the salad at the Mandarin. Looking on line, looks like it might be cooked and then dressed with a sweet and spicy sauce.  From what I am reading Kelp is the new Kale. Must say I like it better. Will have to look up some recipes.

Having been told that Eastern foods and spices are enabling them to fight off any kind of dementia problems, I am endeavouring to add more things like turmeric and cumin to the foods we eat. This soup fits the bill. I used to boil chickens like this to make stock anyway using the meat from the chicken to turn it into something else. I have always loved Chicken Noodle Soups. They don't say how many scallions but I would think 4 or 5 would suffice.

Turmeric-Ginger Chicken Soup

Chicken noodle soup never gets old. If you don’t have udon for this recipe, use rice noodles or regular old spaghetti. A small knob of fresh turmeric can replace the dried type.

1 3 ½–4-pound chicken
2 medium onions, unpeeled, quartered
2 heads of garlic, halved crosswise
1 4-inch piece ginger, unpeeled, thinly sliced
3 dried bay leaves
1 Tbs ground turmeric
2 tsp black peppercorns
2 tsp coriander seeds
Kosher salt
12 oz carrots (about 4 medium), peeled, cut into ½-inch pieces on a diagonal
8 oz dried udon noodles
scallions, very thinly sliced
Chili oil (for serving)

1. Place chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and several pinches of salt in a large pot. Pour in cold water to cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and gently simmer until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of breast registers 155°, 30–35 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and let cool slightly; keep stock simmering. Remove skin from chicken; discard. Pull meat from bones and shred into bite-size pieces; set aside. Return bones and carcass to stock. Increase heat and bring stock to a boil; cook until reduced by about one-third, 15–20 minutes. Season with more salt if needed.

2. Strain stock into a large saucepan; discard solids. Add carrots, bring to a simmer, and cook until carrots are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

4. Divide noodles among bowls. Add shredded chicken meat to stock and cook just until heated through; season stock with more salt if needed. Ladle over noodles. Top soup with scallions and drizzle with chili oil.

Servings: 4

Author: Claire Saffitz
Source: Bon Appétit

Have a great day
 

15 comments:

  1. Costco in the US used to have American Express cards and have now switched to Visa. I use my Costco Visa for just about everything. I started taking turmeric several years ago for my hands which would be swollen when I woke up. Seems to work. I love cumin - even just smelling it.

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    1. I don't know why they don't accept Visa here. Interesting about your hands Denise. I hope it works for us too. How much do you take?

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    2. I take 500 mg a day. I buy it at Costco. My son works for Visa and says it is all about who cuts a better deal with the company.

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    3. That's quite a lot Denise. Yes I guess it is. I know in most cases Visa charges 4%.

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  2. We still don't bank online. I like my paper statements.
    If you want to know all about sea kelp, I'm your guy. The strange things we research for our books...

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    1. Well I do both Alex. I like being able to see my accounts any time I want to, but I like the paper statements because they call things by different names.

      Don't remember kelp in your books, where was it featured? I just enjoy eating it.

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  3. Sorry you forgot your list. I haven't been in a big-box store like that in years. They can be fun though. For sure.

    PS:LOVE turmeric in soups and teas!

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    1. I love their meats Ivy but you guys don't eat it or not much for Tim anyway. Their chicken and pork loins in particular I think are a great buy.

      Never tried it in teas.

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    2. Hot water, turmeric, cinnnamon, lemon and I forget what else I toss in there. Great in the morning or anytime of day.

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  4. I hate those days when the little snafus try to steal my joy. I try to take a deep breath and remind myself it isn't a tumor. But still, so annoying!

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    1. You do know what snafu stands for Liz? I just found it a tad irritating but just one of those days.

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  5. I just paid $1.45 a litre for petrol. It's usually $1.31. We get ripped off in Australia.

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    1. Just converted that, it's $1.41 Cdn Pinky. And yes, you do seem to get ripped off. We produce oil in Canada and yet we pay more than the Americans do.

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