Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Pre-op. Jalapeño Jelly, Twilight, Parking.

Went for my pre-op and this time it went by quite quickly. I had forgotten last year I had to wait forever to get bloodwork done, this time she came and did it in the nurses office where I was already somewhat stripped from when she took my blood pressure. She hurt too, worse than the girl who took my blood at the lab last week. Had an ECG as well plus I was told all the usual stuff, don’t eat, don’t wear makeup or jewellery, etc. I had one question though, one pill cheese pepper jellyhe specifically wanted me to be sure and take has to be taken on a full stomach – she didn’t have the answer so suggested I phone the surgeon’s office to ask them. Parking only cost us $3, not too bad. In the hospital lobby they were selling home baked goodies. They asked if I liked carrot cake, I said yes, and was given some jam/jelly on a cracker. Didn’t taste like carrot cake to me. However, I saw they had some jalapeño jelly so having been assured it was pretty spicy, I bought a jar as a party dish. I love cream cheese with spicy jelly.

Here’s another article on Billy Wagenseller my friend’s Billy Wagenseller2grandson. I know his parents too, but not very well. He is certainly a delightful looking child, I just hope all this early publicity won’t ruin him for life. I see he isn’t too keen on signing autographs, says his arms hurt, not surprised. His favourite was travelling by plane. His dad says, despite everything, bed times still have to be observed and milk has to be consumed. Billy was actually 3 1/2 when the Twilight film was shot, that’s 18 months ago.

It occurred to me later, I am always on about free medical services here, they get you back in the hospital parking lots. Mind you, there are a bunch of surgeons we visit in Cambridge and if you remember, they will give you a token for the machines which saves a couple of bucks. It all mounts up when you visit all these places as often as we do. There should be a special rate for seniors. I will have to start campaigning.

Here is another chicken dish, this one is a one pot meal and so is very useful for a quick winter dish. I’m all for that, taking a break from cooking now and again is a good thing.

Braised Paprika Chicken

From EatingWell: January/February 2009

Sweet Hungarian paprika gives this creamy braised chicken the best flavor. This is a good “pantry dish” since you should have the basics on hand and only need to purchase the chicken. You may vary the recipe by using cubed veal shoulder instead of chicken and mushrooms instead of peppers. Serve with whole-wheat Braised Paprika Chickenorzo flavored with minced parsley or dill.

6 servings

Ingredients
  • 3-3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces, (thighs, drumsticks and/or breasts), skin removed, trimmed (see Tip)
  • 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cups finely diced onions
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced fresh parsley, dill and/or chives
Preparation
  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are very soft and light brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in bell peppers, tomato paste, paprika and crushed red pepper. Add the chicken and stir it gently into the onion mixture. Sprinkle with marjoram and add broth. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is very tender, about 50 minutes.
  4. Just before the chicken is done, whisk sour cream, flour and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until smooth.
  5. When the chicken is done, remove it to a plate. Stir the sour cream mixture into the sauce; return to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce coats the spoon. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken to the sauce and reheat, about 1 minute. Serve garnished with parsley, dill and/or chives, if desired.

Have a great day

Jo

10 comments:

  1. Recipe sounds yummy. I'm going to try this one on the weekend.

    A friend of my husband makes Jalapeno jelly. I have a couple of jars. It's okay but you're right, it would be good with cream cheese. :-)

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    1. I haven't opened it yet, hope it will be OK for what I want.

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  2. Spicy chicken! I like some spicy chicken.

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    1. Won't be that spicy Alex unless you add more pepper flakes or something to it.

      I am making cassoulet today, also with pepper flakes.

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  3. Expensive parking at hospitals is a problem here too. They are building a shiny new children's hospital on much of what was hospital parking at the major hospital my father is in at present and have added a multi storey car park to compensate. All well and good in theory but the cost of parking has risen dramatically and there seems to be less of it. As well parking is being charged in one hour increments. That means if you are 1 minute over the hour you are charged for another hour. Very irritating.

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    1. I'm not surprised you find it irritating. I know they are trying to supplement their costs, but it really hurts if you have to spend much time at these hospitals. As I mentioned before, the one I will be going to on Friday has a standard $8 whether you are there for an hour or a day. However, it does appear that there is a wheelchair parking spot which is a lot cheaper. Also there is a spot where you can drop off or pick up for free which is something.

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  4. I've never tried a jalapeno jelly on cream cheese. That chicken looks so good! I'm also starving at the moment. Good luck with your operation.

    Shannon at The Warrior muse

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    1. You really should try the cream cheese with spicy jelly. Its delicious. thanks for the good wishes.

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