Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Clothing, Paladin’s World, Books

Back to my clothing woes, in particular shorts, a girlfriend popped in weight-loss-cartoon_thumb1to see us today and she too is losing weight. She said her sister had said her clothes looked like crap and told her to buy some new ones, she more or less said the same to me. Her contention was that I would feel so much better about myself and also look slimmer too. She basically told me to get out and do it, so maybe I will do just that. She also suggested stores for me to try so we will see what happens. I’m not quite as bad as this cartoon, but there are times when the scales are one’s worst enemy. The gurus say you shouldn’t obsess about the scales, easy for them. One thing I do regret is that I didn't take any measurements before I started dieting. I can wear some clothes I haven't worn in quite a long time, but it would be nice to know how many inches I have lost.

My friend also brought the latest Elizabeth Moon book in the Limits of PowerPaksenarrian world, Limits of Power. We have been reading these books religiously, and thoroughly enjoying them. Apparently there is going to be at least one if not two more to finish the series. I love Elizabeth Moon’s writing and her Remnant Population is one of my favourite first contact books. Her Speed of Dark is another fantastic story featuring autism. I have both these as Kindle books and talking about them, I think I just might read them again soon, they were so fantastic. Especially Remnant Population with an elderly woman as the protagonist.

Also, my friend brought us some fresh corn, delicious, and some plums which were equally delicious. I envy her living out of town with easy access to farm shops.

We are bowling again this afternoon, just three or four of us today I believe. Nothing formal but enjoyable. Won’t be long before we are doing 10 pin at MacDaddy’s in Cape Carteret, North Carolina.

I came across this recipe today which I plan to make very soon. Haven’t used snow or sugar snap peas for a while and I thought, yum, about time I did so.


Sichuan-Style Chicken with Peanuts

Sichuan SauceSichual-Style Chicken with Peanuts
3 Tbs reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbs tomato paste
2 tsp Chinkiang rice vinegar, (see Note) or balsamic vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, plus more to taste

Chicken
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, or thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tsp Shao Hsing rice wine, (see Note) or dry sherry
1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs canola oil
2 1/2-inch-thick slices ginger, smashed
2 cups sugar snap peas, (8 ounces)
1/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts
1 scallion, minced

1. To prepare Sichuan sauce: Whisk broth, tomato paste, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch and crushed red pepper to taste in a small bowl.
2. To prepare chicken: Combine chicken, rice wine (or sherry), soy sauce, cornstarch and garlic in a medium bowl; mix thoroughly.
3. Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or large skillet over high heat until a bead of water vaporizes within 1 to 2 seconds of contact. Swirl oil into the pan, add ginger and stir-fry for 10 seconds. Carefully add the chicken mixture, spreading it out. Cook until the chicken begins to brown, about 1 minute. Using a spatula, stir-fry for 30 seconds. Spread the chicken out again and cook for 30 seconds. Continue stir-frying until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, 1 to 2 minutes. Add snap peas and stir-fry for 1 minute. Stir the Sichuan Sauce, swirl it into the pan and stir-fry until the chicken is just cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a platter (discard the ginger) and sprinkle with peanuts and scallions. Serve immediately.

Servings: 4

Have a great day
Jo_thumb[2]

14 comments:

  1. Yum, delicious!

    Scales are always the enemy and if I thought a gun would make the difference I go out and get me one! :)

    But yes, go get you some new clothes, she's right you'll feel better and enjoy your vacation more!

    Have a great time bowling!

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    1. Yup, going to have a look around tomorrow.

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  2. I feel your pain. I did take measurements before I started this weight-loss journey. On Sunday, my pants kept slipping down, but I am just going to have them altered. I am not buying anything new until I am done dieting. I do have some clothes that I kept from my thinner days and I am dragging them out of the closet. Keep up the good work.

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    1. I need pants and shorts Denise, not worth having them altered.

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  3. My weight has stayed the same for the past 5 years or so. Good in a way though I'd still like to lose about 40 pounds. Don't relish buying a new wardrobe though. That chicken sure sounds good. Love food and that's my problem.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
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    1. So has mine Lee, but it was still too high. I feel much better and hope to feel more so.

      You are not alone loving food.

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  4. Considering I shot quite a few scales during a couple of centuries I fought with weight, I can tell you this. Don't get on it often, or you'll get anxious and this will impair your weight loss. Anxiety gathers fat around the waist. Inches are more important and more certain that scales. Muscle weights more than fat. So you maybe losing fat and growing muscle (if you exercise) and it will show in inches, NOT in the scale. The scale can be very tricky, so... Well, after the 15th I shot, I go basically on measures (cms in my case) not kilos (or pounds in your case).

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You are right Al, I really do know this bug....

      Actually in Canada its cms and Kilos too, but having grown up with pounds and ounces, I can't get away from it. Math was never my strong subject.

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  5. Now that is my kind of dish!!
    Go buy some new clothes. It will make you feel better.

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    1. Sounds good doesn't it, I have some peas now, maybe Friday.

      You're right it will Alex.

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  6. David and I both lost 1½ stones around 18 months ago .... I bought lots of new clothes. Sadly we slipped into bad habits again and the lbs piled on so the new clothes are very snug. I WILL NOT buy larger ones so am back on the diet ....

    Not so much a diet as just cutting out the naughties (my downfall is wine and Bombay Mix snacks in the evening)!! I never have had a sweet tooth but the savouries can be just as sinful

    I hope your shopping trip was successful (if you went after all)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Funny to hear 'stones' again, haven't used that in years of course. I am determined not to slip back this time, but I still need to lose about the same amount again, at least, although I don't want to end up looking scraggy!! I am using FitDay.com to write down everything I eat.

      Going this morning, shopping that is.

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  7. Can't wait for some 10 pin at MacDaddy’s in Cape Carteret, North Carolina. Toying with bringing my wife's old back brace--just in case. lol!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Do you need it? I find bowling doesn't worry my back one bit.

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