Tuesday, July 24, 2018

My Pickles, Driving Tests, Online Groceries

Because I wanted to find out what they were like, I opened a jar of my pickled asparagus. It has worked very well and they were good. However, having finished one jar, I didn't want to waste all that lovely pickling liquid so I sliced up some bell pepper and some cucumber, and am working my way through it with pleasure. Matt has never been a 'pickle' person. It also occurs to me, several people have recommended pickle juice for cramps too so worth keeping.

Because I am 80 in September I have to have a special driver's test, written and lecture. Waste of time in my opinion. Doesn't tell them whether I can actually handle a car safely!!  My test comes 10 days before my birthday when my license runs out. Monday I received a temporary license which expires on my birthday!!! Somebody isn't paying attention.

Tuesday I pick up our groceries but much as I like this system, they seem to be having a lot of trouble with their web site. I do hope they get it fixed. Not insurmountable problems but a pain in the butt.

These are the two fairly easy recipes I made on Saturday night. I reduced the quantities in both cases and it turned out very well.

Steak a la Moutarde

Mustard is not just for hot dogs anymore. This steak is fast and easy to prepare and would go well
with most any side dish. Once the mustard has been added, do not allow to boil or the sauce will become unpleasant.

24 oz sirloin steaks (I used fillets)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs vegetable oil
2 Tbs butter
2 Tbs shallots, finely chopped
1/4 Cup cognac
1/2 Cup   heavy cream
1 Tbs Dijon mustard

1. Season steaks on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat until almost smoking. Add steaks and cook 4 to 5 minutes and turn. Continue cooking another 4 or 5 minutes.until desired doneness. Remove steaks to a platter and keep warm.

2. Pour off fat from skillet. Add butter, then shallots. Add cognac and carefully ignite it. Add cream and bring to a boil, cook while stirring about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve over steaks.

Servings: 4

Source: Food.com

I accompanied it with

Fried Cabbage and Egg Noodles

Recipe by: judi "This is a German recipe from my Grandmother. It's cabbage that is lightly browned
in butter and mixed with egg noodles and browned lightly for a wonderful, hearty, and fast dish."

1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles
1 stick butter
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
salt and pepper to taste

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles in the boiling water until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite, about 5 minutes. Drain.

2. While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Add the cabbage to the melted butter; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the cabbage begins to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir the drained noodles into the cabbage; cook and stir until the noodles begin to brown, about 5 minute

Servings: 4

Author: judi


Have a great day

14 comments:

  1. I love dill pickles. Around here, Mt. Olive Pickles are the big seller.

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    1. Actually I didn't put any dill in my pickles Diane. I remember Mt. Olive Pickles.

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  2. I worked with an elderly woman who somehow passed her driving written and sight tests. But she was sitting in the lunchroom talking to a garbage can that she thought was a fellow employee. I just figure that examiners are too afraid to go on the road with these people, lol.

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    1. Well they do test for cognitive abilities Denise, but no car handling. I figure someone like your colleague would have been found by the cognitive tests.

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    2. We take a written exam and a pretty easy eye test. And if you fail the written, you just sit down and try again. That's it.

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    3. I remember, we had NC licenses when we lived there Denise. But these are cognitive tests, nothing to do with the road at all. We do get an eye test, I am not too sure what else as this will be my first one for 80+ people.

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  3. Hi Jo - I love pickles ... good luck with the test - it's been done here too - not by me! Glad the asparagus worked though ... take care - cheers Hilary

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    1. Should be no problem for me, I'm please to say.

      So was I Hilary and I have 4 more jars of it.

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  4. Have you ever pickled okra or green tomatoes? Both are yummy, but I've never tried pickled asparagus. Pickled cauliflower used to be a favorite of mine when I was a young girl, but I never made it myself. It used to come in big jars of mixed pickles. I always picked out all the cauliflower. :)

    That cabbage and noodle dish sounds like one I make, but it's Polish. The only real difference is the Polish version is the addition of caraway seeds.

    Good luck with your test. (And happy birthday!)

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    1. No never have Susan. I used to be the same about pickled cauliflower, had forgotten. I should try pickling some.

      This recipe is supposed to be Polish I think, caraway would certainly be good.

      Thanks.

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  5. i just found out last night that my aunt has taken a turn for the worse regarding alzheimers. She is my mom's sister in law and 9 years ago, she was driving us all over the mountains, walking, biking and enjoying life. Now she is in a wheelchair, in diapers and has lost the ability to talk. She will be turning 80 in November if she makes it. So, bless you for being able to still get around despite the pain and all the heartache you go through. I bless every day even today when my joints are bad because one never knows. the driving test is crap...there should be an actual driving test and I bet many would not pass.

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    1. I am sorry to hear that about your aunt Birgit. Seems like a rapid progression - I dread the thought of progression if it means things like diapers. I do agree the test is crap, it's ridiculous to only test the brain and not the ability.

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  6. The good thing about a husband not liking things you like is that you get to eat it all! My husband dislikes avocado so I know he will never eat it before I get to it :)

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    1. LOL Pinky. Matt doesn't like them either.

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