Friday, May 17, 2019

Toothache, Poaching, Shopping, Air Fryer, Cannabis, Poutine

OK you stalkers. May be nothing on Saturday, I have appalling toothache.

I have written about Pangolin poaching before, but was reminded today that the shy little animal is being poached to extinction. It is actually the cutest little animal and when raised by humans can become extremely affectionate. NOT that I am advocating raising them ourselves, but some have been because they are orphans due to the crass stupidity and greed of  the human race. If I were a billionaire I would contribute large amounts to organisations such as Wildlife Fund, but sadly I am not.

Not much going on during Thursday. Picked up a few items from the store but they didn't have the paper towels I wanted. Apparently they are on special so they ran out. Got myself a rain check. I could not think of that phrase. Felt a bit stupid explaining it.

One thing, my new Air Fryer arrived. Since I phoned and complained, my present one hasn't cut out once. Typical. I think I will put the new one in the cupboard until the old one does give up the ghost.

My newest Cannabis order arrived. I have been taking a half measure of a stronger oil. I feel as though it isn't working nearly as well, our foot nurse suggested if I felt that, I was probably right. The capsules are a possible for next time because the bottles are tending to leak which isn't funny, bearing in mind the price. If only our government would give it a Drug Identification Number, maybe our insurance would pay for it. Matt could probably use it too, but, no way we could afford it for both of us, can't really afford it for one of us.

Friday we both have urologist appointments. I checked where their new location is, on the way to the asparagus farm,  I was thinking about going there afterwards, but I still have quite a lot left, be stupid, wouldn't it? Although I could start canning some.

The Québecois invented Poutine which to me goes to prove they don't have the gourmet instincts of the French in France. The thought of French Fries dolloped with cheese curds and gravy really turns me off. I like my Fries crispy so don't want them in any kind of sauce or gravy anyway and I am not too keen on any gravy I have ever tasted (still time) other than my own. So, when I came across this recipe for Asparagus Poutine I felt like throwing my hands up in horror. This from a blogger who usually makes pretty good food. However, I know there are people out there who enjoy Poutine and might even enjoy this travesty.

Roasted Asparagus and Mushroom Poutine.

1 cup beef broth, chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/4 oz dried porcini mushrooms
1 lb asparagus, trimmed
8 oz mushrooms, quartered
1 Tbs olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbs butter
1 small shallot, finely diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 Tbs flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
salt and pepper to taste
8 oz cheese curds or diced mozzarella

1. Bring the broth and mushroom to a boil, turn off the heat and let sit until the mushrooms are tender, about 15-20 minutes, before straining the mushrooms, reserving the broth, and chopping the mushrooms.

2. Meanwhile, toss the asparagus and mushrooms in the oil, salt and pepper, place on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in a preheated 400F/200C oven until they start to caramelize, about 20 minutes, mixing half way through.

3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, add the chopped mushrooms and cook until they start to caramelize, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the shallot, garlic and thyme and cook for a minute.

5. Mix int the flour and cook for another minute before mixing in the broth and soy sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper and simmering until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

6. Plate the roasted asparagus and mushrooms, top with cheese curds and hot gravy and enjoy!

Servings: 2

Author: Kevin Lynch
Source: Closet Cooking

Have a great day

 

8 comments:

  1. Hi Jo - pangolins are amazing creatures aren't they. Good luck with the visit to the consultant. Well if you're going in the direction of the asparagus farm - then I'd get some ... and can (bottle in my lingo) the spare. All the best and hope that toothache goes away - cheers Hilary

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    1. I think they are, there is a gorgeous picture of someone hunting for insects and a young pangolin hanging on to him waiting for a cuddle rather than food. Maybe I will get some asparagus and bottle it! So do I Hilary, so do I.

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  2. You're in rare form today missus, so I too hope the toothache goes away... those pains are some of the worst!

    Best wishes for the rest of the weekend (and I have to say that asparagus recipe is dodgy-looking to say the least!!)

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    1. Ah well, it's probably the pot. I have a medical appointment today and don't know whether to go to the dentist or the urologist.

      I think so Mork. Horrid stuff Poutine.

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  3. Hope you also have a dentist appointment soon so you can get rid of the toothache.
    I'd work that old air fryer until it died. At least you have a backup.

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    1. Not yet Alex. I think that is what I will do with the air fryer.

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  4. I was at the dentist this morning and have to go to a specialist as the 2 teeth aching are ones where a root canal was done. It could be my sinuses as well. I just want the pain to go as it really hits the Ouch when i eat something. I hate people when I hear these stories. Why are they being hunted? Are they some stupid medicinal crap for the Chinese people? I don't mean any disrespect but it often seems to be for them. Our steamer went so my hubby called and we got a new one, free. He just had to cut the cord. Once we got it, hubby worked on the old one, reattached the cord and we have been using the old one but the new one is a back up. Hope your toothache is better

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    1. Yuk, dentistry is my least favourite thing of all I think. Good luck with it Birgit. I do so agree with you about the people who hunt these animals and yes, I believe Pangolin scales are considered medicinal in China. Never thought of re-attaching the plug. However, in this case, they didn't even ask us to do that. Toothache been "there" all day but not as bad as last night. Fingers crossed.

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