Spouse's Meeting, Groceries, hairdresser, Supper, Visitor.

A busy day. This morning I had my Spouse's meeting moderated by the Alzheimer Society. It was nice talking to everyone. We have all agreed to exchange email addresses - in fact I already have quite a few - and I also volunteered to run Zoom meetings for the group from now on. Everyone seemed interested/

Once it ended I quickly made lunch for Matt and I. Shortly after, Kathy came with the groceries for us. She had also picked up some chicken thighs for me at Costco. She brought Oates with her too but forgot to bring any dog biscuits. Kathy is off up north for a week and Oates is probably going to school during that period. They have to assess whether she will be good for her intended working life.

Then, I am not quite sure what I was doing in the afternoon, a little reading and a little napping I think. I completely forgot the hairdresser would be here at 6 and therefore I had to get supper early. In fact I had bought some chicken tenders already cooked - just wanted to try them, so when they arrived they were warm. So when I realised I had goofed, I decided to have them for supper. Katy came and cut our hair. She is so very good to do this. I told her some of my Alzheimer spouses were interested and she said she would be prepared to go to their homes as well. She cleaned up the floor before she went.

I then took the chicken tenders and heated them in the air fryer and threw a salad together. Worked fine. Had some Tamarind sauce to dip the tenders in. Worked very well. Still more tenders for tomorrow.

Talking of tomorrow, i.e. Wednesday, a friend I haven't seen in a long time is coming for a visit. She just lost her husband who had dementia and then cancer. Very sad.

Haven't mentioned I have a problem with the skin under one breast and I want to try and get to the doctor on Thursday as it doesn't seem to be clearing up. Ladydog is prepared to sit with Matt meanwhile. She is also bringing Subway for lunch.

I forgot, I ordered some antiseptic wipes for today's shopping. First time I have seen any available for a while. When I got them, they are in a huge bucket. Not what I expected at all. I should have enough for a very long time.

I don't think you can go wrong with mushrooms and I also love Leeks and Spinach. This is a dish I will definitely give a go.

Spinach Polenta with Mushrooms, Leek & Poached Egg 

 This rich and flavourful polenta dish is perfect for a weekend brunch or weeknight meal. Creamy polenta is elevated with the addition

of umami-rich mushrooms. A poached egg on top completes the dish and adds another layer of texture.

Prep Time: 15 mins. | Cook Time: 30 mins. | Serves: 4
 

Ingredients

 

Polenta:

• 4 cups (1L) water
• 2 cups (500 mL) chopped spinach
• 1 cup (250 mL) polenta
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
• ¼ cup (60 mL) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Mushrooms:

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 lb (500 g) fresh mixed mushrooms (portabella, shiitake, oyster), coarsely chopped
• 1 large leek (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, rinse and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter
• 1/2 tbsp (15 mL) white wine vinegar

Poached Eggs:

• 4 large eggs
• Water for poaching
• 1 tbsp (7 mL) white vinegar

Optional Garnishes: 

• Fresh chopped chives
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese

Method

Polenta:

1. In a large pot, over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil. Stir in chopped spinach. Slowly add polenta while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until polenta is smooth, 5-6 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cook polenta 25-30 minutes. Whisk often. Remove from heat and add butter, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Mushrooms:

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add leek and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and butter, heat until butter is melted. Add white wine vinegar and stir until the liquid evaporates, about 2-3 minutes. Set mushrooms aside.

Poached Egg:

3. In a large saucepan, bring 3 inches of water and a splash of white vinegar to a simmer over medium-low heat. Crack 1 egg into a small bowl. Gently stir the water in a circle, and then gently slip egg into water. Poach about 3-4 minutes, then remove egg with a slotted spoon and pat dry. Repeat with remaining eggs.

Assembly:

4. To assemble, spoon polenta into bowl, top with mushroom & leek mixture, and then poached egg. Add optional garnishes.

Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.