Tuesday, August 25, 2020

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.
 

16 comments:

  1. I am so glad you are going to keep up with your Alzheimer’s friends. The hairdresser is probably happy that she will have more customers. Glad Ladydog will be with Matt while you check out what is going on with your breast. I wonder if it is due to the severe heat we have had that you have some sort of rash or something.

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    1. Yes, we all benefited from our meetings and have become pretty good friends. She had us as customers anyway Birgit, but last time she almost had to carry Matt into the salon. Yes, nice of her to be willing to stay. No idea what it is. Doesn't really look like a rash but....

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  2. A problem with the skin under a breast? As if you didn't already have more than enough on your plate. Much more than enough. I hope you can get it sorted quickly.
    That dish looks right up my alley - thank you.

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    1. Yeah, well it keeps me on my toes LOL. I have checked that the walk-in clinic is open and will head there on Thursday afternoon.

      I'm glad something I posted is OK for you Sue.

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  3. Hi Jo - well done for the Alzheimers continuation acceptance - the meetings help many and it'll be so good for you. Good news re the haircut - Katy seems to be a helpful soul ... so glad you've found her. Love the idea of the spinach polenta dish ... stay safe - Hilary

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    1. Yes, it is a good group Hilary and nice to be able to keep in touch. Yes, we both feel lighter in the head LOL. She is helpful, very nice woman. Sounds good doesn't it?

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  4. Well now you are all coiffed and spiffy! For dinner last night we made tacos and they were very tasty, chicken strips cooked with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, shredded cabbage and shredded cheese, with salsa and sour cream. Damn good!

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    1. We sure are David. Sounds good. Do you know, I have never eaten tacos.

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  5. That's cool your hairdresser can come to you.

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    1. It is cool Alex, she is a very nice woman. It was her idea to come here. No extra charge either.

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  6. Perhaps it is a yeast infection. I have had it under the breast. This year I got it on my neck. Damned irritating.

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    1. Possible Denise, I don't know. How do you treat that?

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  7. Anti-fungal cream. This year I just used an OTC clotrimazole cream. Of course, that was after a week of thinking that I had been bitten by something. Duh!

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    Replies
    1. Hm, I have some clotrimazole. Maybe I will try it.

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  8. That's wonderful a friend can sit with Matt while you're gone. I hope the doctor has an answer for you.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, she is a very good friend Diane. I hope so too. Beginning to worry me a bit.

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