Air Fryer. Asparagus, Steamer Basket,

I started off trying to find who exactly makes the Toastmaster Air Fryer. I haven't managed to solve the problem yet because I was being picked up to go to Mandarin. Matt said he couldn't manage it so our friends took me instead. I took Matt some Egg Rolls and Spring Rolls which was just as well as he had slept right through lunch!! He then ate them, a granola bar, an apple and a banana. He sure can eat and he never gains an ounce.

Next I went and picked up the car and went to the grocery store to pick up our order for the day. Whilst waiting I phoned the asparagus farm.  They had some for me and I had to be there before 6. Took the shopping home and lugged it upstairs. Discovered that my new steamer basket had arrived, then went over to Barrie's Asparagus Farm and bought a bag of the lovely green stuff and two gorgeous tomatoes - great for making salads with. I also have a can of Hearts of Palm and a good recipe for a salad with asparagus..We had some with our supper tonight but tomorrow, I will have time to do them properly.

So, busy day. Still got to find out who makes/repairs air fryer as it is cutting off at about 3 minutes for some reason, and not every time. Eventually opened my new basket too, checked it for size and it fits OK. Not terribly big of course, but then I have a 3 qt. On the comments page when I bought it, someone said the legs weren't long enough. Actually it doesn't have legs, has a rim all round it so I inserted it and chucked in a cup of water. Its fine. Stays below the basket. Yesterday, without the basket, I cooked up a load of chicken bones and veg and the result is a gorgeous jelly which I still have to deal with. I was glad to have leftovers to use for supper.

Now I'm not sure whether to use the large tomatoes or the grape. Decisions, decisions. I also only use white wine vinegar, don't keep the red.

Asparagus Salad with Hearts of Palm and Cherry Tomatoes

1 bunch of asparagus, steamed
1 can of hearts of palm
1/2 pint of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 green onions, sliced
1 small shallot, diced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1.5 Tbs red wine vinegar
1.5 Tbs white wine vinegar
1 tsp gluten free dijon mustard
6 Tbs olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

1. Cook asparagus til al dente. Chil in ice bath or cold water. Chop into bite sized pieces cut diagonally. Place in large bowl. Cut each stalk of hearts of palm into 4 pieces and then each into 1 inch pieces at a diagonal.  Add to bowl.  Add your halved cherry tomatoes.  Add in sliced green onions.  Add in chopped shallots.

2. In a separate bowl, add in vinegars, mustard and a pinch of salt. Slowly pour in olive oil and whisk to emulsify.  Add in pepper and adjust ingredients to desired taste. Pour dressing over salad and mix.  Add lemon juice as desired.

3. Serve into bowls and enjoy!

4. This recipe would go great with some anchovies on top!  Also, if you can find jarred hearts of palm, please use those instead of canned!  Unless labeled, cans can be lined with BPA (toxic!!).  But some brands, like Native Forest, guarantee that their cans are BPA free so do some research before buying your canned foods.  Can also substitute hearts of palm with artichoke hearts!

Servings: 3

Source: Food for Rabbits



Have a great day
 

Steamer Basket, Sharing, Mandarin, Scallops

Wednesday morning I wanted to put a chicken carcass and some veg into the steamer which ladydog's

husband fixed for me. Guess what, it doesn't fit my Instant Pot. Was I annoyed. Lucky I got my money back because of all the problems with it. I cannot find another source for the steamer basket other than Amazon and that's where I got the first one. In the end I put the carcass and veg in the regular insert and cooked it for 2 hours. It is very good. Got it chilling now. I am making the Hawaiian Barbecued Chicken for supper. I have since ordered another basket and have been assured (written on my order) that I can return it at no postage charge if it doesn't fit. Ve shal see.

Took Matt for his Xray and Ultra Sound on his knee. Funny in a way. Although he is having bad leg problems, he insisted he could get the car so off he went with his walker which he leaves in the garage rather than have the hassle of putting it in the trunk.. I took my cane and wandered to the lobby to await him. He arrived and I realised he didn't have his cane. So, I took over the driving and off we went. When we got to the lab, Matt used my cane and hobbled around the place as did I without the cane. It was actually quite funny. I had to help take his pants off. Another thing that amused me, the technician, female, said he should take his pants off. Not many women I would allow to say that to him LOL.

We were supposed to go to Mandarin with friends on Thursday, today to you, and Matt says he cannot go so I am being picked up by our friends to go for lunch. Matt doesn't need people or anything, I do. One of the things I love about the bowling alley is seeing all my friends.

Both ladydog and I love scallops and this one really fits the bill for me because, of course, it includes asparagus. ladydog doesn't like asparagus!!!! I might say I had some asparagus with my Red Lobster order yesterday, mistake, it was neither raw nor cook. Not good. Asparagus might be today, Thursday. Too cold to pick on Wednesday apparently, it was windy and I had no coat. Brrrrr.

Asparagus with Scallops, Browned Butter and Prosciutto

1 lb white asparagus, peeled, or green asparagus
3 1/2 Tbs unsalted butter
1 oz thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
1 lb sea scallops
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth

1. Cook the asparagus in a large sauce-pan of boiling salted water until tender, about 8 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the asparagus to a colander and leave the pan of water simmering on the stove.

2. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet. Add the prosciutto and cook over low heat until crisp, about 4 minutes. Transfer the prosciutto to a plate.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in the skillet. Add the scallops, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the scallops to a plate.

4. Add the lemon zest to the skillet and cook over moderate heat until browned, about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and simmer for 10 seconds. Add the stock and simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet, until reduced to a rich glaze, about 3 minutes. Swirl in the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Return the scallops, along with any juices, to the skillet and cook over low heat until heated through.

5. Return the asparagus to the simmering water to heat through. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Using tongs, transfer the asparagus to a large platter and spoon the scallops and sauce over it. Top with the fried prosciutto and serve.

Servings: 4

Source: Food and Wine





Have a great day

Severe Weather, Medical, Amazon, Rain

Just been watching all the dreadful results of the tornadoes which hit down South. It seems, from the reports, that the dangerous system is moving to the east coast and I have friends who will be driving up the I 90 for the next couple of days. I just phoned (not realising they were already on the road) and they had heard nothing about it. They had reached Jacksonville, Florida this morning so I am not sure if they will beat the system or run straight into it. Turns out they were OK and the storms were downgraded.

Today I have a quick visit with the cardiologist and tomorrow they start hunting for why I got anaemia. Got to take Matt to get some bloodwork done too some time this week plus he wants a hair cut. It's all go and not much coming back!!

I also have to chase up Amazon about my steamer basket. I sent pix as request but haven't heard any more.

It actually rained on Sunday, that is somewhat better than that white stuff we got recently. There was something else I was going to write about but carried on watching TV and so forgot. Senility setting in.

I made Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese again this weekend. Not only is it very good, but it is incredibly quick and easy, basically chuck the macaroni into the pot, cook it in chicken stock, then add cheese and milk - hey presto, all done. Note 7 is mine because I found the inner pot difficult to clean properly because I left the remainder there til we had eaten. In fact I make mine with Habanero Shredded Cheese and Parmesan as well which gives a nice kick. Of course don't use the Hot Pepper Sauce as well - unless you really are a masochist LOL. I can't remember where I got this recipe I'm afraid.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This macaroni and cheese is every family's favorite comfort food pasta recipe made easy in the

Instant Pot!  You can have creamy, mouthwatering, homemade mac and cheese for dinner in about 10 minutes!

8 oz Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
2 cups Chicken Broth
1 Tbs Butter
1 tsp Hot Pepper Sauce
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Salt
1 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/2 to 1 cup Milk

1. Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt to the Instant Pot.

2. Place the lid on the pot and set to sealing.  Cook on manual function, high pressure for 5 minutes.  Then, do a quick release.

3. Stir in the cheeses and milk until smooth.  Season as necessary to taste.

4. Notes

5. NOTE:  The cheeses listed in the recipe have produced the best flavor that I have found.  Feel free to use your family's favorite cheese combination.

6. NOTE:  For the milk, start with 1/2 cup and add up to one cup if you find it needs to be thinned out a little bit more.

7. IMPORTANT: Empty pot before sitting down to eat otherwise it will be difficult to clean as cheese sticks.

Servings: 4

Have a great day