Day 34 and Counting

Last night I made simple Italian Wedding Soup, with pork meatballs but no spinach (because I didn't have any greens.)  It went over well, even though the pasta we had for it was tinier than a grain of rice!  Still, it was tasty.  

We got our grocery delivery today, more than two weeks after the last one.  We had pretty much run out of all fruit and veg, milk, bread, crackers, plus weird things like granola bars, cream of tartar, brown sugar, and vanilla.  I guess that speaks to our love of baking (though, we've only made 3 things in 35 days.)  We didn't get granola bars with our delivery, so we are making our own granola from my favorite recipe; it's not bars, but it's even better.  While Mama and Sis are visiting the pony, I'm using up the chicken and asparagus that came today, to make Yakatori-marinaded chicken and roasted asparagus.  Should be good.  We usually like anything with soy sauce.  

Other than that, I spent the day working on things for class and for hospice, since I'm starting up the telechaplaincy program.  I log into a meeting tomorrow and then start making calls.  Which reminds me that I need to set up my own Google Voice phone.  I'm excited to be able to help.

I also put out a call for "Caring Cards" for staff and patients at hospice and have an Igloo out front to collect the homemade cards (no glitter please!)  Since it's hospice, I've encouraged other phrases besides "get well soon," opting for "sending you cheer/sunshine," "thinking of you," "hope today is a good day," encircling you with love," etc.  And for the staff, "thank you" and "we care."  I deliver them to hospice when I have a little pile.  

Otherwise, in addition to school work and housework, I've birdwatched (saw a chickadee going to and from a nest in our tree), juggled, tangled, cooked, read for pleasure, compiled the last two years worth of recipes, and checked in on people.  

And that's about it from here.

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P’s Yakatori

My college suitemate made this when I visited her one weekend.  It was delicious.  I can't believe, in 15 years, I haven't made it for the kids.

2 med. chicken breasts

¼ cup soy sauce

¾ teaspoon fine herbs, crushed

½ teaspoon ginger

1 clove garlic, minced

3 tablespoons wine

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons oil

dash of pepper

¼ teaspoon onion powder

            Cut chicken into strips or bites, thread onto skewers.  Place in 2 layers in 12 x 7 dish. Mix remaining ingredients.  Pour over chicken, cover and chill 2-3 hours.  Drain and grill 3-4 minutes or bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

PDA

Another Roasted Asparagus

Preheat to 500F with sheet pan in oven.  

Toss asparagus in salt and oil.

When oven is preheated, spread asparagus on pan and bake for 10 minutes

Mama Hungry

Homemade Granola

6 cups uncooked oats
1/2 cup shredded coconut (my adaptation:  use almonds or other chopped nuts instead or in addition or leave both out completely when I make it for the kids)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup coconut oil
2/3 cup maple syrup (honey works, too)
2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 300°F

In a large bowl combine oats, coconut, flour, spices, salt, mix well. 
In a saucepan heat the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until warm. Pour this over the oat mixture and mix well.

Spread evenly on a cookie sheet.  Bake at 300°F for 40 minutes.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool in pan(s). As it cools it becomes harder, more granola like. Store in airtight glass container. 

Beauty that Moves