Nine-Days Mom

I've had sick kids at home for 9-days running, since last Wednesday night.  Sis missed four days of school with a chest cold and Bud has missed five.  I'm not worried about them catching up, just about yet another break in our routine.  It could've come at a much worse time--our trip to London, my historic house tour season in May-- or a much-worse illness, so I'm not really even complaining.  There have been rough spots; none of us are at our best when we are sick or tired or taking care of the sick and tired.  But it's been ok. Not that I like it--who wishes for sick kids?  But at least I'm not going to be beheaded like Lady Jane.

Mama's Sick-Day Recipe

Khao-thom or congee/jook (if there's meat) is Mama's go-to comfort food from childhood--a very soft, somewhat salty rice-meat bowl of goodness.  And now it's Sis's and Bud's.  So, with a general idea of how to make it and a sick child at home who has no appetite, I've been emailing Mama this morning for specifics as to how she makes it their favorite.  Here is her recipe:

Congee/Jook
Get a big pot to avoid boil over. Put a piece of chicken (frozen ok) in it with approx 1.5 cup of (jasmine) rice, a shake of the minced garlic (no need pre-soak) and enough water to cover 2-3x. You can also add soy sauce while cooking--the thin one, not the sweet or black ones.  Scallions would make it even better.  :)  Bring to boil, let simmer, stirring often to avoid sticking to bottom and to break up the chicken, until rice and chicken are cooked, about an hour to be safe. Cut up the chicken and serve, adding soy sauce to bowl.  Bud likes his with pickles (Chinese pickled vegetable.)

Note:  to make khao-thom, cook as directed but with no meat.  Also, pork works well, too.  

Mama Hungry