Childhood Comfort Food

Today I planned on having a fairly relaxing day… the sun was shining again and it felt like an early spring day.  When I woke up this morning I decided to make the Breakfast Pizzert again from yesterday morning because it was so yummy.  Even my friend Rebecca tried it out this morning and enjoyed it. 

After spending the morning relaxing in my PJ’s, calling my mom to wish her a Happy Birthday, drinking a latte and listening to music, I headed out the door to enjoy some of the sun.  Unfortunately I did forget my camera and my cell phone, so no pics…sorry guys. 

I also headed to the store to pick up some avocado that I forget yesterday and a bag of dog food for Buster.  He also got a little treat today…it definitely kept him busy for at least 4 hours.  He was so cute, so I took the opportunity to snap some photos of him.

Since it’s my momma’s birthday today, I decided to make a little something that she used to make us when we were a kid.  This dish is traditional in Southern Germany, the region my parents grew up in and where I was born too.  It’s called “Dampfnudel” which literally translates to “Steam-noodle”.  In other words, these are dumplings that you cook/steam in some milk, sugar and butter.  They are then served with a rich vanilla sauce.  Definite comfort food for me. 

Looks tasty, don’t it?  I can vouch that it does… I remember having these when I went to Germany a couple of years ago.  I left them in the pan just a tad too long, but was scared to open the lid because that’s a big NO-NO when making dumplings.  Oh well.  Will post the recipe soon.

Hope everyone had a good weekend and I will see you back in the next couple of days.

With love.

Bea

xoxo

Baby it’s cold outside

Brrrr…How cold is it in your neck of the woods?  My area is in a deep freeze…we had temperatures of –8C when I woke up at 9am, but the wind-chill made it feel more like –15C.  Now I know it’s probably much colder where some of you live, but we are not used to these temperatures.  At least it was a sunny day today.  They are calling for some more snow tomorrow night and into Saturday before the rain hits and the temperatures go back up. 

So my day was more or less productive.  In my school district we get paid days off to work at home on report cards or to do other teacher prep, such as visiting other colleagues in their classrooms.  I got my reports started, but then had an appointment with the Bank for RRSP’s and also a doctor’s appointment this afternoon.  I was not looking forward to the doctor’s visit as it was time for a physical, but it went well, so no complaints.  (I was anxious since it was a male doctor, but he was great about it).  After my appointment I had to go to the school to prepare for tomorrow, so it was well after 5pm by the time I came home.

And what was for dinner you ask?  Rosemary Vanilla Chicken with a Medley of Rice

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ROSEMARY VANILLA CHICKEN WITH A MEDLEY OF RICE

How to make

This one is an easy creation.  And come to think of it…another GF and Dairy-Free meal…..First you will want to prepare your ingredients. 

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 450g chicken, boneless, skinless and chopped (you can use thighs or breasts..your choice)
• 3 cups of spinach, chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup low sodium free-range chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp  Sorghum flour and some broth to make a thickening agent
• 1 vanilla bean
• 2 tsp  fresh rosemary

Chop the onions and garlic.  Cut up your chicken into smaller pieces.  Heat up some oil in a wok and add your chicken.  Cook until chicken gets brown.  Then add your onions and garlic. 

Continue to cook until most of the liquid is cooked up.  Then add your broth and wine and bring to a boil.  While boiling, prepare your vanilla bean and the rosemary.

 

Slice your vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the paste. Also chop up your vanilla bean into small pieces.   Add this to your chicken.  Also chop up your fresh rosemary and add to your chicken. 

 

Now chop up your spinach and add it to the pot as well.  Stir well and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.  Then reduce heat on low and keep warm until ready to serve.

I served mine over a bed of rice.  I love my rice….. it looks like this in the package, but turns all purple after cooking.

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Now that I’m finished with dinner, it’s back to report cards.  Oh how I love this time of year. 

I’m glad tomorrow is Friday.  My student teacher visits for the first time tomorrow as well, so here’s to hoping the kids cooperate and are on their best behaviour. 

Not sure how much time I’ll have for blogging this weekend…. we have a school function to attend Friday night…I’m at the pool all day Saturday to recertify for my lifeguarding (I hope I pass)…then back to the rec center Saturday night for a hockey game.  I’m going to be one tired cookie by the end of the weekend, that’s for sure. 

Anybody have exciting weekend plans? 

Have a great night….

Bea

xoxo