Tonight I am making a Seafood Fettuccini, Onions already chopped. David done them a while ago so they are in the freezer !! I am finding it difficult to cook using my left hand .. Lets give it ago

• 4 ounces uncooked fettuccine
• 1/4 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 pound sea scallops, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 small shallot, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine & additional chicken broth
• half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

• Cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute shrimp and scallops in 1 tablespoon oil for 3-5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and scallops are opaque. Remove and keep warm. 
• In the same skillet, saute shallot in remaining oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in broth and wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in cream; cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 5 minutes or until thickened. 
• Drain fettuccine; stir into cream sauce. Add shrimp, scallops and cheese; toss to coat. Sprinkle with tomato and parsley. I will get David to drain the pasta ..

Portuguese Seafood Stew, this is a recipe I have been planning to do for a few weeks, it will have to wait until y finger is healed .. I am going to do the one as Anthony Bourdain was one of my fave Chefs I would have loved to cook with hi!!

TRIBUTE TO BOURDAIN – PORTUGUESE SEAFOOD STEW

On The Table Ep. 1, Anthony Bordain and his close friend Eric Ripert cook this seafood stew, while Bourdin talks very openly about his life and work.Print Recipe I am adding Chorizo Sausage

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 green pepper, cut into 10mm pieces
• 1 red pepper, cut into 10mm pieces
• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed and diced
• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of oregano or 1 tsp dried dried oregano
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 300 g octopus tentacles, cut into 15mm pieces
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can tomatoes 400g drained and crushed
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cups salmon head stock or vegetable stock
• 2 small Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 10cm piecesor one medium/large
• 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled ands cut into 10cm pieces or one medium/large
• 250 g white fish fillets, cut into 15mm piecescod, snakehead, something quite firm
• 16 mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded or frozen mussels in the half-shell, thawed
• 1/4 cup parsley, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, finely diced
• Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Baguettes, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS

• Heat oil a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. I used a dutch oven.
• Add onion, green and red peppers, and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add cumin, paprika, oregano, and pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add octopus pieces and cook 2-3 minutes.
• Pour wine into the pan and scrape the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon to dislodge any browned bits.
• Add the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, and fish or vegetable stock;
• Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
• Add the potato pieces and stir in. Cover and gently simmer until the octopus and potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes.
• Add the white fish and stir in.
• If using fresh mussels add on top of the stew. Cover and cook until mussels have opened, 10 to 15 minutes.
• If using frozen mussels in the half shell, add them after the fish has been cooking for 5 minutes or so. They will need 5 to 10 minutes to heat through.
• Remove half the mussels from their shells and discard the shells. Stir the de-shelled mussels into the stew. If they are a decent size NZ mussel, you might want to halve them before adding them back to the stew.
• Stir in most of the parsley and cilantro, retaining some to sprinkle over the stew before serving.
• Season with salt and pepper. 
• Serve with baguettes to soak up the sauce. Also great reheated the next day.

David and I love to Cook and in our Kitchen have a portrait painted by the very talented Russel Thomas, a Christmas gift a few yrs ago from our Son Ian.. So sad Anthony Bourdain took his life , gone way to soon Did you know that one of our trips was one inspired by Anthony Bourdain Show A disappearing NYC “Disappearing Manhattan” episode of No Reservations.

Katz’s Delicatessen,Deli | 205 E Houston St, New York, Katz’s 
“You only need to walk over to the counter, take a long lingering look at that heap of steaming pastrami, corned beef and brisket, take a deep breath, and you’ll remember again what it means to be alive, to be proud to be a New Yorker … Where Harry Met Sally Was Filmed here and we met the Mayor of Hoboken !!

Keens

Keens Steakhouse, Steaks and seafood | 72 W 36th St, New“You really can’t do it any better or more authentic than Keens, a place that goes right back to the old-school all-male world of beefsteak parties, political power built around beef, and bloody aprons and smoke-filled rooms. Pipes cover the Ceiling

”Russ & Daughters – Deli | 179 E Houston St, New York,

Russ & Daughters 
“It’s all about the lox, and about the original product: herring. Herring and cream sauce. It’s all about sweet and sour salty goodness. Who invented this combination. bagel, cream cheese, and lox We bought food and took it back to our Hotel
Manganaro’s 
“Preserves that wonderful time of hope, boundless optimism, and completely unfashionable old-school red-sauce Italian-American Amazing We stayed 2 times at the London NYC , One time in the Atrium Suite OMG Amazing and we ate at the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant both times we stayed there, once with Anthony and Carolyn Harris , the waiter remembered David and I and we got a tour of the Chefs Kitchen with Anthony and Carolyn.. The Pics of the NYC and Atrium Suite aren’t mine they are from the London NYC web site an amazing place to stay.. One time we stayed at the Waldorf!! This time we went to NYC for St Paddy’s day We met Billy Connolly in a cigar shop he was so nice, we met George from The apprentice he was in Trump Tower !! Last time we went was to see Phil Collins in concert at the Rosemont Ballroom I Love NYC

“Waldorf Astoria” redirects here. For the original hotel on Fifth Avenue near 34th Street, see Waldorf–Astoria (1893–1929). For the German football club, see FC Astoria Walldorf. For other uses, see Waldorf–Astoria (disambiguation). The info on the Waldorf Astoria is from Wikipedia

What a week, Work at the Hospital s going great, then Thursday after I finished work at 2 pm, i came home put on the kettle showered and came down stairs massed my tea , was going ti sit down and have a cuppa!! I thought Ill take George out for a walk. Off we went he found a stick I threw it for him, he brought it back to me, put if at me feet I went to grab the stick to throw it, so did George, OUCH!!! I need up in emergency and for 8 stitches and a few weeks of work , The Tendon had a teat n it so I have 2 fingers taped together as I haven’t to bend it .. Good job I have an amazing husband ..

David Starts his new job next week, Long days , Healthy snacks I have made a Chickpea Greek Salad and some Black eyed peas soaking so I can make Texas Caviar!!! I have meals made in the freezer as when I have time I like to batch cook.. Scratch cooking.. I have an amazing Bean Chilli in the Freezer..

Some info on a healthy Gut

Beans, Super Food for Gut & Brain Health

By Sean CantkierJanuary 30, 2019

Maybe you’ve missed it on the news lately, but healthy beans have been reported to be super foods, not only for the gut but for overall physical and mental health. A healthy gut is one that digests, absorbs, and eliminates with ease and is free from illness. It’s important to eat a diet that feeds a healthy gut and beans are considered one of those foods and excellent for overall health.

Why Are Beans So Good for You?

Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It is recommended that adults eat between 25 to 38 grams of dietary fiber per day. Are you eating enough fiber? Research shows that the majority of Americans are not consuming proper amounts of fiber.

That’s where healthy beans can help save the day! By incorporating beans into your diet, you can easily reach that goal of having enough daily fiber. Beans are rich in fiber:

• Navy Beans – ½ cup – 10 grams of fiber
• Kidney Beans – ½ cup – 8 grams of fiber
• Black Beans – ½ cup – 8 grams of fiber
• Lentils – ½ cup – 8 grams of fiber

Healthy Beans, Good Brain Food

Beans provide the brain with its preferred fuel: glucose. Brain functions such as thinking, memory, and learning are closely linked to glucose levels and how efficiently the brain uses the fuel source.

The brain accounts for around 2 percent of total body weight but it wants, and takes, roughly 20 percent of our daily calories. What does the brain crave? Glucose, primarily obtained from recently eaten glucose rich foods like beans.

It’s also important to know that your brain is really sensitive to falling glucose levels. So when your glucose level drops, the symptom is confused thinking.

How You Digest Beans

Beans are super high in protein, carbs, anti-oxidants and minerals. Beans digest slowly and is why your brain loves them. While digesting slowly they give your brain a consistent source of glucose. Beans can take 2 to 3 hours to digest while making your brain happy! There are may different foods to help your Gut and your health!!

Why beans?

Beans, lentils, and split peas are rich in fiber, resistant starch, and plant protein, and they are a low-glycemic carbohydrate source. The health benefits of these legumes sometimes get overlooked, but adding beans to your diet promotes weight loss, cardiovascular health, and insulin sensitivity.  We try to keep processed foods out of our diet as much as we can, I take probiotics daily.. We watched a few documentaries on plant based eating. Plant pure nation.., Michale Pollan had a series called Cooked, Jamie Oliver to..

We made small changes and over this past year have slipped a little but are now heading in the Plant Based direction again. Eating a healthy diet, not buying pre packaged processed foods , gives you energy , maybe a little weight loss and def budget friendly also helping with your carbon foot print

Why Cooking from scratch is better? cooking food from scratch gives you the portion control, you are free to use good fats and less sugar and salt. You get to handpick the ingredients, so you know the quality before you eat. I cant with for the edible flowers and veggies we grew in our garden..

1. Saves money

Eating homemade foods is usually much cheaper than eating at a restaurant or buying processed foods from the market.

• Plan several days of meals. We’ll be less likely be tempted to eat something else if we have a plan or something already made.
• Make a grocery list and stick to it to avoid buying extra food. Shop from the perimeter of the store all fresh food is there !!
• Save leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. Once you get a stock of leftovers stored, you can reheat them at a later date when you don’t have time to cook.

2. Saves time

3. Healthier ingredients

4. Avoid food allergies and sensitivities

Many restaurants and fast food joints offer portions that are much larger than necessary.

6. Brings family together

Eating at home gives the entire family time to talk about their day. I cant wait to cook a big meal for friends and family!! This past year has taken a strain on everyone !!! Love and Miss you all

Happy Valentines Day to you all.. For David and I valentines day is every day!! I have always made a big deal of Valentines for my kids and always bought them Valentines Candies! I do this for the grand kids now.. This Valentines I have made a Heart Shaped Veggie Pizza for my Love Oh boy does it smell amazing

• 

Live Laugh and Love, you just never know what tomorrow brings.. Whether its a 2 legged person or 4 legged fur baby love them!! No one is perfect we all make mistakes, life is short

God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can and Wisdom to know the difference.. This is the Serenity prayer and this has helped me through a really tough time!! Love Y’all to the moon and back

Crazy week with orientation and training at the Hospital, I am loving it.. My feet are sore and I have blisters on my little toes, but feeling amazing.. I must admit it is great to get back out in to the work place!! It is a good job I cooked in batches!! Last weekend I made some rustic bread it is aJamie Oliver recipe .. I made twisty bread it is a twisted sandwich, I made some home made mushroom soup to go with it, it was amazing.. You can fill the twisty bread with your fave fillings, I did a Cheese and red pickled onion one, used my red pickles, and then a Ruben twist bread, Corned beef, Mustard, Sauerkraut and cheese. You make the bread it is 5 ingredients, yeast, a little sugar, flour salt and water, let it raise , then half the dough and roll out, then place your sandwich filling on the dough and roll like a swiss all and slice in to 1 1/2 ins pieces and place in a greased pie tin to raise again, brush with egg wash and bake .. Yummy Jamie Olivers show is Keep Cooking and Carry on . Some great tips on cooking during a lockdown.. My dream is to one day cook with Jamie Oliver.. I cant wait for the day I can cook a big family dinner and have My Kids and Grandkids all over .. All peeps, it is almost time for me to go to work at the Hospital in Food Services.. Im loving it.. Stay Safe Out these and wear your mask..