[Read more…] about Pork, Chard, and Chive Dumplings + a Wrapping Tutorial
Continue ReadingGinger Pear Tea
Last week my daughter’s brownies troop had an apple orchard outing on the calendar. Nevermind that it was 38 degrees and raining, they were determined to carry on. “Always be prepared” is one of their mottos. With our rain boots, coats, hats, mittens, and umbrellas, we were good to go. We toured the cider mill, drank cider and donuts, and then it was time to pick apples in the biting wind and rain. Most of girls toughed it out cheerfully, happy with their rainy day adventures. Not my daughter though. She made sure to let me know about how freezing she was, and how she just wanted to go home and take a bath. Later that evening we discovered that she had a fever of 102. Poor girl.
[Read more…] about Ginger Pear Tea
Continue ReadingGinger Chicken Brown Rice Congee
Sickness hit our family pretty hard last week; first it was my daughter, then me, and then my son. Unfortunately for us, Ryan happened to be gone on a work trip and the three of us were left to fend for ourselves. It was nothing too serious, mostly just stubborn colds and minor fevers, but it was enough to make us all tired, weary, and worn out. We appreciated the extra time at home, however, as we slowed down and got in some extra snuggles. This time instead of the usual chicken noodle soup, I made a pot of this soothing and healing ginger chicken congee (or in Chinese jook). Congee, a savory rice porridge, was my childhood comfort food and I could always count on my mom to have a big pot simmering on the stove whenever anyone in the family became sick. It’s prepared by slowly cooking rice with some type of meat or vegetable stock and it turns wonderfully creamy and almost smooth after the slow cooking. Its quiet simplicity makes it the perfect vehicle for adding an endless number of condiments and garnishes.
[Read more…] about Ginger Chicken Brown Rice Congee
Continue Reading