So, it’s been a very long time since I’ve used protection. There are a ton viruses going around, and there are many known methods used through manipulative tactics, to entrap individuals. Not to mention, the growing popularity of the “backdoor”. It’s been a REAL long time since I’ve had any legitimate reason to be concerned about viruses.
However, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So I recently started using another vpn, thinking about migrating back over to Linux for the majority of my computer activities. The thoughts about security/protection also came to mind pertaining to streaming services and smart devices. Would it possibly be safer, in the future, to buy monitors (not smart TV) + SBC (w/ kodi) for entertainment needs? Audio may be an issue that needs attention.
….anyways, in a few minutes it’s Friday (they call it lent), and tonight made homemade Crab Rangoon. Will reheat tomorrow. (Recipe may be on its way, once I tweak it a bit)
Typically, budget friendly frozen berry blends are available at your local store. Yes, I’ve been shopping at Walmart lately, so their frozen strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry combo makes a lot of sense. If you are a fan of Greek yogurt (and budgeting), the store brand makes a lot more sense also. If you are watching carbs, always buy “plain”, unflavored. Why? Because we are going to be adding a TON of natural carbs later.
A buddy of mine suggested tart cherry juice a while ago. Problem is, the sugar/carb content. It is loaded with anti-oxidants and is great for joint health. Use sparingly in mixtures. Stay well under “serving size” on label. It’s very important to buy 100% juice.
So it was a different breakfast this morning. Normally, I don’t mince fresh garlic, throw it in a pot with broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans..sprinkle with salt and pepper, let cook. But, this morning, I felt like it. Felt like being weird this morning (not exactly an ususual day). Still needed some carbs.
1/2 banana, berry blend mentioned above, 1/4 naval orange, about 1 1/2 tablespoons cherry juice, 2 tablespoons greek yogurt, 1/3 cup 2% milk, 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill Apple Blueberry Granola.
Tossed in the smoothie maker, and had a wonderful breakfast. Definitely not traditional. But with coffee, before and after, felt fantastic. Ready to start the day.
That’s right! You are going to need cabbage. But, you have a choice to make. Make things easy and buy a cole slaw mix? Or buy a cabbage, chop it up, and then add chopped carrots, radish, etc?
Folks we are making egg rolls!
What you are going to need:
Worcestershire Sauce or Soy Sauce Ground Pork White Onion Egg Roll Wrappers Cole Slaw (mix) Garlic Powder Salt Black Pepper Peanut Oil Egg
Makes about 10-12 egg rolls
Cook about 1/2 pound of ground pork in skillet w/ 1/3 cup diced white onion. While cooking, season with teaspoon of salt, teaspoon of pepper, teaspoon of garlic powder. Add a tablespoon of worcestershire (soy sauce can be used, but add a bit more) to mixture also. Cook well, do not drain.
Combine seasoned pork mixture with approximately 8 ounces of cole slaw (mix) in mixing bowl. Mix well so that slaw and meat are blended throughout mixing bowl.
Crack an egg and mix it (breaking yolk) in a bowl.
Take egg roll wrapper and turn to a diamond shape in front of you. Coat the upper edge (of diamond), looks like this ^ , with egg/yolk from above. This creates a sealant for your egg roll.
Place about 2 tablespoons of cole slaw mixture in mid-lower bottom of egg roll (diamond). Roll upward, fold in sides of diamond, fold over top, sealing with the egg mixture (used to complete previous step). Do this with each egg roll, Place on plate, we will fry in next step.
Heat about 1/2 inch peanut oil in medium sized skillet on medium/high heat. Peanut oil heats fast and cooks fast, so keep a watchful eye on skillet. Brown sides of egg rolls by cooking two sides at approximately one minute a piece. (Turn each egg roll once, to cook opposite side, in skillet).
Tips
A small, portable fryer is a perfect product for this recipe. And is much more efficient. My opinion is that peanut oil is the best…Takes about 3-4 minutes per basket.
Missing Sauce? Create your own yum yum by combining ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and worcestershire sauce.
So what you want to do is use the Martha Stewart, classic way of cooking rice. This is long grain white rice. 1 cup rice per 2 cups water. Rinse, boil, cover, simmer for 15 minutes. Finish cooking rice first (we will reheat later).
IMPORTANT: This recipe assumes you are serving 2 people and using HALF of the rice made above. I chose to make more for other meals. (If you want to make rice for just this meal, use 1/2 cup rice, 1 cup water). Let’s proceed.
I prefer using brussel sprouts, broccoli, onions, sausage. But feel free to add shrimp or any other ingredient.
Use broccoli florets and fresh unflavored brussel sprouts (fresh or frozen), combine with cooked meat, and mix with rice in medium skillet.
Do not forget to chop jalapenos and mix them with cream cheese. Separately. Then cover one side of the bagel with the blend.
What you are going to need:
Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish Red (Purple) Onion Bagels Chicken Breasts Swiss Cheese Jalapeno Mayonnaise White Onion Green Pepper Garlic Salt Pepper Hard Boiled Egg
First Step
Cook two chicken breasts by either boiling, or heating in an air fryer (keeps moisture in). Check centers to confirm they are fully cooked. Cut into small chunks, place aside.
Second Step
Mix two heaping table spoons of mayonnaise, one diced hard boiled egg, about 1/4 cup of diced green peppers, 1/4 cup white onions, teaspoon of salt, teaspoon of garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper in mixing bowl.
Third Step
Mix chicken chunks with mayonnaise mixture (step 2) to create chicken salad.
Fourth Step
Mix chopped jalapeno and cream cheese together (if jalapenos from jar, mix in a little juice). Create enough to cover one side of bagel (more if making extra sandwiches)
Place a good portion of chicken salad on bottom half of bagel. Add a slice of swiss cheese. Add a few slices of red (purple) onion. Create sandwich by placing top half on bottom.
Eighth Step
Enjoy!
This was a delicious bagel sandwich made by a deli I frequented years ago when I worked downtown. There are only a few of those delis left, and they discontinued this menu item about two decades ago. But it is both spicy and sweet. Refreshing and delicious.
Same products, cheaper prices, excellent service. You know what? I rarely, nearly refuse, to promote products or services. But, let me tell you what, Walmart, yes Walmart, is making a very strong case to be a lead competitor against Amazon. If not over take them. The main advantage, brick and mortar stores, facilitating faster shipping and better service (even with groceries and pharmacy).
I did a pickup order the other week, and my car died in the parking lot. Weather, and the fact that my battery hasn’t been changed for quite a few years, probably the culprits. The staff at the store could not have been more helpful. Offering to jump the car (for free), the auto department quick to help out with any future needs which might ensue. A young kid, skipped out to the car with me, couldn’t have been more happy about the weather, and jumped my wagon.
W+, Walmart’s answer to Prime, has been awesome. Grocery delivery for free (within reasonable expectation, usually same day). A shipping option, for free, for non-perishable items, typically same day also. And all this with other perks and a ton of savings.
No shame in this Walmart shopper.
(produce, as far as fresh vegetables, fruit, rice, beans, etc all competively priced also… just a great experience)
Some times you go along to get along, and that has been the case with me at this time of year. Seafood, Fridays (no meat). And often this forces one to get creative. Shrimp (fried or scampi?), fish (grilled, baked, fried…breaded or no?). Grilled cheese?
As you get older you understand two important life lessons.
An egg salad sandwich is simply deviled eggs in between two pieces of bread.
Tarter sauce is simply mayonnaise mixed with pickle relish (add lemon juice if you like).
However, I’m going to revisit something I used to eat years ago. I almost forgot how it tastes. Yes, it seems like decades since I’ve tasted tuna. So, very early today I whipped up a salad. Cracked pepper, hard boiled egg, tuna, green peppers, salt, mayo, onions, a hint of garlic. And let me tell you what, I just may be born again. Delicious. Invigorating
So, nutrition has been a focus lately. Lots of greens (broccoli, asparagus, brussel sprouts, beans, etc) in the diet. But, I’m also making a conscious effort of adding fruits. Mostly berries, but also oranges (C), and bananas (potassium).
It’s game night though, and nothing beats watching college basketball while munching on a pie! So it’s time to indulge. Homemade.
The conference is very competitive this year. Many coaching and roster changes occurred in the offseason. Cheer loud. Cheer often. While up. While down. No fair weathers allowed.
Living alone has it’s perks. Sure, you are free to watch what you want on tv, choose your own music, do what you want on your free time, etc. But it also forces you to learn a few things. One of them is meal preparation. Are you a leader, follower, or creatively go by your taste buds?
A few things I’ve considered over the years are nutrition, tastes, carbs, calories. Over the past few year I’ve actually cooked with oranges (not orange peels) to sweeten meals. At certain points, I’ve gone “carb free” UNLESS it was a natural carb (derived from fruit or plant). And snacked on only greens and nuts.
There is always a temptation, though, isn’t there? Sometimes you have to indulge.
The slow cooker is one of my favorite devices in my cooking arsenal. You can buy a seasoned pork loin, the kind in the sealed bag, throw it in a crock pot for about 8 hrs, and end up with delicious “pulled” pork. Or, grab a can of beer, some sauer kraut, and a few sausage links, and end up with a delicious German meal.
At this moment, I’m cookin dry beans and rice, to store and add to other meals I’ve created or a salad. Versatile items also, in meal preparation.
The last thing I’ll mention is hard boiled eggs, always good to have on hand. They can be used for any homemade salad…chef, chicken, potato, etc, turned into the DEVIL, or simple salty bliss.
Maybe I’ll start posting recipes at some point. As a T1, I’ve heard diet is important ;).
So we’re told to stay indoors. And when we stay indoors, we get restless. How about cooking… red beans and rice, pulled pork, salad with that good ginger dressing (similar to the hibachi place)? Fish sound good tomorrow? You can crust it with crackers, add a light butter garlic sauce to flavor. Pair it with green beans and you’re set.
While I was driving to pick up groceries today, the USB drive was serving some old school classics. So I thought about revisiting a previous post, and adding a new list of past favorites.
