A Chef’s Attire and Chicken (or not) In Orange Sauce

Here it is. My “proper dress” for the great Morning Glory Bun Bake Off.  Of course I’ll be wearing a white collar shirt and my hair will be up probably in one of those gorgeous looking hair nets. EEEKKK!

The scruffy chef, above, in the long apron…here’s a close up

The chef in the shorter apron….Ted said “POSE!”  A model, I’m not!

“Honey? Do my arms look fat?” 

The close up

I’m waiting for my red and white pants (that would be one pair red, one pair white NOT red and white), then I’m all set for kitchen duty.

In order to get familiar with large scale bakery equipment, I paid a visit to a local pastry chef.  He was AMAZINGLY helpful.  I feel so much more confident going to Kansas than before I met with him.  We talked like we had known each other for years.  Friendly, helpful, …GENEROUS…

That little plate of goodies was given to me after we were done talking.  The plate was over flowing so I shared with Sue.  He even offered me pasta and an espresso while we sat and talked.  I was such a FOOL to pass it up! Darn it!  Those Utica Italians.  Just doesn’t get any better.

Swimming with the fishes…

Last night was swim class.  Ted behaved himself and didn’t pull any “pee in the pool” jokes. Although we did get a funny look from the instructor when there were a couple of disturbances at our end.  One of the young girls kept swimming into Ted on her way back from the opposite end.  It was funny to watch.  The first time it happened, Ted thought it was me.  Good thing he didn’t try to reach out and grab her.  The poor girl would have freaked out and Ted would have been banned from the campus.

The best part of the class is that both of us forget about work and any other stress causing situations going on in life.  For that one hour, we simply have a good time while trying to learn how to swim more efficiently.

The one thing I can’t figure out is that since I was born under the sign of the Water Bearer (I’m an Aquarian), why don’t I take better to water?   I get SO cold.  About 20 minutes into class, my body starts getting goose bumpy.  Last night, as soon as we got home, I filled the tub with hot water but felt so cold deep down to the bone.  It took me a long time to warm up.  Apparently the stars don’t have anything to do with your abilities or tolerances, if they did, I’d be challenging Michael Phelps.

Are you able to stay in a pool for a long time or is 15 minutes good enough?

Chicken, or not, In Orange Sauce:

Why Chicken “or not”?  Because I offer a vegetarian substitute for chicken which is called Quorn

The recipe below is prepared using the real meat since I cook for Ted as well. 

Serves 4

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1” to 2” pieces (your choice)
• 2 TBS olive oil
• pepper and salt
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 oranges, peeled and chop the sections
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Heat the oil over medium high heat in a sauté pan.  Add the chicken and brown on all sides with the pepper, salt, and nutmeg.  It should take about 4- 5 minutes per side depending on how large/small you chopped the chicken.  Try to cut about 1 1/2 to 2” pieces and cook 5 min. per side.

While the chicken is cooking, add the oranges, honey, and clove to a saucepan and heat over medium until it begins to bubble. Reduce to a simmer. Cover until chicken is browned then pour it over the chicken and let simmer with chicken for 5 minutes.

Below, is the Quorn, Vegetarian version

NOTE:  The Quorn does not take as long to cook as the chicken, about 6 minutes total.

This meal is prepared and on the table within 30 minutes. Great for a week night and all you rushed parents.

What other fruit might be good in this recipe other than oranges?

Marathon Preparations:

I’ll be posting Saturday night (hopefully) after checking in.  We’re staying in Horseheads, NY which is 15 minutes from the finish line of the Wine Glass Marathon.  The plan is to caravan out to Corning, NY with friends and family.  Corning is where the Expo is being held.  It’s also the location of the starting line, by the Philips Lighting Factory.  While everyone engages in wine tasting, I’ll be spending time OFF of my feet and smiling while quacking in fear of the pending race the following day.  Stay tuned for Saturday’s high lights and the gathering crowd in Corning.

I’m getting scared excited!

This weekend, make sure to check out this GIVEAWAY and raffle.  Home decor, clothing, gifts, you name it.  Mankinddog is a great site and supports a super cause.  $10. at PetSmart and $269.00 basket of goodies.

Joanne