MONDAY MORNING RECIPE POST - EASY MONGOLIAN BEEF

This is the first time for Mongolian Beef made at home. It had been a real early start to the day and wanted something more substantial than a throw-together meal for the weekend. When browsing for potential recipes, the word I focused on here was ‘easy’. I found it at Kitchen Sanctuary hosted by Nicky Corbishley and the original recipe can be found here. I always recommend visiting because I don’t always share all the useful tips, and there are many other delicious recipes. I will definitely be going back to try more.

From preparation to table it is said to take 25 minutes. It usually takes me a little longer as I am slower, but it is still a fast meal to do. 

It was excellent and we both thought it deserved a 10 out of 10.  

Easy Mongolian Beef - serves 4

5 tablespoons oil (1 use avocado oil)

1-1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (or cornflour depending on what country you are in)

Pinch of salt and black pepper 

14 ounces (400g) sirloin steak sliced into thin strips (visible fat removed)

1 tablespoon grated/minced ginger

3 cloves garlic, finely peeled/minced

1/2 cup (120ml) reduced sodium soy sauce (host uses dark but says all-purpose is fine - she mentioned some brands are saltier than others  (visit her recipe for more info).

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

6 packed tablespoons light brown sugar

1/3 cup (90 ml) water

8 scallions (spring onions), sliced

Steamed rice to serve

Heat the 5 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large frying pan until very hot.

Mix the 1-1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a good pinch of salt and pepper and toss the steak strips in the cornstarch.

Make sure the oil is really hot and cook the steak strips in oil, turning occasionally until very dark and crispy. You can do this in two batches if you need to. We were able to do this in one with our frying pan, the important thing is not to overcrowd.  Cook the steak for 5 minutes before turning. Don't keep moving it around the pan, you you won't achieve that dark, crunchy coating.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pan. Place on a plate lined with kitchen roll, so that any excess fat will be removed.

Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the pan, turn the heat down to medium and allow the oil to cool a little. Add the 1 tablespoon minced ginger and the 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook for 1 minute. It is important to stir frequently so the garlic will not burn.

Add the 1/2 cup reduce sodium soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 6 packed tablespoons of light brown sugar (Nicky uses muscovado sugar), and the 1/3 cup water.

Thoroughly mix, turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.

Next add the crispy beef back to the wok and cook for a further 2 minutes.

Turn off the heat and stir in the 8 sliced spring onions.

Serve over rice fixed the way you usually do. We had steamed Jasmine rice but use your favorite and cook to package instructions.

Nicky has two recipes for simple boiled rice and also egg fried rice. If you click on their names it will take you to both recipes.

There was a steak in the freezer that needed to be used and it was more than enough for two people. We had not made an Asian meal lately and this one looked very appetizing. We made the recipe without any changes. 

Our side vegetable was quickly sautéed green beans.

We have leftovers for another meal tomorrow.

If you would like to copy and paste the address instead of using the link above, it is below.

https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/mongolian-beef-recipe

Thanks for looking and I wish you all a great week.

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - ODDS AND BODS IS STARTING WITH VIRGINIA BEAR

Virginia - Good Morning from Virginia

Now that’s about the size of my coffee mug that I like to start my day off. Yes, I am kidding! I don’t want to be wired through to the rest of the week. Only in my dreams, and talking about dreams…

I found this week's dream cottage…

This looks like a good thing to have handy.

How to prune lavender - top left image says “Prune lavender after flowering.”

Top right image says “If not pruned, lavender will become woody. Lavender is a 

short-lived perennial. Bottom left image says “Pruning lavender between late

Summer and Autumn. Bottom right image says “Result”.

I am trying this also. 

DIY means Do It Yourself Pest Spray - Ingredients - 1 cup of water 

10 to 15 drops of Lavender essential oil - A spray bottle

Instructions - Combine water and lavender essential oil in the

spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray around

Windows, door frames and baseboards. Lavender naturally 

repels moths, flies and mosquitoes!

and look whose waiting for us around the back…

along with his friend.

We will have a good old natter. 

Did you ever listen to the stories told when people were invited over for tea when you were very young? I am remembering back 70 years ago and have probably told this story before, because that's how it goes when you have been blogging for years and years and years. 

When my parents had friends over, there was always someone who would entertain us. One lady was Mrs. Bissell, who also had the honorary name of Auntie to my sister and me. We loved her and always looked forward to her visits. She was probably as old as I am now, maybe even younger. She hadn't long returned from visiting her brother in the Outback. As we were designated the 'kids', we would always sit on the floor and the grownups, quite rightly so as at this age I don't know even if I could get down on the floor, had dibs on the chairs. I remember being riveted by Mrs. B’s latest adventure in Australia. Later, we usually had a singsong and Dad played the piano. (This was our entertainment. We always had a radio, and my parents bought a TV when I was 13 years old, but we still preferred to read books and play board games, I had coloring books and loved cutting out my paper dolls.) Mum fixed tiny sandwiches with the crusts cut off and brewed endless pots of tea at these gatherings. Mr. Bissell would join Dad in a tot of whiskey. The picture below with the poem reminded me of those days.

That was a perfect house whether you liked food or sleep, or

Story-telling or singing, or a pleasant mixture of them all.

Merely to be there was a cure for weariness, fear and sadness.

~J. R. R. Tolkien~

Come on around, I'll make us a hot drink, or a cold lemonade and a bite to eat, on a warm day (as I sit shivering. It's been a wacky spring). We will also have tea sandwiches with the crusts cut off but I won't make you sing, not today. The weather is warm in my dream, but it has a gentle breeze to cool us down, and we will enjoy telling a tale or two.

We can also take a walk around the garden. It looks very inviting through those gates.

I looked in my wardrobe and picked the perfect dress to wear. I wish this was really in my wardrobe but hey, it is my dream.

We will visit Rowena Robin in her potting shed. 

You never know whom we will come across on our walk back.

But now it’s time for a mug recipe. I never try these things before I add them. One of these days!

Brownie in a Mug - 1/4 cup flour - 1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa - Pinch of salt - 2 tablespoons oil

2 tablespoons water - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla.

Mix. Microwave for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Enjoy!

Fun with food?

The crows seem to be out and about. I knew there was a reason I liked crows so much, even if we do call them a Murder of Crows. And yes, they are noisy but...

Did you know? Crows are quite similar to humans and visit

their aging parents many years after they have left the nest.

How about a new word. I love this one.

Ubuntoo - noun - a profound African philosophy that embodies the spirit of 

togetherness; the belief that our humanity is intertwined, and through 

compassion and community, we rise.

Or this one.

Wabi-sabi (wah-bee-sah-bee) - noun - the Japanese appreciation of life’s 

imperfections; finding beauty in the flawed, the aged, and the incomplete, 

and embracing the transient nature of all things,

Nakama - a deep bond beyond just friendship, people who stand together, share

burdens, and support one another like a found family. 

It's time for Kind and Wise Words

"Keep what is worth keeping, and with a

breath of kindness, blow the rest away."

~Dinah M. Craik~

When it doesn't fit in with how you are feeling,

there are times when it is okay to say no. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but hopefully they will understand and if they don't, let them move on in peace, kindness and love.

“All that is gold does not glitter. Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached

by the frost.” - J. R. R. Tolkien

“There will always be someone who can’t see your worth.

Don’t let it be you.” - Mel Robbins

Things I can control: my choices - my boundaries - my behaviors - my thoughts -

my actions - my attitude - my habits - my routines - asking for help - 

how I express myself - how I treat others - how much effort I put forth - 

how I talk to myself - how I treat my body - what I focus on.

Things I cannot control: the past - the future - other people’s opinions -

what other people think or do - the news - the economy - social media -

my age - other people’s mistakes - other people’s words - how other people feel - 

natural disasters or the weather - the passing of time.

And always remember…

In case no-one told you today…you are beautiful, 

You are needed, you are special, you deserve the best,

it’s okay to not always feel strong.

You are loved ❤️ 

Wishing you all a wonderful day,

and thank you for visiting me.

(With my thanks to Pinterest for today’s inspiration.)

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD FEEDER - THEY WENT WHERE?

Here's a clue!

The man of the house and his brother drove to Baltimore and had a great time watching the Baltimore Orioles play the Houston Astros. They said it was a fun game and their team won. Here's information on that iconic song, along with the lyrics here, and an actual video of the Sesame Street Gang singing it. If the video disappears you can find it at this link.

That's how it goes on a Saturday Morning at the Bird Feeder. 

I hope you enjoy singing along.

Thanks for stopping by and I wish you all

a very happy month of May.

Let’s play ball!

For our international friends to use 

the translation button my sidebar.

Photo 1:

“What went on this week?”

Photo 2:

“Take em out to the ballgame,

Take me out with the crowd.”

“Buy me some peanuts and

Cracker Jack, I don’t care if 

I never get back.”

(Thank you Pinterest for today’s inspiration.)

 

AND THE ANSWER IS...

 A Dubai Chocolate Croissant from our favorite drop-in-for-a-coffee-and-a-pastry place. You can see the tiny piece of edible gold leaf that I cropped for yesterday's post.

I'll be the first to say that it looks a little strange, which was the reaction I had when son first recommended it to me. He and I have very similar tastes and he said I would love it. He knows me well.

I have shared the cafe before and this was from April 21st. We have been trying to cut back on sugary treats, but this was the day we were going out for lunch and we found the restaurant had closed down. The Chateau de Chantilly Cafe was just up the road, so the siren song called. No salads today for us. Well, later for dinner but not for brunch.

As for the Dubai Chocolate Croissant, I found this description online. "...the cafe is famous for its Dubai Chocolate Croissant, which features a glaze of dark chocolate mixed with crushed pistachio nuts, and a coating of crunchy knafeh/kataifi (shredded phyllo dough). The filling is a decadent, creamy and nutty filling composed of pistachio paste or cream, Nutella and often tahini. The use of the edible 24K gold leaf is specifically on the croissant when they can vary by batch or seasonal presentation."

This is Gregg’s order, the Creme Brulee Donut. He usually gets a simple Danish but they had sold out of those. He thinks this will be a regular order from now on. For a drink he has a Coca Cola. 

I get a vanilla latte with mine.

They have savory items too. I was curious about this one. I usually like dark breads so may try it sometime. It is called a Black Garden Cheese Bun.

We were lucky to get a seat in our favorite spot. The 'cards' were behind us. 

It took me a while to realize what they were holding in their hands.

What we all need is love, love...

I've seen young people, students maybe, stretched out on the top wooden platform, and others sitting on the 'steps', usually with their laptops, and a drink of some kind, along with their pastries.

We are going to try and make this a once a month stop. We'll see! It is such a great place to hang out for a while.

There is a video on YouTube at this link. Unfortunately it doesn't show how my favorite is made but there are a lot of other delectable delights. 

Thanks for joining in with my guessing game. I very much appreciated you taking part.

Happy First Day of May 

and thanks for stopping by.

WHAT'S THIS YOU MIGHT SAY?

 Yes, what is it? A creature from outer space? 

You'll probably guess but I'll be back tomorrow with the answer. 

Thanks for joining in and enjoy your day!

GROUPS…WITH A TWIST

We already know some of these but others were new to me.

Have a great day and thanks 

for stopping by.

 

FROM MY ARCHIVES - McKEE'S BOTANICAL GARDEN IN VERO BEACH, FLORIDA

It is hard to believe our visit took place 2014. In many ways it seems only yesterday. I shared all the statues before and if you missed them, or would like to see them again, you can click on the label below this post that says McKee's Botanical Garden_Vero Beach_Florida, it will take you to them. Apart from a distant look at the fisherman in the third photo from the bottom, this is just the garden. I also add a little history below that I found online. Three of the photos I have already shared. Please note that my narrative is from 2014 so the exhibit changed long ago, and probably other things too. I would highly recommend checking out their website and also online to see what others say if you ever find yourself in that area. That being said, I wouldn't have any hesitation going back for another visit if we were in Florida.

I can't say enough how much we both enjoyed this garden and loved walking around viewing all the amazing fauna.  

You can take a look at their website at this link. 

"In 1922 the McKee-Sexton Land Company was established in Vero Beach, Florida. This partnership purchased an 80-acre tropical hammock along the Indian River in 1929, and McKee Jungle Gardens was born."

(Not real but I remember having to look twice to make sure.)

"With the help of landscape architect William Lyman Phillips, now known as the pioneer of tropical landscape architecture, the basic infrastructure of streams, ponds and trails was designed.

"Native vegetation was augmented with ornamental plants and seeds from around the world as Arthur G. McKee and Waldo E. Sexton set about assembling one of the most outstanding collections of water lilies..."

"and orchids."

"By the 1940's more than 100,000 tourists were visiting McKee Jungle Gardens each year, making it one of Florida's most popular attractions."  

"In the early 1970's attendance dwindled due to competition from new, large-scale attractions and the garden was forced to close its doors in 1976."

"The land was sold and all but 18 acres were developed.  The remaining acreage, zoned for additional development, sat vacant for 20 years."

  

"In 1994 the Indian River Land Trust launched a fund-raising campaign and successfully purchased the property on December 1st, 1995 for $1.7 million."

"Close to $9.1 million was raised to purchase, stabilize and restore the Garden. The Garden held its formal Dedication in November, 2001."

There is a beautiful building called the Hall of Giants and is the one remaining building from the old McKee Jungle Garden, a favorite tourist attraction from the 1920's to the 1970's.  

It is made out of cypress and heart pine logs and was originally built in 1940 to house the enormous table we found inside.

(I noticed the Fifer statue is also here.)

This is the largest one-piece mahogany table in the world. The single slab of Philippine wood measures 35 feet 10 inches long and is 5 inches thick. Waldo Sexton first saw it in 1903 at the St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition. He purchased it nearly 20 years later when he found it in a basement of a New York City warehouse and had it shipped by boat to Vero Beach.

After the gardens closed in the 1970's, the table disappeared from the scene...

but when the McKee Botanical Gardens opened in 2001, the table came out of storage and was again installed in the Hall of Giants.

It was here that was a popular gathering spot for community events, including football banquets, corporate annual meetings and Chamber of Commerce dinners.   

An interesting bit of trivia I learned was that on each St. Patrick's Day in the 1950s, Dodgers President Walter O'Malley hosted Vero Beach's biggest spring party at the McKee Jungle Gardens. The entertainment often came via the playing field: Hall of Fame Umpire Jocko Conlan sang high Irish tenor. Maury Wills whom I read should have been in the Hall of Fame, played banjo. One year first baseman and soon-to-be TV's Rifleman Chuck Connors, recited "Casey at the Bat." My Dad and I loved to watch 'The Rifleman' when I was a kid, and we had no idea that he was previously a professional baseball player, also a basketball player. Link here if you don't know who Chuck Connors is.  If you are a lot younger than me, you might not.

It was with great pleasure that we explored this beautiful garden. The 'fisherman' bottom right you might remember from my other post.

If you find yourself in Vero Beach and you want to explore the next best thing to a tropical paradise, I hope you will make that right-hand turn like we did. It was an amazing place. 

This is a brown anole I believe? However, I couldn't identify an exact match of pattern online. Perhaps there is someone out there who can help me with an ID? Thank you in advance.

I've enjoyed looking back at my old posts. I hope you have too.

Thanks for visiting and 

I hope your week has started out well.