Curried Chicken and Cauliflower Stir-fry

Several months ago, F found, the "Curried Chicken and Cauliflower Stir-fry" recipe on The Washington Post website. Ever since then, it's become a regular dinner item at our house. Though, every time we make it, the recipe changes slightly. It's how we roll--adding a few more spices, like coriander, cumin or whatever comes to mind.

F has taught me to pre-cook and then slice the chicken breasts, while roasting the cut cauliflower in the oven, prior to adding all the ingredients into the pan. So, I have to admit, our recipe is not a stir-fry.

When I cooked last night's version, I roasted a chopped onion and delicata squash, as well as the cauliflower. In my opinion, roasting the vegetables brings out a sweet, nutty flavor. And, oh boy, was I pleased with the addition of the roasted delicata squash! It added another flavor dimension to an already tasty dish.

Try it our way or try it the original way, but definitely try it . . . over a bed of basmati rice. Enjoy!

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(here's the orignal recipe)
"Curried Chicken and Cauliflower Stir-fry"

SERVINGS: 4

INGREDIENTS

2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips, about 1 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch thick
1 bunch scallions, white and light-green parts, cut crosswise into thin slices (1 cup)
3 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped
2-inch piece peeled ginger root, finely minced or grated (1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste or 2 tablespoons regular tomato paste
2 teaspoons mild curry powder, or more to taste
Salt
1 cup low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
1/2 head (1 pound) cauliflower, stemmed and cut into bite-size pieces (no more than 3/4 inch)
Water
Leaves from about 1/3 bunch cilantro, chopped (3 tablespoons)
DIRECTIONS

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a wok or large, shallow skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.

Add half of the chicken; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, until the chicken loses its raw look. Transfer to a clean plate; repeat with the remaining chicken and transfer it to the plate.

With the wok or skillet still over medium-high heat, add the scallions; cook for 30 seconds, stirring. If the pan is dry, add oil as needed. Add the garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds, stirring. Add the tomato paste, curry powder and salt to taste; cook for 30 seconds, stirring.

Pour in the broth; stir to thoroughly to coat the ingredients, then add the cauliflower pieces and cover, adjusting the heat to medium or medium-low so the liquid maintains a low boil. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cauliflower pieces are tender.

Return the chicken to the wok or skillet; stir to coat with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add water as needed. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove from the heat. Stir in the cilantro. Serve immediately.

Camping On the South Santiam

Focusing on Kindness

http://www.zazzle.com/jarlakansen

Love my new tee!

When I was searching for yet more children's books focused on the topic of kindness, I came across several catchy kindness messages, but the one on my tee was my favorite.

As I read about other folks wearing their tees to "pass it on", I realized that the message isn't for others as much as it is for the person wearing it. A reminder during their day to look up, see that person next to them and try and understand them for a moment.

Opening your heart for even the briefest moment is an opportunity and a chance to think about something else for awhile.

Pass it on.

My Science Roots and a Freebie

I'd have to do more digging, but I believe it was in 1995 when I began to do weekly, science mini-lessons with the kindergartners. It was a challenge presented to me by my principal (Cathy Mink) and teacher (Tracey Martin).
"What's something you could do to enrich the kindergartners' experience and provide personal growth for yourself?" Or something similar to that.

What happened first--the purchase of the pictured children's science books or the idea? Who knows. What I do know for sure, is that I've accumulated and refined my library of science books and supplies in the last 17 years.

A few of the other kindergarten aides (who have come and gone over the years) were interested in hopping on the "science wagon" with their students and others weren't, but those I've collaborated with have helped me with the fine tuning. Particularly the aide, Kim, I partner with now.

Our focus is on activities that can be prepped ahead of time, completed in 30 minutes, and are appropriate for 5-6 year olds. We try to coordinate with what's being taught in the classroom or the seasons. Our teachers appreciate us taking this on, so they don't dictate what we do each week. Though, including science journals at the end of all activities (unless we watch a video) began at the request of a KG teacher 15 or so years back.

My current teacher has been talking about retiring, which has caused me to reflect and remember that the teacher who takes over next may not even be interested. And that's okay. It's been fun and educational. How else would I ever have learned about cow magnets? :>)

First Hike with F of 2015

F watched me begin to leisurely fritter away another day and then asked,

"Want to go exploring and seeking adventure with me?"

"What did you have in mind?"

After a few more minutes of back and forth, to determine exactly what she had in mind, I suited up for a cold weather hike up Mary's Peak. We were parked, paid and ready to hit the trail by 12:12 pm. Early starters we are not.

This past summer, F and I hiked in the McDonald-Dunn Forest. Near the top we encountered a trail closure due to logging and ended up taking a wrong turn or three. We walked down a steep loose gravel road, through a rural area and then a highway--eleven miles total. That experience has caused me to approach F's adventures with a bit more caution. I like the exercise and the outdoors, but I have to be mindful of my hip. I paid for that day.

Friday, my first concern occurred when the road up to the lower level parking lot had snow and ice on the shady curves. Thankfully the lot itself was mostly bare with the area directly surrounding it sporting 3-4 inches of older snow. We set off. The snow and ice was only on half of the 3+ mile trail, but slick enough (and at times treacherous) that our eyes were focused on the path instead of the trees. I only biffed once, when I stepped in powder, on the downhill side of the path, to avoid ice . I quickly landed on the ground, when my foot slid out from under me. Lesson learned: not all snow has earth beneath it.

When we were only a switchback away from the upper parking lot, the sound of children's laughter rang down the hillside to our ears. The trail opened up to lovely low winter sunshine hitting the snowy hillside. College age snowboarders were laughing and unloading their rig, children were sledding down the slope with two young pups romping along side of them. We sat at a picnic table
for a snack and water before heading back down to the car.

The hike down took half the time as the hike up. (There must be a formula, to determine the age of the walker, using that data.) We hit the lower parking lot, where a young mother began to ask us questions about the trail: was it worth it? was it beautiful? would her 10 year old daughter be able to handle it? F and I only answered the questions she asked, but I couldn't help wondering if we should counsel them on starting a 3 mile trail at 3pm in the month of January and not taking water with them. Neither of us gave unasked for advice, yet I'm still wondering whether we did the right thing.