We were supposed to have had burgers for supper. I was all organised. Or so I thought having taken the mince out of the deep freeze on Monday. I had actually planned to make them then. Good thing I didn't because 24 hours later the mince was still frozen. At 6pm.
In my defense, I have been a little distracted: a friend is going for an investigative procedure on Thursday and the day before, may eat no solids.
This ia some of how our WhatsApp conversation went:
Fiona darling
Apparently on Wednesday all I can consume over 24 hours is
Water
Tea
Apple juice
And chicken broth
What is chicken broth and where can I buy it?
I can't go for 24 hours on just water tea and apple juice 😞
...
Strained chicken broth
Needless to say, some basic explanations followed, a shopping list drawn up and the critical ingredient - chicken - delivered on Monday. What followed was a total of about 7 hours of cooking. First, with all the bits in the pot, like carrots, herbs, garlic, onion and, of course, chicken. After that cooled, I strained it through muslin and then reduced the remaining broth for another two or so hours before canning it in sterilised jars.
They were collected while they were still piping hot.
I went back to the office and got on with the day and at 6pm realised that I had misjudged and there was no plan B.
Fortunately, there is one spot where one can get a bite on a Tuesday.
As I went to open the gate, Guineafowl family were going to bed.
It was a glorious evening after the day's 38°C (95,5°F) heat.
We still had burgers. And I had an unexpected night off and an early night. And now, a very early morning. But that could be a story for another time.
Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Photo: Selma
Post script
If this post might seem familiar, it's because I'm doing two things:
- re-vamping old recipes. As I do this, I am adding them in a file format that you can download and print. If you download recipes, buy me a coffee. Or better yet, a glass of wine....?
- and "re-capturing" nearly two years' worth of posts.
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Original artwork: @artywink
- lastly, graphics are created using partly my own photographs, images available freely available on @hive.blog and Canva.