Sunday, January 10, 2016

RESOLUTE, BUT NO RESOLUTIONS; IT’S BEEN RESOLVED!



Sand Crabs aka Blue Swimmers
Cooked Sand Crabs

My latest selfie taken on New Year's Day!



Even though I resolved never to do it again, I failed miserably. I did it again!  Will I ever learn?  Will I never learn? Apparently not if my past performances are anything to go by!

I should learn to contain myself.  I’ve got a million litres of pea and ham soup contained in containers in my freezer!  Hold on!  Don’t run away screaming in fear!  I’m not going to offer you any!   Not because it means I’m mean because I’m not mean. What I mean is I know all of you have gallons of your own buried in your freezers now that the Festive Season has come and gone.

I’m not even going to give you a recipe for pea and ham soup. I’m sure you have thousands of recipes for the soup stuck away in places you’ve forgotten existed. Most of said recipes were probably handed down from your grandmothers and mothers-in-law!

I lower my head in shame as I confess this, but confess I must.  I’ve no other choice!  If I don’t own up it will play on my mind throughout 2016!  If that were to happen I’d be even grumpier than I normally am!  I know some of you are probably thinking that would be impossible, but I assure you it is possible; and it’s not a pretty picture!  Take my word for it; I know!  I live with me every day and I have to put up with it. 

A week or two prior to Christmas just past I decided to make some room in my freezer knowing I’d need space in the days and weeks ahead.  While scrimmaging through my freezer with unidentifiable things going left, right and centre I felt like an archaeologist on a dig amongst the pyramids of ancient Egypt or the Yucatan.  I was in awe of the mysteries I unfolded. 

To my surprise, I discovered a container of pea and ham soup from Christmas before last! Mumbling to myself, it ended up in the “use-by-date-long-passed” pile. In other words, into the garbage bag it promptly went, finally ending up at the rubbish tip.  Ready-made pea and ham soup is probably sprouting up everywhere at the dump.  Recycling is good.

You see, another reason I had to get all of the above chores over and done with was the “Summer of Tennis” was looming. (All the lead-up tournaments to the Australian Open have commenced...and the Australian Open itself commences today week...18th January, culminating on January 31st).

For me, the month of January is set aside watching tennis sets on my television set.  I settle in for the duration, happy to shut out the rest of the world. Sometimes I feel like doing similar (shutting out the rest of the world), not just during January. It sounds like a good plan for the rest of the year!

This fact about my shameless tennis habit/addiction I’m sure I’ve disclosed I’ve in previous years, but a year is a long time (even though 12 months race by faster than the speed of light). I'm not ashamed of my addiction. Even though I do suffer withdrawals at month's end...I've not yet been carted away to rehab.

In the meanwhile, you’ve no doubt forgotten about my addiction.  If you have I don’t blame you one little bitty bit.  I almost forgot to mention it again, even though I’d remembered I’d mentioned it before. 

I do hate repeating myself.  I’m sure others hate it even more when I do so.

I also hate it when some choose to finish off my stories for me even though they don’t know anything about the story I’m in the midst of telling, and played no role in it!  Some folk have the bad habit of talking over the other, even though, in the majority of cases they’ve not a clue where the storyline is headed.  

I keep my feelings and thoughts hidden, but I become very annoyed when I’m relating a story that is known only to me and the person to whom I’m telling the story decides to talk over me as if he/she had actually participated in the event.  

Nowadays, I’ve grown a little wiser when this happens (it might be the only thing about which I’ve gained wisdom, so it is worth noting). When someone over-talks/interrupts me I just shut up these days and let them finish the story their way.  Obviously, they know better the details of what occurred than I do!

On the subject of repeating one’s self. I guess I’m no different to anyone else.  There are times each of us adopts the repetition habit. Don’t we?  Don’t we? 

I never make New Year resolutions. I’ve probably told you that before, too.  2016 is no different.  I resolved not to make resolutions - I guess it could be classed as a resolution, if one chooses to be resolutely pedantic.

Perhaps I could’ve resolved to be more patient. However, knowing I’d fail within the first few hours of the brand new year I didn’t bother. It's already the 11th day of January, and I've failed 11 times at the very least!

I could’ve resolved to stop repeating myself. There was really no point in that, either because I will repeat myself...often; more than often.

On second thoughts, I’ll resolve to continue being grumpy, though. I can’t help myself; it comes naturally to me.  You never know...another TV show might be made about me. It’s food for thought. I’ll remain crabby!

While on the subject of crabs, and all things crabby....as with all seafood, I personally prefer to prepare and eat seafood as simply as possible...with no bells, whistles, streamers or balloons necessary.  All I need is a bowl of vinegar, pepper, salt, fresh, crusty bread and butter (always butter, never that horrible other stuff called "margarine") and a finger bowl or, better still, the kitchen sink nearby to wash my hands as I devour the feast before me...but in case other methods are preferred...here are a couple of recipes for you to ponder over throughout 2016 and yonder.


Pepper Mud Crabs: Mix together 1tbs oyster sauce, 1/4tsp white pepper, 1/2tsp sesame oil, 1/4tsp fish sauce, 1tsp sugar, ¾ cup water and 1/2tbs cornflour in the bowl. It should taste slightly sweet; adjust to taste. Clean 2 uncooked mud crabs; cut into segments. Crack crabs claws; coat the cut parts of the crabs with cornflour. Heat up a wok; add about 2 cups of peanut oil; when oil is heated, deep fry the crab pieces. As soon as they turn red, remove from oil; strain the excess oil; set aside. Heat up a clean wok; add 2tbls of peanut oil. Add 2tbls minced ginger and 4 chopped garlic cloves; fry until fragrant; add the crab; stir few times and then add the sauce. Add 4 stalks of shallots, cut into 2-inch lengths; stir a couple of times until the crab pieces are well coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Crab Fritters: Melt 15g butter in saucepan; add 3 peeled, finely chopped eschalots; cook 2mins on low heat; set aside. Whisk 5 egg yolks until frothy. Stir in 300g fresh crabmeat, 1c fresh breadcrumbs, 2tsp baking powder, 1/3c roughly chopped Italian parsley, 2tbs finely grated lemon zest, the eschalots, salt and pepper. Whisk egg white to soft peaks; fold through mixture. Add vegetable oil to 1cm depth in non-stick pan; place on med-heat. When hot but not smoking, add 1/4c mixture; cook 1-2mins per side until golden and puffy; drain on paper towel. Repeat process; serve immediately.  

Crab Taglierini: Add 500g taglierini to large pot of boiling salted water. Cook al dente; drain; reserve about 1tbs of cooking liquid in pot. Return pasta to pot; set aside. While pasta is cooking, place 125ml x-virgin olive oil, 3 eschalots, sliced, 1 crushed garlic clove,  65ml lemon juice, 4 ripe, seeded, diced tomatoes, 2 seeded, sliced red chillies, salt and pepper in small saucepan over med-heat. Simmer 3-4mins; add 40g cubed butter, one cube at a time; swirl to amalgamate. Stir sauce through pasta with 1 bunch trimmed rocket and 250g fresh crabmeat; serve.  

Crab-Asparagus Omelette: Lightly blanch 5 asparagus stalks; keep warm. Whisk 3 egg yolks lightly; stir in 1tbs finely chopped chives, 1tbs chopped chervil, 2tsp grated lemon zest, salt and pepper. Whisk egg whites to soft peaks; fold through yolk mixture. Preheat grill; melt 20g butter in omelette pan over low heat. Pour mixture into pan; shake to level. Cook 2-3mins on stove top; then place under grill for 2mins or until just firm when pressed lightly with fingers. Place asparagus and 59g fresh crabmeat just off centre; season; gently fold omelette over filling; sprinkle with chervil.

Sand Crabs with Tomato-Garlic-White Wine: Prepare 4 uncooked sand crabs by removing the carapace, the soft internal bits and pieces and the feathery gills. With a heavy knife cut the bodies (the crab bodies, that is!) into quarters.  Heat 3tbls olive oil in large pan; add 1 finely-chopped medium onion, 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and 1 to 3 finely chopped red chillies (optional); cook over med-heat, 2-3mins.  Add 1c dry white wine, 400g can diced tomatoes and crab; mix together; cover pan with lid or foil; simmer 8-10mins, mixing occasionally until crab is cooked. Add 2tbls chopped parsley, 3tbls fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste; mix through. Serve.

28 comments:

  1. On a roll!!!

    Thanks for your kind comments.

    Resolve to be the self you are comfortable with the most.

    Blessings.

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    1. Hey, Gail! I love the roll story! lol

      I can only be who I am...I've never been one to pretend to be otherwise. What you see is what you get...and if you don't like it...too bad...move on! :)

      Thanks for coming by, Gail. :)

      Delete
  2. Like you - it is TENNIS, TENNIS and so many yellow balls
    that even pumpkins start to look like tennis balls!

    I'd gladly relieve you of some of your "stored" pea and ham
    soup - save me doing too much in the cooking department so as I can watch more YELLOW BALLS!!!

    After the Hopman Cup success, I am expecting, maybe TOO much, from the "New Look" Nick ( please make sure his Daddy
    is present - seems to have worked!) and "Dasha" Gavrilova.
    I was dead against the Two Aussie teams, but giving Jarmila a second time after that disgraceful spectator exhibition in 2012, I was glad for her to partner Lleyton again on his "last hurrah". Both "Jakka" and "C'Mon" put up a good display and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
    Looks like Tomic will get a #16 seeding, that is good for him, as long as his "Daddy" stays away!
    In advance I'm tipping Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) and Novak Djokovic (Serbia) to rule supreme.
    Cheers and 3 weeks of yellow balls!!
    Colin

    I hope WA Tennis drops the two teams of Aussies for 2017.
    It was reported in today's "Australian" that tournament director, Paul Kilderry, got many e-mails of disapproval.
    He didn't mention my e-mails - ha ha!

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    1. Hi Colin. I can't stand Tomic...never have; never will. That's just my opinion. Whether he wins a match or not...my opinion of him doesn't change.

      As for Kyrgios, the jury is still out as far as I'm concerned. He seems to have stopped behaving like a giraffe and has pulled his head in a bit...but there is still room for improvement, and more pulling in of his head. Kyrgios is showing some signs of maturing since his ridiculous behaviour of last year, (and he needed to do something about that...and do it swiftly); but I will never excuse his age for the behaviour he displayed.

      We've all been 19 and 20 years old etc., at some stage in our lives. I know, speaking for myself, I never behaved in such a respectful way towards anyone. I'm pretty sure you didn't either.

      http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/tennis/bernard-tomic-sorry-after-clash-with-gold-coastresort-staff-20160110-gm310n.html

      Read the above article. Tomic won't change whether his father is court-side, at practice or wherever else.

      As you're aware, I'm not much of a fan of Azarenka. I do know where she and Djokovic hail from - I've been watching them play for years. Again, just my personal opinion, but Azarenka reminds me too much of a lass who worked for me once...and I didn't like her very much, either...for good reason.

      My days and nights at the moment are taken up with watching the tennis...last week on both sides of the country...and now today from Sydney...and on and on, up and down, back and forth! The ability to multi-task (and the ability to record) helps! :)

      Thanks for popping in between games! :)

      Delete
  3. I do agree with you - "growing up" and arrogance is now essential for both and quickly. Lleyton will straighten them out. Yes I read that article.

    Seems Nadal for one hasn't forgotten the Krygios antics of 2015. So really both are under the microscope and TA will not have the final say - the members of the ATP Players council will.
    And have a look at the ones on it! I think Stan Wawrinka is the President!!! All the senior players - Federer, Novak, Nadal, Tsonga, Gasquet etc etc.
    Unfortunately times have changed for the worst since we, both, were 19 and 20 year olds.
    And you and I know the reason why.
    I see young 5 year olds on the train these days when told by parents to behave - tell their parents in rude tones.
    "I HAVE MY RIGHTS". And these kids seem to have lovely parents - well dressed etc etc.
    On one occasion I moved into another carriage as I thought I wouldn't be able to control myself and Wacol prison was not on my agenda - ha ha.
    I have the tennis scores from Auckland, Hobart and Sydney on the computer which updates as well as matching the TV!
    Colin

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    1. Kyrgios just commented on that (re Nadal) during an interview on TV just now.

      I'm a massive fan of Raffa...and have been from when I first saw him play years ago. I adore Nadal.

      Between you and me...we'll be keeping the internet busy with keeping up with the scores etc.! Hahahaha!

      Yep...we know the reason why this behaviour is rife everywhere these days...and it sure doesn't make me very happy!! Perhaps we could have an adjoining cell at Wacol and I'll supply the pea and ham soup! lol

      Delete
  4. Enjoy your tennis binge. Not for me, but it doesn't need to be.
    And a big yes to the very real temptation to pull up the drawbridge and shut the world out.

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    1. Hi EC...Yes...we all have our own individual likes and dislikes; and that is our right. :)

      I wish I had that drawbridge...literally!!

      Thanks for popping in. :)

      Delete
  5. *hangs head a bit* I'm one of those nasty "butt-in, talk over" people although I try very hard not to be. I think it's inherited, I remember all of us always talking over each other, and Mum being the loudest of all.

    Those crab fritters sound heavenly, it's been years since I had any real crabs. I make a crab quiche sometimes but with canned crab meat.
    I like your "selfie" up there, had no idea your eyes were such a pretty blue :)

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    1. Neither did I, River....re my blue eyes. (Seeing my eyes are hazel)! It must have been the reflection from the sky! :)

      We're all guilty of "talking over" at times. I do try my hardest not to do it because I know how much it angers me when it happens to me...and I hate being a hypocrite! lol

      Although, I am doing a bit of it right now on the phone...trying to sort out a delivery promise that was made to me...that a gift I'm having delivered to someone today...or it's supposed to be delivered today...has not yet been...and I'm getting pretty damn hot under the collar about it because I'm not receiving any satisfactory answers or satisfactory action from those involved!!! Grrrrrr!!!

      Heads are going to roll soon!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. I know that this is only marginally related but at the end of January 2012, Shirley and I were returning to Great Britain from New Zealand. We had to change planes at Melbourne. Just before we boarded, I noticed a black woman in loose ethnic clothing approaching down the first class stair link. No other economy passengers seemed to pay much attention but I knew immediately who it was - Serena Williams! She had been knocked out of the Aus Open early and was, like us, on her way to Dubai.

    I called to her, "Hey Serena! D'ye know Lee from Tamborine Mountain?"
    Serena grimaced, "You mean that crabby b***h from Gympie who survives on frozen pea and ham soup?"
    "Yeah! That's the one!"
    "Tell her she can be my ball girl any time!"
    "Thanks Serena! Have a nice flight!"
    (I made the last bit up)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. You also made the bit up about frozen peas, Yorkie! Frozen peas are not used in the making of pea and ham soup!

      Serena told me about that incident and said if she'd had her racquet in her hand she would've whacked you over the head with it for calling me the "crabby bitch from Gympie!" She said she couldn't believe you left out the "old" bit!

      Thanks for coming by. When I see Serena next week, I'll pass on your regards to her. :)

      And perhaps I'll make an exception for you...and give you a recipe for pea and ham soup! lol

      PS...I find it difficult to believe that you made up that last bit...."Thanks Serena! Have a nice flight!" I'm sure you wished her well on her way! ;)

      Delete
  7. Yesterday, I made some tomato basil soup and put it in my basement freezer. There is a 50% chance that all will be used. That means there is a 50% chance that I will forget about it and throw it away next year.

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    1. Hi Arleen....I think we're all guilty of having hidden, forgotten treasures...some mysterious...in our freezers!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  8. Enjoy your telly tennis, Lee. I don't watch much television but I can understand people who watch football or tennis. Interesting, fast paced sports. But how my brother and his wife can sit there and watch golf on T.V. is beyond my range of understanding!

    Can't use any of your recipes this time, Lee. Allergic to all shelled sea creatures. Practically went into antiphalactic shock just looking at the pictures.

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    1. Hey there Ms Thyme. I enjoy my TV...I spent many years not watching it because of work commitments but now I don't have those to devote my time to and I enjoy the shows that I choose to watch...some sport, like the tennis. And, like your brother and his wife I do enjoy watching golf, too. I used to once enjoy playing golf, as well.

      What a shame you're allergic to seafood...thank goodness I'm not...I love it. :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  9. Always good for the soul to have a passion for something in life.
    That grumpy cat! What a photo, what a cat! Fancy waking up to that each morning :)

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    1. Hey Margaret...I was hopeless at playing tennis, but I do enjoy watching the game. And never let the chance to do so slip through my fingers come January...and also Wimbledon, of course.

      That's why I try not to look in the mirror...mornings and all other times...because I see similar looking back at me! I wish that stranger who lives in my mirror would go elsewhere! I didn't invite her in!!!! :)

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  10. I cleaned out my freezer like that a few months ago and it is funny to find things forgotten about. I did cook a lot of meat that was in there. I'm not that much of a fan of meat, so had to get creative. Why did I have so much of it in my freezer? Because I'm a sucker for a sale at the grocery store, but no more - I'm a recovering sale-a-holic. :)

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    1. Hey Lynn...I'm dragging all of you out of the woodwork! lol We're all the same! Hahahahaha....bloody freezers! They hold many secrets! Every one of us should've gotten together and held a freezer sale...as opposed to a garage sale!!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

      Delete
  11. I could never imagine you repeating yourself although I have read this post before.
    Tsk, you crabby?

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    1. What did you say, Mr. Ad-Man?

      Crabby doesn't begin to describe it!!!!

      Thanks for popping in. :)

      Delete
  12. Gaaaad, they just look so tempting.

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    1. They do, don't they, Lux? I drool over seafood, constantly! lol

      Thanks for popping in. :)

      Delete
  13. I got a very good chuckle from the freezer story. Maybe because it sounds so familiar to me as if you have been watching me clean out the freezer. Repeat yourself away as I love the fun gentle reminder of others addictions. I have declared 2016 the year of Dianne and I darn well am gonna do what Dianne wants to do. I am not normally selfish but this year after the shattering revelation I was given days before Christian, there will be a selfish me in 2016. The words I am sorry will not pass my lips. My nephew and wife made a crab and shrimp bisque the last night they were here and I was the only one to get deathly ill. I love sea food but until my birthday the thought of any food from the waters turn me a ugly shade of green. Enjoy your tennis and I might show up with my cat under my arm and help you shut out the world. LOL Peace

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    1. Doing for and being yourself is selfishness in the most honest, best kind of way, Lady Di...there is nothing wrong with that at all, in my opinion. Do what pleases you...be yourself and bloody well enjoy being it, I reckon; and take no prisoners along the way!

      You and your cat...and Miss Kitty would be most welcome. Remy, Shama and I are hermits three. They both are well-behaved cats. They've heeded my lessons in good manners throughout the years. I should start another "Atlantis" like John Galt did in Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged"! It's not such a silly idea!

      Take care...and thanks for coming by. :)

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  14. I can safely say your post did not make this vegan hungry :P

    I hate it when people try to talk over other people. It just makes me want to get up and spit.

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    1. Well, there you go...I can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time! :)

      It sure as hell annoys, me to, RK..those who talk over...and those who take up the story as if they know it when they wouldn't have a bloody clue!

      Thanks for coming by. :)

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