Tuesday, November 24, 2009

...So she won't be alone....Chow Mein for Hana

When I was a little girl, I went to a middle school (which will remain nameless) that I hated. It didn't help that I was too skinny with big boobs. It also didn't help that my mom forced me to wear a skirt so long that even mormons would think it was a bit excessive. I hated being the only one in the 7th grade with a long skirt. I hated being the only one without a perm. There were many times that I neglected to inform my mother about an upcoming trip or event at school because I automatically assumed she would say no. Mothers ALWAYS say no, don't they? I remember being terrified to ask her to attend prom. Thank God for the letter the school sent home. Its funny now, but back then it was hard. The other kids wore Jordans or the latest Nike's. My mother made us wear these horrid lace up black shoes or pennyloafers. I shudder to think of it!....fast forward to today. When I left work I was tired and just wanted my bed. But, I decided to stop and visit my niece, Hana. After hugs and kisses she mentioned that tomorrow is her school's Thanksgiving harvest and that everyone in her class would be bringing a dish. Everyone, except her. She had asked my aunt weeks ago to make something but was told that she had to work that day. She lost her courage and just accepted that as "no". My heart broke. I remembered not going to Field Day and having everyone ask why (didn't bother to tell my mom).... So...what else was there to do but run to the supermarket and get all the ingredients to whip up something tasty for my Hana Banana! I was tired, but I would do anything in this world so she won't be alone....I know how that feels.When I was leaving, Hana said "thank you soooo much Vannell. Now the kids are going to ask me what I brought instead of why didn't I bring something"......again, my heart broke....Chow Mein is a tasty, fast, and easy dish that is yummy the next day. Its also Lea's favorite dish of mine.

Chow Mein Ingredients:
4 Boneless chicken breasts
Vinegar
Bundle of scallion (chopped)
1/2 onion
1 clove of garlic
1 1/2 package of Guyana chow mein noodles
1 large green bell pepper (sliced thin)
1 large red bell pepper (sliced thin)
1 large yellow bell pepper (sliced thin)
salt (to taste)
fresh black pepper
Adobo seasoning
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Paprika
West Indian Green Seasoning (can be purchased at the Korean markets)
Worchester Sauce
Olive Oil
1 package of frozen mixed vegetables

Recipe:

Soak chicken in vinegar water for at least 30 minutes.
Slice chicken and chop into bite sized chunks
Season chicken with spices and set aside.
In a pan, heat up olive oil and add onions, garlic, and chives. Sautee until transparent
Add chicken and a little water.
Sprinkle Worchester sauce over chicken and turn stove to medium heat.
Pour sliced peppers over chicken and mix in
Lower flame and allow chicken and peppers to simmer until cooked through. Peppers should not be too soft.
In a large pot, boil water for chow mein noodles. Add salt.
When water starts boiling, add noodles.
In another pot, steam mixed vegetables.

Once chicken is cooked, combine with mixed vegetables and mix well so they absorb the flavor of the chicken and peppers.
Drain cooked noodles (make sure they are cooked, but not overdone)
While noodles are still in collander, pour 2 cap fuls of olive over them and add a little Adobo and black pepper.
Mix well with tongs.
In a large pot, pour in a little of the chicken mixture, then add some noodles. Mix well.
Keep alternating and mixing noodles and chicken mixture.
Once everything is in the same pot, mix well and taste. Add more salt if necessary. If not, serve and enjoy!

LYMI,
V