Fish and chips

Rick and I try and eat at least one meal together, especially when we are extra busy. It gives us a chance to catch up on what we’re doing, plan to do, or just enjoy each other’s company. Sometimes it’s a restaurant like yesterday which Rick blogged (Spoiler alert http://lovinglifeineurope.blogspot.fr/2013/11/5-star-dining-just-around-corner.html)

When we were in the UK last month he wanted fish and chips but we didn’t have a chance, so today, I decided to make it for him.

We started with cream of broccoli soup, which he never said he wanted or that he didn't want, but there was some broccoli in the frigo. I'm trying to use up and not throw away any food. That is a problem more with veggies (although I love veggies) than chocolate.

• 1 onion chopped and sautéed in olive oil
• 1 head of broccoli cut finely
• Cook in about a quart of water with chicken bouillon cube until really, really soft
• Process in food processor until smooth
• Add cream to taste

This is basically how I make all my soups. I don’t like to use canned or packaged soups because of all the chemicals and salt…At one time I used to have soup de poubelle (garbage soup where all the week's leftovers went into.)

Here’s the recipe below for the fish (for the chips I did regular French fries but I bake them to reduce the oil.)

• 1 egg
• 3/4 c. beer, at room temperature
• 1 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 lb. fish fillets (scrod)
• 1/4 c. additional flour for dredging
• Vegetable oil or shortening for frying

Beat the egg, then beat in beer. Whisk in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Cover and let stand 30 minutes. Just before frying, stir in the baking powder. Pour enough oil in fry pan to cover fish, but no more than 2/3 full to allow for rapid bubbling. Heat 375 degrees. Cut fish into serving size pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Dip into flour and then batter. Lower into hot oil and fry about 3 minutes or until golden brown and puffy. Drain. Approximately 4 servings.

Kaki fruit for dessert.

I'm in a cooking mood...he isn't discouraging it.