For those that don’t know, my birthday is rapidly approaching. Its one of those milestones with a zero on the end, and a 5 or something on the front. I won’t tell you my exact age of course, as a blogger never tells.
We are doing it up this year though, and I wanted to cook myself something special. We just got a wok, you see, and I’ve been dying to fire it up.
The first step is to season the wok, its a carbon steel wok and you have to heat it up until it turns blue all around.
Then you wipe oil onto it, heat the oil, wipe off the oil, rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat. (you don’t actually rinse, I just thought it sounded better). It took 45 minutes. All this time I was just hoping it would be worth it.
I picked out a couple stir fry recipes. The first was called Fiery Pepper chicken, its a Schezwan Chicken recipe. This was for my husband, myself, and one son. The second was a little more palatable to the rest of the Minnesotan family, and was called Addictive Sesame Chicken.
Both recipes were fun. The sesame chicken was pretty straight forward, some chopping, but for the most part you diced the chicken, marinated it, and then cooked it. Likewise, the sauce was easy.
The Schezwan chicken was different. Of course the chicken was diced and marinated again, but peppers (and more peppers) (and still more peppers) were sliced, as was garlic, onions, ginger (yum!), etc. All in all we spent half an hour slicing for this one.
The end result looked great. The sesame chicken and sauce:
The Szechuan chicken:
My plate:
and the first happy customer:
We also had a lovely chocolate cake, but I don’t have a picture of it as it disappeared too quickly.
Oh, and I should note that there are two errors in the post above, both of which are sure to mortify me later. First, I’m not 50. Second, “I” didn’t cook this meal. Oh, and probably a third. “I” didn’t type this post. I made the mistake of leaving my computer on again, and it was hijacked.
Happy birthday Maggie, with love, we hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner.
The guy who will be on the couch tomorrow. š
LOL! Happy birthday Mags!
Wha?!! This is what I get for going to bed before the rest of the family!
Note: It really was a delicious meal and came as a complete surprise to me. I woke up from my 2-hour afternoon siesta (yes, I basically sleep ALL the time) to a house that smelled amazing and the directive to STAY UPSTAIRS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
I love surprises and, even more than that, I love being given a break from cooking supper now & then. For that reason, my husband will not be sleeping on the couch tonight.
Very funny! I have only to add: Yum! And happy birthday!
Happy birthday! I am a fellow birthday-blogjacking victim (mine happened in July.) Unfortunately for me, I didn't get that delicious dinner to go with it. But I didn't make Hubs sleep on the couch either.
I think you should have YOUR Hubs share those recipes…that looks REALLY good.
Barb, the links to recipes are embedded in the post above. All you need to do is click on them. š
Your dearie is worth his weight in gold, along with his kitchen helpers (those hands look too small to be his). Best wishes for your special day!
I agree, Tracy! And you are as observant as always. Those are Cate's hands, and she was at his side the entire time.
(except for when she was pushing me out the kitchen)
My friend has been telling me to invest in a wok. Said it was the best purchase she ever made. You look so beautiful š I must say the picture of the raw chicken I had to scroll past very quickly, as it made that lovely morning sickness rear it's ugly head. lol
Duh…and Happy Birthday!
Minnesota Dad, you are a funny one. I had to re-read that first paragraph three times assuring myself that Margaret's pregnancy brain was incorrect on her math. I was sure that the number wasn't right. Phew.
What a wonderful-yummy meal to enjoy after your nap š Happy Birthday Margaret!!
Same here…I KNEW she wasn't 50 so I thought I misread it.
Happy Birthday eh! š
Happy almost birthday, Margaret! I (who do know your real age) was wondering how you grew so much in just one year… š
Happy birthday, Margaret! What a fun surprise and welcome break for a hard-working mama. š
Oh come on. Join me at 5-0. It's not so bad! Emphasis on "so."
But your birthday is tomorrow, right? On the Feast of the Guardian Angels?
Happy birthday, Margaret!!!!
Happy Birthday!!!! God Bless! -trish
Happy Birthday! I'm pretty sure I know your age, because I seem to remember our birthdays are close together (mine's the 12th) and we are the same age. Blessings to you on your birthday, and that meal looked so nice! Of course, even if it hadn't turned out, the effort (and love) given were the most important part anyway.
Yes, Barbara, my birthday is tomorrow…but it's okay if you all wish me a happy birthday today.
Just do something different tomorrow, like…buying me coffee or sending me chocolate. š
Happy Birthday! I kept rereading that age…..nothin' wrong with 50 just thought you were closer to my age….I think I'm right. Enjoy the whole week!
I hope when tomorrow comes people still come and wish you a happy birthday on the real day!!! I know both of your ages, but I'm not telling. What a special man you have there Mags, what a meal!! This being laid off work has had a few perks, hasn't it? (still praying though)
Yum yum. That food looks great for a great looking lady.
Happy Birthday to you and what a way to celebrate!
I am still laughing!
The 5-0 did not fool me (thought it was just a typo) but the meal did fool me, up until the details on the wok prep.
It was frankly just not the same as your usual cordon bleu style MN Mom. You are a good sport!
Happy Birthday, Dear Margaret. May the Good Lord Bless YOU!
Love,
MV