Chock full of nuts hodgepodge

 

Incredibly, it's Wednesday again, and time for the Hodgepodge at From This Side of the Pond, where Joyce asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers.  Here we go ...

 1. February 16th is National Almond day...are you a fan? If so what's your favorite food item or recipe that contains almonds? 

Yes, we love almonds in our house.  Hershey bars with almonds have long been a favorite of mine, but I can't even tell you how long it's been since I tasted one. 

I'll also share this stir-fry recipe that we have enjoyed many times:

 ALMOND CHICKEN STIR-FRY

1 cup whole unblanched almonds
2 Tblsp. vegetable oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 Tblsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 Tblsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. honey
1 tsp. ginger
1 14-ounce pkg. frozen sugar snap peas
Rice or pasta

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook almonds in oil for 3 minutes.  Add chicken; stir-fry until lightly browned. In a bowl, combine next 5 ingredients until smooth; add to chicken mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in the peas; cook until heated through. Serve over rice or pasta. Top with chow mein noodles if desired.

Serves 4.

2. Something you are currently 'nuts' about? 

Clementines.  We are going through them like crazy. 

3. Something currently driving you 'nuts'? 

The insane narratives coming out of our nation's capitol.

4. Something you recently bought for 'peanuts'? 

This wasn't recent, but it's probably one of the most recent buys in that category.  A local-ish discount store had 5-lb. bags of King Arthur organic flour for 99¢.  They were very slightly outdated, but we popped them right in the freezer.  We used mostly this flour for our Christmas cookie baking.

5. Share a favorite quote uttered by any U.S. President ( if you're not an American, a quote made by the leader of your own country). 

Here's a very appropriate and timely 1981 quote from Ronald Reagan:

"This is a time for choosing.
I made a speech by that title in 1964.  I said, 'We've been told increasingly that we must choose between left or right.'   But we're still using those terms -- left or right.  And I'll repeat what I said then, in '64.  'There is no left or right.  There's only an up or down': up to the ultimate in individual freedom, man's age old dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with an orderly society -- or down to the totalitarianism of the antheap.  And those today who, however good their intentions, tell us that we should trade freedom for security are on that downward path."

Long may it wave!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I brought out this photo of felt chocolates to  share with readers on Instagram on Valentine's Day, and will add some felt Valentine cookies here.  I really need to get to making more felt food for the younger grandchildren.  I'm positive they would enjoy it.

And that wraps up the Hodgepodge for this week!  Why not head on over to From This Side of the Pond and snag the questions to answer on your own blog?