Cook Exceptionally With Gin Lee |
- Let's Talk Ramen
- Healthiest Junk Food
- Instead of Fighting Your Craving for Junk Food, Choose a Healthy Version
- A Review on Wolfgang Puck Air Fry Oven
- Restoration of a Old Farmhouse
- Ranch Pickles
- Pioneer Corn Dodgers
- Food For Thought
 Photo Source Unsplash By Photographer Joshua Ryder Let's Talk Ramen- Literally The Cheapest, Easiest, Food To Make… But Wait Isn't Ramen Unhealthy? Doesn't Have To Be! Let Me Show You How! Yes! Ramen noodles do have a bad reputation for being bad. But they seriously don't have to be! In today's article I'm going to show you how to take a package of ramen noodles and take an otherwise unhealthy meal, to an extravaganza of goodness and health. Keep in mind that the type of Ramen you buy does matter in the regards of how healthy it will be. Top Ramen Choices To Buy- Yes! Raman Without MSG, TBHQ, Artificial Flavors, Some Even Vegan, Gluten Free, And Soy Free- You have a choice, Ramen with healthier options! Let's take a look at a few of those options. Hakubaku Ramen Does Not Contain MSG or TBHQ Let's Take A Moment To Refresh- What's MSG & TBHQ? Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer added to canned vegetables, soups, processed meats, and is also used in most Chinese food. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that's "generally recognized as safe." MSG is also known as “China salt”. There's something extremely interesting- MSG contains significantly less sodium than table salt, and is likely safer than diets high in table salt. In fact MSG contains about one-third of the sodium found in table salt. However, 'MSG has been linked with obesity, metabolic disorders, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome, neurotoxic effects and detrimental effects on the reproductive organs.' Extensive use of monosodium glutamate: A threat to public health? Tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) tertiary butylhydroquinone is a type of phenol. TBHQ is a preservative used to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage of processed foods. Nissin , the company that invented Top Ramen noodles, According to the company, their new recipe has "reduced sodium by an average of 15% across all flavors, removed added MSG, and removed all artificial flavors." Nissin Cup Ramen has no MSG if you prefer the cups of Ramen. Tofu Shirataki Ramen are gluten-free and low in calories while still maintaining the traditional Japanese flavors and textures. Pho'nomenal Bowl Instant Noodles (Vietnamese Vegetable Soup), are Gluten Free Low Sodium, has no MSG it's Non GMO, contains no soy. Koyo Ramen Soup, Asian Vegetable, Made With Organic Noodles, No MSG, No Preservatives, Vegan. SCS Nongshim Bowl Noodle Instant Noodle Soup Spicy Chicken No Msg Annie Chun's Spicy Miso Ramen Noodle Bowl Non-GMO, Vegan, Shelf-Stable Chicken Ramen With Vegetables Yes! But please skip the seasoning pack. Just chunk that nasty little package of junk right into the trash can. Add in your own healthier option instead. Homemade Chicken Flavor Seasoning For Ramen Noodles: Ingredients: 1 chicken-flavored bouillon cube powder, or 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed into a powder 2 Tablespoons onion powder 2 Tablespoons poultry seasoning 2 Tablespoons garlic powder 2 Tablespoons onion powder 2 Tablespoons ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of paprika Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Next add the homemade chicken seasoning into a spice container (a container with a lid). When ready to use, sprinkle desired amounts on hot-cooked ramen noodles. Dress up your ramen with healthy herbs and spices, add in a cooked egg, chopped up, cooked chicken breasts, diced green onions, slices of mushrooms, chopped peppers, and broccoli. Now, you have transformed something that otherwise would have been really unhealthy to a healthier meal option, loaded up with healthy nutrients. Shrimp Ramen Throw away the flavor packet for healthy homemade shrimp seasoning for ramen noodles that you can easily make yourself on the cheap. Homemade Shrimp Seasoning For Ramen Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons ground black pepper 2 Tablespoons onion powder 3 Tablespoons chile powder 3 Tablespoons paprika 2 Tablespoons ground cumin 2 Tablespoons garlic powder Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Next add the homemade shrimp seasoning into a spice container (a container with a lid). Cook your ramen noodles, drain water off. Next sprinkle in the desired amount of homemade shrimp seasoning. Then add in cooked shrimp and stir-fry veggies. Beefy Ramen- Ingredients: 1 beef bouillon cube powder, or 1 beef bouillon cube, crushed into a powder 2 Tablespoons onion powder 2 Tablespoons soul seasoning 2 Tablespoons garlic powder 2 Tablespoons onion powder 2 Tablespoons ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of paprika Directions: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Next add the homemade beef seasoning into a spice container (a container with a lid). When ready to use, sprinkle desired amounts on hot-cooked ramen noodles. Broccoli And Boiled Eggs Ramen So, in the event that you're new to cooking. Here's how you boil a egg. Place eggs into a pan, add water (enough that the water is over the tops of the eggs, and they're fully immersed) Bring the pan of water to a boil. Then turn the burner off. Place a lid over the pan. Now wait until the desired time (of how you prefer your eggs) has passed. 3 minutes for SOFT boiled 6 minutes for MEDIUM boiled 12 minutes for HARD boiled Peel and cut in halves, or slice. Set aside. Next, steam a few pieces of broccoli cuts. Cook until the broccoli is fork tender. Set aside. Now cook your ramen noodles in water. Drain, sprinkle or drizzle on your favorite seasoning. Toss in the broccoli, then add the sliced eggs on top. (For a liquid sauce follow my homemade Soy sauce seasoning recipe below.) Homemade Soy Sauce Seasoning- Great For Any Ramen, Really Good With Shredded Pork- This seasoning sauce is in a liquid form, so once it's made whatever you don't use needs to be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. It will keep for 8-10 days. Ingredients: 6 Tablespoons soy sauce 2 Tablespoon chili powder 1 Tablespoon paprika 1 green onion, finely chopped, or 1 Tablespoon of onion powder 2 garlic cloves, minced, or 2 Tablespoons of garlic powder 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 2 Tablespoons sesame oil 1 teaspoon black pepper Directions: In a medium size bowl mix all ingredients together well. Drizzle on cooked ramen noodles. Whatever is leftover can be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to about 8-10 days. This seasoning is great when stirred into cooked and drained ramen noodles. Add slices of boiled egg, cooked shredded pork, and fresh greens and you have an appetizing, healthy meal. Conclusion: There's a ton of different ways that you can make ramen 🍜 more appealing, appetizing, and healthier. I've only shared a few today. However, you can add cheese to make cheesy ramen, add carrots, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, corn, any type of pepper's (banana peppers, bell peppers, chipotle peppers, chili peppers, even ghost peppers, etc) for different alternatives to mix it up. And you can also take the ramen noodles and make a delicious chicken soup. The options are quite possibly endless. |
 Healthiest Junk Food... Instead of fighting your craving, just feed it with a healthier version. Cravings… We all get them, and usually the cravings that we have are for something that we know our bodies don't need. Instead of reaching for that salty, deep fried bag of potato chips, sugar glazed honey bun, or whatever your own personal vice is- let's take the time to go over some healthier junk food options, for seriously good eats. Because really there's no need in being miserable all the time. Healthier Choices For A Well Deserved Snacking Experience Dark chocolate- Typically dark chocolate is made from two ingredients, chocolate liquor and sugar. Of course dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate, so this makes dark chocolate a much healthier choice. Dark chocolate typically has 65% cocoa solids added, and sometimes a little more. Also, another great thing about dark chocolate- it provides about 4 times more fiber than milk chocolate, and it's loaded with antioxidants. It's proven to be good for the heart. It helps to lower the blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease as well, if you eat around 100 grams a day. Yes! Dark chocolate can be paired up with nuts and fruits, which in turn makes it even healthier as a treat. Dark Chocolate Brownies- Want a brownie? Instead of using milk chocolate, make some delightfully delicious, gooey dark chocolate brownies, add in some chopped walnuts. Yes, just one cup of walnuts will add potassium 353 milligrams, total carbohydrate 11 grams, protein 12 grams, dietary fiber 5 grams, iron, magnesium, vitamin's B-6 and calcium. Instead of using granulated sugar, use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener instead. Ramen- Yes! But please skip the seasoning pack. Just chunk that nasty little package of junk right into the trash can. Add in a healthier option instead. Dress up your ramen with healthy herbs and spices, add in a cooked egg, chopped up, cooked chicken breasts, diced green onions, slices of mushrooms, leafy greens, sweet peas, chopped peppers, and broccoli. Now, you have transformed something that otherwise would have been really unhealthy to a healthier meal option, loaded up with healthy nutrients. (If you're interested in other healthier ways to make ramen- Check out my other article Let's Talk About Ramen- Literally The Cheapest, Easiest, Food To Make… But Wait Isn't Ramen Unhealthy? Doesn't Have To Be! Let Me Show You How!) Ice Cream- Certainly not all ice cream is considered equal. However, Halo Top ice cream is made not only with the simplest of ingredients, but it's also very low calorie and high in protein. Nope, it's not your traditional ice cream but it is pretty darn good, plus Halo Top has so many different flavor options to choose from. Like White Chocolate Macadamia, Chocolate Cheesecake, Banana Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Chocolate, etc. Halo Top has only 200-400 calories PER PINT, whereas eating a ½ CUP of Ben & Jerry's ice cream has anywhere from 140-160 calories. That's a HUGE difference! For other healthier choices for your ice cream pleasure- 1). Wink Frozen Desserts 2). Yasso 3). Halo Top 4). Enlightened 5). Skinny Cow 6). Arctic Zero 7). Breyers Delights 8). Ben & Jerry's Stout Beer- Okay, so stout beer isn't exactly junk food, but I'm added on my list because several people don't snack on junk food, instead they drink it. So this is for the drinkers out there. Stout beer contains nearly twice the amount of antioxidants found in light lagers. Stout beer is a dark jet-black beer that tastes almost like a cross between black coffee and chocolate, with a thick tanish color foam on top. Experts say that this dark beer can improve blood circulation, and lower the chance of getting blood clots. Drinking 1 a day actually reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Just make sure you always drink in moderation, because even too much of a good thing can be harmful. Please, don't operate heavy equipment, and never drink and drive. Popcorn- Air popped popcorn is an even better way to treat yourself, as it is low in calories and high in antioxidants. Yes! Air popped popcorn can also be a helpful weight loss snack because it's low-calorie content, and high in fiber. As long as the popcorn isn't loaded down with butter and salt, it's one of the best snacks to reach for when you're relaxing on the couch watching movies. Crackers- For the healthiest store bought brand cracker Triscuit Original Crackers are the absolute best choice. (Triscuit crackers are low in calories, low in saturated fats, low in salt, and low in cholesterol. They're also loaded with all natural vitamins and minerals. They also have zero sugar added.) However, keep in mind that crackers aren't the healthiest snack choice. And even though some crackers say they're made with wheat doesn't mean they're a healthier choice- For an example: Wheat Thins contain high-fructose corn syrup, which causes obesity and diabetes. So look for crackers that are high in fiber and low in sodium. Better yet, make your own homemade baked crackers. Then you'll know exactly what you're eating is healthier. Baked Snacks- We all know that anything baked is going to be healthier than anything fried. So always opt for baked bagged chips, baked crackers, etc. Usually the baked option has little to no oil added. Stay away from anything that has hydrogenated, high-fructose corn syrup on the label. Also, keep in mind that eating a lot of wheat actually isn't that good for you. It reduces your ability to absorb nutrients from food and could lead to serious nutritional deficiencies, among many other health conditions. Conclusion- The key is to eat junk food in moderation- This article is only meant to steer you to the healthiest Junk food, and give you the needed information about picking out the type of snack that's better for you. So that you can be healthier at snacking. Of course plain yogurt, oatmeal and fruit are the 3 best snack food options. As Always Eat Healthy And Stay Well! |
 Photo Source By Virginia Watkins- A Review On The Wolfgang Puck Air Fryer- Do Not Buy! In less than 3 months time, 2 Wolfgang Puck Air Fryer Ovens later- I gave up on this appliance! Upon my quest for the perfect air fryer I came across a 'Wolfgang Puck 1700-Watt 23-Liter Air Fryer/Oven with Rotisserie. It states that it will do all of your cooking with one perfect machine. Choose from six different functions to air fry, bake, roast, rotisserie, etc.' And I have to say sadly, I wish I had never set my eyes on this beautiful, stainless steel, piece of junk! Perfect machine? I laugh! Yes, for a mere few days this appliance works outstandingly great. But then all of the sudden- It doesn't! So, let me begin by saying- I bought the first Wolfgang Puck Air Fryer Oven (In which was exactly like my second one, in the above photograph.) in May of 2020. I used it twice, when I went to use it the third time, it wouldn't light up, heat up, nor even turn on. Weird! Especially so, because it had worked great after my second usage. The oven had never smoked, never smelled like it was overheating, etc. I began checking for fuses, and tried all the normal things that one does in an uneventful moment such as this. Still nothing. The appliance has no inline fuses, no fuses whatsoever. I chalked this oven up as being defective within the manufacturing of it. So, I got another new replacement (exactly the same as my first). Again, for the first few times of using it I was impressed. It worked great- Until it didn't. Yes! The second Wolfgang Puck Air Fryer Oven did the same exact thing as the first one. Again, the inside light would not light up, the oven wouldn't heat up, the darn thing just acted like it didn't have any power going to it. So, I went to the Wolfgang Puck online website. Only to find that there's no parts that you can get for this oven, to fix whatever the product's problem is. I couldn't get any help from the maker of the product, and nobody would get back in touch with me about it. Screw the warranty. There wasn't another option for returning the second oven. No replacement offered. Now stuck with a pretty piece of stainless steel junk, which cost me a small fortune. Pissed off beyond recognition... I turned to an appliance technician. So, once the oven was opened up, I wanted to see the inside guts of this fine piece of an appliance. What Was Found? A lot of junk. Yes, junk! The wiring consisted of tiny gage wires that were barely welded onto the motherboards. The motherboards themselves weren't protected, nor shielded from the heat of the oven in any way. They were made from flimsy material. The wiring used to go to the knobs, motherboards, etc. was nowhere near the right size for the type of heat this type of appliance needs. It definitely was a fire trap waiting to happen. Not kidding! Nothing was shielded inside the oven, and of course there wasn't any type of fuses that could be changed out. Another bigger disappointment! No parts could be found anywhere to fix the air fryer. I definitely expected so much more out of Wolfgang Puck- Especially since he's a well known chef, and he endorsed this product- With his name on it no less. So What Will I Do With The Fine Piece Of Wolfgang Puck Junk Now? Yes, I'm stuck with this appliance that now does nothing. However, since it couldn't be replaced, or repaired, I've decided to repurpose it into a solar oven. I will end up taking out the heating elements, and all its faulty wiring, and disconnect the power cord. I'm unsure yet if I will need to paint it a flat black, or if it can stay the shiney stainless steel. It's already the perfect size, has a nice handle on the oven door, and has the glass in the door. Which when turned up on its end will work as the top side of the solar oven. I will need to do some things to the inside of the oven still yet, in order to change it over from electric to solar. I will also need to come up with a way to change the inside cooking racks, into one solid rack, add a mirrored reflection source, etc. But I really think that it can be done. And I actually think that it will turn out being something that I will use a lot this summer, and even in times of weather related disasters. I've actually planned on making a homemade solar oven anyways. Why? Because in times when natural disasters happen, it often leaves little choice for cooking. I may not always have charcoal for my outdoor grill, and it may be too hot to cook on my wood stove indoors. A solar oven can be used completely without electricity, without needing any other power source, except for the sun- which is completely a free source way for cooking. Sure, I could use wood chips and sticks from my yard for firing up my outdoor grill for free… but I would still have the junkie, non-working Wolfgang Puck air fryer oven sitting around, taking up space. Even though the appliance is brand new, it can not be fixed. Therefore it will serve a better purpose just to repurpose it. Buying A Appliance That's New And Different- After all my bad endeavors with the Wolfgang Puck Air Fryer Ovens, I simply gave up on buying another air fryer oven altogether. I was actually left scared and skeptical after the two back to back bad encounters I previously had. However, I did decide to buy a countertop convection oven/grill which doubles as a microwave and air fryer. It actually does so much more than the Wolfgang Puck air fryer ever could do. And yes, it cooks, bakes, grills, steams, and air fries perfectly. In the end I have to say, I'm very pleased that I decided to go this route. It was an intelligent space saving countertop choice. |
Before diving into a big project like buying an old farmhouse to restore, make sure that your budget and you can afford it. I love restoring antiques, and I have always believed that old houses have an extraordinary character about them that new homes don't have. I inherited my early 1900's home a few years back, and I am still working on restoring it. Between everyday life, and the normal bills that everyone has to pay it's been a struggle. I'd like to say that I am a millionaire but unfortunately I am not. The biggest problem I have run into is that nothing in the house is square. The place was built by my grandparents. (They truly cut every board by hand.) So, "I'm living in the house that built my family and me!" As Miranda Lambert's song goes. My first words of wisdom: Live and learn advice
When I initially moved into my place, I thought that I would be able to work on the house whenever I wanted to because I would be living in it. Okay, this was a wrong assumption! With all of my stuff in the way, it's made it difficult to get around 'the stuff' to be able to do anything.
I literally can not emphasize the importance of that! There's always going to be underlying issues ⚠️ problems that you can't see when first going into it all. Building codes, water lines, electrical wiring, structural changes that have to be made, roofing, etc, etc. The list is long and forever growing. |
Ranch Pickles What's the easiest way to make delicious pickles? Let me tell you how with this tasty ranch pickles recipe! These pickles are a rancher's favorite treat! There's no vinegar, nor canning involved, just some fresh cucumbers, a big gallon jar, boiling water, dill, pickling salt, and the sun. Notes: This particular recipe doesn't have ranch dressing in it. The recipe first originated during the frontier. During the fermentation, the liquid will turn cloudy; this is normal for this particular recipe. So, don't be alarmed, or afraid to eat the pickles after the two-week fermentation. The fermentation works best outside under the hot sun, but you can also ferment the pickles inside in a heated room. When fermenting the pickles, you will need to burp the jar every other day or leave the lid loose on the jar. Don't expect the ranch pickles to taste the same way as pickles are done in a vinegar brine, because they won't. However, they will be sour and salty because they ferment in salty brine. If the pickles haven't reached the sour level that you prefer, ferment them longer. I use a gallon pickle jar to make this recipe. So, the fermentation takes two weeks. However, using smaller jars will help to speed up the fermentation process. Ingredients:
Optional:
Instructions:Fill a gallon jar with the cucumbers. Add four to six tablespoons of dill pickling salt, dill, and other optional ingredients. Fill the jar with boiling water, put the lid on the jar tightly, then shake it well. Next, loosen the lid, and set the jar in the sun for about two weeks. Ferment the pickles longer, if you want them to become even sourer. |
Pioneer corn dodgers Just like hardtack, corn dodgers were another long-lived survivalist food for pioneers during the 1800s. They were made with very few ingredients. Traditional corn dodgers consisted of cornmeal, rendered down pork fat, salt, and water. Sometimes a small amount of brown sugar was added (for an added touch of sweetness). Corn dodgers were usually fried in a cast-iron skillet on an open campfire, baked in a Dutch oven, and cooked on top of wood-burning stoves. Some pioneers made oval-shaped corn dodgers, but often they were cut into squares. The corn dodger recipe varies, as it often was made with only cornmeal and water during tough times. Sometimes it was made with yellow cornmeal, but more often than not southern pioneers used white cornmeal. In today's article, I will be sharing the most basic corn dodger recipe. It's fast and simple to make. These corn dodgers taste similar to cornbread. However, they don't get fluffy and rise as modern-day cornbread does. For my modern-day cornbread recipe continue reading, I will be including it at the end of this article. Ingredients:
Basic Corn DodgersInstructions:In a medium-sized bowl, add the dry ingredients. Then add the water and butter (or rendered pork fat). Stir well until moistened and smooth. At this point, you can transfer the batter to a well-greased cast-iron skillet, and bake in the oven at 350° F, for about 25 minutes. When the corn dodgers are crisp and golden brown, cut them into squares. Or you can make the corn dodgers using this method: With your hands, take rounded spoonfuls of the corn batter and form them into an oval shape. If the dough is too wet add a dusting of flour onto your hands and add a little bit to the batter. When the corn dodgers are shaped, add them to a heavily greased cast-iron skillet. Then bake them in the oven at 375° F. Cook until they are golden-crisp on the outside. Serve with beans, stew, chili, etc. Note: To make this recipe for a fun family dinner, use cast-iron cornbread pan-Pre-Seasoned Bakeware. The corn dodgers will take the form of ears of corn. How cute! Modern-day cornbreadIngredients:
Instructions:Preheat the oven to 375° F. In a medium-sized bowl, add the cornmeal, self-rising flour, eggs, milk, seasoning salt, and the melted butter. (Add in a ½ cup of Splenda for sweet cornbread.) Stir the ingredients until they are combined well. Pour the batter into a well-buttered cast iron skillet. Then place it in the oven to bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown. Then immediately brush the top of it with melted butter. Cut into squares. Serve and enjoy! This recipe can also be baked in a Dutch oven, on a campfire, and on a wood stove. |
Dining at the dinner table Are there health benefits of eating meals as a family, at the dinner table? Growing up, I recall our family always made it a point to eat at the dining room table together as a family. It was a time for family gatherings, and also a time for communication. Each person would take turns telling their own day's events, etc. This was a traditional way of eating meals back in the day. Nowadays, families tend to grab a snack whenever it's convenient and to eat in separate rooms. I have to admit, my dining room table is taking up space, a space that we rarely have used in the past several years. Although we still make it a point to eat all our main meals together in the same room. It's more of a challenge to engage in the old-fashioned way at the dining table. Why? Mostly, because of technology. Yes, the Xbox One and the internet tend to win hands down over the mere idea of communicating with each other. Tragic, I know! Recently, I was chatting about this topic with a friend (who is a dietitian). She said that eating meals at the dining room table is as important as eating a healthy diet. Why? Well, as it turns out, the position you sit in while you're eating does affect the way your body digests food. Sitting at the dining table while eating furthermore enables us to keep a straighter posture; which seems to be the most effective way to digest food properly, and also helps us to manage our weight more effectively. Because we tend to eat smaller portions. Eating at the dining room table also draws families closer to each other. As long as cell phones and other distractions aren't allowed at the table. Now, that's food for thought. |
Restoration of an old farmhouse
Deep dish crazy batter crust pizza
This pizza is made in a large cast-iron skillet. It's a deep-dish pizza, and the crust is crazy good! Who am I kidding, every bite of this mouthwatering pizza is sinfully delightful! Crust Ingredients:
Pizza Toppings:
Crust Instructions:Preheat the oven to 375° F. Lightly coat a large cast-iron skillet with butter spray. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the flour, seasoning salt, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add in the eggs and the milk and mix well. Next, pour the pizza batter into the prepared cast-iron skillet. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula. Place the skillet in the oven, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven when it is golden brown. Toppings Instructions:Mix the Italian sausage and ground beef with the sauce, then evenly spread it to the crust. Finish adding the rest of the toppings on the crust. Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake, until the cheese is all gooey and completely melted. Garnish with the chopped green onions. Notes: The crust is made with an almost pancake-like batter. It's not supposed to come together like a regular pizza dough (before it's cooked). However, after it has been cooked the crust is simply amazing. Add whatever toppings you desire. The toppings I use are just for instructions to show you how to make the pizza. |
What in tarnation is mutton? Mutton refers to the flesh of the mature ram or ewe (female) at least one-year-old; the meat of sheep between 12 and 20 months old may be called yearling mutton. The meat of sheep 6 to 10 weeks old is usually sold as baby lamb, and spring lamb is from sheep of age five to six months. Meat from sheep between the ages of one month and one year is served as lamb, while sheep older than one year is served as mutton. Ingredients:
Instructions:In a Dutch oven, brown meat in 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon; set aside. Add the onions, carrots, and remaining oil to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and mutton; bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Cover and bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until meat and vegetables are tender. With a slotted spoon, remove meat and vegetables to a large bowl; set aside and keep warm. Pour pan juices into another bowl; set aside. In the Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in pan juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the parsley, chives, thyme, and meat and vegetables; heat through. |
