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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Szechuan Chili Chicken and Chicken& Vegetable Soup

Today I am going to share with you guys something special, it is a Chinese dish. It is so special for me because it was prepared by my Husband and a  special treat on my birthday.It was on last Friday and my hus got a special chance to work from home on. In the evening I thought I can get ready for dinner but suddenly my hus told me: "I think we can go out tomorrow and today as a special I can cook for u..".I really wondered and simply said OK because i love his cooking and of sure i know it would be so delicious one. I don't know whether i mentioned about his cooking in any of my earlier posts. you know he is a very good cook. but after marriage I rarely get a chance to taste his cooking. The best dish cooked by him is the Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower Stir-fry) . I love it  very much...it's taste like anything. Always his friends mention about that food.I learnt it form him only.

On this special occasion my hus  prepared for me the Chinese dish. He knows that i am a great fan of Chinese dish. Really guys, i always prefer to eat Chinese and Thai food from outside. I never get tired of eating Chinese/Thai food. I like it as much as our Indian food.may be thats the reason he  just chosen the Chinese dish for me on this special occation.What he prepared was Szechuan Chili chicken,Chicken and Mixed vegetable&Chicken soup,rice(me) and a drink.So it was a 3 course food.Nowadys i have a good collection of cook books from library.he got the recipe idea from one of the book.

Whenever he starts cooking he used to call me and ask me "where is that curry powder? this curry powder?"..even if it is in front of his eyes he couldn't see that, finally I  have to come and show the same. And also he always has a demand that I need to clean and marinate the chicken. He doesn't like to wash and clean it. He doesn't even like to see or touch the fresh chicken. Sometimes when I cut the whole chicken (or fish) he will be away from that area. He couldn't even hear the cutting sound or and does not like to see the cleaning process.So I just kept all the ingredients in the kitchen cabin , cleaned the chicken and marinated the pieces as per his instruction.


It took almost an hour to complete his cooking. Even though I was playing with our little one, I kept on asking whether he need any help and i just want to do something. At last he told me to prepare the rice..I was so happy to do the same.The funny thing happened is usually after lunch or dinner I used to say "Oh! tired... lots of work na?" This time also after dinner I simply said "Oh tired, So much work na?" He was laughing like anything. Suddenly I realized my blunder and I added: "yea! too much tired of eating..."

"The Szechuan Chili chicken and the  Mixed vegetable&Chicken soup" - it was one of the best treat I ever had on my b'day. I really enjoyed having it. He is very perfect in cooking. I have to learn so much from him..if i am doing something perfect in cooking that's because of his guidance and criticism. Never ever he said  a bad comment (negative comment) about the food which I prepared. Even though the food tastes bad, he usually say next time if u add this or that, it will be be perfect.  I think that those kind of comments are always inspirational. My father also do the same. He always say good comment about my food whether it is good or bad. But my brother would ask "Amma, why did u let her cook?". If I am doing anything good in cooking thats beacuse of these comments and support which I got from my loved ones.Lot of stories na..Now i am going to tell you how my hus prepared this delicious food.
1.Szechuan Chili-chicken

Ingredients
Chicken: 1/2 pound
Salt : to taste
Pepper Powder: 1tsp
Egg White: 1 no
Oil: 3 tbsp
Corn starch: 1 tbsp
Ginger : 1 medium size
Red Pepper: 1/2 portion 
Yellow Pepper: 1/2 portion (you can use green pepper as well)
(In USA, they call Capsicum as pepper. Based on its color, there are: Red Pepper, Green Pepper & Yellow Pepper)
Red chilli : 3 nos
Spring Onion: 1 no
Carrot: 1 small (optional)
Soy sauce: 1 1/2 tbsp
Rice Vinegar: 1 1/2 tbsp
Preparation
Step1:
  • Clean and Cut the chicken, Red, Yellow Pepper and carrot into bite sized pieces.
  • Make a mixture of salt 1 tsp oil,corn starch,pepper  Powder and egg white.Marinate the chicken with this mixture to make a thin coating and keep asaide for 30 - 1hour.
  • Chop the ginger and crush the red chili to make the flakes.chop the spring onion.
Step2:
  • Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan just cook the chicken for about 5-7 minute in medium heat.and keep it aside.
Step3:
  • Heat remaining oil in the pan and add the ginger chili peppers and Carrot and fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add the chicken pieces followed by  spring onion ,soy sauce and rice vinegar.Fry for another 2-3 minute.
The delicious Szechuan Chicken is ready to serve..Serve hot with rice and soup..
Cook's tip
  • Cut the chicken and peppers in similar shape.
  • Do not add more corn flour.
  • Do not over cook the chicken then chicken became chewy (rubbery).
  • If u like a hot version increase the number of red chili
2.Mixed vegetable&Chicken soup.
Ingredients
Chicken: 1/4 pound
Onion: 1 medium size
Carrot: 1 small
Celery: 1 stick
Whole pepper: 5 nos
Bay leaf: 1 leaf
Water: 4 cup
Salt: to taste
Pepper corn: 7-8
Spring Onion: 1 
Corn : 1/2 cup
Garnishing
Spring onion : small portion
Pepper powder
Preparation
Step1:
  • Cut the chicken into very small pieces
  • cut the onion into very small pieces
  • Grate the carrot using a grater
  • Chop the celery into small pieces(lengthwise )
  • Cut the green and white part of the spring onion into small pieces
Step2: 
  • In a heavy bottomed pan ,add the chicken,onion ,carrot ,celery,pepper corns, Bay leaf,spring onion..add the salt to taste. Add 4 cups of water. Bring to boil in medium heat for about 20-30 minutes
  • Once the chicken and veggies are almost cooked just mash them using a spatula.
Step4:
  • Add the corns into it..bring them to boil about 10-15 minutes..
  • Just garnish the soup with spring onion..
The delicious soup is ready to serve..Add the salt and pepper according to ur taste.
3. Rice
Ingredients
Basmati Rice : 1 cup
Water : 2 cup
Preparation
  • Wash the rice and soak it for 10-20 minute
  • Cook the rice with water in Pressure cooker until 1 whistle..
  • Transfer the rice into a service plate .serve with Szechuan chiken and soup
4.Lemon Soda
Ingredients
Sprite: 1 can
Lemon : 1 
Sugar: 1 tbsp
Prpearation
  • Extract the juice from lemon 
  • Add the sugar in to it and mix well.
  • Pour Sprite in to the mix and stir well
  • Transfer the whole content into the glass.
Enjoy the drink and the delicious meal..

89 comments:

  1. wow all that looks just great!!! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. so sweet of ur husband to cook for u.. one thing i always wonder that why husbands cook chinese for their wives.. why not indian?
    anyways the menu is superb.. and such a birthday gift is too good.. i guess you enjoyed being a chef's assistant for a day.

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  3. Thanks Sandi and Uma for the lovely comments
    Uma, one of the reason is chinese is my favorite cuisine.and in general its very easy and simpleto prepare.i think thats why all husbands are prefering to cook chinese dishes

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  4. Wow! I have been looking for this recipe for a long time, the soup and chicken looks perfect. Your husband is really a very good cook, you must be lucky, happy and proud about his cooking.

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  5. Rani,

    Nice entire meal, yes hubby's cooks occasionally. how ever mine cooks noodle, dal, chana some time. Makes chapathis always. Love it. Your hubby did a wonderful job.

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  6. Belated B'day wishes dear.
    So cute..wonderful gift.looks so perfect.
    Thanks for sharing the recipes.

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  7. Prani, a belated birthday wish from me to you. I'm sorry I missed it. Your birthday feast sounds wonderful. I happen to love chili chicken and could eat it once a week. I thought the soup your featured today was really beautiful. You asked where we'd be visiting. The trip is planned for October and a portion on November. We will be visiting India, Nepal and Tibet. We are also trying to get to Bhutan but that is up in the air for now. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

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  8. Happy Belated Birthday dear..see that you had a wonderful time...wow lovely dishes ....and ofocoz made by DH is always more tasty ;) ..Dear if you wish you can send this to my on-going event ...His Cooking..you can check the details in my blog

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  9. Wish you a belated Birthday.
    Chilly chicken and chicken soup looks delicious and tempting. Gorgeous picture with wonderful presentation. Soup looks yummy, creamy and tasty. Feel like having those beautiful dishes now.

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  10. Hi Prani
    Belated Happy Birthday to you!! feast made by DH..lucky girl!!

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  11. belated happy bday to u..that all looks abs perfect dear..especially d chicken...mouthwaterin n temptin

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  12. Olá, Hey;
    Muito bom! Very good!!!!
    Delicia!!!
    Fantastico!!!!

    Maria Paula -BRASIL_

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  13. Lov everything in that plate..so perfect,belated B'day wishes to u...

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  14. belated birthday wishes, buddy! that was sure thoughtful of your husband! love the whole spread. hey, send this over to the His Cooking event on at Indian Khana.

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  15. Belated Bday Wishes Pranitha !!
    It was nice reading the lovely story...U r so lucky 2 have a Gr8 cook at home !!
    btw the Chinese Dishes look so perfect...!!

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  16. Chilli Chicken is my most fav Chinese dish! Ur hubby is a great cook! Haha, same here...my hubby would be asking for the spices and stuffs all the time when he cooks. So, I'll prepare everything on the table top, then let him cook.

    Belated Birthday wishes to U dear! ;)

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  17. wow!!! szechuan chicken looks soo delicious. I am drooling. My fav one.

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  18. Belated B'day wishes dear..You u lucky to relish on this tasty tasty dishes of your hubby...very cute pics...
    Enjoy n have fun.

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  19. Dear Prani,Belated birthday wishes to you.Very nice of your husband to volunteer to make an entire meal for your birthday.

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  20. Belated Birthday wishes dear Prani. I am really amazed. Your hubby is an expert cook too. Wow. U are very lucky. When are u going to post his Gobi Munchurian??? We are waiting to see that dear. Lucky girl. My husband never cooks if I am there. Not even a cup of tea.But my brother is a very good cook.

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  21. Lots of belated birthday wishes, Prani! Your husband must be a great cook; the chili chicken looks absolutely fantastic.

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  22. so sweet of him to cook for you, so lucky your really...and belated bday wishes, hope you had a great day and wish you lots of happiness in this year...

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  23. Happy birthday dear, i m also big fan of thai foods..nice write up too

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  24. delicious dinner for the day too

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  25. Your husband is so sweet! You're lucky to have him :) i love the chinese dish...happy birthday!

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  26. lovely couple and dishes tooo :)

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  27. belated happy birthday my dear...all the dish are delisious....i will try ur chicken recipe....my hubby knows to cook ,but not very expert....main thing is he is very lazy.....u r so lucky dear....

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  28. The dishes are well displayed and interestng.....

    I would like to share an award with you....please collect it.

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  29. Rani,,very nice dinner on ur b'day from ur hubby's hands dear thats soo good what else u need other than this lot of affection filled food dear...chilli chicken looks colourful dear very nice dinner with a bowl of soup..

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  30. Happy Belated Birthday to you, you are so lucky, your husband cook for you.

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  31. Hello sorry for the delay in replying to ur emails. I did not see ur emails. Kindly check ur mail I have replied to it.

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  32. wow, what a great meal to put together! that soup looks delicious!

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  33. Hi Rani, Belated Happy B'day wishes to you....always it is special when the best half cooks...Chilli chicken looks fantastic..

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  34. Happy Belated Birthday to you,both dishs looks fantastic...

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  35. Belated happy birthday.... ur husband is so sweet.and the dishes r great nd luks so delicious and yummy

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  36. Belated Birthday Wishes to both of you :) This is a totally wonderful Chinese feast...everything looks very inviting :)

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  37. Belateed Bday wishes dear.. That makes a great delicious dinner :)

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  38. Happy belated birthday dear, you're so lucky that your hubby is a great cook and the feast looks so delicious and colorful, importantly cooked by your loved one......

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  39. Bealted happy B'day :-) Both the chicken and the soup looks wonderful...Your hubby is a great cook

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  40. Belated birthday wishes. Lovely dishes...looks yummy

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  41. Belated Bday wishes Prani...That's a wonderful dinner you'll never get in any restaurant...Sure your hubby must be a great cook...

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  42. WOW!! All the dishes look really tasty. Belated birthday wishes, Prani..Your hubby is a wonderful cook too..Lucky you :) The one and only thing my hubby does is cleaning and cutting the whole chicken and making chapatis, that too once in a while :(

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  43. Belated Birthday wishes Dearie!!! Awesome job by ur Hubby!!!!
    The entire platter looks mouthwatering

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  44. This is a very cute post Prani. Thats very nice of ur hubby. Lots of wishes to be like this forever. Thanks for sharing your husband's splly prepared recipe with us.

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  45. Thank you for visiting my blog and for your nice words Prani.I used regular salad cucumber for the daal.You can use english cucumber too.

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  46. Hi Pranis, thanks for stopping by my blog earlier and nice to meet you. You have sch a lovely blog here. I'm actually drooling over the recipe next to this. So, going to hop over to check the recipe. Hope to hear from you more often. Have a nice day!
    Cheers, Kristy

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  47. Belated Happy Bday! What a nice gesture from your hubby on ur bday - looks great too!

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  48. Hi dear, There is an award waiting for you in my space, please accept.

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  49. Your husband sounds like a special guy to make such a wonderful dinner for your. It looks so delicious. I love Chinese food also. It is funny how he does not like to touch raw chicken; I am the same way, but I do not have anyone that will clean it and prepare it for me..lol. Great dish! Thanks for sharing.

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  50. happy birthday rani. delicious combo really awesome. beautiful click too

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  51. Belated birthday wishes dear, Both dishes looks truly delectable and mouthwatering here...i can have anything with chicken, just love them..

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  52. SOrry dear, i was too late to reply u, ur q'n regarding the allergy, if i eat apples, i get immediately itching and throat pain,so i have to either cook or bake with apples..for mint pulao, yes its a cup of mint leaves, if u need u can replace the mint leaves with half coriander leaves and half mint leaves..hope this helps..

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  53. This is one delicious combo...yummy!

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  54. Belated birthday wishes dear. Proud to be very lucky to get such a lovely & caring husband. Best wishes.

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  55. belated bday wishes to you dear...thats a perfect n delicious looking platter...awesome job done by ur hubby...:)

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  56. oh what a treat you had... and he made it specially for you. Lucky gal :) Belated happy b'day to you.

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  57. Perfect combo dear n this looks inviting n i m ready to attck...
    do drop in sometime

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  58. Looks delicious.. nice click..

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  59. Oh wow....what a combi...and those were neatly presented....mentioning each and evry small thing is really great....

    There is an awrd waiting for you at my space. Please do collect them..

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  60. Hey rani,belated birthday wishes dear.Hope you enjoyed your b'day with the wonderful feast posted . Kudos to ur hubby for making ur day a special one .Those are the moments to treasure.Mouthwatering dishes .

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  61. wow this chicken looks so delicious.my husband loves chicken!!awesome recipe

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  62. Mmmm I love szechun style food! This looks delicious!

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  63. Awesome...Menu..Awesome Presentation n Awesome Clicks....Though not a non-vegetarian..got attracted with the way u presented and wrote it in ur blog...I am sure my DH will be happy if i prep this dish for him...He loves teriyaki chiken..will now ask him to taste Szechuan chicken :)

    And belated happy returns of the day Pranitha :)

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  64. Beleated bday wishes..Lucky to have a dh who cooks:)Looks super yumm..

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  65. mymoonah,swathi,suja,Mary,priti,babli,jagruti,subhie,maria,vrinda,dershana,Deepti,Love2cook,shriya,jay,kiran,suhaina,PJ,suman,aparna,Gabriel,avanthirao,beena,sumati,sathya,homechef,sonia,simplylife,sridevi,divya,guna,gita,nita,treatandtrick,gulmohar,valarmathi,shabita,yummyteam,sarah,manju,mylittlespace,raina,krishnaveni,priya,preeti,ammu,suman,pravs,chaitra,srikars,gayatri,san,arthi,sook,dipika,ramya thanks for the lovely comments dear friends and special thanks for the wishes..

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  66. I have been searching for the szechuan chicken from along time.Thanks for the recipe.

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  67. I like the story with the post... The food does look delicious... I want to try that soda :)

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  68. I am really amazed. Your hubby is an expert cook too. Wow. U are very lucky. When are u going to post his Gobi Munchurian??? We are waiting to see that.

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  69. Vegetable soup is my fav, and the food look delicious and i want to try this ,thanx for sharing your talent.

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  70. This chicken looks so delicious , I called this A perfect well-balanced lunch set.

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  71. Wow this chicken looks so delicious.my husband loves chicken!!awesome recipe, thanx.

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  72. This is yummy!! I used one half bag of cubed frozen hash browns instead of the baked potato and leftover chicken from a roasted chicken the night before. Super easy and yummy.

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  73. what a combination and those were neatly presented....mentioning each and every small thing is really great.

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  74. Well, Proud to be very lucky to get such a lovely & caring husband. Best wishes and thanx for posting.

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  75. Yummy, This chicken looks so delicious.my husband loves chicken!!awesome recipe, keep it up.

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  76. I like your food presentation, you really give some ideas and like the recipes you post.Thank you for sharing.

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  77. Wow, thats a perfect n delicious looking platter...awesome job done by ur hubby, thanx for sharing with us.

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  78. Wow. It looks so classy huh? I like the Chinese style food, I'm going to tell my friends about this one. Its amazing! Thanks

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  79. I think you're so lucky that your hubby is a great cook and the feast looks so delicious and colorful, importantly cooked by your loved one, follow your blog.

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  80. It is funny how he does not like to touch raw chicken; I am the same way, but I do not have anyone that will clean it and prepare it for me. thanx for the wonderful post.

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  81. I'm actually drooling over the recipe next to this. So, going to hop over to check the recipe. Hope to hear from you more often. and thanx for sharing.

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  82. Restaurant quality at home. I omit the corn, use rice vinegar for distilled and use Sriracha Hot chili sauce to taste. Those who like it hotter, can add to their own liking per individual serving.

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  83. I omitted the spinash (not a big fan) and added corn and green beans instead. It tasted great. Just like Campbell's soup but better.

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  84. loved it as is. You will have to add mroe water for sure.

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  85. This was delicious. However not enough vegtables so I added some rice and garbanazo beans as that is all I had. Next time I would add celery an zuchini.

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  86. Chilly chicken and chicken soup looks delicious and tempting. Gorgeous picture with wonderful presentation. Soup looks yummy, creamy and tasty. Feel like having those beautiful dishes now.

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