Tempting the invalid
If there is one place where food should look appealing and tempting surely it should be in a hospital.
I know that State hospitals are on unbelievably low budgets but even simple and cheap food can be made enticing to the eyes.
I have got an invalid at home, recovering from a major problem dealt with great expertise by the Malaga Hospital Clinico Cardiac Unit.
The diet is salt and fat-free with emphasis on white meat, vegetables, herbs and lemon juice. The last two are very good substitutes for salt.
Chicken in bed:
I mean that the invalid is in bed. The chicken is already committed..
One half of chicken breast or one fillet of turkey breast.
A couple of oysters' mushrooms washed and cut in pieces if they are large.
One half of tender white onion.
3 or 4 slices of courgettes (cut on the slant; it looks better)
One half of tomato deseeded (those glutinous seeds are no appetizers) and cut into fine crescents.
A few drops of olive oil.
The juice of half a lemon.
Any available herbs chopped fine.
In a non stick frying pan heat the oil. When hot add the meat and fry it quickly on both sides. Do not overcook otherwise the meat becomes leathery and difficult to chew for somebody who has no strength.
Lift and keep warm. Add a few more drops of oil and add all the vegetables except the tomato segments. Cover and cook until just tender but still crispy. Add the meat, all the herbs and the lemon juice.
On a warm plate present the dish attractively. If your invalid cannot use knife and fork cut the meat in small chunks and pile it in the middle of the plate with the garnish around. Or use a pastry cutter to pile the chunks in. It will look like a "whole" piece of meat.
Get well soon.
