About oyster stew.

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I realize some things, tonight.  As well, I implemented a few new things.  And will implement something else next time.  If I can recall.  The addition of guar gum was excellent.  I have tried to thicken it with heavy cream, butter, and else.  To no success.  But this?  This was excellent.  It will always be a guestimate sort of thing.

For this, at about half a cup of heavy cream, a stick of butter, two cups of milk, plus the oysters and juice, an half teaspoon, gelled in a quarter cup of the hottest tap water I have, created the perfect amount of slurry to thicken the pot.  I did add spice as well.  Cracked freshly ground black pepper, a touch of onion and garlic powder, and for my money... a dash of ground coriander.  Oh, it was solid.  Oh, and about an half teaspoon of salt.

Now, what I didn't do either time, but will try to remember to do if I ever make it again?  After doing the oysters, getting them to curl... pull them immediately.  Let them cool as the rest of the broth finishes.  It needs to be hot, where heating too long will harden the oyster.  Not the best.  Oh, and if oysters aren't your thing?  As they aren't my favorite (if I will eat them, obviously)?  Add mushrooms!  Oh my word, that with the butter, and flavor of the stew, definitely does well.  If you put them in raw, you really need to let them cook a while.  Seriously very good call.  I had some on hand, and believed they might do well, and that thought turned gold.

The ducks are in.  Rabbits were watered freshly three to four hours ago.  Then just a bit ago, their waterers were brought in.  Since I am out that way anyway, bringing in a pail of fresh water to refill the waterers, I am also bringing in fresh water from the tap, for the girls.  So, they get fresh water every day, and that gets refreshed twice as day.  I had been giving them softened water, which did cause some concern.  I am much happier to be giving them fresh water.  The reverse osmosis simply doesn't put out enough to keep up with the cats too.  I need to work on that, but... not for the cats.

I had thought it already Saturday.  Not sure why, sleep issues, I suppose.  Glad that it is just still Friday.  Hopefully some work tomorrow.  Not much today, but sleep was so off... insomnia almost destroyed me.  I am hoping to be to bed much earlier tonight.  I'll sleep alone, tonight.  The girls haven't been coming up anyway.  Not sure why.  Oh well.  Good night.