Feline Friday and the 2021 A to Z Challenge!! H is for Hot and Sour Soup!!

Feline Friday thanks to Sandee !

While our dear French friends are on

a much needed vacation we are cat-sitting

this darling kitty! She was very upset

the first few days understandably, but now

is settled in being by herself most of the days

but soooo happy when we visit for a few hours!

Every day we come over around 9am and stay til 11am.

We cuddle with her and play with her and

I bring her a few cats treats to eat each day.

You will see a few more photos of her over the next few weeks!

Now onto the soup!!!

 Hot and Sour Soup  6 servings

This rich, earthy soup is given the perfect amount of tang from soy sauce and ginger. To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.

Ingredients

14 ounces firm water-packed tofu, drained

1 3/4 tablespoon water, divided

1/2 ounce dried, sliced shiitake mushrooms

4 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup white vinegar

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon chopped ginger

2 teaspoons sugar

3/4 teaspoons white pepper

1 clove garlic, minced

2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup bamboo shoots, drained

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion tops

Directions

Drain tofu, and place on several layers of paper towels. Cover tofu with several more layers of paper towels; top with a cast-iron skillet or other heavy pan. Let stand 30 minutes. Discard paper towels. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes.

Bring 1 ½ cups water to a boil in a small saucepan; remove from heat. Stir in mushrooms; let stand 30 minutes. Stir in broth and next 6 ingredients (through garlic); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine ¼ cup water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Stir cornstarch mixture, tofu, and bamboo shoots into broth mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Drizzle egg into broth mixture (do not stir). Place pan over low heat; cook 1 minute. Stir soup gently to combine. Sprinkle with onions. 

Enjoy and never ever forget to have a delicious day!