Everybody Loves Ramen

Mommy has been out doing some chores, and it was dinner time. What is a Daddy to do?

With Madison, it's easy, because everybody loves Ramen - Ramen Noodles. She knows where the package is in the pantry, and knows where the pot is - so she's anxious to help out.

It's a simple recipe, one that Wolfgang Puck doesn't want you to know!

1. Boil what you think is enough water in a pot.

2. Dump package(s) noodles in boiling water.

3. Let sit on low for three minutes.

4. Dump little package of flavor in there and stir a bunch.

5. Let it cool a bit so you don't burn the roof of your mouth.

6. Serve.

Tonight the two of us sat together at the table, with music playing in the background and the lights dimmed for a romantic candlelit dinner.

...Only it was candlelit because there was a funny smell somewhere and those Yankee Candles sure do help out!

Actually, the funny smell is our latest mercy project - a poor cat we affectionately call "Kitty." It's a really nice cat and has taken to living around our house over the last year or two. Completely opposite of the some other cats, this one is actually nice and doesn't repulse you.

About two weeks ago, it was really banged up. One eye was closed and one leg had a big gash in it. It was so cold, as you remember, so we figured we'd let it spend some time inside the house. It has been sick on and off, and simply been sleeping in a corner and never moving. It's a young cat, and it looks like he will rebound. But we've been providing it with a safe and dry shelter until he gets back on his feet. Madison knows he is hurting - she says, "boo boo leg." She's so sweet, and gives the cat her space.

Any moment now, Mommy will be home with some groceries, so I'd best be ready to carry them in. But before I go, here's a REAL Ramen Noodle recipe I just looked up...

Salmon Ramen with Fresh Vegetables

Outstanding taste and ease of preparation are what make this recipe one of our favorites.

Open 2 packages of Oriental Flavor Top Ramen and remove flavor packets. Heat butter in skillet and add the chopped onion. Saute onion 2 minutes. Add milk, cream cheese and 1 flavor packet. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth.

DO NOT BOIL. Add carrots, zucchini and salmon and simmer for 5 minutes. At the same time, cook the noodles with the seasoning from the remaining flavor packet for 3 minutes. Drain liquid. Add the ramen noodles to the salmon and vegetable mixture. Toss gently and serve immediately. Now that's a winning taste!

Ingredients:

• 2 packages Oriental Flavor Top Ramen
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup zucchini, julienned
• 2 cans (6.5 oz each) salmon, drained and broken into chunks

Serves 4