Dinner For Three - CHapter 36

NOTE TO READERS: Sorry this chapter is so short, but I'm trying to set up the next one. As you might surmise after reading this chapter, it's gonna be DEEP!

Now Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Programing!


Free Enterprise - Dinner For Three - Chapter 36


Dinner was a success! The conversation ranged from Old Earth history, Starfleet Rules and Regulations, Ancestor's Breath, Nietsche, The Bible, The Tenants Of Surak, and music.

The food was also excellent. There were three main dishes. A huge salad, Chicken Chow Mein and Lasagne. Tyr had prepared the lasagne was as per Tamara's personal request because she wanted it with meat.

Tamara felt guilty afterwards because she realized someone might have sacrificed “their private stash” in order to fulfill her selfish request. That “someone” may have been Tyr.

Xena was utterly fascinated with the menu. By personal choice she had lived most of her life subsisting on a plain Veggan diet. So, she had never tasted anything like what she was being served. She asked numerous questions about the ingredients and asked for recipes. So, Tyr gave her his Chow Mein recipe.


Chow Mein Recipe
Use whatever you like, Chicken, Fish, Red Or White Meat.


2 cloves if garlic
1 medium size onion
2 tsps of Chinese 5 spices mix (I use Schwartz, but other brands will do too)
2 tbsps of Dark soy sauce
1 tbsp of Light soy sauce
1 tbsp of Mirin (Japanese sweet rice condiment)
1 tbsp of Chinese hot chilly sauce
1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp of Paprika
1 generous sprinkle of dried chilli flakes
1 package of Chow Mein Noodles ( any brand )

Slice the onion finely, crush the garlic cloves and mix them, the prawns and all of the other ingredient together then leave to marinade for a minimum of two hrs, 8 is better and over night achieves the very best result.

Just before cooking the prawns, boil about 300g of egg noodles in some lightly salted water for the needed time (the brand I buy takes about 4 minutes) then rinse them under running cold water to stop them from cooking.

In the wok, get a very small amount of vegetable oil hot, then drop in the prawns and stir on high for a couple minutes (or until the prawns are almost cooked in the event you're using raw ones) add a hand full of grated carrots and one of bean sprouts. Stir a few times more and allow to soften slightly, then add the noodles.

Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, add another small sprinkle if chilli flacks, add a splash of Dark soy and one of sesame oil and serve while still piping hot.

If using chicken pieces instead of prawns, allow a little longer for that to cook before adding the other ingredients, other than that, the procedure is exactly the same and the most important thing is allowing enough time for the marinade to seep into the chicken or prawns so definitely leave it over night if possible.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Of course Tyr not only had to show Xena the kitchenette, but he also show and describe all of the tools of his trade. Tamara smiled to herself, watched and wondered how she could make a graceful exit. She decided on an ungracious exit when Tyr re-appeared with Xena ten minutes later.

“I had a wonderful time, but I've got to call it an early night. I've got Alpha shift tomorrow.” she said “Welcome to the family.” she continued as she drew Xena into a hug. She then embraced Tyr and gazed into his eyes.

“I will see you tomorrow. Take care of her and don't stay up too late.” she admonished mentally. She had previously agreed to cover his early shift, while he took Beta Shift.

“I will see you tomorrow also. Do not stay up late reading.” Tyr thought back, referring to the fact that Tamara claimed she was reading to relax and wound up reading the entire night away. She had done that once in his presence, and he'd taken the padd away and thrown it across the room!

“I promise. I won't, Tyr.” she thought.

“Good. Now, how do I say this?” Tyr thought. “Knock, knock.” he continued mentally.

“I love you too, Tyr.” she replied, smiled and gave her consort the equivalent of a mental kiss, then she was gone. Tyr was mildly surprised how quickly he'd gotten used to Tamara's mental presence. It was still there but it was as if someone had thrown a basket over a candle. Tyr put it aside to examine and question later. For now, he had a new consort to entertain.

NOTE To Readers! The recipe for Chow Mein in this chapter is legit so please feel free to try it with our blessings! Thanks again, "ASHANTE!" ::waves and throws kisses::