Citrus & Soy Mushrooms & Snap Peas

When you consume as many pounds (dare I say tons?) of vegetables as we do, you have to get creative. Steamed broccoli is transformed into pesto, asparagus is wrapped in parchment paper, squash get stuffed, and green beans are sautéed with many types of spices. A vegetable is rarely eaten twice in the same way around here, but these have been made an appearance at least three times in the last month. They are just that good!

Parchment Paper Asparagus & a Giveaway!!!

Happy week after Thanksgiving! I decided to take a few days off blogging to enjoy family and the "break" I have from school. I hope you have all done the same and relished the beginning to this wonderful holiday season. I want to start it off right with what else but a great recipe and a giveaway!

Spicy Asian Noodles with Kale

I have a confession.
I like shopping for produce.
Okay, I don't just like it...I obsess over it, I love it.
The produce manager and I are on a first name basis.
Brad will complete an entire grocery shopping trip in the time it takes me to marvel at and pick out all the fruits and vegetables on our list.
You can't deny that there is something exciting about discovering the apples you always buy or the berries you normally pay a ridiculous amount for are on sale. It always feels like a great accomplishment when you pick out that perfectly ripe piece of fruit, which it should, that's no easy task.
 One of my favorite things though, is finding a new fruit or vegetable to try. Last week I happened upon a papple, a pear apple hybrid, and just last year I discovered golden beets, butternut squash, bok choy, and kale.

Soy & Sesame Marinated Cucumbers & Giveaway Winner!

 I thought for years sesame seeds were tasteless, purely decorative, and just one more thing I had to worry about getting stuck in my teeth. That is until I tried toasted sesame seeds and then I ventured into the realms of sesame seed oil, black sesame seeds, and tahini. It was then that I knew they were not the worthless ingredient I once passed them off as. Cool crunchy cucumbers infused with tangy vinegar and salty soy sauce showcase the unique sesame flavor perfectly in this summery salad.

Vegetables with Peanut Sauce

Peanut butter is one of my absolute favorite foods. I could eat it on almost anything, whether it be sweet, salty, or spicy...I also frequently find myself eating it straight from the jar with a big spoon. Considering it is a good source of protein but also a high calorie food having this sauce over steamed vegetables is a perfect combination. 

Asian Baked Tofu

After the holidays are over time seems to just start dragging...especially with a new semester of school starting, all I can do is think about summer! Unfortunately, I haven't been doing much unique or new cooking recently and despite my efforts I have yet to find any inspiration to do so. However, I did discover my new favorite way to prepare tofu. This is an excellent combo of sweet and spicy and is easily prepared for a quick lunch or dinner.

Sauteed Baby Bok Choy

I found this recipe on Simply Recipes and I absolutely love it. I adjusted the measurements to fit my taste, added some red pepper flakes for spice and ended up with a perfect lunch. 

Spicy Teriyaki Vegetables and Cashews

There is something about the combination of sweet, spicy, and salty that is somewhat addicting. Achieving the perfect balance between the three can be challenging but this certainly fits the bill for me! 

Green Beans

Sick of plain green beans? Yeah, me too...
 I tried a few varieties of new flavors and found four that were just right. I opted for Mexican flare when I made them which lends itself to an especially pretty side dish. All of the seasoning options stray just far enough from the ordinary to bring new life to a worn-out standby.

Thai Red Curry

I had a dish very similar to this at a Thai Fusion restaurant in Crested Butte, CO and have been craving it ever since. The combination of sweet coconut, carrots, and peas spiced with red curry is addictive to say the least. This makes 4 perfect lunch servings or 2 hearty dinner portions.

Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl

Spicy and sweet salmon on top of delicious, nutritious, and flavor packed brown rice and edamame.

Thai Noodles and Snow Peas

This easy one dish meal makes ordering take-out a thing of the past.

Asian Wrap

This Asian inspired wrap is perfect for lunch. It is super tasty and chocked full of protein to keep your tummy full until dinner. The vegetables are interchangeable just use your favorite stir fry veggies or whatever you have on hand.