Sriracha Ramen Soup
Sriracha. It’s just so delicious! Often referred to as yuppy ketchup – I really don’t care! It gives that spicy bite to Vietnamese Pho, some extra kick to grilled salmon and makes a damn good aioli.
Meyer Lemon Snowdrops
Okay folks! The last promised recipe. I KNOW I’m going to get some e-mails asking where the Crack Cookie recipe is. It happens every year!
Grinch Cran-Stachio Cookies
This next one comes to you from the OG when it comes to cookies. A name we all know and use in a pinch…And this is just a dressed up version of her cookie mixes….Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s from good ol’ Betty Crocker.
Eggnog Fudge
Okay, these next few recipes are coming at you fast and furious. I promised them to you by yesterday and I’m obviously running a few hours behind so I’m not going to drone on and on. Straight down to business, folks!
Peppermint Snowflakes
All I want for Christmas is double ovens. Is that too much to ask for, Santa? Holy cookies! Hours, upon hours of baking these delicious little suckers. I love my kitchen but if it could double in size overnight, I would be grateful. Like, forever.
Crock-Pot Roast
OHMYGODIMADEIT!!!!
Forty-Eight glorious minutes until the kids are off for NINE DAYS!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for these precious lazy mornings, a much needed/deserved break, and quality time to spend together.
Screw Cancer
Cancer.
Shit.
After recovering for over two weeks from a Hysterectomy, the last thing I expected my doctor to call me with was cancer.
Total shock.
Dry mouth.
Mind Racing.
Butternut Squash Tart with Fried Sage
I’m on house arrest.
Not by choice. And not by legal means of enforcement. But nonetheless, I am home-bound. For a little while, anyway.
Uncomfortable Health Issues are something that people seem to steer clear of in conversation. They’re easier for all to avoid. Especially if you are a woman and going through something with your “lady parts.” It’s not something we talk about. Our husbands/fathers/boyfriends/sons do not like to even think about this stuff. Hell, I don’t even think I know what my cervix was for. So I can guarantee that neither my husband nor my father does.
Did you know that in the United States, approximately 600,000 hysterectomies are performed each year, and the procedure is the second most frequently performed major surgical procedure among reproductive-aged women? The first most frequently performed surgery is a c-section.
Mini Funnel Cakes
My friend Laura opened this adorable studio to host craft workshops. These aren’t your run of the mill Joann’s fabrics classes, kids. These are full fledged super hip workshops; macrame, wood working, dream catchers, chalk art, floral arranging.
Pad Thai
When the hubby and I first started dating, we were broke. I had just come home from a three month backpacking trip to Europe where I spent my life savings (as much of a life savings as one has at 21) and was barely waiting tables at the infamous Miyagi’s in Hollywood. My car had died so we shared his 1994 Saturn and we barely had enough money to fill the gas tank. Groceries were a JOKE. My budget for groceries in those days was about $40 a week. We all know our college pal, Top Ramen. I got pretty darn creative with this $.05 wonder. Pasta salad, chicken soup, stir fry and…. Pad Thai. Some of our best memories are of eating this meal on a blanket with candles (to conserve energy since we could barely afford the bill!) in the living room with a delicious bottle of $2 buck chuck (seriously, it’s delicious if it is all you can afford).
Now I make this recipe with fresh rice noodles that I get from Trader Joe’s. It might taste better with all of the fresh ingredients but the memories of this dish will always remind me of one of the best times of our lives
INGREDIENTS
1 package flat rice noodles cooked according to package instructions (I love the fresh Trader Joe’s rice noodles)
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ½ inch thickness and chopped into bite-sized pieces + salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste
4 eggs
3/4 cup sliced green onions
3/4 cup sliced white onion
2/3 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
optional: peanuts, chopped
Sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons fish sauce (found in the Asian section at most grocery stores)
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons peanut butter
juice of 1 lime
1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
1/4 cup soy sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Cook chicken in a large wok or pan over medium heat, stirring throughout until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes), transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Whisk together all sauce ingredients and set aside. Crack eggs over preheated pan (where you cooked the chicken) and allow to fry for about a minute, then break it up with a spoon and add the onions. Add chicken and sauce. Add noodles and toss to coat the noodles in the sauce. Stir in green onions and cilantro. Garnish with peanuts if desired.
NOTES
*adapted from Creme de la Crumb