Asian Pasta Remix

This is a bit more work than my typical recipes, but it's worth the effort and a good "make ahead," which almost redeems it!

Asian Pasta Remix

13 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
¼ cup braggs aminos, or soy sauce
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
1 teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon sugar
5 teaspoons minced garlic
1 small onion
4 mushrooms
1 jalapeno pepper
1 carrot
1 stalk celery
1 small red bell pepper
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons almonds, toasted

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of the Bragg's Liquid Aminos, ginger, peanut butter, sugar, 2 teaspoons of the garlic, and 1 tablespoon of oil thoroughly and set aside.

2. Boil noodles until soft, about 10 minutes. Mix peanut butter mixture in and set aside.

3. Shred or julienne all vegetables.

4. In a large skillet, heat remaining oil on high. When oil is hot, toss in onions, mushrooms, jalapeños and remaining garlic and stir. After about 1 minute, add 1 tablespoon of the Braggs and stir. Cover and stir occasionally until onions and jalapeños soften and begin to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

5. Mix water, remaining Braggs, carrots, celery and bell peppers in the (now empty) hot pan. Stir and cook briefly (covered), about 3 minutes, stirring every minute or so.

6. Combine all and mix well. Serve!

No Bake Freezer Cookies... Almost There!

 
I have yet to perfect this recipe… It's too crumbly and soft to be a regular cookie, but holds up well and is fantastic (and soft enough to eat) straight out of the freezer. Though it's not yet perfect enough to keep your hands clean, it got a serious thumbs up from enough people to be shared right away anyway!

1 cup crunchy peanut butter
⅔ cup coconut oil
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
⅔ cup carob powder
3 cups quick oats

1. Melt all but carob and oats in a large, microwaveable bowl, stirring every half minute or so, until sugar melts, 2-4 minutes.

2. Stir all together and drop by the spoonful onto wax paper and allow to cool.

Lick the Plate Salsa

About this title… It's not often that something (that's not sweet) is good enough that I have to squawk at my children to not lick their plates. There. Now you know our family secret. But it is pretty tasty!

Lick the Plate Salsa

1 large onion
2 tablespoons oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large tomato
15 ounces tomato sauce, the small can
1 small bunch cilantro
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste

1. Chop the onion very fine. Heat oil on high in a frying pan and toss onions into hot oil, stirring. Sprinkle on salt. Stir occasionally, allowing to brown, 3-5 minutes.

2. Chop tomato and cilantro small.

3. Combine all and serve with chips. Yum!


Tip - cut cilantro last, as this will help cut the onion smell from your fingers.

Cozy Split Pea Stew

I know fall is creeping up on most of you, and though I'm longing for it and it hasn't shown face yet here in West Florida, I still find myself in the mood for the spices and warmth and coziness of my favorite season!!

Cozy Split Pea Stew

1 pound split peas
3 carrots, sliced
4 stalks celery, including leaves
4 red potatoes, chopped
12 cups water
1-2 teaspoon salt
½ jar spaghetti sauce

1. Bring all but spaghetti sauce to a boil, then turn down and cook on medium until vegetables soften, about 45 minutes. (or overnight in a crockpot!)

2. Add spaghetti sauce, heat through and serve!

Raspberry-Lime Chill

Something wonderful for the disappearing days of summer... This stuff is unbelievably gourmet, but it takes just a few minutes to make (if you give it a bit of thought a few hours before you need it)!

Raspberry-Lime Chill

2 cups water, about
2 limes
⅓ cup sugar
48 ounces raspberry-white grape juice, reconstituted

1. Mix warm water and sugar together and allow to sit for a few minutes.

2. Slice lime into about 16 circles or wedges and place one per cube in an empty ice tray.

3. Pour sugar water over limes and freeze.

4. Serve lime cubes in cold raspberry grape juice.

Apple-Berry Crisp

Here's an easy, healthy, and delicious Sabbath breakfast to enjoy with your family!

50 ounces apple sauce, unsweetened
1 pound berries
2 cups instant oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup walnuts, chopped
⅓ cup oil
½ cup brown sugar, optional
 
Preheat oven to 350. Mix dry ingredients. Spread fruit evenly in a 9x13" pan. Pour apple sauce over berries. Sprinkle dry crumbles evenly over the top and bake for about 25 minutes.

UFOs (Unidentified Filled Objects)

How fun! Here's to that occasional something a little naughty... (saw the idea on Pinterest)

UFOs (Unidentified Filled Objects)

12 filled cookies
24 cookies worth prepared cookie dough
 
1. Preheat oven according to manufacturer's directions, about 350.

2. Roll two pieces of cookie dough into a ball and squish flat into a circle.

3. Insert the filled cookie between these two and press edges together.

4. Bake according to cookie dough instructions, about 12 minutes.

Easy, Delicious Side Dish!

Here's a quick side dish that's amazing with anything cheesy or creamy.

Grilled Broccoli and Onions

1 crown broccoli, chopped small
1 large onion, sliced
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil

1. Heat oil in a frying pan on high. Toss in onions, sprinkle over a bit of the salt and stir. Allow to soften and brown very slightly, stirring occasionally, 3 - 4 minutes.

2. Add broccoli and remaining salt and stir well. Continue cooking on high, covered, and uncovering to stir occasionally, until broccoli browns slightly, 3 - 5 minutes. It will still be bright green with some "life" left to it.

3. Stir in cilantro and cover. Allow to cook for another minute or so.