Spicy Garlic Sesame Veggies

Tonight, I’m heading to Phoenix for the wedding of the century!

That might be a slight over statement, but this wedding is going to seriously rock. There will be yummy food, great friends, my family, lots of booze and Lish and Josh finally get to say I do!

I feel like I have been telling you people about this forever and I can’t believe it’s finally upon us.

Not only is the wedding date almost here, but I’m taking my first vacation days since my trip to Spain last July.

I like to hoard vacation days like squirrels do with their nuts in the winter.

Can’t you just picture it? Me with a bunch of nuts stored in my cheeks?

Too weird? Yeah, I try to stop myself sometimes but I just can’t.

Moving on.

I have a date tonight with a Southwest flight and two drink tickets burning a hole in my pocket.

But, I wouldn’t dare dream of leaving without a tasty treat to snack on.

I developed this recipe from these amazing spicy and garlicy soy beans at a bar we like.

Tell me what you think!

You will need…

1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces

4 ounces snow peas with the ends trimmed off

8 ounces your favorite mushrooms sliced thin

8 garlic gloves minced

¼ cup sesame oil plus 1 tablespoon

½ cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

Start by heating a medium pan over medium heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan and when it is hot, add in the asparagus.

Cook the asparagus till it starts to become tender. About 3 minutes.

While the asparagus is cooking, whisk together the remaining oil, soy sauce, the garlic, and the red pepper flakes.

When the asparagus is slightly tender, add the snow peas and then drizzle the veggies with the sauce.

Continue cooking for two more minutes and then add in the mushrooms.

When the mushrooms have started to release their liquid and the veggies are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the heat.

Season with salt and red pepper if desired and serve hot.

If you wanted to add more garlic, I wouldn’t hold it against you.

See you in Phoenix.

Love and Beer Floats

Angela

Sesame Noodles

When I tell people that I write a food blog they usually respond with a reaction I’ve come to expect.

First, they look at me like some slightly crazed, food loving, attention whore.

Then, they ask me how often I post things.

After I tell them that I usually post five days a week, they take a slow step back and the look on their face turns to the look you would give someone if they just told you they like the smell of body odor.

WEIRDO.

Finally, if they are still talking to me, they start asking me where I get my recipes.

If they haven’t run away from me yet, I tell them that it is a combination of cook books, the internet, other food blogs and things I throw together.

The truth is, recipes are great and all, but the bottom line is that they are far from perfect. Just because someone took the time to write down the ingredients, measurements and directions, does NOT mean it’s going to taste good.

My recipes included.

These noodles I made last night were the perfect example. The idea behind them was great. They were easy to execute and didn’t require anything too fancy. But, when I put together the ingredients on the recipe, it just didn’t taste great. I needed a few extra ingredients to make this dish a winner. Don’t worry; I added those special add on ingredients to the recipe for you.

Who knows, you might need to add your own ingredients to make this to your liking.

You will need…

2 tablespoon peanut butter

4 tablespoons soy sauce

1teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/3 pound thin spaghetti

¼ cup tablespoon sesame seeds

3 green onions, chopped

2 cups coleslaw mix

2 tablespoons salt

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add in the uncooked pasta and 2 tablespoons of salt to the water. Cook the pasta till it is al dente (just cooked and not mushy).

While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, the soy sauce, the oils, the sugar, the vinegar and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl.

Add in the green onions.

Drain the water and add the pasta back into the pot.

Into the pot with the pasta, add the coleslaw mix, the sesame seeds and the sauce.

Toss well and serve.

And don’t invite your brother over because he will eat so much that you don’t have leftovers.

Love and Beer Floats

Angela