My Asian Boys

No, I don't have children ya'll don't know about. I'm referring to my husband and oldest son. Well, and I guess with his love of all things rice, my baby too. They love Asian cuisine. I can't say much, so do I, but there is no doubt Mr. E could eat it every day and never tire of it. It is by far his favorite, and he has even mastered some dishes on his own that are, shall we say, exotic? 

With warmer weather here, and the hot summer just around the corner, (YAY!!!) our menu is adjusting accordingly. We are those people who like lighter meals on hot days, and even things that aren't necessarily hot when eaten. A lot of salads, fresh veggies and fruit, cold meat sandwiches, etc. are what we live on during the summer. 

There is no doubt this will be showing up on our dinner table over and over this year. Sure, it has cooked components, but it is served cold, but is still super filling. It would be a terrific take along to that neighbor's barbecue, a light supper like we had, or lunches all week long.

Don't let the number of steps or ingredients intimidate you. Everything can be found at your regular grocery store (I'm talking Aldi, Kroger and Walmart where I shop) and a couple of the steps you can actually do ahead of time to save precious minutes at supper time. 

Oh, and if you want to leave the chicken out, no problem! You could even add more veggies instead. I think mushrooms would be delicious! 

I'm so thankful grilling, mowing, play all day, sunscreen and extra baths season is here. We waited so long! Plus, we get to eat some yummy things too!

Sesame Noodle Salad

1 lb. spaghetti

1 lb. boneless chicken thighs

1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1 lb. tri-color coleslaw mix

2 green onions, chopped

1 cup chow mein noodles, extra for garnish

Garlic Powder, to taste

Salt and Pepper to taste 

Vegetable Oil

Dressing

1/2 c. sugar

3/4 c. soy sauce

2 TBS sesame seeds

1/4 tsp. allspice

1/4 c. rice wine vinegar

1/2 c. vegetable oil

3 TBS sesame oil

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.  Lay chicken on sheet, baste with vegetable oil. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes until juices run clear. Remove to plate and allow to cool. When cooled, chop into bite sized pieces.

For dressing, combine sugar, soy sauce, sesame seeds, allspice and vinegar in a glass jar. Shake well for 2 minutes. Add both oils. Shake for 3 minutes more. Chill at least 2 hours. 

When ready to assemble salad, cook spaghetti until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain well. In a large bowl combine pasta, chicken, coleslaw, water chestnuts and chow mein noodles. Mix well. Pour dressing over and mix again. Garnish with green onions and extra chow mein noodles. 

*NOTE* The chicken can be made the night before or earlier in the day. Just keep it in the fridge until you're ready to use. I made the chicken and dressing in the morning and chilled until supper time. If you want to make the salad and take it somewhere, add the chow mein noodles right before serving. 

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Inspired by Lil' Luna 

Crock Pot Chinese

I know so many of you are like me and always on the lookout for ways to enjoy restaurant or take out favorites at home, easily and economically. Sure, we can all hit the drive thru or reach for the take-out menu, but if we can enjoy those same favorite dishes, while knowing exactly what goes into them; and easier on the wallet, why not??!!

And this time, I've got even more great news for you. This take out knock off is made even more simple with the addition of our favorite kitchen appliance,..the slow cooker! 

That's right, a little prep work in the morning before work, and you can come home to a delicious Asian inspired meal, mostly done. Fry up some rice and you've got dinner ready. Your family is going to love this one! It's full of flavor and tastes like something that would come out of one of those cute little white take-out boxes!

With the holiday rush just around the corner, we are all going to be relying on simple meals that can feed a crowd that don't break the bank; and don't keep us in the kitchen all day long. This fits all of those needs perfectly! 

Chinese food and the Crock Pot. Who knew they could be such a match made in heaven? If you never thought so, this recipe will make you a believer...and say "yum" at the same time!

Crock Pot Ginger Orange Beef From Midnight Baker

2 lb. round steak, cut into 1/4 inch slices

1 ( 8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, juice reserved

8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced thick

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 c. beef broth

1/3 c. soy sauce

2 TBS canola oil

1 tsp. ground ginger

2 TBS cornstarch

Sesame Seeds, for garnish

Salt and Pepper to taste

Fried Rice

4 c. cooked brown rice, chilled overnight

12 oz. bag frozen carrots and peas, thawed

2 eggs, beaten

2 TBS canola oil

Soy Sauce

Spray Crock Pot with nonstick spray. Heat 1 TBS canola oil in large skillet over high heat. Add beef slices, in batches if necessary, browning on all sides. Season with salt and pepper. Place beef in slow cooker. Heat other 1 TBS oil over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion and water chestnuts. Saute until onions begin to soften and mushrooms browned. Add soy sauce and scrape bits from bottom of pan. Place mushroom mixture over beef in slow cooker. Mix reserved mandarin orange juice and beef broth together in a small bowl. Add cornstarch. Whisk well until smooth. Pour into slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. When almost ready to eat, heat 1 TBS oil in large skillet. Add eggs and scramble well. Remove from pan. Heat remaining TBS of oil and  add pre-cooked rice. Stir until starting to brown. Add thawed veggies and soy sauce to taste. Stir and cook until heated through. Add eggs back in. When ready to serve, place beef mixture over fried rice. Top with orange segments and sprinkle with sesame seeds. 

Shared on The Country Cook Nov. 14, 2014

Chinese at Very Good Recipes

Small Stick Big Flavor

I have learned many things in my almost 32 years here on earth. And one that is tried and true, every single time...anything tastes better on a stick~ no matter the size of said stick. It can be a very long one, like on a foot long corndog at the fair, or something small on the end of a toothpick at a party. Either way, 9 times out of 10 it's going to be a huge hit, and most everyone will find it delicious! With that, you have been warned! If you set out a big platter of these at your holiday, New Year's or football party this year, they will disappear quicker than you can make more, and they will probably be one of the most popular things you make! Plus, they are super easy! And don't get me wrong, they are tasty themselves, but what is going to suck everyone is the sauce! Oh, the sauce! I remember the first time I took these to family party and our aunt declared "I like them, but I could drink the sauce with a straw!" Yep, it's that good! I first had these a few years ago at Thanksgiving when my Grammy made them. Adam and I were eating them so fast she couldn't keep them on the buffet! And now anytime we are at her house for a holiday and I see bacon in the fridge, I hope she's making them again. Oh, did I not mention that? Yeah, there is bacon involved too. You're pretty much done reading now aren't you? You just want to eat? Okay then, here is the recipe for one of the tastiest little bites on a stick you will ever have!

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
2 (8 oz) cans water chestnuts, drained
1 lb. bacon, sliced into thirds
1 c. ketchup
1 c. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup and brown sugar. Cook on low, stirring often,  until brown sugar is melted and sauce is well combined. Wrap each water chestnuts with 1/3 piece of bacon. Place in 8x8 pan, seam side down. Pour sauce over. Cover. Bake for 45 minutes until bacon is cooked through and sauce is thickened slightly.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Dec. 17, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Dec. 18, 2012
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Dec. 19, 2012
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Dec. 20, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Dec. 21, 2012

Appetizers at Very Good Recipes
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Holidays or Football...or Both!

The biggest party season of the year is quickly approaching. You and I both know our calendars are getting full of holiday parties, rather they be Christmas or New Years, or even college football championships. (In case you don't know my Notre Dame Fighting Irish will be playing in the BCS Championship Game Monday January 7, 2013!!) We all have so many family and friend gatherings this year, coming up with new dishes to take is sometimes a daunting task. Especially if you are like me and have guest "overlap". By that I mean many of the same people are going to be at multiple parties, and you don't want them thinking you are only capable of bringing one thing because they have seen it 3 times in the course of two weeks. So, maybe this absolutely delicious dip could be one of your new offerings!

I first had this 3 years ago when we were celebrating Thanksgiving with my Grammy, and thankfully she remembered how much I loved it this year when we were there too. When she got out the container, I got this huge smile on my face for I just knew by the sight exactly what it was. It's perfect with crackers, veggies or even chips. Honestly, I'm such an addict I can eat the stuff with a spoon!! The slight crunch with the creamy texture will have your guests saying "Hmmm...what is that." And they might just be surprised when they find out the answer!

If you are trying to get your holiday party menus planned, and appetizers are on the top of those lists, be sure to try this dip this year!

Spinach Dip

10 oz. box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well

16 oz. sour cream

1/2 c. mayo

1 pkg. Knorr Vegetable Soup/Dip Mix, dry NOT mixed

8 oz. water chestnuts, drained and finely chopped

In a large bowl combine all ingredients. Mix well. Chill several hours before serving with crackers, chips, or veggies.

Shared on The Country Cook Nov. 30, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Dec. 3, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Dec. 4, 2012