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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

cold asian noodle salad

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I married into a GIANT Indonesian family and through time it has greatly influenced the food that I eat and cook. I LOVE and often crave simple Asian flavors that include the use of yummy herbs and spices.

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One of my favorite fresh and simple dishes is a cold shrimp and noodle salad loaded with TONS of flavor.


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I start by preparing cellophane bean thread noodles.
Cellophane noodles are a transparent noodle typically made from mung bean starch and while they have no taste, they are perfect for absorbing flavor.


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The noodles need to be soaked in warm water until they are soft.

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I boil them for about 30 seconds- YEP- that quick!

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Drain and then I like to cut the noodles so they are shorter and easier to eat!


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Next I prepare the shrimp. I used cooked shrimp that I peppered and salted

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and grilled quickly in my trusty grill pan.

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Next I gathered and prepped all of my favorite herbs and vegis- starting with bean sprouts,

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mint

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cilantro

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thai basil

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carrots


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and green onions.
just about any favorite vegetables will work.

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Last, I prepare a simple dressing with sesame seed oil, lime juice,

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honey,

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soy sauce,

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and sambal (chili paste).

(there are a number of different ways to make dressing with different flavors- ginger, fish sauce, peanuts, etc.)

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Last, I mix the noodles, shrimp, herbs, vegis and the dressing and I toss everything together.
I like to serve the salad cold so I move it to the fridge to chill.


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I transfer the salad to a serving bowl

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and dish myself up a pretty little bowl and eat and eat and eat!

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Sunday, August 29, 2010

i'm back!

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thanks(?) to my husband for capturing yet another image of me crashed out!

I am back from an AMAZING trip to Chicago and the CREATE Retreat. Five wonderful days of travel, teaching, eating, socializing, connecting, exploring and participating in the first year of an incredible retreat. I am so honored to have been a part of this event. I am now exhausted and ready for a little day off and then it is back to the creative grind!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

trashy fun!

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Another AMAZING workshop done and over with! A day full of teaching others how to create handbags out of trash...oh how I love trash. I couldn't have asked for better students and a better day! here is a peek...

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Thursday, August 26, 2010

i love you chicago!

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I had a free day in my teaching schedule so my husband and I spent today exploring Chicago and I have to say...WOW...I think I am in love! What a wonderful city- from the tourist attractions, to the architecture, to the public art, galleries, gardens, fountains, food and more- Chicago totally rocks!

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