Peanut Sesame Noodles

I made peanut sesame noodles, adapted from Nigella Lawson's recipe.  Modifications: nixed the beansprouts, fresh coriander/cilantro and garlic oil, sauteed the vegetables with olive oil and crushed garlic, used crunchy peanut butter and green onions instead of spring onions, a tiny bit of ground coriander, frozen cilantro, and measured everything by eye.  I got great deals on the ingredients from Grand Asia Market and Trader Joes.  Next time I will try julienned green beans instead of snow peas.

Simple Meals

I was looking through some old photos recently and came across a picture that brought back such warm memories of hospitality.  In 2006, I spent five weeks in Panajachel, Guatemala with the Ramirez Family as a part of a study abroad experience. Doña Juanita prepared simple and delicious meals for me, her husband, Don Rodolfo and their three young children.

Breakfast: hot tea, homemade salsa, boiled eggs and homemade corn tortilla.

Black Bean, Corn & Tomato Salad

I put together an easy and flavorful black bean, corn and tomato salad. 

Rinse and drain three cans of black beans, drain a bit of liquid from one can of corn and slice three to five small tomatoes.  After combining those ingredients in a shallow bowl, add special things to give the salad flavor and a little heat.  I added Trader Joe's wonderful Corn and Chile Salsa and pieces of fresh cilantro to my salad.

A Simple Greek Salad

On Saturday, I stopped by the State Farmer's Market to purchase ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and a big red onion.  Using those items with food I already had in the pantry and in the fridge, I made a big Greek salad for the fellowship meal at church.  The salad consisted of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, black olives, feta cheese, bulgur wheat, dill, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil with a dash of salt and pepper.  I was pleased how flavorful and colorful it was.  I used the leftover ingredients to make a couple of salads for myself this week.