Lunar New Year Vegetarian Stir-Fry 年菜西兰花芦笋清炒鸿禧菇

During <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/02/food-and-symbolism-chinese-new-year.html">Lunar New Year</a>, many Chinese families believe in shoring up good luck with food that symbolizes good health and prosperity.<br /><br />With good health and happiness in mind, this easy and healthy <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/06/napa-cabbage-bok-choy-with-mushrooms.html">vegetarian stir-fry</a> is perfect for the Lunar New Year. We have broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, beech mushrooms, and tofu all in a pot, symbolizing togetherness.<br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/16583907742_1c2202fa67_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Quite different from the popular vegetarian dish <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2007/04/chap-chai-means-mixed-vegetables.html"><i>Chap Chai</i>(Braised Vegetables Combo)</a> that often makes its appearance during Lunar New Year, this vegetable combo wins on the crisp fresh bites of vegetables and light-tasting flavors, unlike the soft meld-down texture and deep-layered flavors of a braised dish.<br /><br />Each ingredient and its symbolism, in my own interpretation:<br /><br />Mushrooms 鸿禧菇 = 鸿运当头 (Good luck)<br />Asparagus 芦笋（顺）= 事事顺利 (Smooth-sailing)<br />Broccoli 西兰花 = 花开富贵 (Prosperity)<br />Celery 芹(情)菜 = 心情愉快 (Positive mood, good health)<br />Orange bell peppers 橘（吉）色灯笼椒 = 大吉大利 (Auspicious)<br />Garlic/leek 蒜(算）头 = 有的算$ (Fortune)<br />Tofu 豆腐（福）=有福 (Good health, happiness)<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/16397561190_13289a380b_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0076NOGPY&asins=B0076NOGPY&linkId=ZVINMIFBCJS5ZW7D&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></p><p></iframe><b>Broccoli and Asparagus Stir-Fried with Tofu, Mushrooms (Chinese New Year Veggie Combo) 西兰花芦笋清炒豆腐鸿禧菇</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />4-5 cloves garlic, finely minced<br />6oz organic broccoli florets<br />12-16 asparagus, sliced into finger-lengths (more on <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/03/asparagus-with-maitake-mushrooms.html">preparing asparagus</a> <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/03/asparagus-with-maitake-mushrooms.html">here</a>)<br />7 oz tofu, sliced into triangles (as shown)<br />Bunashimeji (brown beech) mushrooms or any other variety<br />3 celery hearts, sliced to bite-sizes<br />1organic bell pepper, sliced to bite-sizes (orange, yellow or red)<br />1tsp light soy sauce<br />Salt and pepper to taste<br />1 tsp sesame oil for finishing aroma<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: In a little cooking oil, saute the mushrooms and tofu with garlic, till the mushrooms softened slightly, add the broccoli and asparagus, give it a good stir, cover the pot and allow the steam to partially cook the vegetables, about 5-6mins, then add the bell peppers, celery, soy sauce and cook further for a few minutes till everything is cooked (the bell peppers and celery need not be totally softened down to be considered cooked, as their crunchy texture is preferred). Salt and pepper to taste, and sesame oil to finish it off.<br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/16584595885_ce389e2f20_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/vegetable+stir+fry" rel="tag">vegetable stir-fry</a></span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></p><p></script><script type="text/javascript"></p><p>FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd");</p><p></script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</span><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />

Lunar New Year Vegetarian Stir-Fry 年菜西兰花芦笋清炒鸿禧菇

During Lunar New Year , many Chinese families believe in shoring up good luck with food that symbolizes good health and prosperity. With goo...

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Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜红薯鸡块藜麦主食沙拉

When the goal is to simply get healthy lunch and dinner on the table, it’s not a bad idea to stick with routine and habit. Routine makes it much easier to develop the habit of meal preparation.<br /><br />Meal preparation has become quintessential ever since <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mushrooms-green-beans-broccoli-salad.html">salad-bowl meals</a> (e.g. <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Asparagus, Chicken and Potato Bowl</a>, <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mushrooms-green-beans-broccoli-salad.html">Mushrooms Broccoli and Green Bean Bowl</a>) became house meals in my family. It is not extremely difficult; but a dedicated preparation will get us there, sooner and better.<br /><br />The prep. work on Sunday, before the new week begins includes boiling and peeling a batch of eggs so that hard-boiled eggs are ready-to-use for the week; slicing broccoli and cauliflower into florets; dicing carrots, for example, so that these vegetables can be conveniently used for cooking during the work week.<br /><br />Take this bowl, for example. It may seem an easily assembled meals but meal prep includes:<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3706/32781914331_4ac9f0e3dc_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><b>Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜红薯鸡块藜麦主食沙拉</b><br />(1) Cook a batch of quinoa (about six servings)<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2906/32865260706_e82209e466_z.jpg" /><br /><br />(2) Poach 2-3 chicken breasts (or use leftover rotisserie chicken)<br />(3) Boil 10 hard-boiled eggs, one egg per person per meal (serves two each meal, for five meals)<br /><br />When it is meal time, reheat the cooked quinoa and chicken; and steam the vegetables.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2359/32781913631_999df036ac_z.jpg" /><br /><br />This is also a healthy and nutritious post-workout meal balanced with lean protein, fiber, whole grains, good fats; and powered by antioxidants and phytonutrients.<br /><br />Moving forward, I will be sharing more of such meals and meal ideas. Stay tuned!<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/salad+bowl+meals" rel="tag">salad bowl meals</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜红薯鸡块藜麦主食沙拉

When the goal is to simply get healthy lunch and dinner on the table, it’s not a bad idea to stick with routine and habit. Routine makes it ...

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Asparagus & Chicken with Turmeric Dressing 蔬菜鸡胸马铃薯主食沙拉

Just before we jump onto the "<a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/07/khorasan-wheat-kamut-bean-salad.html">summer-means-salad</a>" bandwagon (yes, I will be sharing more wholesome <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/10/roasted-artichoke-mushrooms-chickpeas.html">salad-as-a-meal</a> in summer, stay tuned!), I thought I should take a step back and do a little introduction on salad dressing. A salad dressing can make or break a salad; and a homemade dressing is definitely way healthier than store-bought.<br /><br />You know what? I used to think that salad dressing is out of my world, something that appears, kinda sophisticated. Well, it is not; especially when I K-I-S and found that Keeping-It-Simple actually works in my favor, and flavor. Something so simple that it does not bog you down when you want to prepare it. Something that will not make you go "<i>nah, so difficult, I don't want to do it anymore</i>".<br /><br />It is definitely easier to form a habit when the task (of making it routine), is undaunted.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5625/29877576110_00c8d818c4_z.jpg" /><br /><br />My go-to is always <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/06/flax-oil-vinegar-honey-chickpea-salad.html">vinaigrette-based dressing</a>, just because the base elements of extra-virgin olive oil and organic apple cider vinegar are the only ones stocked in my kitchen. Yes, my pantry stocks no other artisan oils and vinegar but it does not feel deprived.<br /><br />It is not difficult to whisk up a salad dressing, at least the dressing that makes it to my salad bowl. It has gotta be quick, so the dressing makes it to my salad bowl. It has gotta be healthy, so the dressing makes it to my salad bowl.<br /><br />Quick and healthy is this <b>"Golden" Dressing</b> that I am going to share with you today. Still, it is a vinaigrette-based dressing that gets it golden hue from ground turmeric, coupled with ground black pepper.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008H4SLV6&asins=B008H4SLV6&linkId=6O3WRU5LVUMPXTLO&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Poached Chicken, Steamed Vegetables and Potatoes with Turmeric Golden Dressing 蔬菜鸡胸马铃薯主食沙拉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />Organic chicken breast, poached (see <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/poached-chicken.html">Poached Chicken</a>) and sliced (option to use leftover chicken but make sure to re-heat/warm the chicken)<br />Asparagus, organic broccoli, cauliflower steamed for about 5mins, set aside<br />Potatoes and/or sweet potatoes, steamed to cook, then diced to bite-size (option to <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/10/hasselback-potato-with-yogurt-pesto.html">roast</a> if you prefer)<br />Cilantro, roughly chopped up<br /><br />[<i>Dressing</i>]:1 clove organic garlic, smashed and minced, 1 tbsp organic cider vinegar, 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, dash of ground turmeric, dash of freshly ground black pepper, squeeze of lemon (option) to zest it up a little<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Make the dressing, set aside. Assemble the vegetables, and potatoes/sweet potatoes in a bowl. Place the chicken on top and drizzle dressing over it. Garnish with cilantro.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8279/30088602081_13ea70c94c_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/turmeric+salad+dressing" rel="tag">turmeric salad dressing</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/chicken+potato+salad" rel="tag">chicken potato salad</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Asparagus & Chicken with Turmeric Dressing 蔬菜鸡胸马铃薯主食沙拉

Just before we jump onto the " summer-means-salad " bandwagon (yes, I will be sharing more wholesome salad-as-a-meal in summer, s...

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Asparagus and Duck Stir-Fry 炒芦笋鸭胸肉

While we spring forward in the coming week, it is also this time when asparagus marches into the stores, hoping to get a chance to meet its <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/02/how-to-render-duck-fat.html">duck</a> companion.<br /><br />How nice for them to come together this way!<br /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/16479685508_341f484a81_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8648/16479855120_6430c63c0f_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00FUF5K8W&asins=B00FUF5K8W&linkId=IITWXTBNMC4Y4CIP&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Asparagus and Duck Stir-Fry 炒芦笋鸭胸肉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />1 green onion, cut into finger-length<br />2-3 thin slices of ginger<br />3-4 cloves garlic, minced <br />1 duck breast (about 0.3lbs) , remove skin (save it to render duck fat), slice the breast to tenders, marinated with 1tsp soy sauce, pinch of ground white pepper, <br />A few cups of vegetables (a mixture of asparagus, broccoli, bell pepper) <br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Heat up about 1tsp duck fat in the pan. Add ginger, green onoins, then garlic and fry till fragrant. Add the duck tenders and fry till about 50% cooked, then add the vegetables and stir-fry till duck and vegetables are cooked.<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/16481120059_9e733f5200_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/02/how-to-render-duck-fat.html">Duck fat</a> is low in saturated fat (20% less than butter) and high in unsaturated fat, making it one of healthiest animal fats. With duck flavor within, a little duck fat makes a stir-fry come together in the tastiest way.<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/duck+asparagus+stir+fry" rel="tag">duck asparagus stir-fry</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/asparagus+stir+fry" rel="tag">asparagus stir-fry</a> </span><br /><script src="http://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Asparagus and Duck Stir-Fry 炒芦笋鸭胸肉

While we spring forward in the coming week, it is also this time when asparagus marches into the stores, hoping to get a chance to meet its ...

Read more »