Kabocha Squash Pumpkin Mushroom Rice

With its bright orange flesh, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/10/kabocha-squash-okra-green-beans-stew.html">kabocha squash</a> is an excellent source of beta-carotene that can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for healthy white blood cells, good immunity and for vibrant, healthy eyes, skin and hair. To boost fiber content, you can cook them with their edible green skins. I bought a whole <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/12/kabocha-squash-millet-congee.html">kabocha squash</a> (<a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/11/stir-fry-kabocha-squash.html">Japanese pumpkin</a>) with a plan to cook Pumpkin Rice 南瓜饭.<br /><br />This Pumpkin Rice a pumped-up version of this <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/10/garlic-kabocha-squash-pumpkin-rice.html">Garlic Pumpkin Rice</a> and fits a one-pot one-dish meal perfectly.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14392087416_e8c336f1f6_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a>There is more proportion of ingredients (mushrooms, vegetables) used instead of rice. Therefore, the dish was cooked over the stove instead of in the rice cooker, to allow better control of cooking.<br /><br />For more fiber intake, cook the kabocha squash skin-on. This also saves the effort of slicing off the skin which means cutting down prep. time. However, the skin was sliced off in this recipe for the dish's texture to be consistent with the fluffy rice.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14228622110_6cfafbde66_z.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;"></iframe><b>Kabocha Squash/Pumpkin Mushroom Rice 日本小南瓜饭</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />1 shallot, thinly sliced<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />1tbsp dried krill/shrimp (omit if vegetarian)<br />4-5 fresh small-medium cap-size shiitake mushrooms<br />1/4 squash, slice to 4 wedges, then diced to cubes, remove skin<br />1/4 wedge of small head cabbage, sliced to bite-size<br />2tsps soy sauce<br />Salt and pepper<br /><br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute the shallots, then add krill or dried shrimps to make it fragrant, followed by garlic. Then add the mushrooms, a little soy sauce and saute till mushrooms are slightly tender. Add the pumpkin, then cabbage, a few tbsp of water to moisten the mixture, cover the pot, and simmer for about 5-8 minutes till flavors are married. Add in rice, give it a good stir, then add water just enough to submerge the entire mixture. Cover the pot, and cook the rice at medium-high heat. When the mixture starts to boil, turn down to low-medium heat and simmer till the rice is cooked. Anytime you find that the water has completely been absorbed by the rice, just sprinkle in some water to keep it moisten and continue to cook the rice. As the vegetables will release moisture in the process, adding too much water will yield over-soggy rice.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14414049404_d0925d6896_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/pumpkin+mushroom+rice" rel="tag">pumpkin mushroom rice</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;"><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Kabocha Squash Pumpkin Mushroom Rice

With its bright orange flesh, kabocha squash is an excellent source of beta-carotene that can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitam...

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Stir-Fry/ Sauteed Morel Mushrooms

We are pretty much adventurous in the mushroom world. Not that we have tried the most exotic mushrooms but having tried fresh <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2018/05/pink-oyster-mushrooms-broccoli-stir-fry.html">pink oyster mushrooms</a>, <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/05/stir-fry-maitake-mushrooms.html">maitake mushrooms</a> and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/pan-fried-lion-mane-mushrooms.html">lion-mane mushrooms</a>, adding wild morels surely makes the <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/mushrooms">mushrooms-list</a> more complete.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7087/27423680645_805b6f3ed3.jpg" /><br /><br />Wild morels is the mushroom of Spring season, isn't it? I bought mine from Costco (these mushrooms are seasonal and not always available) while braving the cold produce room where I usually get my box of organic baby spinach.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7314/26816727733_ac8bb40865_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Adopting a similar approach as this <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/05/stir-fry-maitake-mushrooms.html">Stir-Fry Maitake Mushrooms</a> and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/10/maitake-mushrooms-with-garlic.html">Maitake Mushrooms with Garlic</a>, less is more and simple is best. So goes the morels in a pan, followed by some shallots/onions, garlic and finished off with some butter. That's it. So easy, delicious, earthy and full of <i>umami </i>goodness.<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/morel+mushrooms" rel="tag">morel mushrooms</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><br />

Stir-Fry/ Sauteed Morel Mushrooms

We are pretty much adventurous in the mushroom world. Not that we have tried the most exotic mushrooms but having tried fresh pink oyster mu...

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Pink Oyster Mushrooms, Broccoli Stir-Fry

The reward of visiting the local farmers market is having the family enjoy easy and delicious dishes e.g. <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/baby-shiitake-mushrooms-stir-fry.html">Baby Shiitake Mushrooms Stir-Fry</a> and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2018/04/spring-peas-chinese-broccoli-stir-fry.html">Spring Peas, Mushrooms Stir-Fry</a> that are prepared from fresh and local produce.<br /><br />As part of the oyster mushroom family, I was amused by the vivid pink of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleurotus_djamor">pink oyster mushrooms</a> when I saw them at Far West Fungi, Saratoga Farmers Market. Some also call it flamingo oyster mushroom because it is as pink as the flamingo. Oyster mushrooms live up to their name; they look like oyster shells and have a mild seafood taste.<br /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8658/16616733145_5b216eb225_z.jpg" /> <br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8571/16429722380_4c9667542b_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>Pink Oyster Mushrooms and Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 small punnet pink oyster mushrooms (from Far West Fungi at Saratoga Farmers Market)<br />1 bunch of Chinese broccoli or <i>Kailan </i>, separate stems and leaves<br />Salt and ground white pepper , to taste<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute mushrooms and garlic for a few minutes till mushrooms are slightly tender. Add vegetables stems, mix with mushrooms and garlic, cover the pan, steam for 3-5mins. Then add leaves, mix well, cover pan and steam 2-3 mins. Salt and pepper to taste.<br /><br /><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16430937579_80083b3d00_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/pink+oyster+mushrooms" rel="tag">pink oyster mushrooms</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>

Pink Oyster Mushrooms, Broccoli Stir-Fry

The reward of visiting the local farmers market is having the family enjoy easy and delicious dishes e.g. Baby Shiitake Mushrooms Stir-Fry ...

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Spring Peas Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry

Welcome, Spring! When the days get longer, I always look forward to visiting our favorite <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/baby-shiitake-mushrooms-stir-fry.html">Saratoga farmers market</a> for fresh local produce then make healthy and delicious dishes out of it.<br /><br />This dish today is similar to <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/snap-and-snow-peas-stir-fry-with.html">Snap and Snow Peas Stir-Fry</a>. The snap peas and snow peas are still the "star" here while the <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/snap-and-snow-peas-stir-fry-with.html">broccoli and shiitake mushrooms</a> have been switched to <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/01/gai-lan-chinese-broccoli-soup.html">Chinese broccoli</a> and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/03/baby-bok-choy-with-oyster-mushrooms.html">oyster mushrooms</a>.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1486/26513094655_98b3336735_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br />The <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/snap-and-snow-peas-stir-fry-with.html">preparation method for snap peas</a> is also similar to the last time - finely julienned to thin short strands. Not only the thin slices of snap peas cook faster and the flavors infuse more thoroughly with most of the vegetables that are prepared of similar sizes; the slicing also breaks down the tough "strings" (fibers) often found along the edges of the snap peas. Best of all, when the cooking of uniform pieces/size of vegetables is well-controlled, the crisp texture of the snap peas is maintained in a stir-fry.<br /><br />If you are planning a one-dish noodle meal, this stir-fry can mix in very harmoniously with thin noodles strands. Imagine every mouthful is a perfect balance of textures and fresh delicious flavors of vegetables and noodles.<br /><br />That is just too much effort prepping and slicing the snap peas? There is always a simpler version <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/snap-peas-hijiki-seaweed-stir-fry.html">Snap Pea and Mushrooms Stir-Fry</a>.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1542/26487156706_eb51613a13_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=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B075SLJ42S&asins=B075SLJ42S&linkId=3d5a21dc60c449057724991292da4964&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Spring Peas and Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />3-4 cloves garlic, minced<br />2 green onions, sliced<br />1 red chili, thinly sliced<br />1/2 cup thinly sliced organic carrots<br />1 standard punnet of yellow oyster mushrooms (or any other variety you prefer)<br />About 15-20 snow peas/snap peas, remove though "strings" along the edge, thinly sliced<br />1 bunch of young tender <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/01/mushrooms-with-gai-lan-chinese-broccoli.html">Chinese broccoli</a>, stems and leaves separated, thinly sliced<br />1/2 cup organic corn kernels<br />1-2 tsp soy sauce<br />Salt and ground white pepper to taste<br />1 tsp of sesame oil<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Heat some oil in the pan. Fry the garlic, green onions, red chili, carrots for 2-3mins, then add mushrooms and fry till slightly tender. When mushrooms reduced in volume and cooked, add in kailan stems, then leaves then the snap peasm then corn kernels, soy sauce and give it a good mix/stir-fry. When the mixture is cooked, add ground white pepper and salt to taste. Finish it off with sesame oil and turn off the stove.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1464/26513094455_177f25dcde_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/snow+peas" rel="tag">snow peas</a>,<a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/snap+peas" rel="tag">snap peas</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>

Spring Peas Chinese Broccoli Stir-Fry

Welcome, Spring! When the days get longer, I always look forward to visiting our favorite Saratoga farmers market for fresh local produce t...

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Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs Braise 红烧狮子头

Isn't that just meatballs? Why is it called Lion's Head Meatballs 红烧狮子头? This Shanghai casserole dish has such a name because the typically over-sized meatballs is like the "head of the lion" braised with surrounding Napa cabbage that resembles "the lion's mane".<br /><br />For the recipe today, I have tried to simplify the preparation and cooking, hoping to achieve a healthier yet delicious dish.<br /><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15395135985_2f198c64b3_z.jpg" /><br /><br />First, for those who avoids deep-frying at home, this lion head meatball recipe shares a over-roasted meatball version that eases up stove-top deep-frying. Second, the meatballs are of standard meatball size (not over-sized) so that cooking or baking time can be easily managed. For example, if you deep-fry a gigantic meatball, it takes a much longer time to cook through the meat compared to smaller meatballs. <br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/15372111766_bfcfe86faf_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a>While the meatballs are baking/cooking, multi-task by starting a braising liquid with mushrooms and vegetables, then later braise and simmer the meatballs with the vegetables to combine the natural sweet flavors of Napa cabbage and savory meatballs.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/15208471080_e880f92079_z.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=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001L5TVGW&asins=B001L5TVGW&linkId=19e4894efa738130e4ffff440eb5821f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs Braise with Cabbage & Mushrooms 红烧狮子头</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />1 shallot, finely minced<br />1tsp finely minced ginger <br />2-3 cloves garlic<br />1 Thai chili,/fresh red chili<br />3-4 fresh <i>shiitake</i> mushrooms<br />1 handful <i>bunashimeji</i> mushrooms<br />12-15 <i>Napa</i> cabbage<br />4-5 <i>Bok Choy</i><br />1tsp light soy sauce<br />1tsp dark soy sauce<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>Chicken stock or water<br />Sea salt and ground white pepper to taste<br /><br />[<i>Meatballs</i>]: 1lb ground chicken or pork or turkey, egg white of 1 organic egg<br />[<i>Seasoning</i>]: 1tsp finely minced ginger, 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce, 1/2 tsp light soy sauce, 1tsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp chopped green onions, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, pinch of ground white pepper<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Preheat oven 375F. Line the baking tray with parching paper and brush some oil on the baking sheet. Season the pork/chicken with all the seasoning ingredients, then add the egg white to combine and shape them into meatballs. Lay on baking sheet. Bake in oven for 25mins. Remove and set aside.<br /><br />Saute shallots, ginger, garlic, and chili till fragrant. Add in shiitake mushrooms, and add soy sauce, then saute till the msuhrooms soften and reduce slightly in volume. Add in chicken stock or water to partially submerge the mushoom and simmer for about 8 minute till mushrooms are tender. Add in napa cabbage, bok choy, and beech mushrooms, add in meatballs, cover the pot, and simmer at low-medium heat till the vegetables are cooked and all the flavors of the vegeatbles and meatballs are combined. Salt and pepepr to taste, and drizzle of sesame oil to impart aroma before serving the dish warm.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3918/15394813992_630f0b4ffd_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/braised+meatballs" rel="tag">braised meatballs</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>

Chinese Lion's Head Meatballs Braise 红烧狮子头

Isn't that just meatballs? Why is it called Lion's Head Meatballs 红烧狮子头? This Shanghai casserole dish has such a name because the ty...

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Easy Spinach and Mushroom Noodles 菠菜香菇面

A poached egg would be perfect, just like this <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/07/mushrooms-spinach-saute-with-noodles.html">Mushrooms Spinach Saute with Noodles and Egg</a>; but well, life is not perfect.<br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/16534324485_0ddba801e3_z.jpg" /><br /><br />So I made this easy <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/09/healthy-zhajiang-meat-sauce-noodles.html">noodle bowl</a> that is perfect for no-time-to-make-dinner, almost-wanted-takeout-night. Indeed, it is simple home-cooked fare, without the high-in-sodium, high-in-grease burden for late night dinner.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/16348023709_d6da833211_z.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=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0054S0P9E&asins=B0054S0P9E&linkId=a623baec23716ec25b04c0c6125a03aa&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Easy Spinach and Mushroom Noodles 菠菜香菇面</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced<br />10 baby shiitake mushrooms, or 3-4 regular shiitake thinly sliced. Use any mushroom variety<br />1 lion mane mushroom (optional item), thinly sliced. Use as additional mushrooms topping (see recipe: <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/pan-fried-lion-mane-mushrooms.html">Pan-Fried Lion Mane Mushroom</a>)<br />4oz organic baby spinach<br />1 pack <a href="http://amzn.to/2xuTW7D">GreeNoodles</a> (noodles made from Moroheiya).<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute half the garlic and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/baby-shiitake-mushrooms-stir-fry.html">baby shiitake mushrooms</a>. for 6-8 minutes, till mushrooms are tender and cooked. Set aside. Use any mushroom variety or use additional mushrooms topping (see recipe: <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/pan-fried-lion-mane-mushrooms.html">Pan-Fried Lion Mane Mushroom</a>). In the same pan/pot, saute remaining half of garlic, add baby spinach, cook for 1-2 mins, then set aside. While cooking the mushrooms and spinach, start cooking the <a href="http://amzn.to/2y7FQe8">noodles</a> then drain. Top the mushrooms and spinach on the noodles. Slurp away!<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/mushroom+noodles" rel="tag">mushroom noodles</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/lion+mane+mushrooms" rel="tag">lion mane mushrooms</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>

Easy Spinach and Mushroom Noodles 菠菜香菇面

A poached egg would be perfect, just like this Mushrooms Spinach Saute with Noodles and Egg ; but well, life is not perfect. So I made this ...

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Mushrooms, Green Beans, Broccoli Salad Bowl 蘑菇蔬菜主食沙拉

<a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Salad-bowl meal</a> is becoming standard lunch routine at least twice a week in my family. Not only it is healthy and nutritious, it is also a balanced meal if you build it correctly. This is also a great way to incorporate the day's veggie and fiber intake.<br /><br />The more often I make <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mixed-green-salad-with-avocado-dressing.html">salad-bowl meals</a> e.g. <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Chicken, Veggies and Potatoes with Turmeric Dressing</a>, <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mixed-green-salad-with-avocado-dressing.html">Mixed Green Salad and Egg with Avocado Dressing</a>, the easier it gets.<br /><br />This is typically how I create my salad-bowl meals with an emphasis on vegetables, packed along with lean proteins, fiber-packed grains and good fats.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5522/31112828356_6e26b02045_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><b>Vegetables</b> - Target a variety by using colors e.g. red (bell peppers, beets), orange(carrots), yellow (corn), green(broccoli, green beans, zucchini), purple (cabbage) etc.<br /><br /><b>Proteins</b> - Egg is typically my first choice as it is the easiest complete protein to prepare. Add legumes/beans, tofu/<i>tempeh</i>, or your choice of lean protein (e.g. chicken breast, wild salmon, sardines)<br /><br /><b>Grains /complex carbohydrates</b> - Quinoa, millet, potatoes,sweet potatoes, brown rice, wheat pasta, legumes/beans, lentils<br /><br /><b>Good Fats</b> - extra-virgin olive oil which typically manifests as the <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/06/flax-oil-vinegar-honey-chickpea-salad.html">salad dressing</a>; <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mixed-green-salad-with-avocado-dressing.html">avocado </a>which can also be <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mixed-green-salad-with-avocado-dressing.html">salad dressing</a> or stand-alone as an element to the salad bowl. Lean protein such as <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/salmon">salmon</a> or <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/08/avocado-sardines-omega-3-sandwich.html">sardines</a> is also a form of good (omega-3) fats.<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=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001L5TVGW&asins=B001L5TVGW&linkId=19e4894efa738130e4ffff440eb5821f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe>The type of dressing I make is usually very straight-forward and simple - something that can be done in minutes and does not bog you down with fancy ingredients and hard-to-remember details.<br /><br /><b>Roasted Portobello Mushrooms Steamed Vegetables Salad 蘑菇蔬菜沙拉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />Vegetables: Organic broccoli florets, green beans, edamame, corn kernels, blanched or steamed and set aside; raw red bell peppers and red cabbage, both thinly sliced<br />Protein: Hard-boiled egg, and roasted (at 400F 40 mins) portobello mushrooms.<br />Carbohydrates: One serving of cooked whole wheat pasta<br />[<i>Dressing</i>]: <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Turmeric dressing</a><br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Place steamed and cooked vegetables at the bottom of the bowl. Add on the egg, mushrooms, pasta, also the bell pepper and red cabbage. Drizzle with dressing. Enjoy!<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5727/31112831856_763f74a760_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/mushroom+salad" rel="tag">mushroom salad</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/vegeterian+salad+bowl" rel="tag">vegetarian salad bowl</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>

Mushrooms, Green Beans, Broccoli Salad Bowl 蘑菇蔬菜主食沙拉

Salad-bowl meal is becoming standard lunch routine at least twice a week in my family. Not only it is healthy and nutritious, it is also a ...

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Zucchini, Tofu, Woodear Mushrooms Salad 西葫芦豆腐黑木耳沙拉

This is an easy <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/06/zucchini-bell-peppers-mushrooms-stir-fry_21.html">side-dish</a> to make from <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/zucchini-noodles-with-mushrooms-enoki.html">zucchini "noodles"</a>; and kitchen-friendly especially in the hot summer days when you want to spend less time behind the stove. As each ingredient is finely julienned to thin strips, they cook almost instantly, either with a brisk sauté or quick blanching. <br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/272/18931871268_5bc777df23_z.jpg" /><br /><br />If you prefer to have it all raw, you can. However, a lot of Chinese salad-type dishes e.g. <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/06/luffa-loofah-salad.html">Luffa (Loofah) Salad</a> do not recommend entirely raw food due to the "cooling" properties of raw food. In Chinese food therapy, consuming raw food regularly when one has a heaty (<i>yang</i>) body-type will not be an issue but when one has a more "cooling" (<i>yin</i>) inner body-system, it is best to cook the ingredients slightly. Another reason to cook it, is to prevent the possible contamination  of consuming raw ingredients/food.<br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/381/19119486485_c3d4d6c838_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/505/19113793692_9e29fe943e_z.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=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00GRIR87M&asins=B00GRIR87M&linkId=8eb8f9a3af1abae73692a9c8541de50f&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Zucchini, Tofu, Woodear Mushrooms Salad 西葫芦豆腐黑木耳沙拉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />1 block organic extra firm tofu, sliced to fine strips<br />2 dried woodear mushrooms, rehydrated in warm water till it expands and softens, then finely sliced to fine strips<br />1 organic zucchini, julienned using julienne peeler<br />[<i>Dressing</i>]: 2 cloves garlic, finely minced,1 tsp sesame oil,1 tbsp organic flax oil,1/2 tsp sugar,1tsp organic light soy sauce, Pinch of 7-spice <br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Lightly saute tofu and mushrooms, zucchini 1-2 minutes. Dish out set aside. There will be a little moisture/liquid from the zucchini when sauteed. Remove the moisture/liquid as much as possible. Drizzle the dressing over the well-mixed ingredients and gently toss them to combine.<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/zucchini+salad" rel="tag">zucchini 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>

Zucchini, Tofu, Woodear Mushrooms Salad 西葫芦豆腐黑木耳沙拉

This is an easy side-dish to make from zucchini "noodles" ; and kitchen-friendly especially in the hot summer days when you want ...

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Homestyle Kimchi Jjigae 家常韩式泡菜煲

When I tasted my own <i>kimchi jjigae</i> for the first time, I thought "what is the difference between this and <i>soon doo bu</i>"? Both taste similar. <i>Kimchi jjigae </i>just belong to a bigger umbrella of <i>jjigae</i> variety - <i>jjigae </i>refers to a savory hearty Korean stew.<br /><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15285615560_d80537cb9b_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Traditionally <i>soon doo bu</i> is a spicy Korean stew cooked in a soup broth made with red pepper paste and red chili flakes and the main ingredient is soft tofu. <i>Kimchi jjigae</i> is a soup base made from <i>kimchi</i>, and a base so versatile layered with tofu, vegetables (e.g. napa<i> </i>cabbage, leeks), mushrooms, and seafood or meat.<br /><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15285761587_21f41c8e34_z.jpg" /><br /><br />There is nothing quite like coming home to a simmering pot of spicy stew in the cold winter months. The spice heat, and stew heat will instantly warm you up. Moreover, the <i>kimchi </i>base yields a subtly-sour soup that actually whets your appetite even more.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15471982802_f966cbde5e_o.jpg" /><br /><br />Cook a big pot of "stew" to last two meals - lunch and dinner. There are some tips I live by though, so that the vegetables (and meat) are not over-cooked (or cooked twice due to re-heating) by dinner time.<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;"></iframe><b>Homestyle <i>Kimchi Jjigae </i>家常韩式泡菜煲</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />1-2 cups <i>kimchi </i>finely chopped<br />2-3 cloves garlic<br />1 tbsp <i>gochujang</i><br />Napa cabbage, bok choy - use as much as you want or the pot can contain<br />Variety of mushrooms - beech, enoki shiitake mushrooms, divided use<br />Few slices of beef and pork; divided use<br />1 block of tofu, cubed; divided use<br />2-3 green onions, roughly sliced<br />1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute the <i>kimchi</i>, <i>gochujang</i>, garlic, water , then top with more water to simmer the soup base. Add napa cabbage, then mushrooms and cover to simmer till they are cooked. Top with bok choy (you do not need to mix into the stew), and cover the pot to simmer. Bok choy will be cooked in a less than five minutes - dish out the bok choy and set aside. Add in cubed tofu, pork at the top, cover the pot and allow it to simmer till the meat is just cooked. Garnish with green onions and fresh chili. Dish out the beef, and pork and half the portions of napa and mushrooms into serving bowls, top with bok choy, then ladle hot <i>kimchi </i>soup-broth over.<br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">Note</span>: Re-heat for next meal if there is <i>kimchi </i>base leftover. Turn on medium heat to re-heat the pot of stew. When simmering, add in fresh vegetables, any leftover tofu and meat then allow to come to simmer again. Serve for dinner.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15472318725_1aa22bc2fd_z.jpg" /><br /><br />There are other Korean side-dishes you can prepare at home such as <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/06/korean-spicy-cold-chilled-tofu.html">Korean Spicy Tofu</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/04/korean-spicy-broccoli.html">Korean Spicy Broccoli</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/09/korean-spicy-baby-bok-choy.html">Korean Spicy Bok Choy</a>.<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/korean+one+pot+stew" rel="tag">korean one-pot stew</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/kimchi+jjigae" rel="tag">kimchi jjigae</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>

Homestyle Kimchi Jjigae 家常韩式泡菜煲

When I tasted my own  kimchi jjigae for the first time, I thought "what is the difference between this and soon doo bu "? Both ta...

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Roasted Artichoke, Mushrooms, Chickpeas Pasta

A simple one-bowl salad of everything, combines two cooking techniques in vegetables preparation -via roasting and steaming. The cauliflower and broccoli could have jolly well been roasted to charred-smoky deliciousness; but personally, I prefer my fresh cruciferous vegetables - steamed e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/steamed-purple-cauliflower.html">Steamed Purple Cauliflower</a>, or stir-fried e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/04/broccoli-stir-fry-brown-beech-mushrooms.html">Stir-Fried Broccoli with Beech Mushrooms</a>. Steaming, in this case, retains maximum nutrients using shorter time (10 mins or less), and lower cooking temperature 100degC steam-temperature.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1577/24627193984_91ed756304_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><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=B001L5TVGW&asins=B001L5TVGW&linkId=5NT35KF2GSUQ52TY&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Roasted Artichoke, Mushroom, Chickpea Pasta</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />2 portabello mushrooms, gently wipe/clean the mushroom with a damp kitchen towel<br />1 can artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed, then patted dry<br />1 can organic chickpea, drained and rinsed, then patted dry<br />1 cup peeled and cubed sweet potatoes<br />Handful of cauliflower and broccoli florets, steamed 8 min or less(depending on size of florets), and set aside<br />Cooked pasta<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Preheat oven 400F. Place mushrooms, artichoke, chickpea, and sweet potato on separate trays. Season with salt and pepper, then roast in for 20-30minutes, checking halfway after about 12-15minutes (give the tray a good shake for uniform roasting), then finish roasting. Allow the mushrooms to cool a little, then slice them. Add sliced mushrooms, artichokes, chickpea, sweet potato to a bowl and toss thoroughly. Add cooked pasta, and steamed cauliflower, broccoli, then mix well.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1549/25231571076_e8e90f9054_z.jpg" /><br /><br />There you have, everything healthy complete in a bowl - well-balanced and nutritious!<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/mushrooms+chickpea+pasta+salad" rel="tag">mushrooms chickpeas pasta salad</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/pasta+salad" rel="tag">pasta 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>

Roasted Artichoke, Mushrooms, Chickpeas Pasta

A simple one-bowl salad of everything, combines two cooking techniques in vegetables preparation -via roasting and steaming. The cauliflower...

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Luffa (Chinese Okra/ Singua) with Fresh Mushrooms 香菇炒丝瓜丝

These <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/baby-shiitake-mushrooms-stir-fry.html">baby shiitake mushrooms</a> are lighter-tasting (less earthy flavors) compared to their larger-size shiitake counterparts. They did not overpower the natural subtle sweet flavor of <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/06/luffa-loofah-salad.html">luffa</a> (also known as <i>Singua</i> or Chinese Okra) when cooked. The other good <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/mushrooms">mushroom</a> alternative that may pair well with <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/06/luffa-loofah-salad.html">luffa</a>, are <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/04/broccoli-stir-fry-brown-beech-mushrooms.html">beech mushrooms</a>, that in my opinion, are also lighter in their earthy flavors when cooked.<br /><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5763/20657079402_707bce2b83_z.jpg" /><br /><br />On the day I cooked this dish, the other one was asking the reason why I like to cook <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/loofah%2Fluffa">luffa</a>. Well, I have cooked many other vegetables many times but never asked this question. So I thought: he was complaining about the dish; he did not like luffa. However, I became clear-headed as I sort out my thoughts and reasons.<br /><br />I do not have a special inclination towards <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/loofah%2Fluffa">luffa</a> though I must admit I have cooked luffa in several different ways - <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/09/steamed-chinese-okra-loofah-singua.html">steamed</a>, in <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/10/luffa-loofah-with-egg.html">stir-fries</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/09/luffa-tomatoes-seaweed-soup.html">soups</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/06/luffa-loofah-salad.html">salads</a>. Yes it is a nutritious and healthy ingredient to cook with but so are the other <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/vegetables%20and%20mushrooms">vegetables</a> and <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/11/vegetarian-spaghetti-squash-noodles.html">squash</a>. I use luffa more often in summer because these are the few months that luffa is at their prime, or more accurately - very fresh and tender. Other times, luffa tend to be fibrous, so I don't even buy them. Luffa is not easily found in the grocery stores.<br /><br />This Asian squash is usually only available in the Chinese grocery stores/supermarkets and in the context of this round-type of luffa, only available in the summer's farmer market. That is why I make use of their limited availability, and cook it as often as I can. <br /><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5701/20657078642_921b1743aa_z.jpg" /><br /><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=B00VMGTDY0&asins=B00VMGTDY0&linkId=EEPVUUGNJD3SEOAN&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Luffa with Fresh Baby Shiitake Mushrooms 香菇炒丝瓜丝</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced<br />Handful of fresh baby shiitake mushrooms <br />2 medium-size luffa, peeled then prepare juliennes/thin strands<br />1 tsp light soy sauce<br />Pinch of salt and ground white pepper, to taste<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: To prepare thin luffa strands, julienne luffa from the outside to the softer seeded center. When it is becomes harder to julienne the soft center, slice/chop the softer seeded center to bite-size similar to size of baby shiitake mushrooms. Blanch the luffa julienne (thin strands) for just 10 seconds, dish out and set aside. Saute mushrooms for a few minutes, then add garlic and fry with the mushrooms. Add light soy sauce and fry till mushrooms are cooked and tender. Add the luffa pieces and fry with the mushrooms till luffa are just cooked (overcooking may lead to luffa pieces oxidizing, turning brown). Pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve the mushrooms and luffa on the bed of luffa julienne (thin strands).<br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/749/20478279600_873f4fc0a0_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/luffa+noodles" rel="tag">luffa noodles</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/stir+fry+luffa" rel="tag">stir-fry luffa</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>

Luffa (Chinese Okra/ Singua) with Fresh Mushrooms 香菇炒丝瓜丝

These baby shiitake mushrooms are lighter-tasting (less earthy flavors) compared to their larger-size shiitake counterparts. They did not o...

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Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms Stir-Fry 西葫芦灯笼椒香菇小炒

Ever since I successfully made <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/zucchini-noodles-with-mushrooms-enoki.html">zucchini noodles</a>, I wanted to have a similar dish again but with more colors (which means more nutrition!), layered flavors and versatility. <br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/394/18713893782_205c1242fa_z.jpg" /><br /><br />So here today, I made <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/zucchini-noodles-with-mushrooms-enoki.html">zucchini noodles with mushrooms</a>, plus multi-colored bell peppers. This dish can be enjoyed with steamed rice or tossed with noodles/pasta to make <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2010/11/indian-style-vegetarian-fried-noodles.html">vegetarian noodles</a> or <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/07/leaf-mustard-greens-noodle-salad.html">noodle-salad</a>.<br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/265/18531032410_942b964cda_z.jpg" /> <br /><br /><a name="more"></a><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=B00L3I3226&asins=B00L3I3226&linkId=3WJM7JN23TESNDMD&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms Stir-Fry 西葫芦灯笼椒香菇小炒</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />4-5 fresh shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced<br />3 organic zucchini (small), finely julienned<br />1/2 organic orange bell pepper, finely julienned<br />1/2 organic red bell pepper, finely julienned<br />3 cloves garlic finely minced<br />1 tsp light soy sauce <br />Salt and ground white pepper<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;">Note</span></b>: To prepare the fine strands of vegetables, I have used a julienne vegetable peeler.<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Fry the garlic and mushrooms, till mushrooms start to reduce in volume and release some moisture. Add soy sauce, and pinch of ground white pepper. Add the vegetables, and fry briskly for about 5 minutes till cooked. As the vegetables are all in fine julienne, the cooking is really quick. Salt and ground white pepper to taste.<br /><br />Enjoy as warm stand-alone salad, or with steamed rice, or toss with noodles to make a one-dish vegetarian noodle.<br /><br />Let's enjoy more zucchini noodles for now and save the <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/11/vegetarian-spaghetti-squash-noodles.html">squash noodles</a> in the cooler months, shall we?<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/zucchini+noodles" rel="tag">zucchini noodles</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/zucchini" rel="tag">zucchini</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>

Zucchini, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms Stir-Fry 西葫芦灯笼椒香菇小炒

Ever since I successfully made zucchini noodles , I wanted to have a similar dish again but with more colors (which means more nutrition!), ...

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Stir-Fry Maitake Mushrooms 清炒舞茸

Like most mushrooms, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/08/maitake-mushrooms-with-chinese-broccoli.html">maitake mushrooms</a> is a good source of Vitamin D that is normally found in fortified products e.g. milk. For vegetarians who abstain from milk or eggs, mushrooms can be a good source of Vitamin D.<br /><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15408975088_76d955d197_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Pair <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/10/maitake-mushrooms-with-garlic.html">Garlic Maitake Mushrooms</a>, and some sauteed greens with <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/10/maitake-mushrooms-with-garlic.html">noodles</a> for a quick-fix healthy meal; or prepare a vegetarian <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/10/maitake-mushroom-flatbread-pizza.html">Maitake Mushroom Pizza</a> as light lunch or dinner. I have tried combining <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/08/maitake-mushrooms-with-chinese-broccoli.html">maitake mushrooms with Chinese broccoli</a> in a stir-fry and it works really well, just as well as <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/03/asparagus-with-maitake-mushrooms.html">maitake mushrooms with asparagus</a>.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15595076095_a1cbb2147a_z.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>Stir-Fry Maitake Mushrooms 清炒舞茸</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced<br />1 chili padi, birds eye chili , thinly sliced<br />2 packs, total 7 oz organic maitake mushrooms<br />1-2tsp organic soy sauce<br />Ground white pepper to taste <br />1-2tsp Japanese sake<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute garlic then add mushrooms, cover the pan/pot and allow mushrooms to cook down, and release moisture. This takes about 5-8 minutes. When cooked down, add soy sauce, white pepper, give the mushrooms a good mix, some mushrooms might be sticking to the pot, splash in some water/cooking wine if mixture too dry and to deglaze as well. Allow the sauce to reduce (the mushrooms will reabsorb in combined flavors at this time), and mushrooms to be fully cooked.<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/maitake+mushrooms" rel="tag">maitake mushrooms</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/garlic+maitake+mushroonms" rel="tag">garlic maitake mushrooms</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>

Stir-Fry Maitake Mushrooms 清炒舞茸

Like most mushrooms, maitake mushrooms is a good source of Vitamin D that is normally found in fortified products e.g. milk. For vegetarian...

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Pumpkin and Mushroom Rice Vermicelli Noodle 南瓜米粉

Pumpkin Noodle, or specially Pumpkin Rice Vermicelli is as familiar as <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/10/garlic-kabocha-squash-pumpkin-rice.html">Pumpkin Rice</a> to many of us. However, you may have noticed that I have used pasta, in replacement of rice vermicelli in this recipe; well, not just any pasta but Angel Hair pasta. That is the only pasta, that in my opinion, comes closest to rice vermicelli.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/14424214576_bee04a7039_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><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=B004RIY4J4&asins=B004RIY4J4&linkId=WUDYLKJBCLFHHICM&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Pumpkin and Mushroom Noodle 南瓜米粉 </b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>: <br />1 small shallot, finely minced<br />3-4 green onions, sliced to 3 parts, each part approximate finger length<br />3-5 cloves garlic, finely minced<br />1/2 wedge kabocha squash, peeled, thinly sliced<br />4-5 fresh shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced<br />1/4 lb organic ground chicken (Optional. Omit if vegetarian)<br />1/4 wedge cabbage, julienned/thinly sliced <br />Some water<br />1-2 tsp organic light soy sauce<br />Salt and ground white pepper to taste<br />Noodles, rice vermicelli or angel hair pasta <br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute the shallots, green onions, garlic till fragrant. Add the ground chicken, breaking up to small bits while frying (omit if vegetarian). Add mushrooms and fry till slightly tender. Add soy sauce and pinch of white pepper and mix well. Add 1/2 cup water/chicken stock, cover pot and simmer for 5-8 minutes. Add the squash and mix well. Add more water/chicken stock till mixture is partially submerge. Cover pot, simmer for about 8-10  minutes till squash is cooked. Add cabbage and simmer for another 3 minutes. When flavors have all developed, add cooked noodles, and allow it to absorb the gravy/liquid while gently mixing.<br /><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2909/14260901487_4f9d574485_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/vegetables+rice+vermicelli" rel="tag">vegetables rice vermicelli</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/rice+vermicelli" rel="tag">rice vermicelli</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>

Pumpkin and Mushroom Rice Vermicelli Noodle 南瓜米粉

Pumpkin Noodle, or specially Pumpkin Rice Vermicelli is as familiar as Pumpkin Rice to many of us. However, you may have noticed that I hav...

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Chayote with Woodear Mushrooms 佛手瓜拌麻油黑木耳

The hot summer days usually spearhead me to do the minimal, especially in the kitchen. Moreover, a <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/11/peanut-butter-sesame-mushroom-broccoli.html">vegetable salad</a> (e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/03/gado-gado-peanut-sauce-vegetables-salad.html"><i>Gado Gado</i></a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/11/peanut-butter-sesame-mushroom-broccoli.html">Broccoli Mushroom Salad</a>) is easier and more comforting on the stomach when one loses appetite in the scorching heat. It might be a <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/salads">salad</a> in name but in my kitchen, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/salads">salad</a> does not always mean raw vegetables tossed in a bowl finished off with a <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/06/gado-gado-vegetables-in-peanut-sauce.html">dressing</a>.<br /><br />Look at the recipe, how it is prepared - you might want to classify it a stir-fry or saute? <br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/19673877381_d586d0a7bd_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Did I say preparing vegetable julienne (e.g <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/zucchini-noodles-with-mushrooms-enoki.html">Zucchini Noodles "Zoodles" with Mushrooms</a>) became a breeze ever since I got hold of this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L3I3226/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00L3I3226&linkCode=as2&tag=anestofo-20&linkId=Q57H6KFU6KFTBBFG">simply nifty gadget - the vegetable peeler</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anestofo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00L3I3226" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br /><br />You can choose to blanch the <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/07/chayote-bell-peppers-stir-fry.html">chayote</a> and carrots altogether, however carrots are better off when sauteed in a little oil as the beta-carotene will be better absorbed in the body.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3834/19669398655_75d1243862_z.jpg" /><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=B00L3I3226&asins=B00L3I3226&linkId=3WJM7JN23TESNDMD&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Chayote with Black Woodear Mushrooms 佛手瓜拌麻油黑木耳</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>: <br />3 cloves garlic, finely minced<br />1 chayote, julienned, blanched, set aside<br />10-15 fresh woodear mushrooms, sliced<br />1/2 cup julienned organic carrots<br />1-2 tsp sesame oil<br />1tsp organic apple cider vinegar<br />Some sliced red chili <br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute garlic, carrots, chili in a little cooking oil. Add the woodear, stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. Add sesame oil and vinegar and immediately turn off heat. Lightly toss the woodear mushrooms and serve on bed of blanched chayote juliennes. Toss to combine like a salad when served as side-dish.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/19643199296_2d0d8c0867_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/chayote" rel="tag">chayote</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/woodear+mushrooms" rel="tag">woodear mushrooms</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>

Chayote with Woodear Mushrooms 佛手瓜拌麻油黑木耳

The hot summer days usually spearhead me to do the minimal, especially in the kitchen. Moreover, a vegetable salad (e.g. Gado Gado , Brocco...

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Zucchini Noodles with Mushrooms Enoki 西葫芦清炒金针菇

<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=B00VMGTDY0&asins=B00VMGTDY0&linkId=EEPVUUGNJD3SEOAN&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Widely known as no-carb or low-carb noodles and a great alternative to pasta was what really did not appeal to me at first as I cannot do without carbs.<br /><br />Now, I should have tried <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/zucchini">Zucchini</a> Noodles earlier since I like how this present itself as a <a href="http://www.teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/Vegetarian">vegetarian </a>side-dish, nicely paired with steamed rice or plain noodles. For the latter, simply toss (real) noodles with the thin zucchini ribbons, and the mix-in is flawless.<br /><br />As long as zucchini/Italian squash is in-season, fresh and tender, I am quite sure this dish is going to be a regular at meal times. You may also try <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/09/stir-fry-zucchini.html">Stir-Fry Zucchini</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/08/zucchini-squash-cake-fritters.html">Zucchini Fritters</a>, or <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/11/tomatoes-zucchini-cheese-arugula-pizza.html">Zucchini Pizza</a>.<br /><br />No fancy equipment e.g. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JPV3MIM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JPV3MIM&linkCode=as2&tag=anestofo-20&linkId=R7O5QQ3U3D3F5HUZ">Spiral Slicer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=anestofo-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00JPV3MIM" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is required. All you need is a vegetable/julienne peeler. <br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/508/18029854674_5e44923212_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Pass the peeler over the side of the zucchini lengthwise to produce long and thin "noodles". As the zucchini "noodles" are so thin, the dish cooks quickly, in a matter of 5 minutes or less. Zucchini "noodles" can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked/sauteed to make them more tender.<br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/531/18029857324_19ec690c5b_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/528/18464766728_d8ee3e83f5_z.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=B00FF75XG4&asins=B00FF75XG4&linkId=SOU74ABAMQWLUWFX&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Zucchini Noodles with Enoki Mushrooms  西葫芦清炒金针菇</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />5 gloves garlic, finely minced<br />2 organic zucchini, finely julienned to thin ribbons using vegetable peeler<br />1 packet golden enoki mushrooms (you can also use enoki or beech mushrooms)<br />1-2 tsp light soy sauce<br />Salt and pepper to taste<br />2 tsp toasted sesame oil<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Fry the garlic then add the enoki mushrooms, lightly saute with 1 tsp of soy sauce. Add the zucchini, add another tsp of soy sauce and lightly saute. When zucchini has slightly softened, season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat. Add sesame oil to finish. Serve<br /><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/362/18464813750_9c1ecabf40_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/zucchini+noodles" rel="tag">zucchini noodles</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/stir+fry+zucchini" rel="tag">stir-fry zucchini</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>

Zucchini Noodles with Mushrooms Enoki 西葫芦清炒金针菇

Widely known as no-carb or low-carb noodles and a great alternative to pasta was what really did not appeal to me at first as I cannot do wi...

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