asian

Roasted Vegetable Asian Orzo

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoThis roasted vegetable Asian orzo was an INSTANT winner in our house. Travis and I were fans when this was hot off the stove top and I’m pretty sure we were even bigger fans when we had it as leftovers. I find it thrilling when something is even better in leftover form! Probably because I’m a complete dork, but that’s okay. I think in this case, the orzo just absorbs all the delicious dressing a little bit more after it sits so the flavor packs even more punch the second go-around. YUM.YUM.YUM!

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoIt not often that the little guy will eat whatever we put in front of him when he’s never had it before. Usually it takes like 2 or 3 attempts before he really enjoys something (especially when that something contains vegetables). I was *shocked* to look over and see him not only devouring the orzo the first time he had it, but also literally PICKING OUT the vegetables to eat them. I think I gave him like every pea that was in the stuff one day because that just doesn’t usually happen. It is that good.

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoVegetables, when roasted, form this unique sweetness that’s just lovely paired with the slightly sweet, salty, and spicy dressing. I’m literally finding it hard to come up with words to describe how good this roasted vegetable Asian orzo is…It’s my new favorite thing to eat. I probably say that a lot but this time I can tell it’s favorite status is going to last awhile 🙂

Roasted Vegetable Asian OrzoI would eat this warm or cold. I would eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or midnight snack. I would make this for a family dinner or fancy dinner party (which, I don’t really ever have…but I would TOTALLY serve this if I did). Just give it a whirl. PLEASE! And hopefully you will love it as much as I do!

Roasted Vegetable Asian Orzo

Sesame Ginger Green Beans

Sesame Ginger Green BeansThere’s nothing more summer-like than fresh green beans. So green and fresh and crisp. YUM! We’re growing green beans in our backyard…the rabbit that keeps popping up around our yard appears to enjoy them. There are lots of blooms on our green bean plants. The baby green beans look like they have great potential. Usually the day after I notice a couple green beans that are close to full grown we find some nice stems that were eaten clean by that very sneaky bunny.

Sesame Ginger Green BeansHowever, I have to say that I did save 1 green bean from said rabbit and it can be seen here in these pictures! Yes, one single green bean. A little sad, but still, I’m like a proud parent. I have no idea which lonely green bean is ours unfortunately, but it’s in there! The rest came from my mother-in-law, who brought them from VanScoy Farms, so I could still be assured that they would be fresh and delicious.

Sesame Ginger Green BeansThis recipe is little different from other green bean recipes with its slightly Asian inspired ingredients. I guess you could say I’m embracing the spirit of the Olympics and thinking more global. Plus they’re delicious. Let’s be honest, delicious is my main concern here. Also, slightly spicy, which adds a new and interesting flavor to the green beans. I’m so used to the typical salt and pepper take on fresh green beans, which is also delicious, I may add. This just seems like a great way to “spice” up your green bean eating experience…no pun intended. Ok, pun intended.

Sesame Ginger Green BeansSpeaking of the Olympics, have any of you been sucked into the games like I have? I’ll start by saying that I don’t know much about sports. The only sport I ever participated in was cross country. If anyone knows the rules to cross country you know there aren’t any really. Pretty much just stay on the path and run the fastest. However, I somehow legitimately feel like I’m a sports expert all of a sudden for every summer sport ever. Travis and I have no problem doling out scores on gymnastics and diving, talking about who has the best chance for swimming or cycling based on their turns and form, and watching beach volleyball like our lives depend on it. I’m pretty sure the irony only grows when you think about the fact that I’m almost 9 months pregnant, sitting on the couch, and eating ice cream while this occurs. Maybe I’m living vicariously through the athletes, remembering what it was like to touch my toes…

General Tso’s Chicken

General Tso's ChickenToday is a snow day! I didn’t even have to wear my pajamas inside out or put ice cubes in the toilet like all my students told me I had to. I have to admit I thought about it though. Yes, I swear I am a grown up. BUT, I love that I can have a grown up job at a school and still get to feel the excitement of a snow day. Best. Thing. Ever! It’s like a bonus weekend in the middle of the week! Plus, we found out last night, which makes it even more amazing because I knew I could sleep in from the moment my head hit the pillow.

General Tso's ChickenAnywho, snow days when I’m stuck inside are also perfect days for cooking and blogging (luckily for you!). On a cold and snowy day like today, a sweet and spicy general tso’s chicken will surely warm you up! This recipe is kind of a hodgepodge of a bunch of different recipes I’ve tried mixed together to my own taste. Plus, it’s made from ingredients I usually have at my house so major bonus points for not needing to go to the store for most of this!

General Tso's ChickenThere’s a light coating on the chicken, which is wonderful to give it an extra little crunch without the frying. I’ve done the frying thing and oh-my-goodness is it delicious. You can certainly use the same sauce with a fried version of the chicken. However, in an attempt to cut down on the fat, I try to stick with the less oil version of this recipe, which also is *AMAZING*. It’s a happy mix between plain chicken (which would also work) and the fatty stuff that makes my mouth drool. I’ll save the fried stuff for only very special occasions.

General Tso's ChickenI love to have general tso’s chicken with steamed broccoli. You can also saute in a bunch of veggies…sugar snap peas, carrots, onions, bell peppers to name a few delicious choices. I bet that you can even use the sauce with only veggies to make a general tso’s veggie stir fry. SHOCK AND AWE! I know…mind blown. I’m just that good. It’s okay to admit it.