Quick Chicken Pho (Slow Cooker)

We love going out for Pho when it's a chilly day. It's a very warming soup. I came across this recipe on the BBC.co.uk/food site as a modernized "quick" version (not requiring the days of cooking OxTail). The Chinese 5 Spice was key to capturing the flavor of Pho. Unlike in the restaurant, I was unable to find Vietnamese fresh Coriander, so I had to settle with Cilantro. I also use chicken tenderloins (rather than a whole chicken to speed up the process) and Maggi brand "soy"(which I buy by the case on Amazon). The hubby likes Hoisin and Sriracha added to his for an extra kick! I also forgot the fish sauce this round, but it didn't affect our recollection of how Pho should taste. At some point, I'd love to cook genuine pho using OxTail, but for a quick imitation, this one is great!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/chicken_pho_97726

Apple and Kohlrabi Salad

We love, love, love gardening, but the second best thing is the farmer's market. Last week we visited a stand in Elizabeth who's produce comes from the Western slope. There were many varieties of vegetables that we've yet to try-one of those being Kohlrabi (aka "German Cabbage"). I read through a plethora of recipes that include Kohlrabi, but this one was perfect for summer. It's got a great asian vinegar flavor; a great complement to the grilled salmon we're pairing it with. [Also serving with broccoli and fried combo of potatoes, tomatoes, onions and fresh dill.] Definitely have to add this to our garden next year. It cuts like a potato or jicama, but has a cabbage flavor. Next time I think I'll try a roasted version. [Also added carrots.]

https://cookieandkate.com/crispy-apple-kohlrabi-salad-recipe/

Asian Cucumber Salad

I'm averaging 1 cucumber salad every other day. This one was intriguing so I thought I'd give it a go. It is now my favorite salad of the year! The hubby agrees. I think it would be a big hit if you're invited to bring a salad to a dinner. It's very healthy and the sesame seeds and sesame oil make it so delicious. It would be best to give it a few hours for the vegetables to marinate.

https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/asian-cucumber-salad/

Cabbage Rolls with Pomegranate Reduction (AIP)

We've been overdoing the sugars and fats, so we're trying to get back on the healthy path. Since we have an abundance of sausage, I'm now always looking for healthier dishes particular to pork. This recipe suggests lamb but German Sausage worked just as well. Also, I didn't want to mess with cutting up pomegranate, so I left out the seed in the stuffing and used pomegranate juice for the reduction. It tasted very asian with the ginger and cabbage. The sauce was a "sweet and sour" flavor that we absolutely loved. I would definitely make this one again for guests.

http://www.beyondthebite4life.com/2014/11/paleo-stuffed-cabbage-with-pomegranate-reduction-aip-friendly.html

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry (Pressure Cooker)

I very loosely followed this recipe. I forgot the ketchup and sesame oil, opted for black pepper rather than red pepper flakes, added orange juice, used arrowroot instead of cornstarch, and added orange cauliflower, carrots, green beans, celery, green onions after browning the chicken. I also added a little bit of chicken broth. I used a rice cooker for the rice. The flavor was incredible! And the sauce thickened up nicely under pressure in 12 minutes. Again, a practically effortless, thumbs up meal!

http://thriftyjinxy.com/easy-pressure-cooker-recipes-honey-sesame-chicken/

Best Fried Rice

Thanks to my neighbor, I now have ample supply of eggs for my day-to-day cooking. Yesterday, I didn't feel like thawing out a meat for dinner and everyone had had a big lunch so I decided a vegetarian meal would be ok. I cooked about 8 cups of rice so I doubled the recipe. I also used frozen mixed vegetables and it tasted fine without oyster sauce (which you can just substitute additional soy sauce). It was perfect and hit the spot. 

http://chefsavvy.com/the-best-fried-rice/