Spicy Thai Noodles

Have I ever told you my favorite place in the whole world is Thailand? Cause it is. I've had the privilege of being all over the country(and it's neighbors). Thai food ranks as one of my favorite types...ever. It seems its in a three way tie with Chinese and Mexican. I think it boils down to my love of spicy food. Anyways, I have only dabbled in a few thai dishes. Most of them being complex in flavor and/or preparation. This, well its got all the flavor but is a pretty easy dish to make. Which is a winning combo in my book. We gobbled this stuff up in no time. 

Kitchen tid-bit: Ginger is something I find myself using more and more, but I can go a week or two without sometimes. Which can make for having to throw away shriveled up ginger fingers and having to buy new ones when you find yourself craving say...gingerbread mini muffins with a brown sugar glaze? (COMING SOON!!) Here's what ya do. Buy a good chunk of ginger. Peel and freeze! Then whenever you need some pull it out and grate it! Easy peasy! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 pkg of whole wheat spaghetti 

1 head of broccoli, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup water

1 tbls brown sugar

3 tbls low sodium soy sauce, divided

1 tbls rice vinegar

1 tbls sesame oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced or grated

1 tbls crushed red pepper flakes

*Prepare the pasta as directed, drain and set aside back in stock pot.

*While pasta is cooking, mix together peanut butter, water, sugar, soy, and vinegar and aside.

*Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add in 1 tbls of soy sauce as well as bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. You can also add in a bit more water if needed. Cook until veggies are tender, another few minutes. Remove from heat.

*Place the pot with noodles back onto a medium heat. Pour in peanut sauce and the cooked veggies. Stir to coat and cook until everything is hot. 

*Enjoy!

PB&Chocolate Bites

Today I am thankful for,

my God.

Fun fact...I'm very thankful for Him everyday! Its true. Today though I am thankful for a specific facet of His character, His acceptance. There are so many rules, regulations, pressures, expectations...(I could go on) put on us by the world. Yet the Lord of heaven and earth says simply...come. Come to me as you are. Come to me with your burdens, your scars, your insecurities, your pride, your talents, your heart...come. He accepts all, and not only that, but turns around and causes it for good and for His glory.

Another blessing from God, to be ever-so-thankful for...the mouthwatering combination of peanut butter and chocolate! This is like one of the only ways I eat chocolate. Those darn peanut butter cups!! This is a recipe that is out there in several different places. Seems like everyone and their mother is making peanut butter cups. Reason: they are fantastic! Hello!! So after perusing a handful of homemade versions of this treat, I came up with my own take. Lets just call this a homerun.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bag Hershey's milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups natural peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
3 graham crackers, crushed

*Combine peanut butter, sugar and graham cracker crumbs in a bowl. Make sure the consistency is good enough for you to roll them into balls. Add more crackers or sugar(you pick)to get it there. Kind of depends on the peanut butter you are using.
*Using a small pot, heat a cup of water over medium heat, you want it to slightly bubble, but not boil.
*In a metal or glass bowl, place the chips. Then put the bowl over the pot to use, double boiler like. Stir until the chips are melted and looking silky smooth.
*Roll a ball of pb dough smaller than a golf ball. Toss into the chocolate and using a spoon roll to cover. Place on a cookie sheet covered in waxed paper. Repeat until all the bites are done.
*Place sheet in freezer for about 30 minutes.

Notes:
*We are keeping ours in the freezer, they seem to hold up better that way.
*When I reached the end I had more pb dough then I thought would get covered by the chocolate I had left. So I tossed the pb dough into the remaining chocolate and just mixed and melted it all together. Made a "log" on the waxed paper, and after it was frozen cut into chunks. Same taste as the bites...I'm eating it like its my job, FYI.