Tag: Peanuts

Desserts

5-Ingredient Date Bark

cathysmahaLeave a comment

Date Bark is such a yummy treat with healthier qualities than many desserts. As I made it, I used a rolling pin to flatten the dates and found it worked better. After freezing, keep it in the refrigerator to enjoy when you need a sweet treat.

5 Ingredient Date Bark

INGREDIENTS:
  • 12-15 large Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil
  • flaky sea salt (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Line a baking tray or large cutting board with a piece of parchment paper.
  2. Spread the pitted dates open and lay them side by side so they form one cluster or sheet of flattened dates. Use the bottom of a glass or bowl with another small piece of parchment paper to press the dates into an even, flat layer
  3. Spread the peanut butter across the top, then sprinkle the chopped peanuts randomly on top of the peanut butter. 
  4. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second increments, stirring between each burst, until fully melted and creamy. Expect this to take 1:30-2:00 depending on your microwave. Spread the chocolate over the top of the date bark. Sprinkle with optional sea salt.
  5. Carefully transfer the tray or board to your freezer, making sure it sits flat and level. Chill for at least 30 minutes before removing it from the freezer. Break or cut the date bark into irregular pieces, and enjoy!

Recipe from Streetsmartnutrition

Asian Dishes · Salads

Special Rice Noodles

cathysmaha1 Comment

The official name of this dish is ‘My Brother’s Special Rice Noodles’, but since this wasn’t from MY brother I felt weird saying that. Ha! This is such a refreshing salad and I love the combination of flavors. I’m a big an of cilantro (and it doesn’t taste like soap to me) so I add a handful to the salad. You could easily add a protein to the salad, if you desire.

Special Rice Noodles

INGREDIENTS:
  • For the Noodles:
    • 1 tbsp. Avocado Oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 large yellow onion, sliced in strips
    • 6 small shitake mushrooms, sliced
    • 8 oz. pad Thai rice noodles
    • 1 cup red cabbage, sliced in thin strips
    • 1 cup cucumber, sliced in thin strips
    • 3 scallions, sliced
    • 2 tbsp. peanuts, chopped
    • fresh cilantro leaves for serving or in salad (optional)
    • sliced Fresno chili for serving (optional)
    • salt & pepper
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1 tbsp. white vinegar
    • 1 tbsp. Tamari or soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp. chili garlic sauce
    • 2 tbsp. sesame oil
    • 1 tbsp. maple syrup (I used agave)
DIRECTIONS:
  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the noodles.
  2. Mix together the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
  3. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté the garlic and onions in 1 tbsp. avocado oil with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until onions are mostly tender (3-4 minutes) then add the mushrooms and sauté until tender (3-4 minutes).
  4. Boil noodles according to package directions, then add to the pan with the veggies; mix together, then turn off the heat and mix in the cabbage, cucumber, scallions, peanuts and sauce.
  5. Garnish with cilantro and red Fresno chili slices and enjoy!

Recipe of My brother’s special noodles from MaxisKitchen

My Roots

Peanut Brittle

cathysmaha1 Comment

Peanut Brittle was a Christmas tradition for my Mother. As a matter of fact, she would make so many candies to share with the neighbors, family and friends. Her home-made candy traditions included the peanut brittle, divinity, chocolate fudge, peanut butter fudge, and caramels. I’ve gained 10 pounds just thinking about it…and this doesn’t even include the list of cookies and breads she would make! She would decorate a box and include a sampling of all of her wonderful goodies.

While I wish I could do the same, I know that I would be sampling everything a little too much so only make a few of my favorites this year. Peanut Brittle is a favorite and at least it has ‘some’ protein, right?

Whatever your traditions, continue and share the memories or your childhood with your children and encourage them to create their own traditions.

PEANUT BRITTLE

1 cup corn syrup
1 1/2 cups raw peanuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup white sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda (added after candy has cooked)

  • Combine everything but peanuts and baking soda, and cook over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
  • Add raw peanuts. Boil and stir constantly with wooden spoon about 15-20 minutes.
  • Cook to hard crack stage (300 degrees). Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon baking soda.
  • Don’t stir much after you add the baking soda.
  • Pour in large buttered cookie sheet and spread out to corners fast with hands while hot and place quickly on cold table, cement or surface until foam disappears and candy hardens.
  • When cool, break into pieces.