Asian Salad Dressing

INGREDIENTS

3 oz Rice Vinegar
1 oz Soy Sauce
1 pressed Garlic Clove
1 small knob of Ginger Root grated or finely minced
(about 3/4" or 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger)
2 tsp Honey
5 oz Vegetable Oil (I used 4 oz Vegetable Oil & 1 oz of Toasted Sesame Oil)

DIRECTIONS

1. Build Dressing ingredients in the order listed.
(Acid, savory, seasonings, sweetener and oil last)
2. Whisk ingredients together.
3. Refrigerate
4. Serve over salad
Enjoy!

Asian Inspired Noodle Salad

I was inspired to do this recipe after having watched Ina Garten on one of the Cooking Channels. I tweaked this by using whole grain pasta and omitting the peanut butter.




INGREDIENTS

Salad
1 pkg of whole grain spaghetti
1 Red Bell Pepper
14 oz Snap Peas, (fresh blanched would be best, but I used frozen. You could even used french cut green beans)
* optional 1 lb of prepared grilled chicken cut into bite sized pieces

Dressing

3 fresh Garlic Cloves chopped
1 knob of fresh Ginger Root (about the size of a quarter) peeled & chopped
2 tbsp Honey
6 oz. Rice Vinegar
2 oz. Soy Sauce
10 oz Vegetable Oil
1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
*optional
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
(We have a child with a peanut allergy, so I did not use peanut butter for the family. I did however add about a tsp to my personal portion which I ate in a different room. YUM!)

Garnish

1 bunch of Scallions (thinly sliced)
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted)

Please add the dressing just before serving. This cannot keep overnight, as the acidity of the dressing would break down the noodles.


DIRECTIONS

1. Boil Noodles.
I used my pressure cooker. I boiled salted water for about 7 minutes. When it was boiling, I added my pasta. It only took me 3 minutes to cook the noodles.
Remove from water. Set aside. Chill in the refrigerator.

2. Wash and core red bell pepper. Chop and set aside.

3. Blanch fresh Snap Peas or thaw frozen Snap Peas. Drain in colander.
Chop into bite sized pieces.

4. Chop Garlic Cloves. Set Aside.

5. Peel and chop Ginger Root. Set Aside.

6. Build Dressing. Start with the garlic and ginger root. Next add honey and vinegar.
* If using peanut butter add it next. Whisk in oils. Chill in refrigerator.
You may have to whisk again before adding to salad.

7. In a large bowl, add cold spaghetti, chopped pepper, chopped snap peas, cubed chicken. Toss.

8. Add dressing.

9. Add garnish. Mix well.

Enjoy




Rice Vinegar with Chopped Garlic and Ginger Root

Add Soy Sauce


Add Toasted Sesame Oil (Be sure to refrigerate this. It goes rancid quickly)

Homemade Pizza Dough

I love to use my custom blend of Unbleached and Whole Wheat Flour. I've tried using just whole wheat flour and the dough was way too sticky. The result was too dense and more rustic than I intended. I love the ease of allowing my bread maker to knead and proof my dough.



Add Water to Bread Pan



Add Salt and Olive Oil





Add Flour






Make a Small Well in the Center of the Flour




Add Sugar



Add Yeast



Things Should Be Looking Like This



After Pizza Dough Cycle is Complete, I Allow the Dough to Rise for an Additional Hour



Empty the Dough Onto A Floured Surface or Silicone Mat



Divide the Dough into Three Portions





Transfer Dough to Cornmeal Coated Baking Stone



If You Want a Thick Crust, Do not Prick the Dough.
For a thinner Crust, Prick it with a Fork.


INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cups Warm Water
1 tsp Salt
3 tbsp Olive Oil
3 cups Unbleached Flour
1 1/4 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 tsp Sugar, Honey or Agave Nectar
1 1/4 tsp Dry Yeast


DIRECTIONS

1. Add ingredients to automatic breadmaker pan in order.
This is important. The salt can kill the yeast. The sugar activates it.

2. Follow directions on your breadmaker for Pizza Dough.

3. Allow to Rise for an additional hour after the cycle is complete.

4. Turn out dough onto floured surface or silicone mat.

5. Divide dough into 3 separate sections.

6. Flour hands and press 1 of the dough rounds with fingers to spread it out into a
10 inch circle.

7. If desired, prick surface of the dough to prevent it from rising. Remembering, to leave a 1 inch boarder for the exterior crust. This makes a thinner crust. If you prefer a thicker crust. Do not prick it.

8. Dress with desired toppings. Cook and enjoy!