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Chicken, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout, Soups & Stews

Singapore Laksa Soup

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Have you ever tried Laksa Soup? It is a spicy noodle soup that has been one of the most popular soups from Singapore to Thailand and throughout Malaysia for centuries.

And today has become very popular throughout europe and the west!  

What gives it its unique taste is the fresh tamarind and dried shrimp. 

If your not sure what that is follow along, it’s pretty simple to find now a days in a simple pre made package.

Once you get familiar with the basic ingredients of thai cooking, you will be shocked at how easy it is to prepare these at home.

Literally you can have this dish on the table in under 20 minutes.

Keep in mind a good coconut milk, will be half solid a half watery.

One that is all watery does not work as well for this dish, so be sure to buy a full fat one and organic if possible as I always find that to be the best. 

Whenever I say I’m making fresh homemade Laksa soup for dinner I get those frantic calls from my partner to remind me that he’s fast on his way home and will be making no pit stops along the way.

I guess he loves me so very much, no really he loves me and this soup equally very much ha!

Before I learned to make homemade laksa soup we would go out pretty often for a big bowl at our local dinner.

WHAT IS IN SINGAPORE LAKSA SOUP

Traditional Laksa soup has

  • Tamarind paste
  • Dried shrimp
  • Galangal
  • Lemongrass and some other Thai ingredients.

You can always go to your local asian store and find those ingredients and add them one by one or you can just use the premade paste which has it all in it! Saving you a ton of time and effort.

This is my favorite Singapore Laksa paste, serves 2-3 people!

HOW TO MAKE SINGAPORE LAKSA SOUP 

My soup is made with:

  • Singapore Laksa Spice Paste
  • One fresh Chicken breast
  • An egg
  • Creamy coconut milk
  • A few kaffir lime leaves
  • Vermicelli rice noodles
  • Fresh bean sprouts
  • Lime and Cilantro.

This soup is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of Laksa soup lovers out there.

Also feel free to add shrimp to this as well if desired.

Even though we use the premade “Laksa paste” in this recipe, which has all the ingredients one needs. I also like to add a few Kaffir lime leaves because I love that tangy lime taste, if you have any on hand feel free.

I always have Kaffir lime leaves in my freezer for whenever I’m making anything Thai. 

I find it really enhances this dish even more, however this is optional as the lime juice at the end does a good job to adding that similar taste. 

Also be sure to only squeeze the juice of a lime in at the end, you do not want to cook the lime. It will ruin the flavor of the soup. 

Notes: Things to keep in mind 🙂

  • Look for a good solid coconut milk, you do not want to use any low fat variety. One that is all watery does not work as well for this dish, typically organic or traditional Thai coconut milk varieties have the best products.
  • “Lemongrass”, “Galangal” and “Kaffir lime leaves” can be found in most Asian stores. But the paste that I use has all those ingredients in it.
  • Add in the lime last, you do not want to cook the lime because it will ruin the flavor.
  • Do not eat the “Kaffir lime leaves” there just for flavoring, if you’re going to use these for added flavor. Make sure to bruise each leaf before adding to the pot.
  • Want more heat, simply serve some red chili paste on the side like I do. I try to stay away from fresh thai chilies for this soup, because those babies are super hot and can burn the eyes and hands if not handle properly.

 


 

I’m thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

 

Appetizers & Sides, Salads

Fruity Almond Couscous Salad

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This super healthy Fruity Almond Couscous Salad Salad is the perfect summer side dish. 

It has hints of sweetness but is by no means overpowering because the yogurt and almonds help to balance all those sweet fruits out just right. 

Also couscous can be served on its own as a main dish if desired as well.  Sometimes I will shred the leftover meat from a rotisserie chicken over top which goes really well with this type of salad.

Today I’m using instant couscous, which has been pre-steamed and dried. It saves a whole lot of time and is just as healthy for you as the ladder.

Did you know that Couscous is a staple food throughout the North Africa? And has only gained popularity throughout Europe and the West over the past century.

Yup it’s true and prior to becoming a global food group couscous took days to prepare by hand by large groups of woman.

Properly cooked couscous should be light and fluffy and should not be gritty.

In order to achieve this fluffiness one must boil some water or stock and then pour just the right amount over the couscous.

This allows it to fluff up perfectly then you can finish that fluffing with a fork. 

Today I  made mine fruity, by adding canned oranges, apples and dried cranberries. Feel free to chop up a “fresh orange” instead of the canned variety if you wish.

I just love this simple couscous salad and i’m sure you will too.

If you want to make it a little lighter feel free to omit the mayo and just add plain yogurt, which will make it a even less sweeter taste. 

This salad can be enjoyed pretty much any time of year, however I am sure this particular salad will be perfect for those long summer nights out on the back patio! I can picture it now 🙂 Can’t you?

Looking for a Awesome drink recipe to serve with this salad? Try my “Raspberry sweet tea” that is made with agave nectar or honey.


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, I appreciate every single one of you! If you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

 

Barbeque, Chicken, Dinner ideas

Cremini & Shiitake Mushroom Chicken Stew

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Camping and Cooking does not get much better or easier than this, think easy prep and easy clean up. I like to cook this simple dish at home also, however it works just as good for when we are camping. In the past I have used the “Original Campbells mushroom soup” for this recipe. 

However when I saw this new Campbell’s Cremini & Shitake Mushroom, I knew it would also work great and tried it on our last cookout. Oh boy was it good, the different type of mushrooms made it even better than the original. 

So if you’re a camper like us then you are well aware that everything tastes much better in the great outdoors, so be prepared to have your socks knocked off with this recipe. 

Camping with a large crowd? No problem simply double this recipe up by using a larger lasagna pan.

Also feel free to add some fresh Cremini & Shitake Mushrooms as well if desired. This would really like this dish up a extra notch.  

Everyone is going to love this recipe, it’s so simple yet so good!

Note: If you’re camping  in bear country, take appropriate precautions to keep your campsite as unattractive to bears as possible. To do this simply purchase and properly use a bear-proof garbage container or ensure all your garage is placed in a sealed bin in your vehicle or at a designated dump once your done cooking, this helps keep our wildlife safe and you as well.

 


 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! You can post a review, picture below or via Instagram and let me know how it turned out. And by doing so you will be automatically entered into our seasonal CONTEST to win one of our great prizes. Winner will be notified via email within a week after the contest closes. Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

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Blog

Healthy Hibiscus Popsicles

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These Healthy Hibiscus Popsicles will cool you down on a hot summer’s day and are super healthy for you too. 

Made with two simple ingredients of hibiscus tea, and agave nectar.

Whenever I brew a batch of hibiscus tea, I get such a sense of satisfaction watching my brew go from clear white to a deep dark purple red color.

It’s just so very beautiful to see, and knowing it’s a natural process is even that more exciting!

I never eat those store bought popsicles that are filled with sugar and other unnatural things, which are incredibly unhealthy. 

I always have this tea in stock during the summer months, as I like to make drink this tea often and make these popsicles when it cools down.

A Healthy Summer Treat, to cool you down and satisfy that sweet tooth.

The health benefits of hibiscus tea, also known as Agua de Jamaica, include its ability to treat high blood pressure.

High cholesterol, disturbed digestive and immune system and inflammatory problems as well.

It also can help cure liver diseases and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss.

It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants and helps in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety”.

Check out more benefits of Hibiscus tea here.

Note: You can add a fruit juice of your liking in replace of agave nectar if you’d like.

 


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear about it! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Quick Ginger Beef

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Who knew cooking chinese food at home would be this easy, I can make this Ginger Beef dish in under 15 minutes no problem as long as I prep a little prior. 

Preparing in advance takes no time at all, just tenderize the beef in some cornstarch and water and pre cook the rice.

To tenderize the beef, simply slice the flank steak across the grain and marinated it in a cornstarch water mixture prior. 

And then cook the rice in a rice cooker, once those step are done the rest of the dish takes literally less 15 minutes to pull together.

Ginger beef or Ginger chicken are popular dishes in many asian restaurants.

And is actually Jason’s favorite stir fry, so whenever I say I’m making it tonight! He gets excited and actually does all the dishes afterwards.

I read over a few dozen recipes and tested a few then came up with this method to cooking it to our liking.

This recipe is not only super delicious, it’s also quick and healthy for you, I hope you give it a try!

Also this dish can be made for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for takeout.

So if your trying to get your family to eat healthier, try this recipe tonight.

Sauteed in the most delicious sauce your family won’t believe this didn’t come from delivery. 

If you like this dish be sure to check out this website for more of my favorite asian dishes.

You can throw in practically any type of pepper in here green, orange, yellow.

Also some people like to add julienned carrots so do whatever works for you.

If you end up trying this I would love to know what you think, just let me know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to this blog for more Healthy Chinese Recipes to come in the following months 🙂


I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! hank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

 

 

Drinks and Smoothies

Raspberry Sweet Tea

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This Raspberry Sweet Tea is healthy for you! Yup and that is because it is made with honey and organic raspberry tea.

Staying refreshed and cool in this hot weather can be a challenge. Today I’m sharing my very favorite recipe for a healthier version of sweet tea. 

So you can forget most of those American sweet tea’s which are filled with to much refined sugars and are not good for you.

And try my recipe instead! 

It tastes similar to those other Americanized sweet teas but it is much more healthier for you.

And that is because we are using organic raspberry tea bags.

WHAT’S RASPBERRY TEA GOOD FOR

Raspberry tea can reduce inflammation of the throat and intestines. It also can strengthen your immunity as it contains magnesium, potassium, iron and b-vitamins. Which all helps for nausea, leg cramps, and improving sleep during pregnancy.

Not to mention it also reduces anxiety type symptoms, naturally. 

 I can drink this all Summer long, so refreshing. 

WHICH RASPBERRY TEA WILL INDUCE LABOR

Red raspberry leaf tea has been rumored for centuries to be a“uterine tonic” of sorts. Which works to help pregnant women to help induce labor.

The specific combination of nutrients in Raspberry leaf/tea makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system as well and is high in Vitamin C. 

Even more reason to sip on the healthier version of sweet tea, right?

By omitting the refined sugar that regular sweet tea call for and replacing it with raw honey or agave nectar.

Helps to boost your immune system and omit the refined sugars that most of us are all sick of. 

This way you can sip away all day long, and not feel guilty about a thing. 

I like to brew my tea’s at night, this way it cools down naturally on the shelf.

And come morning I just add my ice cubes and it’s ready to be enjoyed all day. 

Just make sure you using real honey, you will know it’s real because it will be somewhat stiff and not runny.

Simply melt it directly into your hot brew and it will melt naturally. If you end up giving this a go, do let me know in the comments below.

I would love to see more people switching over and enjoying a healthier version of the very much loved sweet tea. 

So sit back and relax and enjoy a healthy version of Sweet tea.

 

Looking for another Summertime beverage that is healthy for you?

Try my “Dandelion iced tea”

Date Night, Dinner ideas, Meal Prep, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Pepper Beef Broccoli Stir Fry

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Does your family like authentic chinese food as much we do? Well then you’re definitely going to want to add this Black Pepper Beef Broccoli Stir Fry to your recipe collection!

I’m now happy to share with you my family’s favorite way to make black pepper beef stir fry. 

This recipe is not only super delicious, it’s also quick and healthy for you, win win!

Also this dish can be made for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay for takeout.

So if your trying to get your family to eat healthier, try this recipe tonight.  

Sauteed in the most delicious sauce your family won’t believe this didn’t come from delivery.

If you tried my Black Pepper Chicken stir fry and liked it then your sure to like this one too.

There are a few different techniques to making it with beef, which I will teach you below.

First off the beef needs to be first tenderized first and foremost. 

I learned to do this recipe through much trial and error and found the type of beef that works best is “flank steak” however you could use tenderloin or new york strip as well.

Then you will want to thinly slice the beef against the grain and allow it to marinade in baking soda for a minimum of 20 minutes to tenderizes it.

You can throw in practically any type of vegetable, I sometimes will use just peppers, other times I will use snow peas.

I hope you give it a try and if you do I would love to know what you think, just let me know in the comments below.  

I like to serve this Black Pepper Beef with some cooked jasmine rice on the side, and will use a mini rice cooker to cook the rice.

Just set it and it will be ready when the dish is completed. I hope you give it a try there really isn’t much too it!

Meal Prep Idea: Make enough to create a few meal prep bowls for the week ahead, this recipe will feed two for dinner and create two meal preps.

 

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

Notes:  You may use any other vegetables you have on hand such as snow peas, green peppers etc.  Also feel free to use anywhere from 1 tsp to 3 tsp of black pepper depending on your households preference. 

I am so thrilled you are reading one of my recipes, if you made this recipe i’d love to hear how it turned out! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Chicken, Dinner ideas, Quick and easy recipes, Skip the takeout

Black Pepper Chicken

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This Black Pepper Chicken stir fry is just like the kind of recipe you would order from in your favorite restaurant.

Love this recipe? Then you may want to try my Black Pepper Shrimp Recipe too!

With just two chicken breasts you can feed a family of four easily.

So what are you waiting for?

By the time you dial up your local restaurant, you can have this delicious and authentic stir fry on the table.

This Black Pepper Chicken recipe is 100% keto and is something the whole family can enjoy!

This whole dish sauteed in a simple delicious sauce that is sure to curb your take-out craving for tonight!

Leaving everyone in your household asking for seconds or maybe even thirds. 

WHAT IS IN BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN

  • Oyster sauce
  • Soya sauce
  • Ginger
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Cornstarch

What makes this stir fry one of my favorites is that it is packed with plenty of fibrous vegetables.

Such as broccoli, peppers, onions and celery.

WHAT ELSE CAN GO INTO BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN STIR FRY

Protein; Chicken, Beef, Pork, Shrimp, Calamari

Vegetables; snap peas, snow peas, bok choy, eggplant, cauliflower you name it.

Me and my partner used to go out every week for Chinese food, we enjoy it that much.

However now a days, I like to make these type of dishes at home.

It not only saves us a ton of money it is also much healthier. Since you can add more vegetables and different kinds to suit your individual taste.

This combination is my favorite, however I do sometimes like to add bok choy and snap peas too. 

HOW TO MAKE BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN

  • You will want to start by making the rice “I like to use my rice cooker”
  • Then make the sauce, then set aside
  • Then you will want to chop all your vegetables then set aside
  • Same with the chicken
  • In a frying pan/work add 1 cup of water then all the vegetables, broccoli first and stir fry over medium heat for roughly 3 minutes till the vegetables are tender yet crisp. Remove the veggies strain and set aside!
  • Then in the same frying pan/work add 1 tbsp of sesame oil and cook the diced chicken over medium heat till no longer pink. Then add in the sliced onion and saute one more minute before adding in the sauce. 
  • Mix everything together then add in the steamed veggies, 1/4 cup of water and season with salt and pepper to taste.  
  • Serve alongside rice if desired, enjoy!  

Chinese food is typically healthier for you than most foods and this dish definitely is one of those healthy dishes.

So do not be ashamed if you eat the whole plate yourself. 

I mean it is really packed full of lean protein = chicken breasts.

And lots and lots of vegetables!

IS BLACK PEPPER CHICKEN HEALTHY

Yes, it sure is however does have a fair amount of sodium.

So if your on a sodium diet, please use just the Oyster sauce and omit the soya. 

This stir fry is so darn delicious that i’m confident it will be one of those recipes that you will want to keep in your recipe book.

And truthfully this is the best homemade Black Pepper Chicken Stir Fry that we have tried ever!

How can I make claims like that?

Well first off this is one of my favorite Asian dishes and so I have tried many different recipes throughout the years.

Not to mention I have ordered this dish at many of the Asian restaurants over the years and this one is defiantly up there in taste. 

The only difference between my dish and those in the restaurants, is that they tend to bring it on sizzling hot plate.

And well, I have yet to do that myself. 

That is not to say you can’t, for the wow factor. 

I like to serve this with jasmine rice on the side, and will use a mini rice cooker to cook the rice. Just set it and it will be ready when the dish is completed. 

This recipe does have a bit of a sauce, so serving this dish alongside some Jasmine rice is always good.

However if you are wanting to serve this as is feel free to add 1 tbsp of cornstarch to the sauce vs 1 tsp.

This will help to thicken it up even more leaving very little sauce.

Looking for more Chinese style recipes? See the video below for some ideas and or search the blog’s “Skip The Takeout” section for some more inspiration. 

Meal Prep Idea: Make enough to create a few meal prep bowls for the week ahead

Notes: Make it with shrimp, beef or tofu too. You may use any other vegetables you have on hand such as snow peas, red onions etc will work well too.

Also you can replace the black pepper with white pepper if desired. And add more water to create more of a sauce if putting this over rice. 

Liked this recipe then you will want to try my Black Pepper Shrimp recipes as well. 

If you liked this recipe? Then you will want to try my other ASIAN inspired recipes below!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

If you make this recipe, I would love to hear about it! You can leave a 5 star review in the comments below! Thank you very much for reading and until next time see ya in the kitchen. Don’t want to miss a recipe? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER delivered right to your inbox!

Recipe: April 16, 2018

Recipe updated: January  8, 2019