Macro-Zen Bowl

New Year's morning our elderly/bored/early bird neighbor woke us up by banging on our door at the crack of dawn. By this I mean, constant knocking while the beagle was howling (screeching) like a mad woman. An unknown creature interrupting Eleanor's dog-dreams and beagle-beauty-sleep is never a good thing. Tom (aka morning-monster) loudly asked/wondered if I had maybe lost my mind because I accidentally parked in the neighbor's perpetually empty parking spot. I came home late from working a busy New Year's Eve shift at the psychiatric hospital. The neighbor has no car. He never goes anywhere. There are plenty of parking spaces. I hollered about how unromantic my life was at that very moment. How Tom should realize that romance is important and that maybe he should remember a time when we first met. These were strange suggestions from a sleep-deprived woman. Needless to say, Tom was annoyed by them. He stormed out of house to move our car. He came in and said he was sorry he wasn't romantic but he was pissed off (insert curse words here). Crazytown! We both simmered in our anger for a while. Then we had coffee-talk. We apologized. We decided to take a walk on the beach. We laughed and ate long-life noodles for lunch. That's the real-life way we celebrated the New Year. 

Goddess Bowl

We moved closer to the coast of Cape Ann.  The ocean has always been a special place, reminding us of God and all that's beautiful. When the news of the world brings us down, we go there to walk, listen and pray. Our spirits lift with hope. Our restless hearts are filled with peace.

This Christmas we're thankful for many things. The opportunity to own a very tiny condo near the rocky New England coastline is a minor miracle. We've connected with the community here through a welcoming church. This month, an anonymous and very generous person is matching all donations raised for the poor. Humble kindness is heartwarming.

I'm keeping things simple in our new nest, hanging cross-stitched pieces and my beloved art. I'd like to have a pretty French chandelier and hardwood floors someday. But right now, I'm just so very grateful and happy to be here. This is our first home. My husband and I relocated many times for his work. It's good to plant roots.

Sesame-Lime Soba Noodles

I'm half Lebanese, so eating healthy, whole foods comes natural to me. I love cooking with seasonal vegetables and whole grains. It's not so easy curbing my sweet tooth. But that's another story for another time.

Real soba noodles are made with buckwheat flour. They're much less caloric than regular pasta. They contain important vitamins, minerals and protein. They're satisfying too. Give them a go the next time you're in the mood for pasta.

Quick Chicken Pho

If you've visited me before, you may have noticed my deep devotion to Asian noodles, especially big brothy bowls of them. Oh how I love pho! The aroma of it alone can brighten my day. I've been making this quick and easy version for a while now. It mimics the slow-simmered flavor profile of the real deal. It's just delicious! 

Spicy Sesame-Broccoli Soba Bowl

After finally finishing my new Madame Butterfly pattern, I treated myself to soba. I love all Asian noodles. I especially adore brothy soups and tangly noodles with lots of vegetables like my Soba Noodle Soup with Mushrooms & Snow Peas  or my Korean Style Soba.  My pantry and fridge are well stocked with things like naturally brewed soy sauce and rice vinegar so I can whip up a recipe in no time.

This flavorful soba bowl is brimming with bright green veggies, spicy chili, warm sesame and perky ginger. The sauce is kept on the lighter side, with just the right amount of oil necessary to coat the noodles.

Double Mushroom Soba Noodle Soup

Today, I needed a major break after a pattern I was about to publish had a mistake in it. Oh well, stuff happens, right? Cooking always soothes my soul. A big bowl of Asian noodles offered me the best kind of kitchen-comfort. After being nourished by this slurp-worthy soup, I took a long stroll with my eager beagle and switched-stitching-gears. I decided to finish working on a cheerful monogram. It's springtime colors are inspired by Cath Kidston fabrics (see below for photo).

Korean Style Soba Noodles

I took a break from working on my next pattern to make this Korean-inspired lunch. Cross stitching and designing can make a girl hungry. Since I stopped working every evening in a psychiatric ER, I've been into mindful eating. Having proper meals is the new goal. Lunch is a must.

I adore Asian noodle bowls, don't you?  Soba noodles are low in fat, high in fiber, amino acids, B vitamins and minerals. They're also delicious! Here, tangles of soba noodles are tossed with a spicy sauce similar to the kind served with bibimbap.  The dish has delicious sesame, spinach and umami flavors. Ginger and diced scallions brighten things up with freshness. Chili and garlic bring in bold flavors.

This recipe is a great base for crispy, pan-fried tofu or thinly sliced chicken. A side of kimchi is also welcome with this meal. The recipe comes together quickly for those (like me) in need of a midday-Korean-noodle-fix.