Asian Noodle Soup

I work with a beautiful nurse who's my best friend. She's everything a friend and a nurse should be; kind, respectful and insightful. She looks 20 years younger than her actual age. Her fountain of youth springs from her youthful soul. This soup may also have something to do with it. She calls it her "Chinese Woman Soup." A wise Chinese lady told my friend that the soup keeps her healthy. I riffed on her recipe.

Thai Noodle Soup

Is there anything better than a big bowl of Asian noodles? It's up there on my list of favorites, along with chocolate, mashed potatoes and fresh baguette. When I was working as a young social worker in Philadelphia, I had lunch every single day at a no-frills Vietnamese noodle soup (Pho) house. They only served soup and they did it right. I slurped soup there so much that the wait staff insisted that I learn to use chopsticks properly. I love the contrasting textures and flavors of these kinds of soups: tangly noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, tender-crisp veggies and flavorful broth.  

Hot Sesame Tofu with Lime & Thai Flavors

These crispy morsels are served piping hot straight from the pan.  A few drops of sesame oil, a sprinkling of scallions and basil are also great finishing choices. If you’re on the fence about tofu, I think you’ll find yourself enjoying it in a whole new way. Sweet and spicy, the combination is always hit at my house.