Dinner on Sunday

Every meal I make, I make with love.. Thank you Chandra and Dalton for giving me this chance for a new beginning..Yesterday was an awesome day for Chandra and I.. We got to spend the whole day alone together thanks to grandma and grandpa!! (Thanks again!!)..  We took the time to plant our herb garden!

Herb garden consists of: (Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Golden Sage, Pineapple Sage, Lg. Leaf Basil, Lemon Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Mint and Parsley!)  I cannot wait to taste the difference a fresh herb garden can provide for us!  Now, onto last nights delicious meal.

_________________________________________________

Beef Strips with Orange and Ginger - (made Sunday, 5.16.10)

"Stir-frying is one of the best ways to cook with the minimum of fat.  This recipe is ideal for people trying to lose weight, those requiring a low-fat and low-cholesterol diet or, in fact, anyone who wants to eat healthfully." ~ Chinese, the essence of Asian cooking by Linda Doeser

_________________________________________________

I LOVE this cookbook, it has taught me to stop being a lazy cook and to enjoy the labor of cooking, I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn Asian or Indian cooking.

This meal was amazing... I followed the recipe to a T and only added pea pods because our local produce market had them fresh today.  As a side, I made Pot Stickers, cream cheese, a little left-over pork roast and a splash of soy (my own recipe).. Sauce on the right is: Oyster sauce, little soy and little olive oil.. again, amazing.. taste buds were in heaven last night..  

I bought the sirloin from Meijer (local grocery), I didn't want a cheap cut of beef for this meal, so I asked a butcher to cut one of his prime black angus loins in half... he wasn't very happy about this, but after explaining what it was for, he gladly obliged... If you don't ask, you will never, ever, know..  Cost on the loin was about $9.00.

Found baby carrots on sale, found fresh egg noodles (not dry!) and of course found all the shallots etc needed there..   Total cost of dinner: $12.00  ( 3 persons eating = $4.00/person!! )  

$4.00/ea to have a truly amazing and VERY healthy dinner at home?... yes please :)

__________________________________________

RECIPE: Serves 4

__________________________________________

1lb. lean sirloin, cut into thin strips

finely grated rind and juice of 1 orange (we used 2 to cover loin)

1 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tsp cornstarch (NOT flour)

1-in piece fresh ginger, chopped fine (it will seem like a lot, no worries, it cooks out)

2 tsp sesame oil

1 Large Carrot cut into thin strips (we used baby)

2 scallions, thinly sliced

rice or egg noodles, or boiled rice to serve

1) Place steak strips in a bow with orange rind and juice, marinate for 30 minutes

2) Prepare ALL ingredients while marinating steak

3) Drain liquid from steak and RESERVE it.

4) Combine steak, soy sauce, ginger and cornstarch, mix very well

5) pre-heat wok or LARGE frying pan (pre-heating to very hot is an essential skill!! learn it!)

6)(follow precisely!) Add steak, stir-fry for (1) ONE minute, add carrot, stir-fry 2-3 minutes

7) Stir in the scallions and reserved marinade liquid.  Cook, stirring constantly, until boiling and thickened, reduce heat to low.. Serve hot over noodles or plain boiled rice.

I hope everyone tries this!!  It was seriously the best Chinese food we have had in or out of a restaurant and will be making it again soon by request!

TONIGHT: HOMEMADE PIZZA!!