Grilled Baby Bok Choy

I'm fairly new to bok choy.  I've had it before, certainly, but I haven't cooked it myself very often.  The other day I picked up a few baby bok choy because a) I wanted to try something new-ish, b) there's just one of me, so the baby bok choy seemed more manageable than a full-size bok choy, and c) they're super cute.

Looking around online, it was hard to find a way of cooking them that would be diet friendly, so I improvised.

Recipe:
1 baby bok choy
1-2 teaspoons Bragg's Liquid Aminos (a versatile and delicious natural alternative to soy sauce)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Sea salt

Cut the baby bok choy in half lengthwise.  Fill a bowl with cold water and place both halves in the water, soak for about 5 minutes.  Remove from water and pat dry.
Meanwhile, pre-heat an electric countertop grill or sandwich press.
Squeeze lemon juice over both sides of the bok choy halves.  Sprinkle liquid aminos over the cut side (so it goes in between the leaves).
Place on the grill, cut side down.  Cook for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned on the bottom.  Sprinkle with a little sea salt and serve.

These still had good crunchiness, but were nicely warmed through. I paired this with a piece of steamed haddock, and the wilted leaves were very tasty with the fish.

The bok choy itself has a nice flavor, so it was really good with just the lemon juice and liquid aminos.

Beef and Onion Soup

I'm a big soup fan.  I could eat soup everyday, even in the summer.  It's been cold and grey, which always puts me in the mood for nice, warming comfort food.  Like soup.

Recipe:

1 cup beef broth (Pacific makes an organic beef broth that has no fat)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 oz. onions, sliced thin
3 oz. beef, cut into small cubes (use a good cut, like sirloin)
Sea salt, pepper, thyme

Place a saucepan over medium heat, when the pan is hot, add sliced onion and 2 tablespoons of water.  Cook 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add garlic and beef broth.  Bring to a boil, add seasoning, then simmer for about 5 minutes.  Add beef.  Simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mmm...nice and comfort food-y.

I've started another round of the hCG Diet, so coming up with good wintery comfort food takes a little creativity, but this really did the trick.  It has a good meaty flavor and really felt like a hearty soup.

Spinach and Artichoke Pasta from The Local Epicurean

While I was home in Grand Rapids, Michigan over the holidays, a new shop opened in my neighborhood: The Local Epicurean.  This place is amazing - flavored organic pasta, salt blends, sauces, and chocolate truffles.  All made in house.

Inside the Local Epicurean

I went twice in one week, and both times I was blown away by how great this place is.  The space is beautifully used, full of natural light, gorgeous window displays, and rows and rows of delicious food!  The owners are very friendly and obviously passionate about their products.

I picked up four kinds of pasta: spinach and artichoke, portobello and parmesan, sage and garlic, and aged gouda and black truffle.  So the question I have with flavored pasta is, how do you highlight that flavor?  This question came up while talking with one of the owners, and he explained to us that the sauce should be fairly minimal, just a little olive oil, herbs, salt.  Simple and clean.

So, here's what I did with some of my pasta...

Recipe:

1 package Spinach and Artichoke pasta
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Marinated Artichokes, chopped
Sea Salt

Bring water to a boil, cook pasta 4-6 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet.  Add garlic and artichokes and cook 3-5 minutes.  When the pasta is done, drain it and add to the skillet.  Sprinkle with salt and toss lightly to coat.

Serve.

With the minimal sauce, the flavor of the pasta really comes through, and it's delicious!  Great flavor, and amazing texture.

So if you're in Grand Rapids, Michigan, take a drive down Wealthy Street and stop at the Local Epicurean.  Pick up some pasta, some sauce, maybe a hand made truffle...it's a beautiful shop!