I got a veggie spiralizer for Christmas, so I’m jumping on the zoodle bandwagon.  Zoodles are zucchini “noodles.” My spiralizer looks like a giant pencil sharpener.  You put the zucchini or other vegetable in, twist, and voila!  Veggie spirals!

I’m going asian inspired with the recipe today.  I’m making my peanut sauce dressing and using tofu as the protein.  This dressing is also great for salad or Cadester likes it tossed with whole wheat penne, chicken, and broccoli.  This recipe is quick and easy and vegetarian.  You could also saute some chicken or shrimp instead of using tofu.

Thai Zoodles with Peanut Sauce Dressing  (serves 2)

• 2 zucchini, spiraled
• 1/2 cup julienned carrots or red bell pepper
• 1 cup of cubed firm tofu
• cilantro
• green onions
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped peanuts or cashews (optional)
• 1-2 tsp sesame oil

for the Peanut Sauce, whisk together:

• 2 Tbsp natural, unsweetened peanut butter  
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove of garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp sciracha (optional)
• 2 tsp of balsamic vinegar
• pinch of salt

Saute tofu for a minute or two in tsp of sesame oil on med high. Add carrots and zucchini and  saute for another minute.  Do not overcook, just quick saute to soften slightly and heat through.  Remove from heat, toss with sauce, peanuts, and cilantro.

Yum! Thai-inspired zoodles.

After the indulgences of the holidays, a good body and liver detox is definitely in order!  Turmeric is an excellent liver detoxifier.  Combined with ginger, it makes a soothing tea with powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Fresh turmeric from Sensei Linnelle’s garden.  (Mahalo, Sensei Linnelle!)

• 1 Tbsp fresh turmeric, finely grated
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
• ½ – ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch black pepper
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2- 1 teaspoon honey (or agave) to taste
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• 2 cups of water

The addition of black pepper which contains piperine, aids the absorption of curcumin, one of the active ingredients in turmeric.  The healthy fats in coconut milk or a bit of coconut oil will  also optimize absorption by the body.

Bring the water to a gentle boil and steep the grated turmeric and ginger for 10 minutes. Stir in the pepper, vanilla, and honey.  Strain. Add the coconut milk and serve.

Makes 2 cups.

Warm and spicy Turmeric-Ginger tea. Yum!

Lovely flowers for the new year at the KCC Farmer’s Market

Here at Red Lotus, we are all about keeping it real.  Most of us are busy, working professionals trying to balance the stress of family, relationships, and life’s everyday curve balls.  We want to be healthy, but let’s face it– sometimes a glass of wine is very welcome at the end of a long, crazy day.  Balance is the name of the game.

My food philosophy is the same: 95% clean eating and 5% indulgence.  Keep it real.  Good nutrition is one of the cornerstones of health, but it is very difficult to maintain any kind of extreme “diet” that forbids you from eating something for the long haul.  My goal is to make eating choices that support a healthy lifestyle, but allow me to have a piece of cake (or wine!) once in a while.

For me, the kitchen is the heart of the home.  One of my favorite things to do is to take nostalgic, comfort food recipes and make healthier (but still yummy) clean-eating versions for my son and me.  And I love sharing tasty recipes with my dojo family.

So, I hope you will join me on my food journey this year.  Let’s try some new things, put a healthy spin on old favorites, and savor a few indulgences.

xoxo!