Sesame Noodles

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Sesame noodles are one of my very favorite things in this world. They’re great on their own for lunch, or you can toss it with any number of meats or veggies to make a more substantial meal. I’ve always loved the pre-packaged sesame noodles that I could buy in the deli of a local grocery chain. But, as with most things, I knew a homemade version had to be much better.

For December, its been unseasonably warm here in Maryland. In all honesty, I’m ready for that cold snap – but it hasn’t come yet. It feels so odd to be hunting for our Christmas tree in 65 degree weather! I normally wouldn’t be hungry for a cold pasta dish in December. But, last week I had about a half pound of pasta leftover from a meal – so I halved the recipe and took some pictures. They made a delightful side dish for a roasted pork loin that I made later in the week.

I like to add a smidgen of peanut butter, for a Thai twist. Also, some Sriracha for a little kick of heat. I used a thicker pasta noodle for this batch, but usually use a thin spaghetti. I usually like to add a bit of diced roasted red pepper as well, but I didn’t have any handy. No matter, it’s still perfect. A great dish to enjoy for lunch throughout the week!

Sesame Noodles

12 ounces, thin spaghetti, cooked and drained
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon Sriracha or chili pepper flakes
2 teaspoons peanut butter
4 tablespoons canola oil
1 tsp black sesame seeds
3 green onions, thinly sliced

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, Sriracha, and peanut butter. Whisk to combine. Taste and adjust ingredients as needed. Pour sauce over warm noodles and toss to coat. Add sesame seeds and green onions,  toss to combine. Refrigerate and let flavors meld for at least 1 hour before enjoying.

Source: adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Baked Oven Fries

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I think potatoes have kind of gotten a bad rap. And, that makes me sad. Yes, while they are wonderful deep fried – they can be great when done with a more healthful approach as well. I’ve been making baked oven fries for as long as I can remember being active in the kitchen. They’re so simple, and make the perfect side to so many meals. You can be simple with the seasonings – going for just salt and pepper. Or, spice it up! I love adding oregano, Herbes de Provence, or Montreal Steak seasoning to switch things up a bit.

The key to the awesomeness of these fries, the uber-crispiness, is a result of a soak in the hot saltwater. The undisputed best place in the world for Boardwalk fries is Thrashers, in nearby Ocean City, MD. They do a soak in salt water, which I always knew was the key to their greatness. They also don’t serve ketchup, which most people might find kind of odd. Salt and vinegar only! Anyways, the original recipe calls for regular hot water. Which, is fine too. But, if you’re a sodium hound like I am, add a little salt to the water as well. Either way, make sure the water is good and hot. I’m no AB, but, I think the hot water starts to break down the starches or something. Helping the fries along in their quest for crispiness. I promise you’ll make these again and again!

Baked Oven Fries

3 russet potatoes (about 24 oz. total), peeled and cut lengthwise into even sized wedges
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Preheat the oven to 475? F and move an oven rack to the second-lowest position.  Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl.  Cover with hot water and add 1 tablespoon of salt, stir to combine. Soak for 10-20 minutes.  Put 2 tablespoons of the oil onto a heavy, rimmed baking sheet.  Tilt the sheet side to side to evenly coat the pan with oil (a pastry brush can also help with this).  Set aside.

Drain the potatoes.  Spread the wedges out on layers of paper towels or on clean kitchen towels.  Pat dry with additional towels.  Wipe out the now empty bowl so it is dry.  Return the potatoes to the bowl and toss with the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil, the remaining salt, and pepper.  Arrange the potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Bake until the bottoms of the potatoes are spotty golden brown, 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet after 10 minutes.  Using a metal spatula and tongs, flip each potato wedge keeping them in a single layer.  Continue baking until the fries are golden and crisp, 10 -15 minutes.  Rotate the pan as needed to ensure even browning.

When the fries are finished baking, transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain some of the grease.  Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.  Serve warm.

Source: adapted from Cooks Illustrated; via Smells Like Home, and Annie’s Eats.

Maryland Crab Cakes

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Frankly, I’m embarrassed that crab cakes haven’t made it onto the site yet. Any Maryland blogger worth their grain in salt NEEDS to have a good crab cake recipe to share. The world doesn’t turn to us for much in the way of famous foods. We’re notorious for our fried chicken, pit beef, our Smith Island cakes, and of course…crab cakes. Let me start off my saying, I’m not a big fan of crab cakes. My mom always made great ones, but they were just never “my thing”. When I see recipes online, or in cookbooks, often I am disparaged by the amount of filler that people put in their cakes. Bell peppers, bread crumbs, eggs, herbs, avocado, cheese – the list goes on. It’s a travesty, people! A GOOD crab cake only needs crab meat, and a little bit of a binder. I had a recipe that I used forever, and it was great. But, I would use a good amount of breadcrumbs to get them to hold their shape. That always kind of bothered me. Then, one of my best girlfriend’s aunt shared this recipe on a local recipe swapping group that I’m a member of on Facebook. It had virtually no binding agents! Flour, a bit of mayo and mustard, an egg, and a bit of seasoning. I should also mention the fact that this said Aunt is a purveyor of crab meat. As a side-job she picks crabs and sells the meat in the summertime. The woman knows her crab, ya’ll. I knew I had to try it…

Talk about blown away! Like I mentioned above, I don’t even like crab cakes, and I ended up scarfing one down. These cakes are solid packed full of meat. It is definitely my go-to recipe for crab cakes now. They formed in your hands beautifully, fried up beautifully, and as you can see from the picture – were gorgeous inside too. I realize that not everyone can get their hands on blue crab meat. I’ve not tried myself, but I’m fairly certain this recipe would work with Dungeness crab meat, or even snow crab meat. Whatever is good, and fresh in your neck of the woods! I served with baked oven fries, as well as a green salad. They make a delightful sandwich too. Oooh, or over a bed of fettuccine Alfredo. Hea-ven!

This recipe makes about 5 crab cakes. If your budget allows, I’d highly recommend doubling the recipe, and then freezing half of the cakes. They freeze great! And, frozen crab cakes are one of my favorite “go to” easy meals on those nights when I’m just too tired to cook. Simply form and place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze on the cookie sheet for about 2 hours, until frozen. Then vacuum seal or wrap securely in freezer paper. Cook the frozen cakes just as you would if they were fresh, adding a few minutes of cooking time to each side of the cake.

Maryland Crab Cakes

Makes about 5 large crab cakes

1 pound fresh crab meat, picked clean of shells
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Old Bay, or other seafood seasoning

Add flour, mayonnaise, dijon, the egg, and the Old Bay to a large bowl. Whisk to combine. Carefully fold in the crab meat, being careful as possible not to separate the lumps of meat. Gently form about 1/2 cup of the crab mixture into a cake about 3 inches wide by 1 inch thick with your palms. Once formed, set aside on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper.

Heat about 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet (I like to use my trusty cast iron pan!) over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add crab cakes to hot oil, and fry for about 4 minutes on each side – until nice and golden. Transfer from pan to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Serve with cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and plenty of fresh lemon.

Source: Morgan’s Aunt “B”

Egg Salad

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I can’t believe I’d never made egg salad prior to this. You think it’s something that your grandmother made, and it is, but for good reason! It’s a quick, inexpensive lunch or dinner. I’ve always been a huge fan of deviled eggs, but I never make them for just us. Egg salad is a wonderful way to get those flavors without all the work. Plus, it’s VERY open to adaptation. You could easily make it more healthy by using yogurt for some/all of the mayonnaise. I’m also really looking forward to playing around with the flavorings. I added a bit of curry powder for this batch – but tons of flavor combinations are possible. The sky is the limit! Next time I think I’ll be adding some chipotle peppers to the mix. Mmm, or some of my best friend’s mother’s pepper relish. I’m hoping to score another jar this year!

I served it on rye toast this go round. I wouldn’t suggest toasting the bread as much as I did. For something with a delicate texture ,like egg salad, you need a relatively soft bread. So, if you’re going to toast, heed my advice and tread lightly. It would probably be wonderful in a whole-wheat tortilla with some additional veggies – tomatoes and sprouts, perhaps? Or, there’s always the classic presentation on a bed of lettuce or greens. However you mix it up, or serve it – it’s sure to please. A definite classic that everyone needs in their recipe box!

Egg Salad

Makes about 3 cups (5 sandwiches)

8 eggs
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced red onion
½ stalk celery, chopped fine (about 3 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper

1. Place eggs in medium saucepan, cover with 1 inch of water, and bring to boil over high heat. Remove pan from heat, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a medium bowl with 1 quart water and 1 tray of ice cubes (or equivalent). Transfer eggs to ice water bath with slotted spoon; let sit 5 minutes, peel and dice medium.

2. Mix all ingredients together in medium bowl, including pepper to taste. Serve. (Can be covered and refrigerated overnight.)

Source: adapted from Brown Eyed Baker