Pumpkin Squash Veggie Salad Bowls

If there is any fancy <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/pumpkin%2Fsquash">pumpkin squash</a> to try this pumpkin season, let it be the <i>Delicata</i>. It is also a budget-friendly produce item to add to your autumn/fall grocery list.<br /><br />Thinned-skin, <i>Delicata</i> Squash is also much easier to handle and slice, and cooks relatively quickly (compared to the other bigger thicker-skin pumpkins), in about 20 minutes roasting time.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4478/37649669152_f23b77d254_z.jpg" /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Steamed Kale, Yellow and Purple Cauliflower, Cooked Beets, Roasted Squash, Shredded Chicken</span></i><br /><br />During autumn/fall season, this pumpkin squash has become the fiber-boosting, nutrient-dense "carb" in place of <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/08/asparagus-cauliflower-chicken-quinoa.html">sweet potatoes</a> or <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/12/broccoli-cauliflower-chicken-quinoa-bowl.html">potatoes</a> or <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2018/05/chicken-broccoli-salad-bowl-with-corn.html">corn on the cob</a> in these healthy and nutritious salad <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/grain%20bowls">grain bowls</a>.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4464/37584072251_92d7127467.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001L5TVGW&asins=B001L5TVGW&linkId=19e4894efa738130e4ffff440eb5821f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b><i>Delicata </i>Squash Salad Bowls</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />1 <i>Delicata</i> squash, sliced 3/4 -inch thick<br />About 3 servings of mixed vegetables of your choice e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, kale, green beans, snow or snap peas, beets<br />2-3 cloves garlic, minced<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>:<br />Preheat oven to 400F. Toss squash slices with olive oil, dried oregano, salt and ground black pepper. Arrange on baking sheet and roast about 25mins until fork tender. Halfway roasting the squash, start steaming the vegetables - steam with garlic for about 5mins. Layer the base of the salad bowls with colorful steamed vegetables and topped with roasted pumpkin squash.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4508/37914442831_c13d93feda_z.jpg" /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Steamed Kale, Mutli-Colored Cauliflower, Snap Peas and Zucchini with Roasted Squash (Vegetarian) </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/delicata+squash" rel="tag">delicata squash</a></span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Pumpkin Squash Veggie Salad Bowls

If there is any fancy pumpkin squash to try this pumpkin season, let it be the Delicata . It is also a budget-friendly produce item to add ...

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Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery Quinoa Bowl

Celery for fiber boost, dates for additional potassium (especially after a sweaty workout) and nuts for protein (plus good fats) - this <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/09/celery-dates-cashews-salad.html">Celery, Dates, and Nuts salad</a> turned out a perfect component to a <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2018/08/chickpea-tuna-veggie-quinoa-bowl.html">post-workout lunch</a> <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2018/07/broccoli-zucchini-cabbage-quinoa-salad.html">salad</a> <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2018/05/chicken-broccoli-salad-bowl-with-corn.html">bowl</a> composed of steamed broccoli and cauliflower, leftover shredded chicken, hard-boiled egg, and quinoa.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3741/33293195285_c7b655d95a_z.jpg" /><br /><br />For vegetarians, omit the chicken as the <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/09/celery-dates-cashews-salad.html">celery, dates and nuts component</a> is delightfully tasty to glorify this steamed vegetables and quinoa grain bowl.<br /><a name="more"></a><br />As with <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/workout%20meals">workout meals</a> and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/grain%20bowls">grain bowls</a>, I will list the main components of the meal, and not recipe with exact ingredient quantities. This is so that you can customize your meals - substitute the grains, vegetables, and proteins to your personal preferences; and especially for the vegetables - use what is freshest in your kitchen for the day. The vegetables are all totally interchangeable depending on what you have, so feel free to get creative.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/750/33137921182_b5007c350b_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00HEZ8A6K&asins=B00HEZ8A6K&linkId=adea9f90ec6d7cd3ae1b9f4f70c7645d&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery Dates Salad </b><b>Quinoa Bowl  </b><br /><i>Ingredients/Components</i>:<br />[<i>Vegetables</i>]: Ginger-garlic steamed broccoli and cauliflower plus a <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/09/celery-dates-cashews-salad.html">side-salad made with celery, dates and nuts</a><br />[<i>Whole grains</i>]: Tricolor quinoa, cooked according to package instructions<br />[<i>Protein</i>]: Shredded chicken plus hard-boiled egg (vegetarian: omit the chicken)<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Assemble as shown. Garnish with red onions, and drizzle with <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">easy homemade golden dressing</a>.<br /><br /><br />[<i>Meal preparation tips</i>]: Components such as <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/08/asparagus-cauliflower-chicken-quinoa.html#more">quinoa</a> has been pre-cooked in a batch (2-3 days' supply), hard-boiled eggs prepared in advanced (5 days' supply) <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0086ANRGU&asins=B0086ANRGU&linkId=01630cdbcd83bdbc9de9310936562fd2&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe>and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/12/broccoli-cauliflower-chicken-quinoa-bowl.html">chicken are leftovers</a>. Excluding the egg, the quinoa and chicken can be warmed up/re-heated before consumption on the actual day.  The celery salad and dressing can also be made a few hours in advance.<br /><br />Here is one rule I follow strictly when it comes to vegetables especially leafy greens. I NEVER prepare and cook the vegetables days in advance, in order to reap the maximum nutrition out of freshly cooked vegetable. They are usually cooked (leafy greens steamed, denser starchier vegetables roasted) just before the salad bowl is put together. If the vegetables are to be consumed raw like the celery salad, preparing one day ahead is fine.<br /><div><br /></div>That said, it is your grain bowl and you are eating it. Either it is everything made fresh, partial or entirely prepped-ahead, it is what works for you, right?<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/celery+salad" rel="tag">celery salad</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/grain+bowl" rel="tag">grain bowl</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery Quinoa Bowl

Celery for fiber boost, dates for additional potassium (especially after a sweaty workout) and nuts for protein (plus good fats) - this Cele...

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Veggie Salad, Avocado and Shrimp Bowl 蔬菜虾仁主食沙拉

This <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">"golden" salad dressing</a>is now the "liquid gold" in my kitchen, especially in my <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/salads">homemade salads</a> and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/workout%20meals">workout meals</a> (e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Asparagus, Chicken and Potato Salad Meal</a>, <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mushrooms-green-beans-broccoli-salad.html">Mushrooms, Green Beans, Broccoli Salad Bowl</a>) It is an easy and healthy upgrade from the basic extra-virgin olive oil-apple cider vinegar-garlic-salt-pepper vinaigrette-based dressing.<br /><br />The gold? Turmeric.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7560/30261220615_67d2e73fd6_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Did you know that black pepper and turmeric is a perfect match which defies the good'ol equation of one plus one equals two? According to some research sources, piperine - the active compound in black pepper will increase and enhance the bio-availability of curcumin (active component in turmeric) hence boost curcumin absorption in the body.<br /><br />Sometimes, I simply forget but whenever possible, I try to add turmeric in my cooking e.g. when <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/12/easy-turmeric-spiced-vegetables-rice.html">cooking rice</a>, and when <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">preparing salad dressing</a>.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5532/30261220905_d2487dcba2_z.jpg" /><br /><br />If you enjoy these <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/workout%20meals">salad meals</a>, or <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/workout%20meals">veggie grain bowls</a>, do check them out <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/workout%20meals">here</a>. Or if you prefer a <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/10/shrimps-avocado-radish-mixed-vegetables.html">shrimp-similar salad bowl</a>, try this <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/10/shrimps-avocado-radish-mixed-vegetables.html">Mixed Veggies, Shrimps, Avocado and Radish Bowl</a>.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00L3I3226&asins=B00L3I3226&linkId=3WJM7JN23TESNDMD&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Mixed Vegetables Salad with Avocado and Shrimps 蔬菜虾仁主食沙拉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />2-3 handfuls of organic salad Spring mix<br />Handful of finely julienned cabbage and/or red cabbage<br />1/2 small organic zucchini thinly sliced<br />1/2 small organic red bell pepper thinly sliced<br />Thinly sliced red onions<br />2 cups of steamed broccoli and/or cauliflower<br />1 cup cooked pasta<br />8-10 small cooked shrimps (option to omit if vegetarian)<br />1/2 cup of shredded cooked chicken (option to omit if vegetarian)<br />1 hard-boiled egg<br />1/2 avocado<br />8-10 thin slices of organic apples<br /><br />[<i>Turmeric Dressing</i>]:  1 clove garlic, finely minced, 1tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (sometimes I add lemon/lime juice to layer citrus notes into the vinaigrette), 2-3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, dash of salt and fresh ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp organic ground turmeric<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Start layering the raw vegetables (saladd greens, cabbage, zucchini, bell peppers, red onion) into a deep bowl. Then add steamed (already cooled) broccoli and/or cauliflower, pasta, chicken, shrimp. Top with egg,  avocado, apples. Drizzle dressing over, then gently toss and mix.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5484/30145696602_7fdf5462f5_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/chicken+shrimp+veggie+bowl" rel="tag">chicken, shrimp and veggie bowl salad</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Veggie Salad, Avocado and Shrimp Bowl 蔬菜虾仁主食沙拉

This "golden" salad dressing is now the "liquid gold" in my kitchen, especially in my homemade salads and workout meals...

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Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chicken Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜烤鸡藜麦主食沙拉

Store-bought or roasted at home; freshly cooked or leftovers; thigh meat, or breast meat. You can work in any meat (or meatless) protein options into this platter or bowl of food which is often gloriously called - salads; or simply a one-dish meal.<br /><br />From start to finish, this delicious and nutritiously balanced meal took only about 30 minutes to complete, with the help of good-quality store-bought rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods Market.<br /><br />Not only it saves time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is also budget-friendly if you regularly prepare meals for a small family of two to four. Typically, a whole roasted chicken can be used in two-three meals for a family of two. The drumsticks and wings consumed on the day itself, and leftover chicken (thigh meat and breast meat) used throughout the week in <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/sandwich%2Fwraps">sandwiches/wraps</a> and in dishes such as <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/08/asparagus-cauliflower-chicken-quinoa.html">Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken Quinoa Bowl</a>, and <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Asparagus, Chicken, Potato Bowl</a>.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2840/32678439444_542ab13f35_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B00LU2I428&asins=B00LU2I428&linkId=2ec1778b5b91228b7209a908763c6c61&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Steamed Vegetables, Roasted Potatoes with Quinoa and Rotisserie Chicken 蔬菜烤鸡藜麦主食沙拉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />Chicken drumsticks, and thigh (store-bought rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods Market)<br />20 small organic fingerling potatoes, lightly rinsed and patted dry<br />1/2 organic red bell pepper, thinly sliced<br />6 servings of organic broccoli and/or cauliflower florets<br />2 servings of <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/08/asparagus-cauliflower-chicken-quinoa.html">cooked quinoa</a><br />4-5 cloves garlic, minced - half for use in potatoes, half for steamed vegetables<br />1 tsp organic dried oregano<br />Salt and ground black pepper<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>:<br />Preheat oven 400F. On a baking tray, season potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic, dried herbs (oregano). Roast potatoes for about 30mins till cooked. With about 10mins remaining in roasting, set up the steamer and steam the vegetables with garlic for 5mins. Serve garlic-steamed vegetables, garlic oregano roasted potatoes with quinoa and rotisserie chicken.<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/rotisserie%20+chicken" rel="tag">rotisserie chicken</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/steamed+vegetables" rel="tag">steamed vegetables</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/roasted+potatoes" rel="tag">roasted potatoes</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chicken Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜烤鸡藜麦主食沙拉

Store-bought or roasted at home; freshly cooked or leftovers; thigh meat, or breast meat. You can work in any meat (or meatless) protein opt...

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Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜红薯鸡块藜麦主食沙拉

When the goal is to simply get healthy lunch and dinner on the table, it’s not a bad idea to stick with routine and habit. Routine makes it much easier to develop the habit of meal preparation.<br /><br />Meal preparation has become quintessential ever since <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mushrooms-green-beans-broccoli-salad.html">salad-bowl meals</a> (e.g. <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/05/asparagus-chicken-with-turmeric-dressing.html">Asparagus, Chicken and Potato Bowl</a>, <a href="https://teczcape.blogspot.com/2017/07/mushrooms-green-beans-broccoli-salad.html">Mushrooms Broccoli and Green Bean Bowl</a>) became house meals in my family. It is not extremely difficult; but a dedicated preparation will get us there, sooner and better.<br /><br />The prep. work on Sunday, before the new week begins includes boiling and peeling a batch of eggs so that hard-boiled eggs are ready-to-use for the week; slicing broccoli and cauliflower into florets; dicing carrots, for example, so that these vegetables can be conveniently used for cooking during the work week.<br /><br />Take this bowl, for example. It may seem an easily assembled meals but meal prep includes:<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3706/32781914331_4ac9f0e3dc_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><b>Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜红薯鸡块藜麦主食沙拉</b><br />(1) Cook a batch of quinoa (about six servings)<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2906/32865260706_e82209e466_z.jpg" /><br /><br />(2) Poach 2-3 chicken breasts (or use leftover rotisserie chicken)<br />(3) Boil 10 hard-boiled eggs, one egg per person per meal (serves two each meal, for five meals)<br /><br />When it is meal time, reheat the cooked quinoa and chicken; and steam the vegetables.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2359/32781913631_999df036ac_z.jpg" /><br /><br />This is also a healthy and nutritious post-workout meal balanced with lean protein, fiber, whole grains, good fats; and powered by antioxidants and phytonutrients.<br /><br />Moving forward, I will be sharing more of such meals and meal ideas. Stay tuned!<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/salad+bowl+meals" rel="tag">salad bowl meals</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Asparagus, Cauliflower, Chicken, Quinoa Bowl 蔬菜红薯鸡块藜麦主食沙拉

When the goal is to simply get healthy lunch and dinner on the table, it’s not a bad idea to stick with routine and habit. Routine makes it ...

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Asparagus & Chicken with Turmeric Dressing 蔬菜鸡胸马铃薯主食沙拉

Just before we jump onto the "<a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/07/khorasan-wheat-kamut-bean-salad.html">summer-means-salad</a>" bandwagon (yes, I will be sharing more wholesome <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/10/roasted-artichoke-mushrooms-chickpeas.html">salad-as-a-meal</a> in summer, stay tuned!), I thought I should take a step back and do a little introduction on salad dressing. A salad dressing can make or break a salad; and a homemade dressing is definitely way healthier than store-bought.<br /><br />You know what? I used to think that salad dressing is out of my world, something that appears, kinda sophisticated. Well, it is not; especially when I K-I-S and found that Keeping-It-Simple actually works in my favor, and flavor. Something so simple that it does not bog you down when you want to prepare it. Something that will not make you go "<i>nah, so difficult, I don't want to do it anymore</i>".<br /><br />It is definitely easier to form a habit when the task (of making it routine), is undaunted.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5625/29877576110_00c8d818c4_z.jpg" /><br /><br />My go-to is always <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/06/flax-oil-vinegar-honey-chickpea-salad.html">vinaigrette-based dressing</a>, just because the base elements of extra-virgin olive oil and organic apple cider vinegar are the only ones stocked in my kitchen. Yes, my pantry stocks no other artisan oils and vinegar but it does not feel deprived.<br /><br />It is not difficult to whisk up a salad dressing, at least the dressing that makes it to my salad bowl. It has gotta be quick, so the dressing makes it to my salad bowl. It has gotta be healthy, so the dressing makes it to my salad bowl.<br /><br />Quick and healthy is this <b>"Golden" Dressing</b> that I am going to share with you today. Still, it is a vinaigrette-based dressing that gets it golden hue from ground turmeric, coupled with ground black pepper.<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008H4SLV6&asins=B008H4SLV6&linkId=6O3WRU5LVUMPXTLO&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Poached Chicken, Steamed Vegetables and Potatoes with Turmeric Golden Dressing 蔬菜鸡胸马铃薯主食沙拉</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />Organic chicken breast, poached (see <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/poached-chicken.html">Poached Chicken</a>) and sliced (option to use leftover chicken but make sure to re-heat/warm the chicken)<br />Asparagus, organic broccoli, cauliflower steamed for about 5mins, set aside<br />Potatoes and/or sweet potatoes, steamed to cook, then diced to bite-size (option to <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/10/hasselback-potato-with-yogurt-pesto.html">roast</a> if you prefer)<br />Cilantro, roughly chopped up<br /><br />[<i>Dressing</i>]:1 clove organic garlic, smashed and minced, 1 tbsp organic cider vinegar, 2-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, dash of ground turmeric, dash of freshly ground black pepper, squeeze of lemon (option) to zest it up a little<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Make the dressing, set aside. Assemble the vegetables, and potatoes/sweet potatoes in a bowl. Place the chicken on top and drizzle dressing over it. Garnish with cilantro.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8279/30088602081_13ea70c94c_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/turmeric+salad+dressing" rel="tag">turmeric salad dressing</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/chicken+potato+salad" rel="tag">chicken potato salad</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Asparagus & Chicken with Turmeric Dressing 蔬菜鸡胸马铃薯主食沙拉

Just before we jump onto the " summer-means-salad " bandwagon (yes, I will be sharing more wholesome salad-as-a-meal in summer, s...

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Roasted Duck Noodles with Romanesco Broccoli

I saw some really beautiful organic romanesco broccoli in Whole Foods Market and got into impulsive mode. Well...impulsive good.<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/528/32185091963_25bef2f10c_z.jpg" /><br /><br />It was a Sunday and there was no plan to cook. But with this fresh-looking vegetable, should I? Maybe, a semi-homemade meal will do. A meal that will not take a toll especially on a slow and lazy Sunday. On the way back home, we got hold of a store-bought roasted duck, went home and within 30 minutes, lunch was served.<br /><a name="more"></a><br />The romanesco was given a quick rinse, cut into florets, and then steamed for 6-8 minutes till tender (shorter time, more crunch; your preference on how you like your vegetables).<br /><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2167/32845718112_fb13a2ed8e_z.jpg" /><br /><br />How is this quick Sunday meal?<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/roast+duck+noodles" rel="tag">roast duck noodles</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/steamed+romanesco" rel="tag">steamed romanesco</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Roasted Duck Noodles with Romanesco Broccoli

I saw some really beautiful organic romanesco broccoli in Whole Foods Market and got into impulsive mode. Well...impulsive good. It was a Su...

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Roasted Artichoke, Mushrooms, Chickpeas Pasta

A simple one-bowl salad of everything, combines two cooking techniques in vegetables preparation -via roasting and steaming. The cauliflower and broccoli could have jolly well been roasted to charred-smoky deliciousness; but personally, I prefer my fresh cruciferous vegetables - steamed e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/steamed-purple-cauliflower.html">Steamed Purple Cauliflower</a>, or stir-fried e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/04/broccoli-stir-fry-brown-beech-mushrooms.html">Stir-Fried Broccoli with Beech Mushrooms</a>. Steaming, in this case, retains maximum nutrients using shorter time (10 mins or less), and lower cooking temperature 100degC steam-temperature.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1577/24627193984_91ed756304_z.jpg" /><br /><br /><a name="more"></a><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B001L5TVGW&asins=B001L5TVGW&linkId=5NT35KF2GSUQ52TY&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Roasted Artichoke, Mushroom, Chickpea Pasta</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />2 portabello mushrooms, gently wipe/clean the mushroom with a damp kitchen towel<br />1 can artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed, then patted dry<br />1 can organic chickpea, drained and rinsed, then patted dry<br />1 cup peeled and cubed sweet potatoes<br />Handful of cauliflower and broccoli florets, steamed 8 min or less(depending on size of florets), and set aside<br />Cooked pasta<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Preheat oven 400F. Place mushrooms, artichoke, chickpea, and sweet potato on separate trays. Season with salt and pepper, then roast in for 20-30minutes, checking halfway after about 12-15minutes (give the tray a good shake for uniform roasting), then finish roasting. Allow the mushrooms to cool a little, then slice them. Add sliced mushrooms, artichokes, chickpea, sweet potato to a bowl and toss thoroughly. Add cooked pasta, and steamed cauliflower, broccoli, then mix well.<br /><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1549/25231571076_e8e90f9054_z.jpg" /><br /><br />There you have, everything healthy complete in a bowl - well-balanced and nutritious!<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/mushrooms+chickpea+pasta+salad" rel="tag">mushrooms chickpeas pasta salad</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/pasta+salad" rel="tag">pasta salad</a></span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Roasted Artichoke, Mushrooms, Chickpeas Pasta

A simple one-bowl salad of everything, combines two cooking techniques in vegetables preparation -via roasting and steaming. The cauliflower...

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Mixed Vegetables Saute Pesto Pasta 蔬菜青酱意大利面

With <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/05/pesto-chicken.html">pesto</a>, I do not even have to cook a sauce for pasta anymore! Okay, quite frankly, some of my <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/pasta">pasta dishes</a> e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/ratatouille-inspired-roasted-vegetables.html">Roasted Vegetables with Pasta</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/06/black-trumpet-chanterelle-mushroom-pasta.html">Kale and Tomatoes with Pasta</a>, do not need sauces. Sometimes, a glorious vegetables-saute or <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/ratatouille-inspired-roasted-vegetables.html">vegetables-roast</a> is good enough to be the "sauce" for pasta.<br /><br />But if there is <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/pesto">homemade pesto</a>, ready in the fridge waiting for you, why not use it to make a good dish better? <br /><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/14815992536_fb01636e8c_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Think of <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/pesto">pesto</a> like a salad dressing, a spread, a dip, a sauce - it is very versatile in appetizers such as <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/09/pesto-cucumber-bites.html">Pesto Cucumber Bites</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/09/pesto-pita-bites.html">Pesto Pita Bites</a>; side-dishes e.g. <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/10/hasselback-potato-with-yogurt-pesto.html">Hasselback Potato with Yogurt-Pesto Dressing</a>, and entrees such as <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2016/05/pesto-chicken.html">Pesto Chicken</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2015/08/kale-heirloom-tomato-pesto-sauce-pizza.html">Pesto Pizza</a>.<br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/14838966945_6ff42f7df1_z.jpg " /> <br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B008H4SLV6&asins=B008H4SLV6&linkId=6O3WRU5LVUMPXTLO&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Mixed Vegetables Saute Pesto Pasta 蔬菜青酱意大利面</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>:<br />2 organic zucchini, sliced to bite-size<br />1 organic bell pepper, sliced to bite-size<br />2 handfuls of organic broccoli florets<br />1 handful of cauliflower florets<br />4-5 cloves of garlic, minced<br />Cooked pasta<br />2-3 tbsp <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/08/basil-walnut-pesto.html">pesto</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/08/basil-walnut-pesto.html">homemade</a> or store-bought<br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Saute zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower with garlic.  Toss sauteed vegetables, pesto and pasta altogether. Serve warm, or at room-temperature.<br /><br /><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3895/14652262200_71e895fd9e_z.jpg " />  <br /><br />Now, I can have one-dish pasta meal, anytime, without the need to prepare a sauce on the stove-top. How good! A meal so light, healthy and tasty.<br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/vegetables+pesto+pasta" rel="tag">vegetables pesto pasta</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/pesto%20pasta" rel="tag">pesto pasta</a> </span><br /><script src="https://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Mixed Vegetables Saute Pesto Pasta 蔬菜青酱意大利面

With pesto , I do not even have to cook a sauce for pasta anymore! Okay, quite frankly, some of my pasta dishes e.g. Roasted Vegetables wit...

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Napa Cabbage, Bok Choy with Mushrooms, Tofu 大白菜焖蘑菇豆腐

Is this a <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/03/baby-bok-choy-with-oyster-mushrooms.html">vegetable stir-fry</a> or a <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2007/04/chap-chai-means-mixed-vegetables.html">vegetable braise</a>? This dish leans towards quick and simple braising (in this context which means frying it quickly then simmering in a covered pot with a small amount of liquid) of  <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2011/03/napa-cabbage-hulled-barley-soup.html">Napa cabbage</a> with mushrooms and tofu.<br /><br />Unlike <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2014/12/cabbage-mushrooms-tofu-stew.html">Napa Cabbage, Mushrooms and Tofu Stew</a> which can afford a little more cooking/simmering time, this vegetable dish should not be overcooked due to the presence of other vegetables particularly leafy greens.<br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7418/14127810284_b931998db9_z.jpg" /><br /><br />If there are leftover vegetables such as <i>Bok Choy</i>, cauliflower in the fridge, they can be added to this dish and it will make quite a substantial dish; a dish that can be good enough to go solo or to pair with rice. With the addition of four varieties of mushrooms - <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/11/oyster-mushrooms-with-broccoli.html">oyster mushrooms</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/04/broccoli-stir-fry-brown-beech-mushrooms.html">beech mushrooms</a>, <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2012/01/collard-greens-with-krill-mushrooms.html">crimini mushrooms</a> and <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/2013/02/three-cup-mushrooms.html">enoki mushrooms</a>, a <a href="http://teczcape.blogspot.com/search/label/Vegetarian">vegetarian </a>dish can be made very wholesome, nutritious, healthy and delicious.<br /><br />The fancy name, often used in some Chinese restaurants, is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddha%27s_delight">Buddha's Delight</a> <span lang="zh-Hans">罗汉斋;</span> otherwise it is also known as Combination Vegetarian Stir-Fry <a href="http://baike.baidu.com/link?url=ihS_iFwc8oCxxXnNLicOjyuwjQ7JfrcPm_hhSZdiUHdcGB39VYHUNvyLTmmZn-A6Xc8T6FmF4J-TYV8QNIIgWa">什锦炒菜</a>.<br /><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/13940856559_12f0fe54f3_z.jpg" /><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=anestofo-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0076NOGPY&asins=B0076NOGPY&linkId=LQNBODMLM4IJLPF6&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 120px;"></iframe><b>Napa Cabbage, <i>Bok Choy</i>, Cauliflower with Mushrooms and Tofu 大白菜焖蘑菇豆腐</b><br /><i>Ingredients</i>: <br />3 cloves garlic<br />2 to 3- thin slices of ginger, sliced to matchsticks<br />Handful of brown crimini mushrooms<br />Handful of oyster mushrooms<br />Handful of brown beech mushrooms<br />Handful of enoki mushrooms<br />6-8 Napa cabbage leaves, sliced to bite-size<br />3 <i>Bok Choy</i> <br />5-6 cauliflower florets, bite-size<br />5-6 slices of pan-fried tofu, bite-size<br />1 tsp organic light soy sauce <br />Chicken or vegetable stock or water<br />Sea salt and ground white pepper to taste<br />1 tsp toasted sesame oil <br /><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14124189601_f6656da6ae_o.jpg" /><br /><br /><i>Directions</i>: Heat some oil in the wok or pan, fry the ginger and garlic till fragrant. Add all the mushrooms (except the enoki; depending on preference, as enoki cooks very fast and if added too early, tends to turn very soft at the end of cooking), add soy sauce and fry for a few minutes. Add in half the stock, let the mushrooms cook and soften a bit, then add all other vegetables and tofu (except <i>Bok Choy</i>) and remaining of the stock and let everything simmer for 12-15 minutes; then add <i>Bok Choy</i> and cook for 3-5minutes more. When all the ingredients are cooked,  sea salt and ground white pepper to taste. Turn off heat, and add 1 tsp of toasted sesame oil, gently mix for flavors to combine.<br /><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14127810134_64dc1c7b25_z.jpg" /><br /><br />Sharing with <a href="http://www.21stcenturyhousewife.com/">Hearth and Soul</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Tag: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/vegetables+stir+fry" rel="tag">vegetables stir-fry</a>, <a href="http://www.technorati.com/tag/napa+cabbage+braise" rel="tag">napa cabbage braise</a> </span><br /><script src="http://static.ak.connect.facebook.com/js/api_lib/v0.4/FeatureLoader.js.php/en_US" type="text/javascript"></script><script type="text/javascript">FB.init("ea808497442c6dbff6ecc79cee2b6ebd"); </script><fb:fan connections="0" logobar="0" profile_id="225194391877" stream="0" width="300"></fb:fan><br /><div style="font-size: 8px; padding-left: 2px;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Escape-to-Food/225194391877">An Escape to Food</a> on Facebook</div>

Napa Cabbage, Bok Choy with Mushrooms, Tofu 大白菜焖蘑菇豆腐

Is this a vegetable stir-fry or a vegetable braise ? This dish leans towards quick and simple braising (in this context which means frying ...

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