Ratatouille

Andy complains that I watch too many cooking competition shows (the Top Chef franchise, Chopped, Next Food Network Star, Next Iron Chef, Champions, ETC) but I learn so much! Like, last season the winning Next Food Network Star taught me in passing how to make ratatouille: EZPOT!

E- Eggplant
Z- Zucchini
P- Peppers
O- Onion
T- Tomato

It's so easy to remember and, now that I have a shiny new mandoline, it's easy to make!

Slice all the vegetables thin and layer in order starting with Eggplant at the bottom of an 8X8 baking dish; drizzle the top with olive oil and generously salt (while it cooks the olive oil and salt will get to the rest of the layers).  Cook for 30-40 minutes at 375. You can add whatever spices and herbs you want through the layers like basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, anchovies, the works! Go nuts! Oooh, pine nuts would be good...

Serve over brown rice or pasta or cous cous or white beans or sourdough bread or under chicken or a flaky white fish. Etc.

Tofu with Rice Noodles and Bok Choy

adapted from the best of Cooking Light everyday favorites


Rice Noodles
red pepper, julienned
bok choy, chopped
firm tofu, drained and cubed
garlic
red pepper flakes
honey
4 tbs soy sauce
4 tbs rice vinegar
2 tsp sesame oil
olive oil

Prepare rice noodles according to package directions.

Meanwhile, whisk together honey, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil (use about 1/4 oil to rice vinegar).

In a large pan, heat your olive oil over medium high heat. Sautee red pepper for two minutes; add bok choy and sauté for 1 minute; add tofu and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add cooked noodles and sauce and heat through. Serve immediately.