COOKING FOOL!

A few years back, my New Year's Resolution was to become a better cook & I can proudly say I've dominated the kitchen! I am a cooking fool! It is so relaxing & fun to try out new recipes and see how I can personalize or alter them to make them healthier.

I wanted to share a few of my favorite cookbooks & cooking blogs I follow that have AMAZING & DELICIOUS healthy recipes! I am a vegetarian but I use to live with a house full of carnivore boys. I have learned over time to take the meat out, sub it for a meatless protein like tempeh or tofu or add the meat in for those boys or a dinner party. Practice makes perfect!

BLOGS:

For an inspirational weight loss journey with amazing recipes, check out the below: 

http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/

http://rabbitfoodformybunnyteeth.com/    --- she hasn't updated it in awhile but still good!

http://www.thefitcook.net/

For just the amazing recipes & a good read, check out these:

http://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/    --- one of my favorite!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

http://www.generationyfoodie.com/

http://www.mylifeasamrs.com/

http://www.healthybitchdaily.com/cat/kims-blog - see cookbook below

Now for overall fitness & recipes, check out these: 

http://www.jinfitness.com/

http://theskinnyconfidential.com/

COOKBOOKS:

I am completely obsessed with these two vegan/vegetarian cookbooks. I will admit I LOVE cheese so I haven't become full vegan & don't plan on it anytime soon so if there is a "vegan cheese" for example, I use regular.

FORKS OVER KNIVES - based on the amazing documentary. I urge you to check out this documentary when you get a chance or if you need some extra motivation! It will totally kick your ass in gear! You can find it on Netflix streaming. This cookbook is on amazon for about $10. It's worth it! Check out their website: http://www.forksoverknives.com/















SKINNY BITCH - You can find her personal blog above. This bitch is wonderful! She is amazingly blunt and will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do. You will fall in love with her recipes & her attitude! You can find other Skinny Bitch books as well but this is my all time favorite! This cookbook is on amazon for about $15.

And of course, don't forget to follow my blog to find some of my favorite recipes as I cook them with step by step instructions & pictures. 

Tofu & Noodle Soup

It's only December and I have made this delicious soup four times already! It is so yummy, I can't help but crave it!

Such an easy recipe, full of veggies, protein packed tofu and rice noodles, this soup is what I call, COMFORT FOOD! 

TOFU & NOODLE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 2 oz thin rice noodles (about 1 cup) 
• 1 tbsp sesame oil 
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar 
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp siracha or hot sauce 
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced thin
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 6 cups stock - I use veggie
• 8 oz firm tofu, drained & diced
• 2 carrots, peeled & thinly sliced - I used my Thrive product, see my Thrive post 
• 1 cup snow peas
• 2 cups mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced julienne - I used my Thrive product, see my Thrive post 
• 1 zucchini, diced into small pieces 
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 green onion stalks, thinly sliced 

 (grated ginger & one of my favorite wines from TJs - Rabbit Trick)

Directions:

1. Check your rice noodle directions - some may need to soak before placing in soup. I love the noodles from Trader Joe's. You can find them in the refrigerator section by the tofu. No soaking needed, just pop them in! 
2. Prepare all veggies & tofu 
3. In large saucepan/pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion until clear, do not burn or caramelize. Add ginger and garlic, saute for about 2 minutes, do not burn. 
4. Add stock, soy sauce, Siracha, rice vinegar & bring to a boil. 
5. Add tofu & all veggies & noodles; simmer, uncovered for about ten minutes or so. 
6. TASTE YOUR SOUP BEFORE SERVING - add salt, pepper, more soy sauce, rice vinegar, Siracha, whatever your tastebuds like. 
7. Add green onions
8. SERVE! 

(finished product simmering...wish you could smell it)

Scrumptious one-pot meal that will surely satisfy all in the family! Let me know how it goes for you!!