Shrimp and Spinach Shell Pasta Alfredo

Have I got a creamy pasta for you to feast on!

Pasta Shells with Spinach and Shrimp in Alfredo Sauce

It's what was for dinner last night and what's on the menu as leftovers for tonight

I'm in love with alfredo especially when I make my coconut alfredo sauce

Question: What's your favorite pasta sauce?

Gluten Free Chicken and Coconut Alfredo

Chicken and Coconut Alfredo

created by Snacking Squirrel 

Ingredients: 

1/2 box gluten free spaghetti

3/4 cup mixed frozen vegetables

 (peas, corn, carrots, green beans)

Sauce:

2 cups coconut milk

1 cup grated parmesan

2 minced garlic cloves

2-3 Tbsp salted butter

1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat

2. Add coconut milk and parmesan cheese

3. Stir in minced garlic and black pepper

4. Add frozen vegetables, and reduce heat

5. Simmer for 8-10 min and serve over pasta

Follow the cooking instructions for spaghetti on the back of the box, as well 

as pre-cook and chop the chicken into preferred chunks to add to the mix

It's a great meal to make because it uses up extra vegetables you have 

around. The coconut milk adds a unique flavor to traditional alfredo sauce

Gung Hei Fat Choy!

Today is the 2011 Chinese New Year! 

...and also the Year of the Rabbit :)

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't force issues, because if you do you will likely fail.  To gain the greatest benefits, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.  Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you'll be able to calmly deal with problems that arise.

So why not celebrate the Chinese New Year with an Asian Stir-fry!

Chinese Chicken and Rice Stir-fry 

created by Snacking Squirrel

3 oz chicken breast or tofu

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

1 cup chopped broccoli

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/2 cup sliced carrot

1/2 cup chopped mushrooms

1/2 cup baby bok choy

5-6 slices cooked lotus root

1/4 cup frozen green peas

Directions:

1. Cube and cook your chicken or tofu in a wok with a little oil or water

2. Add in the peas, celery, carrots, and sauce (recipe below)

3. Cook over medium-high heat, with or without a cover

3. Next add in the rest of the veggies, along with the cooked lotus root

4. Lastly, mix in the cooked brown rice and eat!

Black Soybean Sauce

created by Snacking Squirrel

1/8 cup lemon juice

1/8 cup black soybeans

1 Tbsp soy sauce 

or Braggs Liquid Aminos

1 Tbsp cream cheese

2 tsp rice vinegar

Dash stevia or sweetener

Dash crushed red pepper flakes

Dash ground ginger powder

Simply blend everything together in a food processor

Makes one large serving or two smaller ones

If you've never seen a lotus root, this is what it looks like. 

Such a beautiful root vegetable. The taste/texture reminds

 me of a cross between a potato and water chestnuts!

 You should be able to find it at any Asian Specialty Store