Chow Mein "Zoodles" with Tempeh Crumbles

I have a new culinary obsession: zoodles (otherwise known as zucchini noodles).

When I was perusing various food blogs for a suitable new dinner recipe to try out a few weeks ago when I stumbled on Inspiralized. I found their recipe for vegetarian pad thai with zoodles, and I just knew that I absolutely had to try it.

I had to make a Walmart run anyway to pick up a few necessities, so I conveniently added this to my list. I figured I'd try a "basic" spiralizer before committing to anything larger, so this seemed like the logical choice; it was relatively inexpensive, small to store (a big plus in my tiny 500 square foot apartment), and easy to use. I busted it out to use that very evening and had a very satisfying dinner of zucchini pad thai.

And so the obsession began.

Now I pick up zucchini every time I go to the grocery store because I can't get enough of these delicious - and incredibly nutritious -  little spirals of sheer veggie joy.

This has become my favorite go-to dish when I'm craving something with an oriental tang to it - but not the guilt of trans fats and MSG associated with ordering takeout - chow mein zoodles with tempeh crumbles.

Big shoutout to White On Rice Couple for giving me the inspiration with their original recipe. If you follow my food Instagram (which you should if you don't already), you've probably seen me post an iteration of this recipe (with tofu instead of tempeh) already.

My version has a few tweaks (though I kept their recipe for the sauce - yum!) and is meatless:

The Sauce:

• 2 TBSP soy sauce
• 1/2 TSP sugar
• 1 TSP vinegar
• 2 TSP vegetarian oyster sauce

The Zoodles:

• One package (8 oz) tempeh
• 2 TBSP of olive oil, separated
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 ginger root (about the size of half of your thumb), chopped
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped plus extra for garnish (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

The How-To:

• Prepare your "zoodles" by using a mandolin slicer or spiralizer.
• Heat about 1 TBSP of olive oil on medium high heat in a small skillet while you use your hands to break up the block of tempeh into crumbles. When the oil is hot, pour the crumbles into the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• While the tempeh crumbles are cooking, prepare the sauce. Combine the soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and vegetarian oyster sauce in a small bowl; set aside.
• Heat the remaining 1 TBSP of olive oil on medium high heat in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, add pressed garlic, chopped ginger, chopped scallions, and chopped onion. Cook until the onion becomes clear and the garlic and ginger become fragrant - about 3-4 minutes.
• Add bell pepper and carrot; cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add tempeh and zoodles; cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour sauce over top zoodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, mixing it thoroughly into the dish.
• Serve & enjoy immediately, with an optional garnish of scallions!

Seriously y'all. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this dish. It's healthy and light but immensely flavorful and the addition of the tempeh packs in some much-needed protein.

Let me know if you make it and how it turns out in the comments!

xx

ola

First-ever sit down dinner at Nugget Manor

I would say that there's a funny story behind how my lovely duplex got nicknamed "Nugget Manor," but there isn't. It's simply logical. One of my best friends (and roommates) has called the ladies in the group her "Nuggets" from our freshman year. Not sure where the adage came from, but it stuck. We were "Nuggets" to her and she was "Momma Nugget" to us. It only seemed logical that our home be nicknamed "Nugget Manor" since were all living together (minus one "Nugget," but she's not too far away)!

Anyway, living off-campus has been great so far. I adore having my own space, and living with three of the most wonderful best friends has truly been a great experience. Having a kitchen has also been incredibly lovely - I love that I can cook for myself! Tonight, my roommates and I had our first sit-down dinner together in Nugget Manor (ironically, without "Momma Nugget" because she was at work).

The deal was simple - each girl cooked a dish that we could serve at the table. I undertook the veggies (of course, right?), Kylie prepared the chicken, and Shelby threw together mashed potatoes with truffle oil and a tasty Caprese salad. Our final "Nugget," Liz, had just gotten into town, so of course we extended an invitation her way and were reunited over a great dinner.

There's nothing better than a sit-down meal with your best friends, the taste of delicious, home-cooked food, laughter, conversation, and a feeling of familiarity and love.

It's so good to be home.

xx
ola

Healthy Eating: Quinoa and Tomatoes

Other than my uncle (who lives thousands of miles away on a separate continent, across an ocean), I am the lone vegetarian in my family. It drives my mother insane, because she hates the idea of having to make two separate meals for a family of three - a meat-based meal for her and my father, and then a meatless one for me. Thus, I've become quite accustomed to preparing my own food at home. It's easier, far less hassle for everyone involved, and it gives me a chance to control what I choose to put in my body - it really is a win-win situation for all parties involved!

This summer, one of my favorite go-to recipes has definitely become quinoa and tomatoes. It's a simple, refreshing meal with a great flavor that packs a nutritious punch and is light but hearty!

One of the best parts about this meal definitely has to be its relatively short prep time - it takes about 15 minutes, max! I buy different pre-seasoned flavors of quinoa (roasted garlic and olive oil is one of my very favorites) and cook them on the stove according to the package instructions while I prepare the ingredients for my tomato addition.

Now, I'm not 100% sure what to call my little tomato "addition" - I got the recipe for how to make it from a coworker, who said that it was simply called the "tomato thing" in her family. In my eyes, it looks like a chunkier version of chutney, so I think I've settled on calling it a tomato chutney. Anyhoo, if you're interested in how to make it, here's what you'll need:

• Olive oil
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 small - medium onion, diced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper
• Sugar, to taste

The recipe is painfully simple.
 
I don't ever measure out an exact amount of olive oil for cooking - I kind of just eye it and go from there, but a good estimate of the amount you'll need is between 2-3 teaspoons. Heat the oil on the frying pan, and once it's hot enough, throw in the onion. Cook until clear, or about 2-3 minutes. Once the onion has turned clear, add the tomatoes, and cook for an addition 2-3 minutes.

Add salt, pepper, and a tiny bit of sugar to taste (I like mine to be a tiny bit sweet, some may like it to be a bit sweeter), and once you're satisfied with the flavor, sprinkle turmeric powder overtop. About half a teaspoon or so should do.

Cook until the spice has mixed well with the vegetables. Next, as a finishing touch, add the chopped basil, trying to ensure that it spreads rather evenly through the mixture. Cook for an additional minute, and then serve immediately with the quinoa!

Simple, easy, quick, and delicious? What more could you ask for?

xx
ola

Working Girl: Healthy Lunches

This summer, I've been getting a good taste of what being an "adult" (that word still gives me shivers up and down my spine... Who needs adulthood?!) is all about. I work basically full-time, logging eight-hour workdays Tuesday through Friday (and occasionally, some time on Saturdays, albeit not the full eight hours - only three and a half). Having a sedentary, office job has taught me two things:

1. Sitting in front of a computer for eight hours really dries out your eyes.
2. It becomes really easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle of little movement, restaurant food, and over-snacking.

We've all seen (and, admit it - probably pinned) all the cute little "healthy" work lunches that we've always had the best intentions of making, but when it comes down to it, the effort is not there. It just seems so much easier - and tastier - to grab some takeout on your lunch break, right?

Wrong!

Eating healthy at work is not very hard, and packing a (pretty!) lunch that'll keep you full and satisfied is totally doable. It took me a few weeks to really get into the swing of it - and thankfully, my office environment is pretty health-conscious when it comes to food anyway - but now I absolutely adore preparing my own little healthy lunches to enjoy on my lunch break! Sure, it takes a little extra effort in the mornings, but since I don't have to be in to work until 10 AM, I am lucky enough to have some extra time on my hands.

Today's main feature was my take on the super food salad served at my favorite Fort Worth eatery - Brewed. It's a truly awesome mixture of foods that are incredible for you (hence the aptly-named "super" foods), including spinach, sweet potatoes, dried cherries, a soft-boiled egg, pumpkin seeds, and flax. Mix them all together, throw them into a plastic container, and you've got a tasty (and aesthetically-appealing!) main course for your lunch. Plus, it's packed with all sorts of fabulous nutrients, so not only is it great-tasting, it's also something to feel good about!

In addition to my great salad, I enjoyed some plain, salted popcorn (seriously my new obsession), a handful of great trail mix (the Heart Hero blend from the Fresh Market), and a fresh apple. I really do love pretty food. & I love it even more when I know that it's filled with good things to keep me healthy, strong, and happy. :)

Do y'all have any favorite go-to foods for on-the-go? Any pretty meals you've made recently? Let me know in the comments!

xx
ola

918 Coffee: Tulsa

If y'all need to know anything about me (besides the fact that I take a ton of photos), it's the fact that I absolutely adore coffee. I've definitely gotten to the point in my life where I need at least one cup of coffee in the mornings to wake me up.. (Although honestly, it's been more like at least two and a half lately...) There's just something about a bold, rich cup of coffee that truly makes me happy. And no sugar in my coffee, no thanks. I'll take it with a bit of milk and nothing else!

Of all places, Tulsa, Oklahoma has suddenly developed a thriving coffee shop scene. A mere nine or ten months ago, we had three prominent coffee shops - Shades of Brown, The Gypsy, and CHOCS. Each had their own blends of coffees, each had their own regulars, and each had their own specific "feel." Now? We have three brand-new shops in town: Foolish Things Coffee, The Phoenix, and 918 Coffee.

Maxwell and I have slowly shifted our coffee preference to The Phoenix in recent months (best chai in town, hands down), but we did go ahead and try 918 Coffee (the newest addition to the scene) this past week:

It was a really cute, clean-designed building from the outside. Lots of brick, and an old house was repurposed and served as the entryway to the establishment.

Interestingly enough, when we walked in, I felt like I was in Avoca Coffee in the Magnolia District in Fort Worth. The decor was very similar - clean, simple, and wooden. It was my kind of place!

(Hey Max!)

While I love my coffee, I also love my sleep. Since Max and I visited in the evening hours, I had to forgo trying some of their coffee (I know, I know - how could I? I was visiting a coffee shop for goodness' sake!) and settled for some green tea instead. Max did allow me to have a sip of his chai latte, however.

We both found 918 Coffee's chai a bit too watered down, though it wasn't awful. It got better as you took more drinks of it, so it was definitely finish-able. In addition to drinks, however, 918 Coffee also had a lovely selection of treats to enjoy with your coffee. Max opted to try one of their wonderful strawberry cupcakes:

(It even had strawberry filling on the inside! He gave it a great review)

My overall thoughts on 918 Coffee? Good atmosphere, beautiful (and delicious, according to Max) baked goods, subpar (but not awful) chai latte, and friendly baristas. Hopefully I'll have a chance to go back before I head back to Fort Worth - and this time, I'll actually try some coffee. That upside-down latte sounds really tempting...

xx

ola

Summer Obsession: Smoothies

This summer, I have rediscovered a truly magical kitchen appliance - the blender. 

Mostly, my rediscovery has been fueled by my healthy eating kick this summer. Smoothies have become my latest obsession, and for good reason! Not only are they packed full of great nutrients, they serve as awesome meals on-the-go, they taste pretty damn good, and the possibilities are endless - just throw some fruit together with milk or yogurt, and you've got a tasty treat.

Today was a smoothie-for-breakfast kind of day. The final creation? A cherry berry smoothie.

If you want to recreate this tasty (and super sweet!) beverage, here's what I threw into mine:

• 1/2 cup frozen sweet cherries
• 1 cup ripe banana
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger root
• 1 cup original almond milk
• 2 teaspoons milled flaxseed

Throw together, blend until smooth, and enjoy your nutritious, delicious treat!

What's become your summer obsession? Any smoothie recipes that you swear by? I'd love to hear - let me know in the comments!

xx
ola

The Most Important Meal of the Day

I genuinely think breakfast is the most underrated meal of the day.
The adage "It's the most important meal of the day!" seems to be ignored by many, especially college kids. A lot of them just roll out of bed and head to class, completely disregarding having some food before they leave. Others argue that they're just not hungry in the mornings, but I find that hard to believe. I am always hungry. How can you not be hungry when you wake up in the morning, after hours of not having eaten?!

But I digress.

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, simply because of the awesome possibilities for some pretty, tasty, (and if you're feeling crazy - even healthy!) food. Not only that, but breakfast is also the easiest meal with the least effort involved (which is really great, especially if you have an inner sloth like I do). Also, I've found that it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Start off on a good foot and you'll have a great day!

Here's today's breakfast:

A big mug of coffee and oatmeal with apples and cinnamon. Simple, healthy, filling, and low-calorie! What more could you ask for, honestly?

Here's a little low-down on all the tastiness that goes into this bowl:

• 1/2 cup instant oats
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 medium Jazz apple
• Sprinkle of cinnamon, to taste 

And this entire bit of deliciousness clocks in at 285 calories and keeps you full for hours, right up until lunchtime. Substitute the apples for any other type of fruit you have lying on hand, or whatever is seasonal. Other great options that I enjoy include bananas, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries!

When the entire preparation time for this tasty meal is under five minutes, why would you want to skip breakfast?

xx
ola