Rave Review: Trader Joe's Thai Green Curry Simmer Sauce

Rave Review: Yum x 2

This weekend my girlfriends and I ran away to a cabin for a ski get away. Well I guess it's technically not a ski get away if you don't go skiing. Details. My friend Amber who is an amazing chef cooked us some great meals. On our second night she used Trader Joe's Thai Green Curry simmer sauce to make a great vegetarian curry. I couldn't stop thinking about how easy it whipped up, and how great the sauce tasted! So I ran out to the store and grabbed some for a wednesday night dinner.   I feel that i'm usually let down by pre made sauces, but this one was different! It's creamy and flavorfully with quite a kick! (It's downright spicy so if you like mild this isn't for you) 

source: www.smitaphotoblog.com

I used a container of Asian Stir Fry Vegetable mix (also from Trader Joe's). It had red and green peppers, baby corn, water chestnuts, mushrooms, red and white onions, snow peas, and carrotts. I also chopped up some zucchini and threw that in there. I sauteed all the veggies with a little olive oil in a large frying pan for about 7 minutes before adding in the simmer sauce and cooking for an additional 10 minutes. I served this over quinoa because that's what I had, but I preferred it over brown rice.  I'm really excited to have a new quick, healthy weeknight meal to add to my regular go to's!

Side note: On our trip Amber surprised us with the most amazing wine sippy cups!! Such and awesome gift. I totally know what I'm bringing to the office gift swap next Christmas!! They come in all sorts of colors and you can buy them at http://store.theproductfarm.com. You can complain about being snowed in if you have wine in Sippy Cups!

Kale & Pomegranate Salad

Recipe: Crunchy Kale salad with Pomegranate Seeds

Errr. So it's been a while. I'll recap real quick. Started a new job. My sister moved to LA. My dad came to visit for a week. My friend had a baby. We hosted potluck thanksgiving. I went home for Christmas. Celebrated the new year over Sushi. 

Now you're caught up and i'm nearing the end of a new years cleanse. 28 days with no caffeine, alcohol, dairy, gluten, or added sugars. If you're interested in the details you can find them here. One of my favorite new recipes that I've tried on the cleanse is this kale salad. I've been making up a big batch and taking it to work for lunches. Its crunchy and filling. The fruit brightens everything up, and the nuts add a savory note.

Kale & Pomegranate Salad

serves 4

inspired by: greenkitchenstories.com

1 large head of Kale

Brussels sprouts

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 package pomegranate seeds (5.3 oz)

2 oranges peeled and sectioned.

Rinse Kale and Brussels sprouts and shred finely. (I would highly recommend doing this in a food processor if you have the option) Toast the nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they are fragrant.  Combine nuts, pomegranate seeds, and oranges and kale mixture and toss with your favorite vinaigrette. Here are some ideas if you'd like to make your own. I used olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This can be served immediately, but will keep for up to a week in the fridge. 

The cleanse is almost over. It's gone really well and it feels good to start the new year in a healthy way. Don't worry I'm sure there will be lots of yummy baked treats that I'll blog about, but i'm hoping some of the healthy eating from this month sticks with me in 2013.