Simple Asian Flavors

Yummy. I completely love the flavors of Asia and my husband completely loves soup. The other night we were craving an Asian noodle soup and I ended up putting something together that we both thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, I made it again tonight and thought I should write down how I made it so I could share. I hope you find it as easy and as tasty as we did!

Asian Noodle Soup

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Chicken

2 T Chopped Garlic

6 cups Chicken Stock

2 T Rice Vinegar

3 T Soy Sauce

1 t Fresh Ginger, grated

3 t Cilantro

1 t Chili Garlic Sauce

2 T Fish Sauce

1 package Maifun Rice Stick Noodles (6 oz or so)

1 Green Onion, sliced

1 Lime (optional)

Make

In a large soup pot, brown the ground chicken with the chopped garlic on medium high heat. When chicken is cooked through, add the remaining ingredients in no particular order. I do recommend, however, that you follow the directions on the rice stick noodle package before adding them to the soup. My package instructed me to soak the noodles in cold water for 10 minutes before using. I soaked them and then added them to the pot to boil until soft.

Divide into bowls and if desired, squeeze lime juice over soup before serving. Enjoy!

A Blog Favorite

My fun little past time, Rufflewood, has a new blog design! Pop on over to view: Rufflewood Blog. It's certainly a favorite!

 

Neighborhood Charm

My husband and I love taking walks in our neighborhood and exclaiming over the charming homes. We've enjoyed quite a few walks lately because the weather has been so beautiful! I took my camera with me on one of our recent ventures and thought I'd share some of the quaintness we found as we went from street to street. Enjoy!

Fall

I've never actually admitted that fall is my favorite season but I have discovered that when mid-to-late-September rolls around every year, I find myself lighthearted and excited about what is to come: pumpkins on front porches (and in lattes), the wearing of scarves, family gatherings, crunching leaves on the sidewalk, and chatting by the fireplace at my parents home.

This past week in particular I've been very excited about the new season. I will admit, however, that one might actually think it was spring the way I've been rearranging furniture, hauling loads of laundry, sweeping and figuring out what to get rid of. And while I do not come even close to being a seasonal decorator,  I do like to be festive in small ways. Today I hung my standard fall wreath (yes, it's fake) on the front door and my heart skipped a beat. What fun it will be to come home each day to a wreath greeting. Makes me feel cozy. Thank you fall.

Unexpected Flowers

This past weekend my husband surprised me with a small bouquet of flowers. Colorful roses to be exact. He and I both know that roses are not my favorite flower but we also both know that what I favor more than the type of flower is the thought. Cliche, I know. But so true, right? What a delight. I may hear an "I love you" from him about two dozen times a day but when that phrase is accompanied with a cheerful bouquet, I must say it sounds even sweeter.

[They brightened my day and my bathroom.]

Hello. Nice to meet you ...

My name is Amanda and I have quite a long list of favorite things. Since we've just met, I will give you the short version: Morning walks with my husband. Pretty dresses. Martha Stewart Living. Stories of Africa. Meals with family and friends. Bright pink hydrangeas. Scandinavian hospitality. Learning new things. Welcoming front porches. Clean design. Black coffee (decaf please). Sidewalk sales. Girly movies. Mexican food. Books. And stylish home decor. 

I'm glad you're here and I hope you'll visit again and again. I'm looking forward to sharing photos, stories, and how-to's on my long-time and newly-discovered favorite things.

Until next time...

*Amanda