Although it's not usually our "thing," we met a very good friend last night for drinks after work. The
restaurant consistently receives rave reviews (
locally and
nationally) with its fresh take on seafood dishes and an atmosphere that seems a misfit in Amish Country. After a drink, we ate appetizers (mussels and calamari) and then finished with desserts ( I had their raspberry cheesecake with white chocolate sauce and the ladies had molten chocolate gateau).
Before we launch into a wonderful (easy) recipe that all should try, something must be stated. We have our first airplane trip under our belt as a couple. The male portion of "us" would like to say that he witnessed true courage on this trip. Courage is not the lack of fear; it is the act of facing and conquering fear. My lady was (and is) courageous. Our friends that we visited were wonderful hosts, treating us to all that the Northeast has to offer: beautiful nature, delicious food, and an atmosphere that deepens even a friendship separated by 466.4 miles (according to the never-reliable
MapQuest which, it must be said, provided a lack of confidence so powerful to force us to fly).
On to the food...
Tonight we tried to replicate a dish that was prepared for us a month or so ago. A pair of good friends fixed a most amazing rendition of Pad Thai. We attempted a similar recipe with fantastic results. Please
do attempt this at home.
Rice Noodles with Peanut Sauce
Prep: 10 min.; Cook: 5 min.
Yield: 4 servings
8 oz. uncooked
rice noodles
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 Tblsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. grated gingerroot
4 eggs, scrambled
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
4 oz. bean sprouts (we recommend more)
2 green onions, sliced (~2 Tblsp.)
2 Tblsp. chopped fresh cilantro
Heat 2 quarts of water to boil. Break noodles in half and pull apart slightly; drop into boiling water. Cook uncovered 1 minute; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain.
Mix peanut butter, soy cause, and gingerroot in small bowl with wire whisk until smooth. Gradually mix in broth.
Place noodles in large bowl. Add peanut butter mixture, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and onions; toss. Sprinkle with cilantro. Sprinkle (generously) with cilantro.
Recommended condiments:
Siracha or
Chili Garlic Sauce.
Tonight we enjoyed a slightly postponed holiday celebration; postponed, but not diminished. Family joined us for a new culinary adventure at a seemingly unlikely place:
Lancaster Brewing Company. There we found some exquisite
menu choices, many of which utilized the
brews which sat idle a mere 10 yards away in massive vats. For example, it was tough to pass up a balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing which was made with the Brewery's own Milk Stout. Yumm. While we reserve the right to exercise our loyalty to another
local watering hole, the LBC's version of Fish 'n Chips was memorable and the beer exceptional. All of this, however, was surpassed by the company and memories made.
May we be the last to wish you Happy Holidays and a most blessed New Year!
