If you've ever eaten at a P.F. Changs, then you've either eaten their lettuce wraps or you ordered the wrong dish. The beef lettuce wraps are easily their most popular menu item, and for good reason, they are DELISH. However, I think this recipe has them beat. Not only can you eat this meal in your own home (instead of trying to entertain a toddler in a high chair), but the addition of crunchy, citrus-flavored veggies will leave you wondering how you ever loved the P.F. Chang wraps without them. Oh, and did I mention this might be the easiest dish I've shared yet? Yep, do this thing. And try to regret it. It's simply not possible, dear friend. I present to you.... Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps
Directions: Ok, don't hate me, but you have some chopping to do. A little more than I prefer, so if you need some wine for encouragement, you can pour a glass now. 1. Red Pepper - seed, devein, and cut into strips. Garlic - Mince it. Carrot - Peel it. Then use that peeler to make a big pile of carrot ribbons by peeling and turning the carrot until you reach the core. Water Chestnuts - Drain, rinse and coarsely chop. Cilantro - chop. Lettuce - separate the leaves. PHEW! Take a sip of wine. That was intense. 2. Heat a Tbsp. of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with the hoisin and the soy sauce. If you get down with sriracha, you can add a bit of that too. Cook the beef for 7-10 minutes (or until no longer pink), breaking up the pieces as you go. 3. Then, because you care about your sense of smell, toss in the garlic and water chestnuts and cook for 30 seconds until your nose is singing your praises. 4. In a bowl, toss together the bell pepper, carrot, and cilantro with the juice from the lime. Throw in a pinch or two of salt and pepper because we are not communists. 5. Oh, hold up! You didn't think you'd be finished so fast did you? Just toss some of that beef in the middle of a lettuce leaf, top with the delicious veggie mixture and throw on some peanuts because CRUNCH. High fives all around, my friend, because you done made dinner for your family. Wishing you kudos in the kitchen, McKinley
4 Comments
Having grown up in the military, it wasn't until college when I realized not everyone understood this strange life we live. As far as my friends were concerned, being in the military equated to moving a lot, and that is often where the conversation ended. In hopes of clarifying some misconceptions and also filling you in on some of our quirks and needs, I hope my civilian friends will gain a clearer glimpse into our lives! So here goes...10 Things I wish Civilians knew about our Military Life.
What did I miss? Military mamas, do you have nuggets of wisdom you want to share with the Civilian world? Or civilian friends, do you have things you've always wanted to know about our military life? Let's sit down over a pot of coffee and a respectful comment thread and chat it out.
It's Friday, which only means one thing - it's time for another one of my favorite recipes! You might be thinking, where were you LAST Friday, when you were supposed to post a recipe? Well, let me tell you a little secret. Just like my tagline says, I am a mom by day and a writer by naptime. Therefore, writing only happens when, you guessed it, the children are actually napping. Unfortunately, the nap protests were in rare form last week, and the demands of the nappers were so vast that it essentially left no time for me to actually write. I apologize in advance, but if you would like to negotiate with the protestors, then by all means, come teach me your ways. However, I'm saying quiet prayers that the children will stay asleep for a fleeting 45 minutes so that I can get you this recipe because YOU NEED IT. Here it is, in all of it's easy-to-prepare, incredibly delicious glory. I present to you... Asian Chicken SaladYou wanna feel all fancy in the kitchen? You wanna prepare something healthy and delicious? This one is for you. If you are not a "salad person" do not fear, this is every bit hardy and substantial, and will make you consider leaving your "meat and potatoes-only"cult to venture into the world of colorful vegetables. Just don't say I didn't warn you...
Directions:
Wishing you kudos in the kitchen, McKinley |
McKinleyI am a lover of people, a child of God, and a laugher at jokes. I write words, cry tears and smile at strangers.
Archives
March 2017
Categories
All
|