Our latest blog entry is all about preparing a restaurant quality meal without the guilt and expense that goes along with it.  Our Miso Noodles with Prawns is the perfect protein to carbohydrate ratio, ensuring you won’t fall asleep before dessert, and with our Chocolate Cherry truffles on the menu you have something to stay up for.

So go crazy!  Open up a bottle of wine, or a nice craft beer and remember, it’s never a bad idea to tip the cook!

Miso Noodles with Prawns

While shrimp may be small in size, they’re big sources of protein. A nutritious alternative to meat, they are low in calories and saturated fat, while high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin b-12 and niacin.

This nutritious recipe also uses high-fiber buckwheat noodles, which are high in protein and have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels by absorbing cholesterol in your small intestine.You may also substitute 1 chicken breast for the prawns if you wish.

Recipe:
4 ounces Buckwheat Soba Noodles
6-10 medium shrimp, cooked
1/2 cup snow peas
1/2 cup cubed cucumber
1/2 cup julienne carrot
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Dressing:
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons white miso paste
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 large clove garlic, peeled
1 tbsp honey
1 pinch salt

Dressing:
Using a food processor or hand blender, puree the olive oil, miso paste, garlic, vinegar, and honey, adding a few droplets of warm water as needed until the dressing takes on a creamy consistency. Add pinch of salt and blend until incorporated. Set aside.

Directions:
Bring pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the noodles per package instructions. When noodles are fully cooked, drain excess water and toss with miso dressing - adding as much or as little dressing as you prefer - until noodles are fully coated.

Sautee shrimp until pink (or for about 5 minutes) or add previously cooked shrimp and arrange with noodles in serving bowls.

Top with sesame seeds, snow peas, cubed cucumber, julienne carrot slices and sliced green onion.

Optional additional toppings include: sliced red cabbage, chopped chives, sliced hard boiled eggs, toasted walnuts or almonds.

Chocolate Cherry Truffles

Craving something rich and chocolate-y? These decadent, little truffles taste sinful – but at only 50 calories per piece – they won’t break your diet and are packed with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate!

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons evaporated fat-free milk
1 cup semi-sweet dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup finely chopped dried cherries
3 tablespoons powdered cocoa

Instructions:
In a small saucepan, heat evaporated milk.  Add chocolate chips and stir together until chips have completely melted. Mix in chopped cherries and let cool slightly. Measure out 1-inch round dollops and roll into balls with the palms of your hands. Coat each with powdered cocoa and place on sheet pan 1-inch apart. Makes about 20 truffles. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.