Year of the Dog, Book, Saturday Sickness, Olympics.

I've  been needing stamps for international postage for a while and not got round to buying them. However, I did so when in the post office a couple of days ago. I couldn't resist them. Almost don't want to use them. There is another of a different type of dog which I discovered when looking for this one. In case you are unaware, February 16 was the beginning of the Chinese New Year which is the reason Mandarin is offering dumplings both galore and various. I had another fill of them on Friday for lunch. Friend's birthday. I also made sure to have some kelp salad. I really, really like that. As a general rule I try to never eat anything which is not Oriental in preparation. They usually have roast beef or other such items there, but I don't touch them. Only time I might have done so was if we had made it for Christmas. I would certainly have had some turkey. Actually I was thinking, on Friday, should I book for Christmas next year? Maybe I will leave it til later in the year.

A lot of noise is being made about the movie A Wrinkle in Time, Oprah is in it, so I thought I would order it from the library. Seems like it might be a while before I get it. But, as I have three library books, a proof and a Kindle loan, I don't need anything else just now. I investigated buying it but for some reason the Kindle version is more expensive than the paperback!!

Saturday night, having been sick the last two, I was almost too nervous to eat or drink anything. The likelihood of lightening striking a third time on a Saturday is pretty low, but just  the same....  By the time you read this I will know one way or the other. Well, I a pleased to report nothing happened and I was fine all night long. Phew. No, I haven't been to the doctor - I just haven't had time.

Oh well, the Olympic games has come to an end, I will have to wait  two more years for the summer games. I watched the Closing Ceremonies and was certainly impressed with all the technology. Especially the tiger figure in the sky made by drones. They really must have worked hard to achieve that. I enjoyed the ceremonies but I am not too sure Matt did. I think the next Winter Games in Beijing will be something to see as well. I really, really, wanted the Olympic mascot, Soohorong, but looked for it on Amazon and it isn't cheap. I cannot justify buying one sadly. I notice Kurt Browning was referring to them as 'stuffies'. He said he was taking one home for his kid. Lucky kid. Of course the mascot for Beijing with be a Giant Panda.

Having talked about Zoodles or spiralized zucchini noodles, I came across this recipe and thought it sounded good.

Spiralized Zucchini Noodles With Spicy Peanut Sauce

Precut produce helps this staff favorite come together in a flash. Spiralized zucchini and summer squash are in the prepared produce section of many supermarkets; you can also spiralize your own or make ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Squash takes the place of noodles in these bowls, so you'll need a hefty amount for each serving. The zucchini noodles don't require cooking—they'll add freshness

and crunch to the finished dish. Make the sauce while the tofu cooks and have the other vegetables at the ready so you can toss and serve immediately.

1/4 cup cornstarch
1 (12-oz.) pkg. extra-firm water-packed tofu, drained, patted dry, and cut into 1-in. cubes
1 1/2 Tbs canola oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 Tbs creamy peanut butter
3 Tbs lower-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbs unsalted ketchup
1 Tbs Sriracha chili sauce
1 Tbs water
2 tsp light brown sugar
1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
2 (16-oz.) pkg. spiralized zucchini or yellow squash and zucchini (about 4 cups total)
3 cups fresh mung bean sprouts (about 5 oz.)
1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, finely chopped and divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
4 scallions, cut into 1-in. pieces
4 lime wedges

1. Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Add tofu; toss to coat, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add tofu to pan; cook 8 to 10 minutes or until tofu is brown and crisp, stirring occasionally.

2. Combine lime juice and next 7 ingredients (through ginger) in a bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine spiralized squash, sprouts, carrots, 1/4 cup cilantro, 2 tablespoons peanuts, and mint in a large bowl. Add tofu and peanut butter mixture to bowl; toss. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, remaining 2 tablespoons peanuts, and scallions. Serve with lime wedges.

Servings: 4

Source: Cooking Light

Have a great day