ok. Time for the first recipe. This is a light snack that is quick to throw together and goes great with many dishes.

Asian Slaw.

The Bulk

1 head Nappa cabbage (fine julienne)
2 red bell peppers (fine julienne)
1 red onion (fine julienne)
2 carrots peeled (fine julienne)
1/2 bunch cilantro (chopped)
1 tbs fresh grated ginger

The Dressing

1 c rice wine vinegar
1/4 c cooking sake
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs orange juice
1/4 c sesame oil
2 Tbs toasted sesame seeds (white or black)
to make the dressing, mix together the vinegar, sake, soy sauce, and orange juice. Then, with a whisk, slowly and the sesame oil while whisking. Then add the sesame seeds and stir.

Now. The best way to put this together is to keep the bulk and the dressing separate untill ready to serve. Then take some of the bulk and add just enough dresssing to coat every thing. You may have more dressing than bulk or more bulk than dressing depending on how heavy you dress it. But that's ok. This is one case when over dressing is acceptable. You can always make more if need be.

This slaw is a wonderful power food in the fact that it has a lot of sesame oil and the cleasing power of cabbage. Sesame oil is known in some places as the "Queen of Oils". It is naturaly antibacterial for common skin pathogens and has been linked in some studies to helping control high blood preasure due to its polyunsatuated fats. Plus the best thing about it is the taste. It may be strong for some but it will grow on you if you give it a chance.

another great little snack idea is simply cooked soba noodles (buckwheat noodles) lightly coated in sesame oil.


Try these out and let me know what you think. There is plenty more to come. Have a great and healthy day!!

Chef Matt