Here’s an awesome lunch Jeff and I had on Sunday. We had very little food in the house but I still managed to make something special out of some basic items that I usually have lying around.

I buy pre-cooked udon noodles that come in a vacuum-sealed package with a packet of soup mix. If you’ve ever had ramen noodles you’re probably familiar with that little seasoning packet it comes with. These are like that except that the seasoning packet is actually full of delicious wholesome freeze dried real food as opposed to just salt, MSG, and bouillon.

Boiled up a few eggs to add on top using the same hard-boiled egg method that I used for the Chinese tea eggs I made recently. I only needed two, the other two became snacks for later.

Liam was perched on top of the refrigerator the entire time. Whenever eggs, fish, butter, or cheese are present, he’s sure to be lurking around nearby hoping for a windfall.

See how he tries to be cute so I’ll give him a boiled egg? Weirdo.

I am so bad at peeling eggs…

The udon only really needs to heat through, if you cook it too much it will get soft and fall apart. Never mind that I did exactly that…

I swear I can get no peace from these two. Liam promptly moved himself directly under my feet as I started to slice the eggs and Lucas alighted to the top of the fridge to glower at me for not giving him any.

Lucas, I realize now that you have yet to have an egg in your life. No wonder you’re so upset! I’m obviously a bad mother.

I am such a sucker for these creamy under-boiled eggs. They tend to soak up the flavors of the broth, so yummy!

Topped it with toasted sesame seeds and shichimi togarashi, a spicy Japanese condiment made specifically for topping soups.

Udon noodles with creamy egg

An instant soup is dressed up with perfectly cooked eggs and fresh scallions.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1 package prepared udon noodles with seasoning
• 3 cups water
• 3 thinly sliced scallions
• top with sesame seeds and togarashi

Cooking Directions

1. Hard boil eggs. Peel and slice.
2. Boil noodles in water with seasonings according to package directions.
3. Top with sliced scallions, sesame, togarashi spice, and sliced egg.

This was a great way to make a special lunch out of a bunch of odds and ends. There is no shame in using packaged noodles and instant broth so long as you can find one with wholesome and authentic ingredients.

What is your favorite way to eat noodles?

July 19, 2011 Alayna Discussion, Recipes 9 comments

Awesome breakfast concoction this morning!

I made my own cereal (which I consider a different thing entirely from muesli, because it’s more light and airy) out of a new product I stumbled upon yesterday at the grocery store.

I was looking all up and down the healthy cereal aisle for a cereal that was low on sugar but had great texture. All of those cereals were too sugary and too expensive though, but I did find this little gem for about $2…

I used to love cereals like Smack’s growing up, so I thought I could recreate something like that by adding a touch of honey to this Arrowhead Mills puffed wheat.

I bulked it up with some puffed amaranth, toasted buckwheat, raw pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, and a topping of fresh blueberries. With a drizzle of honey and vanilla almond milk, it really did remind me of those sweet cereals of my childhood, but without all the extra sugar.

Puffed wheat cereal

A healthy cereal for a fraction of the cost of the boxed stuff.

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup puffed wheat
• 2 tbsp. puffed amaranth
• 1 tbsp. toasted buckwheat
• sprinkle of slivered almonds
• sprinkle of raw pumpkin seeds
• drizzle of honey

Cooking Directions

1. Combine everything in a bowl, top with your favorite fresh fruit, and serve with your favorite milk or nut milk.

Just look at that honey drizzle!

This made for a light breakfast, perfect for a warm morning when I don’t want anything too heavy. Now if I could only find a way to make Fruity Pebbles healthy….

What was your favorite cereal as a child?

July 19, 2011 Alayna Discussion, Recipes 3 comments