Foodie Friday: Cooking Chinese ~ Recipes & More

{ Via: Sandra Lee }

Do you have a yen for take out Chinese? I rarely do, but it does seem like a fun dinner. I mean those little containers and chopsticks are very cute. It makes eating an experience. But as with all take out food, I always worry about the quality and the additives. One way to get around all of that is to make it yourself. I plan to do that this weekend. Won't you join me in celebrating Chinese New Year, and expanding our cooking skills, together?

HERE: 20 Recipes & Cooks Tools

Spicy Sesame Basil Noodles
Now this is what I was talking about above - fun food! Said to be dreamy and creamy, this recipe can also be made with gluten free noodles. The spice comes from hot chili oil but is balanced with a little brown sugar.
Half Baked Harvest

 Lunar New Year Mixed Noodle Bowls
If you are celebrating, these will add the right amount of panache to your party.
Williams Sonoma

How To Make An Easy Asian Hot Pot
The proof is in the pot. This recipe crosses nearly every Asian cuisine. A hot pot is made to be communal like our fondue. A fun dish to make for the family or a crowd. And the good news is that you can use a deep electric skillet or an instant pot. I think it's worth a try.
Foodie Crush

Egg Foo Young With Brown Sauce
Truth be told, this is my favorite and perhaps the only dish I have ever ordered for take out. The recipe is not difficult, as it turns out. I just may try this recipe soon.
China Sichuan Food

Classic Mu Shu Pork
Haven't had this in years but, it was good and fun to eat with the little thin pancakes. Why call for delivery when you can make this at home in 30 minutes?
Rachael Ray Magazine

Chinese Shrimp Cakes

A very interesting recipe filled with shrimp, aromatic fresh herbs and lots of veggies. Surprisingly enough, the secret to success is "whipping" the ingredients together 

before frying.

The Woks Of Life

The Best Sweet & Sour Chicken
"This sweet and sour chicken recipe is crispy, tangy, and delicious." Not to mention
 it's so colorful.
The Cookie Rookie

Chinese 5 Spice Beef & Pepper Stir Fry
A fast and easy 15 minute recipe from start to finish. A perfect hot week day meal.
Heather Christo

Fried Rice with Shrimp and Broccolini
Here's a recipe that could tempt me to eat rice. It doesn't quite look like the fried rice that you get in cardboard does it?
Williams Sonoma Taste

Plum-Sauce Pork or Chicken 
Lettuce Wraps
This dish looks rather healthy. It's made with "no sugar added" plum preserves and tamari which is a gluten free soy sauce. I am loving the idea of this dish.
Rachael Ray Magazine

Kung Pao Chicken
"Chiles, scallions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce flavor tender chicken and peanuts in this moderately spicy dish." I have never had this dish before but it's super popular, I know. Your guests will most likely love it.
Saveur

Easy Vegan Fried Rice
This recipe had me at 'peanut butter' which is one of the ingredients. What makes it meaty? Tofu, and I am not bad about that. 
Minimalist Baker

Baked Orange Cauliflower
We have been roasting cauliflower quite a bit, enjoying it with Parmesan cheese. It's fab, but this looks delicious, too. Not super carb friendly because the cauliflower is coated in breadcrumbs before adding the addicting sauce. WOW!
Kirbie Cravings

 Wok Dishes & Wok
A beautiful wok and wok dishes to serve at the table. The wok is expensive and worth it, but the wok dishes are affordable. Available in six fabulous colors.
Le Creuset

Wonton Soup
Even though this dish looks a bit intimidating, it is said to be surprisingly easy to make. That's a good thing.
Omnivore's Cookbook

Breville Hot Wok
Add some sizzle to your meal and mix things up in this handy electric Wok. It's extra large for feeding a crowd. Love the idea of counter cooking leaving space on your burners for other dishes. And it's on sale!
Williams Sonoma

Chef Brandon Jew’s Potstickers
I love everything about this recipe, including the presentation, which is always key. This recipe is from the San Francisco restaurant Mister Jiu. Probably as authentic as it gets.
Williams Sonoma

Chinese Rice Cakes Stuffed With Coconut & Brown Sugar
I ran across very few Chinese desserts in my hunt for recipes. These are described as a Chinese tropical version of mochi. They are pretty, right?
Saveur

Dan Dan Noodles
A new dish to me, but it sure looks tasty. The meat is minced pork. I don't think anyone will be hungry after eating a bowl of this.
Gourmet Traveller

 Chinese Barbecued Pork Char Siu

Said to be the Cantonese people's greatest contribution to mankind. Not sure about that but it does look good.I'll leave you with this thought...it's made with a whole pork belly. 
Appetite for China

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Seeing Red ( And Gold ): Happy Lunar 
New Year!

Sweet Nothings: Valentine's Gifts $50 & Under

{ Via: Domino }

Sometimes it is the smallest gesture that means the most. With Valentine's one week away, it's time to express your love. These sweet nothings won't break the bank but they are sure to to melt hearts. Find a little something for all of your loves, from light up rubber duckies to tea for two, each item says
 "I Love You."

HERE: 16 Gifts They Will Love

Giant Personalized Valentine's Day Cookies, Set of 3
Love sent across the miles is always sweet. These buttery vanilla sugar cookies  are baked from scratch. They promise to taste as good as they look. Order by Friday the 8th for Valentine's Day delivery.
Williams Sonoma

Isn't She Chic Wool Beret
Galentine perfection! Or add a little French kiss to whatever you are wearing for your Valentine date night.
ModCloth

Gingham Heart Apron
Sometimes the best gift is that of your time. Give this sweet apron to your child or grandchild, then invite them into your kitchen for some cooking together. Bake a memory!
Pottery Barn Kids

Tiered Tutu Skirt

For girls who love to twirl! 

Nordstrom

Pom Pom Pillow

The perfect little pillow for a teen or tween. Let them know that they make your heart happy.
Nordstrom

Emoji Pancake & Waffle Maker
The entire family will be all "heart eyes" about this gift. Fun for Valentine's Day and beyond.
Amazon

Ralph Lauren Polo Intense
For racing hearts. Both the bottle and the scent was inspired by the world of high speed race cars. This fragrance is said to be sophisticated and addictive with notes of sensual red leather and woodsy roasted coffee. 
Sephora

Rings & Things
Jewelry is always a good idea. You will find a bevy of baubles here under $50 that will set 
hearts on fire.
Baublebar

Family Fun: Valentine's Treats
 Cooking Class
Designed for children (age 8 and up) and adults to work together in creating a sweet menu of Heart-Shaped Pepperoni Pizzas - Homemade Pizza Dough - Strawberry Jam Hand Pies - Homemade Pie Crust and Chocolate Dipped Cereal Treats. The classes are taught by professional chefs at your local Sur La Table. A gift to be remembered!
Sur La Table

Light Up Love Duckie Set
Oh rubber duckie, you're the one! My favorite and the least expensive of the edit. These little guys will light up anyone's life and create hours of bathtime fun
Hearth Song

Tea For Two

Celebrate the ritual of love through the act of sharing - a moment - a spot of tea. These pretty porcelain pieces are really works of art. Use Code: VDAY20 to save 20%.
AHAlife

Statement Breton
We can't have too much happiness can we? This 100% cotton tee will make her heart happy.
Boden

I Love You Branding Iron & Board
For the meat lover in your life. Offer to cook dinner and make a lasting impression with this branding iron and board. It's on sale, too!
Horchow

Kate Spade Calendar & Folio

Pencil yourself in. Enough said.
One Kings Lane

Page Turner Bookmark
Let her know that you can't get enough of her. It's just fun but still practical. Less than $15
Anthropologie

Leopard Heart With Truffles

This gift says you are wild about them.  With flavors like Double Chocolate, Fudge Love, Sea Salt Caramel, Mix It Up, and Double Latte, these truffles are terrific.
Neiman Marcus



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Flowers That Will Flourish Well Beyond Valentine’s Day

Love Literally

Wedding Wednesday: It's All About Your Bride Tribe

{ Via: Britt & Co. }

Your bridesmaids have more to do than walking down the aisle. Their most important duty is that of best friend. The least you can do is to let them know how much they mean to you. This post, will get your message across with style - from chic cards and beautiful boxes, affordable dresses, and fun flasks, this post is all about spoiling the girls.  After all what is a bride without her tribe?

The Bridal Shop At Lulu's
Welcome to your ultimate wedding destination. Lulu's offers beautiful (and affordable) wedding and bridesmaid dresses everyone will love. P.S. the maids dresses above 
are under $100!
Lulu's

Personalized Proposal
Asking your girlfriends to be one of the tribe is big business these days. I think that I just called my besties. What did you do? These customized watercolor painted cards get the message across beautifully.
Lucky Notes

Personalized Champagne Flutes
Keep it classy-always. No stadium cups for your terrific tribe. Your maids will sip stylishly from these at the bachelorette party, bridal lunch, showers and more.
Happily Ever Etched

Bridal Shower Invitations
For those maids planning a bridal brunch, these invites are a little bit fancy, at least in title, and a whole lot of fun. 
Minted

Bridesmaid Beach Hat
Having a Beach Destination Wedding or bachelorette party? Your girls need these personalized hats. You won't believe the price. 
Mod Party

Personalized Mirrors
A darling gift for any girl, but I love these as "Place Cards" at the bridesmaid brunch or lunch. Best yet, they are just under $10
Mod Party 

Personalized Bangle Flask
Shhh! Don't tell. These two are having too much fun. Your tribe will too, with their own flask for those thirsty moments. because your bride tribe is much too busy to stand in line at the bar.
Love and Luxe Handmade

Toast Books
If you want her to say something good about you at the reception, supply her with something pretty for her beautiful words. It will then become a keepsake of yours.
Paper Plum Co.

Bridesmaid Tote
Perfect for the bachelorette party, morning of the wedding, or any time you get your girls together. Buy them alone, or get the party favors right here.
White Confetti Box

Personalized Gift Boxes
Anything personalized becomes a keepsake, You'll find an adorable box for all of life's occasions. Think about filling these boxes with your thank you gift for your bride tribe. There are also choices for the groomsmen, too.
White Confetti Box

Bachelorette Shot Glasses
Because girls just want to have fun, too.
Mc Designs And More

Personalized Sunglasses Pouch & Sunnies
Another pretty party prop for your tribe. The golden sunnies are also available. Fun, especially for a destination beach wedding.
Mod Party

A Guide To Planning A Bachelorette Party
For inspiration, do click over to see this absolutely adorable party. You will want to duplicate it for yourself and your tribe ASAP.
Inspired By This

The Channing Bridesmaid Dress
This sweet style is both fun and feminine. It features a smocked back on the bodice making it comfy and easy to fit. Available in seven stylish shades and prints.
Plum Pretty Sugar



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Wedding Wednesday: Bridesmaid Gifts