Asian Broccoli Noodles Recipe

My Mom has imparted her interest in cooking and baking to me and shares with me a delightful assortment of cookbooks and recipes for all sorts of delicious meals and goodies. For years I have said that I would begin compiling a list of some of our favorite recipes and where we learned them from, now I make good on that. Starting with a recipe that is a big hit with my family; the following recipe is from the cookbook “Vegetarian Express Lane Cookbook” by Sarah Fritschner. Available to order on Amazon.com. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments!

Available to order on Amazon.com.

Asian Broccoli Noodles

• 1 Medium Head of Broccoli
• 2 Bunches of Green Onions
• 1-2 Large Garlic Cloves Minced
• 2 Tbsp. peeled, minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• 8 ounces spaghetti or vermicelli
• 1-2 tbsp vegetable oil

Trim and discard tough bottoms from broccoli. Cut florets into 1-inch pieces; peel stems, if using, and cut them into ½ inch squares.

Trim and discard roots and any wilted green tops from green onions. Mince green onions and combine in a small bowl with garlic, ginger, peanut butter, soy sauce and sugar. Stir to blend peanut butter, then add water or broth, lemon juice and salt. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions, about 8 minutes for spaghetti, a little less for vermicelli, or until barely tender. Drain and rinse with cold water; drain again and set aside. 

Heat a wok or other wide, deep cast-iron skillet over high heat for 3 or 4 minutes (if using an enameled or nonstick, don’t heat without food in it). Add oil and broccoli. Stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add drained noodles, stirring constantly to heat to heat them evenly.
Stir peanut butter mixture to distribute garlic and ginger, then add to the pan, stirring to distribute sauce evenly throughout. Serve hot. Serves 2 to 4.

"Bradford the Brake Van" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E5)

Today's Lee Pressman episode was a clever introduction to a unique new character. Bradford's military vibe was amusing,  particularly as we've never had anything like that in Thomas & Friends before. The mood and humor was very much akin to the Bluenose character in TUGS (for those of you who don't know, TUGS was the short-lived sister show to Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends in the late '80's).

This episode seemed to be a stream of tongue in cheek gags referring to the "dark ages" of Thomas & Friends. Bradford is highly critical of the way things are done on Sodor, citing safety codes that have often been ignored on the railway. All in all, this episode was a neat introduction for Bradford. This episode is also one of the few to emphasize the importance of the brake van. Bradford eventually takes his criticisms too far, leading to a humorous scene with Henry and an extremely tiny crack in his headlamp.  

Thomas' somewhat oppositional-defiant attitude rears it's ugly head and he ends up hauling too much stone in his trucks from Blue Mountain Quarry, which I thought was a clever reference to the dark ages and the crazy, unsafe "special. specials." 

My only real problem with this episode was the fact that some of Bradford's more legitimate concerns were ignored. Nevertheless, it was an amusing episode, and while I thought it could use some improvement, I'll give it an 8/10 rating, largely for the originality of the new character.

"Diesel and the Ducklings" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E4)

Today's episode gave me some mixed feelings, and I spent most of it enjoying the music and animation. Diesel is a hard character to nail down, because so many conflicting things have been done with his character over the years, today's episode felt like it could be the beginning of a new look at Diesel's character and who he is and why he does what he does, but it also felt like a filler episode, with very little to offer in terms of story.

The episode did provide some humor, in the forms of Thomas blackmailing Diesel as well as the diesel engines trying to be tough, but baby-talking to the ducklings.

Another good thing about the episode was 'Arry and Bert's appearance. They were in character and got a speaking role for the first time in years. 

So, in conclusion, this episode only gets a 6/10 rating from me.

"Henry Gets the Express" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E3)

The third episode of Season 20 has broadcast! This season is looking fantastic so far; this episode penned by Helen Farrall is an instant classic, in my opinion. Once again, the writing is strong (particularly so in this installment), the humor is spot on and the audience is given further insight into the beloved characters of Sodor.

Image from TTTE Wikia

One of the greatest aspects of this story is its simplicity. It takes some of the most ordinary original characters in the franchise and delivers a strong and amusing story by just exploring some of the most well known aspects of their characters in a new way. Gordon is arrogant to the point that he thinks that he cannot be replaced, Henry is as capable as Gordon, Sir Topham Hatt is a wise and benevolent leader who is adept at assigning his engines jobs that will teach them lessons and keep the railway running smoothly. No gimmicks, nothing new, just a good, simple story - solidifying its place as an instant classic.

Image from TTTE Wikia

Other highlights in the episode include the well-crafted and sometimes subtle references to older episodes, particularly the "Hi Gordon, Bye Gordon" line. Also of note, seeing Gordon doing unusual work in different locations than usual. The animation is always fantastic, but particularly in episodes like this one, in which several scenes are set in early morning or late evening; personal favorites of mine. Another personal favorite of mine is the character Porter, who made an appearance in today's episode - showing the writing team's ability to use newer characters alongside the classic ones - one of the best aspects of recent years.

Image from TTTE Wikia

Finally, since I usually point out a comedic element in the episode, this episode's finest funny moment would have to be when Henry manipulates Gordon, suggesting, (like Gordon had earlier regarding the express), that he couldn't handle The Flying Kipper. The scene was written and acted so well, that it was a real highlight. This episode didn't lag, lack or alter fundamental elements and definitely deserves a perfect 10/10 rating from me. Bring on tomorrow's episode!

"Toby's New Friend" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E2)

I didn't get a chance to work it in yesterday, but I just want to say that the remixed theme music they introduced last year is the best theme since the original. It's got the pep and fun that the show is supposed to have. The original Engine Roll Call seemed a bit dull by comparison. Likewise, the second episode of the new season is a bubbly and fun installment in the Thomas & Friends franchise.

Screenshot from the TTTE Wikia

Perhaps I had a bit of a positive bias from the beginning of the episode, seeing as Andrew Brenner wrote it and I'm generally quite fond of the episodes he pens, but I feel that the episode really delivered.

I've liked Philip since he was introduced; perhaps because he reminds me of some of my friends. I think this episode is perhaps the best treatment of the character since his introduction, providing perhaps the best foil yet in Toby, an older and wiser engine who likes things slow and quiet - contrasting with Philip's ever-present desire to go faster and his (perhaps unintentional) loud volume.

The moral of being friends despite differences is a great one, and much needed in society.

It was also very sweet and good message that Philip was able to find something in common with Toby - a love for trips through the countryside - which also showcased a whole new side to Philip that hadn't been seen before. So definitely another strong episode from Mr. Brenner.

Philip collage by @PeterSamFanNo4

Of course, there was plenty of comedy in today's episode, notably the scene in which the workmen instigate a race between Toby and Philip; quite probably the most comedic moment of the episode and sure to remain memorable even by the end of the season.

And on a final note, I noticed the Scottish Twins at the beginning of the episode - it's great to finally see some of the elements of Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure making their way into the television show.

So, all in all a great episode. I give it an 8/10 rating, puffing full steam ahead to the rest of the season.

"Sidney Sings" Review (Thomas & Friends S20E1)

Well, here we are, the premiere of Thomas & Friends Season 20. It's kind of crazy, I still remember watching the third and fourth seasons when I was a kid and they were they latest. Now, I've been talking about doing reviews on new Thomas & Friends episodes since around Season 17, but I've never got around to it. Fortunately, I put it on my agenda as soon as the new episodes were announced and today the first one broadcast, "Sidney Sings."

Lee Pressman wrote this season premiere, the same scribe that brought us such gems as "Gordon and Spencer" and "Snow Place Like Home." This episode had all the charm and wit that we've come to expect from him. It also finally made use of Sidney, who has existed for 5 years and never got his own episode, (though he did get a role in "The Missing Christmas Decorations" a few years ago, which was neatly referenced in today's installment.)

While we may not have seen Sidney much before, a humorous scene at the beginning of the episode involving the Earl gave clear indication that Sidney does get out and about, apparently causing confusion and delay with his forgetfulness. 

There was a healthy amount of rhyming and singing used in the episode, and it was part of the episodes' charm, unlike some of the dreaded installments of the "dark ages." The once-infamous three strike formula was also put to use here and wasn't too painful, though my only complaint regarding this episode would be the lag in the middle, so perhaps the formula was a bit of stretch for this particular plot.

Though, in a refreshing twist, the three strikes set up led to a rather humorous and usefully serendipitous surprise ending to the episode leaving everyone happy and Sidney completing his initial job he was tasked with, even if he was completely ignorant of what was going on. 

  

It really goes without saying, but as always the animation was fantastic, living up to everything we expect from Arc. I can't wait to see these new episodes on DVD, and an eventual release on Blu-ray would be fantastic, though I'm not sure how likely that is to happen.

Overall, the episode was a good season opener and was plenty of fun, I give it a 7/10 rating. 

On that note, bring on the rest of the season!