Avocado Broccoli Soup

The personal blender I've been using to make smoothies is wonderful for making small portioned soup. I used what I had in my fridge; blanched broccoli, parsley, skim milk and yogurt. So I didn't have to cook anything special for this soup. How is that for simple cooking?

Food police on duty.

Personal blender. Convenient for a small meal.

Avocado Broccoli Soup

1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1/2 cup blanched broccoli florets
1/2 avocado
1 Tbsp parsley
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp parmesan cheese

Leftover broccoli

Yogurt, olive oil and avocado

Blend all until smooth. Avocado and olive oil act like thickening agents. Garnish with diced fresh avocado and drizzle good quality olive oil. I like to serve it chilled.

Good olive oil and fresh avocado for garnish brighten up the flavor.

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Double Strawberry Cocoa Smoothie

I've been loving these smoothies in the morning. Making them with a personal blender is a snap, and because the blender is so small, the cleanup is easy. This morning, I made it with unsweetened cocoa, mint and lots of strawberries. With extra strawberries, the flavor is intensified, and a little bit of mint perks up the flavor even more! 

I keep a glass full of mint from our backyard in my kitchen.

Double Strawberry Cocoa Smoothie

1 cup almond milk
1/4 cup 0% fat Greek yogurt
1 cup strawberries
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa. Don't skimp of cocoa, either!
2 tsp agave nectar
3 leaves mint
A sprig of mint for garnish

Blend all until smooth. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a strawberry. 

Pink brown yogurt drink. Rich in flavor.

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Fresh Spring Rolls with Korean Sesame Leaves

We found seasoned Korean sesame leaves at the local grocery store. Sesame leaves are similar to Japanese shiso leaves with a pungent herby smell. When you season them with spicy miso paste and let them get fermented slightly, the flavor is really complex. I love having these leaves on steamed rice, but this time, I made fresh basil rolls using them.

If you like spicy Thai basil dishes, you'll love these!

Seasoned sesame leaf

Fresh Spring Rolls with Korean Sesame Leaves
(Four rolls)

2 slices roast pork, cut thinly. I used leftover roast pork from the other night.
1/4 cup julienned cucumber
Handful spring mix or arugula, optional
4 seasoned Korean sesame leaves
4 rice wrappers
Vietnamese sweet chili sauce for dipping

Rice wrapper before soaking in water.

They come in different sizes. I got smaller kind.

Roll it up gently.

Soak a rice wrapper in lukewarm water. Lay it flat on a plate and start adding a sesame leaf, pork, cucumber and arugula. As the wrapper softens, gently roll, with the sides tucked in. Dip in sweet chili sauce or soy sauce.

This sweet chili sauce is delicious with dumplings.

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Dogs Like Fresh Towels, Too

I took the clean towels out of the dryer, and right away, our dog had to lie down on them. 

"Please don't tell me to move..."

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