CHOMP

Chomp (YA) by Carl Hiaasen was a breath of fresh air from some of the other stuff I have been reading.  Probably aimed at middle school boys, this is a funny adventure about a kid in the Everglades of Florida who works with his dad as an animal wrangler on a TV show with a moronic, pompous star.  I listened to the audio book version, read by James Van Der Beek, who did an amazing narration.

Soba Noodles with Sweet Ginger Scallion Sauce

Recipe-

Ingredients-

• Soba noodles – 1 9oz packet. (I used vermicelli)
• Salt and Pepper as per taste.
• Sesame seeds – 2 Tbsp lightly toasted.
• Cucumber thinly julienne optional.
• Lime wedges optional.

For Sweet Ginger Scallion Sauce-

• Scallions – 1 ½ cup finely chopped. (I used about half of this amount, it seemed like too much)
• Ginger – 2 Tbsp minced.
• Cilantro – ¼ cup chopped.
• Sesame oil/ grape seed oil/ any neutral oil – 2-3 Tbsp.
• Chili oil – 2 tsp.
• Soy sauce – 1Tbsp.
• Rice wine vinegar – 2 Tbsp.
• Honey – 2 Tbsp.
• Salt – 1 tsp, as soy sauce is salty too so be careful with the salt.
• Black pepper – 1 tsp.

Method-

• Mix all the ingredients for Sweet Ginger Scallion sauce in the bowl, check for the seasoning. Keep it aside for 10 -15 minutes for the flavors to develop.
• Boil the soba noodles as per the instruction on the package, If you need them cold drain well with the cold water once they are cooked or just drain the water in which they boiled if you like them hot.
• Add the sauce, sesame seeds and toss the noodles well, check for the seasoning one last time. Sprinkle lime juice if you like and also if you like add some julienne cucumber, give a final toss and Enjoy!!!