A friend recently reminded me that happy people are often grateful, while ungrateful people tend to look at life from a “glass half empty” perspective. I’m guilty of both. Sometimes I believe the realist in me needs to see life for its misgivings — that this somehow helps anticipate the bumpy road ahead, work out the kinks, and navigate more smoothly.
In reality, most of the bumpy roads are merely just life’s way of strengthening our will and testing our determination to follow our dreams.
2012 has been rumored to be a turning point – a time for new beginnings, big successes, and dreams come true. The skeptic in me may question this but, instead, I’m choosing to firmly hold onto this belief, remain grateful and allow myself to thrive — just as life intended.
::
Rice Noodles with Dungeness Crab + Citrus-Chili Oil
With its abundance this time of year, Dungeness crab is often enjoyed dipped in luscious melted butter, not unlike this decadent recipe from my friend, Kimberley, over at The Year in Food.
Because it’s so delicate and sweet, I wanted to create a healthy dish allowing the crab to really shine. The airy rice noodles keep everything light while the citrus-chili oil adds a great deal of brightness and complexity, without overpowering at all.
Ingredients
- Finely grated zest of: 1 lemon, 2 limes and 2 tangerines (or 1 medium orange)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chili pepper (we used Urfa chili for its rich, earthy flavor)
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- ¼ teaspoon honey
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups crab meat (from about 2 ½-3 pounds of Dungeness crab)
- 8 ounces cooked rice noodles, rinsed with cold water
- ½ cup green onions, finely diced
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Method
In a medium glass bowl, combine the citrus zest, chili pepper, garlic, honey and olive oil. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to marry.
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the citrus-chili oil, crab, rice noodles, sea salt and pepper. Gently and quickly toss to combine. Once warm and completely coated with the citrus oil, remove from the heat and serve in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve immediately.
{serves 2-4}
Thanks so much. Hope to see more of you this year!
4 comments