Clearing the Air with Bok Choy & Supermarket Sweep

Apparently there has been some grumbling that we're "cheating" with this whole undertaking and that using Hulu+ isn't really getting rid of cable. I'd like to set the record straight on that topic; in my first post I mentioned that it could be used as an alternative but that we were not using this right out of the gate. In fact, since last week we have turned on the TV exactly once, to watch a single Netflix movie. That's it people, no need to get your panties in a bunch...  


Now that we're on the same page, onward ho. 


Around the same time that this blog was hatched it became clear to me that I was going to make out like a bandit in the department of homemade dinners. We started a new "ingredient of the week challenge" that pretty much makes our kitchen like the set of something you'd see on the Food Channel. The best part of this little plan is I get to pick the ingredient and then Ami has to use it in several meals over that week (shhhhhhhhhh, I honestly have no idea how this came about, but don't jinx it now!). 


Week One showcased asparagus and kicked off with it being roasted with onion, garlic, olive oil, spices & herbs. The second appearance came in the form of a puree that was simmered and spiced into a very tasty soup. I could see the wheels turning and my stomach was liking this direction. 

Bok choy?!?!

Week Two featured bok choy. Seriously, you ask... bok choy? This is what she gets for making me suffer through Costco on a weekend while I'm a little hungover. If you've never been to Costco on a Saturday just picture a thousand type-A personalities with over-sized carts all playing Supermarket Sweep at the same time... sigh. Side note, for the unintentional comedic moment of the week; click that link, watch through minute 2:40... someone PLEASE tell me isn't cringing as he asks "what kind of dance?". Ha ha, classic!


Anyway, it turns out the joke was on me because she turned that random vegetable into one of the better Asian noodle dishes I've had in a LONG time! Seriously, even Emeril would have tossed a "BAM" out on that one. 



Now what's on tap for week three you ask... well, we're currently in a small hiatus from the Challenge as this week has been planned for about 3 months. Mital, Hina, & Malisa are in town for a few days (to celebrate Hina's birthday) and we have a tour-de-force planned for the Chicago restaurant circuit. The agenda includes, but is not limited to, Alinea, Topolobompo, Longman & Eagle, Aviary, Chez Gashti, and perhaps a sneak peak into Big Star or Hot Doug's. After this weekend I will need to be rolled around town. 



Finally, a little house keeping before we wrap up. My original post had set a goal of 5 non-family-member followers by the end of the summer. Well, we're up to 11 already, not to mention 217 unique visitors, and all of this since the site launched just one week ago! Now I realize this isn't going to be challenging Facebook for total visits/day or anything, but it does make me realize that my goals were WAY too modest. 


With that said (insert drum roll here) our new goal for the summer is 50 non-family-member followers and 500 unique visitors by the middle of September... this is a drastic step but I have confidence in all of us!


So go forward my flock, and spread the good word!