Chicken Lo Mein

Chinese food is one of those things that sounds like a really good idea until you eat way too much of it and you realize it's overly greasy and just not good for you (yes, it takes eating lots of it for you to realize this common sense fact). But lo mein is just so good, right? When Sara and I were in Russo's last week, we saw lo mein noodles and I realized I it was possible for me to make my own.

I found a simple recipe for chicken lo mein and changed it a little bit. Also at Russo's I found enoki mushrooms, which I've never seen in a store before but love whenever I'm eating at a Japanese restaurant.

In a large pot filled with water, add whatever you want in your lo mein. I added carrots, snow peas, the enoki mushrooms, and the lo mein noodles and boiled until the pasta was al dente.

Then I mixed the cornstarch (2 t), sugar (1 t), and water (2 t) together. And added some sprouts (1/2 C), chicken broth (1/3 C), soy sauce (1 T), garlic (4 cloves), and ginger (2 t).

My wok was a bit too small so I got out Nina's giant one and cooked the chicken in it. Then I mixed in the broth mixture and the vegetables and pasta, and cooked for 2 more minutes.

The lo mein came out fabulously and actually tasted pretty authentic, but was a lot less greasy. So you can feel a lot better about eating it!

[Sues]

Welcome to Watertown, MA

Today I spent the afternoon in Watertown, MA. Now, if you're from the Boston area, you're probably thinking, "Watertown, woo hoo, lucky you" (cue New England sarcasm). I know, I know, the Arsenal Mall isn't exactly the hottest mall around, and the Watertown Mall is at least a hundred times worse. If you're in the area, it's probably to go to Target or maybe the less cool than Boston's version of Filene's Basement. However, I'm telling you right now, Watertown has some definite perks.

First of all, where have I been hiding for the last 3 years that I've never heard of Russo's? That is, until I heard about it 3 times in one day (no joke) a couple weeks ago, which is when I realized I had to go. So after a trip to Target, Sara took me on a tour of Watertown and was more than excited to bring me to Russo's.

This market is seriously awesome. The produce is plentiful and the prices are really, really good. Blueberries for $1.98, blackberries for $1.98, asparagus for $2.49/lb. In addition, the prepared foods looked fabulous and the bakery goods a-m-a-z-i-n-g. They also have homemade pasta. Oh, and at least 3 different kinds of Bocconcini. So yeah, now I know where to go for that. Sara also introduced me to an amazing new product: pink grapefruit yogurt. Yes, it sounds a little odd, but it's really quite fabulously delicious and now I wish I had stocked up better! I guess that means another trip to Russo's is in the future.

After our Russo's excursion, Sara took me to Fordee's, a little Middle Eastern sandwich shop in Coolidge Sqare (note: not Coolidge Corner). Their falafel wrap with tahbouli was out of this world and huge! But really, everything sounded good and the pita chips were a definite yes. Also, everyone who worked behind the counter was extremely friendly. We had already stocked up on Hommus at Russo's and were stuffed from our lunch, but according to Sara, there are tons of great Middle Eastern specialty shops in the area also.

So thanks to Sara for introducing me to the joys of Watertown. Even though she's from Connecticut and live in Beacon Hill, she somehow always seems to know more about the surrounding area than I ever have. If you're in the Boston area and haven't already, definitely go spend some time in Watertown!