Yaki Soba

I got this recipe from a class I took with Chef Walter Rhee, a sushi chef from Boston, who was biding his time in this berg while his wife completed an internship at the hospital. He's moved on, but I learned a lot in his Oodles of Noodles class.

yaki soba noodles (get these in the refrigerated section of your local asian grocer.)

coleslaw mix
1 onion
oil to stir fry

Stir fry soba noodles in oil to loosen. Set aside.

Oil the wok. Add the vegetables and stir fry with the yaki soba sauce or powder (always included in the yakisoba package)

Add the noodles, stir fry until evenly covered with sauce and serve.

That's the entire recipe, though I often throw in shrimp or chicken, stir-fried in a different round then tossed with the noodles at the end.

Mexican Burgers with Jalapeno Lime Mayo

Ilaiy brought this recipe to the table a few months ago, and it's been a hit every time it's served up. If you're a burger traditionalist, you won't like this one. If you're adventuresome, you'll love it. I think it's my favorite burger; lime and cilantro make it "refreshing"—and odd adjective for a burger, I know, but perfect for this one.

1.5 lb. ground beef chuck (80% lean)
1/4 c. chopped cilantro
2 T. thinly sliced green onions
1 pickled jalapeno, finely chopped, if desired
2 t. minced garlic
2 t. chili powder
1 t. grated lime peel
3/4 t. salt

For cheeseburgers, we used sliced pepperjack cheese.

Mix the above ingredients and grill as you would any other burger. Top with cheese, and Jalapeno Lime Mayo (recipe follows)

Jalapeno Lime Mayonnaise

1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 T. lime juice
2 t. grated lime peel
1 T. finely chopped pickled jalapeno chile