Had the pleasure of spending time at the YMCA of Boulder Valley Kids Triathlon on Saturday. Kids and adults cheered each other on as kids gave it a go and challenged themselves on a hot summer day. In keeping with the Chinese Tradition of combining cooling foods with a hint of heat to help the body cool down and recover, I've created a menu (with recipes) that allows you to keep your cool on the hottest of summer days with fresh food. All recipes are gluten free and can be adapted for vegans.
• Thai Peanut Noodles topped with protein of choice
--Grilled Chicken, Shrimp, Tofu or Egg
• Watermelon
• Watermelon Peel Salad (that’s right, don’t throw out the rind!)
• Sliced Cucumbers dipped in Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Tossed Salad
• Green Tea or Lemon & Mint infused Water
• Almond Cookies
Thai Peanut Noodles (Gluten Free)
Serves 4-6
Gently Cools & Disperses Heat
Add: Protein of Choice for Muscle Recovery--Grilled Chicken, Tofu, Shrimp, or Egg
INGREDIENTS:
• 12 oz brown rice linguine or pad thai rice noodles
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups mixed fresh vegetables-carrots, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, etc.
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• ½ cup sliced scallions
SAUCE:
1/3-1/2 cup peanut butter
¼ cup water
3 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp freshly grated gingerroot
1 Tbsp sugar
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
One: Cook pasta until al dente.
Two: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sauce ingredients and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat.
Three: Sauté garlic in sesame oil, then stir-fry garlic, mixed vegetables & 1 tsp vinegar.
Four: Toss noodles, vegetables, & scallions w/sauce. Top with bean sprouts & serve warm or chilled.
Watermelon Peel Salad
Serves 4
Clears Summer Heat & Stomach Heat; Generates Body Fluids & Relieves Thirst
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 lb watermelon peel
• 1 tsp salt
DRESSING:
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt, to taste
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tsp vinegar
One: Cut the white portion of the watermelon peel into 2 X ½ inch strips. Discard the green part.
Two: Combine the strips & salt in a glass bowl, Mix & let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse to remove salt. Place peels on towels to dry.
Three: Whisk together dressing & toss watermelon peel. Marinate 1 hour before serving.
Almond Cookies (Gluten Free)
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter or coconut oil
• 1 egg (or 1/4 cup almond milk)
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• ¾ cup brown rice flour
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 2 Tbsp tapioca starch
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup sliced almonds
One: Cream sugar, butter, egg, & vanilla for 2 minutes.
Two: Mix dry ingredients & stir into creamed mixture. Drop by spoonful onto cookie trays.
Three: Bake 10-12 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°