

I was in the mood for Asian flavors so this Ginger-Peanut-Coconut Tofu Veggie and Rice Stir-Fry really hit the spot. The warm spicy ginger mingling with rich, nutty peanut flavor, cool, captivating coconut milk, bright citrus and a hint of miso and tamari. Colorful Asian veggies like broccoli florets, snow peas, edamame, carrots and water chestnuts are heated in a sizzling skillet, tossed in sauce and plated on top of fluffy white rice. Plump pillows of seared miso-ginger tofu cubes on top. A ring of freshly sliced citrus, orange zest aroma, to accent the platter. Sake on the side. And an extra bowl of fluffy rice too.

There is just something about a side bowl of fluffy rice that makes me happy.

This dish rocks as a “leftovers” meal too. Served cold or warm. Craving stir-fry? Give this vegan meal a try!..

And some thoughts of the day: On Single-tasking..

Today’s contemplation to pair with this Zen-inspired meal: How good are you at the skill of single-tasking?

What is single-tasking, you ask? Good question!..



Back in the day, they used to cite studies saying: “Juggling career and family, women are better multi-taskers than men!” Well nowadays I think it is safe to say that everyone is a skilled multi-tasker. We juggle tweets, Apps, emails, TV, news, music, texts, blog posts, articles, photographs, recipes, videos, (videos of cats your friend tweeted you), dinner plans, Facebook statuses, online banking, calenders and work duties all over the course of one. simple. day.

The number of virtual and in-person connections you can (easily) make in one day is staggering. This interaction can be energizing and inspiring, but on the other end of the spectrum, information burnout is bound to happen. So instead of working on our now-perfected skill of multi-tasking, lets step back and develop the skill of single-tasking.

Single-tasking: Do one thing with pure and quiet focus, flexed concentration. All while shaking away any anxious, busy or nervous thoughts that jump into your mind. Noise: off. Energy-robbers like worry and anxiety: mute them.

Not so easy, right?

Try this: Five minutes of meditation. Nothing stressful or anxious should be tumbling through your thoughts. Only happy, quiet calm. This blank space is not time wasted, it has great value in keeping your head clear and sharp. Computers need to sleep. Brains need to meditate.

Single-tasking is a skill I think we can all gain from having. And medtation is just one way to single-task! Other activities I like for the single-activity quiet and calm they induce..

* Kitchen time, cooking my favorite dishes.

* Long walks at dusk when the neighborhood begins to grow quiet and the sky turns powder navy blue. Cell phone stays home.

* Nature time. The beach, in a park, mountains, lakes, wherever I can get lost in nature, quiet mode easy to find.

* Exercise. Yoga and dancing and my favorites. Deep breathing always helps lighten the weight in your mind and helps release anxiety and nervousness that clings to you in noisy spaces.

* Travel. Old fashioned vacation, escaping from the familiar and routine inspires reflection.

* Art. Painting and drawing has always opened a door to quiet and reflection for me.

* Being Brave. Resist the desire to shrink away from challenges. Embrace the new, the unknown. This keeps your mind focused and on its tippy-toes.

What do you do to single-task? To keep your mind feeling focused, less-than-frazzled, quiet, renewed and sharp? Ponder THAT as you enjoy this energizing one-plate-wonderful stir-fry…

Ginger-Peanut-Coconut Tofu & Veggie Stir-Fry over Rice

vegan, serves 4

Ginger-Peanut-Coconut-Citrus Sauce:

2 heaping Tbsp peanut butter

2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce

1/2 cup coconut milk (I used light coconut milk, but full fat works too)***

1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp candied ginger, chopped (optional)

1 Tbsp brown rice syrup or agave syrup

1 tsp sesame oil

1/4 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tsp orange zest

s&p to taste if desired

***lighten it up: If you want to lighten up the sauce, you can use light coconut milk, or substitute with an unsweetened non-dairy milk. I tested with almond milk – it was a bit watery, but still delicious.



Tweak it! Other flavor accents to experiment with in the sauce: lime juice and zest, lemongrass, dried chilies, basil, miso.

Veggies:

4 cups Asian veggies (broccoli florets, snow peas, water chestnuts, carrots, mushrooms, edamame – any variety you’d like – fresh or frozen)

1 tsp safflower oil

optional: splash of sake to finish

also:

1/3 cup slivered almonds or chopped peanuts

Miso Ginger Tofu:

1 1/2 cups large tofu cubes, firm

1 tsp white miso paste

2-3 tsp agave, maple or brown rice syrup

1 Tbsp fresh orange juice + pinch of zest

1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp safflower oil

s&p to taste

Rice:

1 cup white rice, rinsed

1 1/2 cups mushroom or vegetable broth