Beef with Broccoli *

2 cups uncooked instant brown rice
1 3/4 cup water
1 cup beef broth
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp Sriracha, alter amount to your desired level of spice
1 pound boneless beef round steak, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1/2 pound frozen cut broccoli, thawed

Combine rice and water in large bowl.  Microwave rice for time listed on rice package.  Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, brown sugar and sriracha.  Stir until all dissolved.  In skillet, heat oil.  Add ginger, beef and onion; sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Cook 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown. Remove beef mixture from skillet; cover to keep warm.  Add broth mixture and broccoli to skillet.  Heat to boiling; reduce heat.  Cook 5-10 minutes or until sauce thickens and broccoli is tender.  Return beef mixture to skillet; cook until hot, stirring occasionally.  Serve beef with broccoli over warm rice.

Serves 4

Chinese Pork Stir Fry *

1 Tbsp EVOO

1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into thin strips

1 cup frozen onion and pepper mix

4 oz fresh sliced mushrooms

3 carrots, sliced

1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

2 Tbsp hoisin sauce

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Hot cooked rice or rice noodles

Heat oil in large skillet.  Add meat and vegetables; stir fry 5 minutes.  Stir in dressing and hoisin sauce; stir fry 5 minutes.  Add mushroom; stir fry 2 minutes.  If meat is not done, stir fry until meat is done at this time.  Add green onions; stir fry one minute.  Serve over rice or rice noodles.

Serves 4  

Chocolate, Cranberry and Oat Bars *

1 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
4 squares semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350.  Microwave cranberries and orange juice in microwaveable bowl for 30 seconds.  Mix flour, oats, baking powder, and salt together and set aside.  Beat butter and sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each until well blended.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in cranberry mixture, chocolate and nuts.  Spread onto bottom of 13x9 pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.  Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Serves 24