I Like it Simple, Sweet & Savory
As current students know and others will remember, this time of year means one thing: final exams. With papers due in a few days and a Hebrew grammar final this Thursday I haven’t had much time for cooking, but a girl has to eat, and sometimes quickie dishes can be spectacular. For instance, the honeydew melon sorbet you see pictured above, which is unbelievably easy to make and even more refreshing. Made with the juicy flesh of a honeydew melon, sugar, lemons and vodka, a spoonful of this frozen delight immediately transports you to a comfy chair on a sunny afternoon, where you relax, take in the warmth, and perhaps enjoy a scandalous book. I especially love the texture of the sorbet – it is reminiscent of coconut flakes but tastes of honeydew. Putting this baby together takes all of five minutes, followed by about six hours of freezing time. It’s the perfect exam period dessert, leaving you free to work hard all day, then enjoy a guilt-free treat while you indulge in some hard-won relaxation time.
When it comes to the savory side of my diet, I must admit that Asian stir-fry’s are a favorite go-to dish. They fall into the “simple food” category, which is how my husband and I describe meals that are labor-light and flavor-intensive. Every cook should have a handful of meals like this in her arsenal and stir-frys are particularly easy because, once you get the technique down, you can throw pretty much anything you want in there. Zucchini, carrots, onions, scallions, bean sprouts, spinach, tofu, eggs – the possibilities are endless! Two weeks ago, as I saw final exams on the horizon, I knew stir frys were going to be a staple until the last exam had passed. I was comfortable with that, but then the generous folks over at Hyperion sent me a copy of “I Like Food, Food Tastes Good: In the Kitchen with Your Favorite Bands”, which is a new cookbook that focuses on road food – as in, food to cook when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Can you imagine more perfect timing? I can’t, and before you squint your eyes at me and mutter something along the lines of “No fair, you got a free book!” listen to this: Hyperion also said I could raffle off five copies of the book. (Aren’t they awesome?) Details on how to win one below.
As it turns out, old habits die hard, so the first recipe I tried was an Asian stir-fry playfully titled “Asian Stir-Fry for Vegetarians Who Hate Vegetables.” The photo below reveals that I added a few vegetables to the mix despite the title, but most of the ingredients remained intact as did the original flavorings. The resulting dinner was hearty and delicious. My husband and I each enjoyed a bowl, indulged in a serving of sorbet, and then wondered: what should we make next? After all, we are going to be “on the road to the end of the semester” until May 11th. It’s hard to choose, but I have time, and simple food is on the menu.
If you would like to win a copy of “I Like Food, Food Tastes Good: In the Kitchen with Your Favorite Bands”, here is how you enter the raffle: Leave a comment on this entry, and in your comment suggest an answer to the following question:
- Question: There is something baking in my oven. What is it?
You don’t have to guess exactly what I’m baking. That wouldn’t be fair since I bake something different nearly every day – but this way I’ll know who wants to enter the raffle, and I’ll also be entertained by seeing what kinds of things you think I put together in the kitchen. 
Every comment that answers the question will be entered into the raffle. The five winners will be chosen at random on May 4th, when I’ll post another recipe from the book along with a review.
Have fun! In the meantime, I’m off to study. 
“Asian Stir-Fry for Vegetarians who Hate Vegetables” (Now with Vegetables)
Adapted from “I Like Food, Food Tastes Good”
Ingredients: Serves 3-4 people
- 3/4 cup dry brown rice, cooked according to package instructions
- 1/2 tbs + 1 tsp sesame seed oil
- Black pepper and salt
- 3/4 package of firm tofu
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
- 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or more, to taste)
- Generous pinch of ancho chili powder
- 1 14-oz can of pineapple chunks (with 1 tablespoon of the pineapple juice reserved)
- Sweet and Sour sauce (optional)
Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Cover and set aside.
Remove the tofu from its package. Drain the liquid and slice into 1 or 2-inch cubes. With a paper towel, gently press the cubes to absorb any excess moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame seed oil to a large frying pan and cook the tofu over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sides are light brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk the two eggs together. Add 1/2 tbs butter to a small frying pan, let it melt, then add the eggs. Cook over medium heat until the eggs begin to solidify, then gently break them up with a sturdy spoon into wide strips. Cook a few seconds longer, until the eggs are almost done. Remove from the heat and set aside.
In a wok or large frying pan over high heat, add 1/2 tbs of of sesame seed oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, zucchini, carrots, jalapeno, a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Fry over high heat, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent, about four to five minutes. Add the lime juice, pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, ancho chili powder and soy sauce. Cook for about 30 seconds, until the pineapple is heated through. Add the rice, tofu and eggs. Cook, stirring constantly, until everything is hot. Serve immediately, topped with sweet and sour sauce if desired.
Honeydew Melon Sorbet
The recipe for the honeydew melon sorbet is by Alton Brown and can be found here. I have also made this recipe with watermelon and musk melon (incorrectly called “cantaloupe” in the US) – every version is delicious, but honeydew is my favorite! Specialty gadget: Cuisinart Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, and Sorbet Maker.
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77 Responses to “I Like it Simple, Sweet & Savory”
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The stir fry looks divine and I’m big into the savory. If I were there you either have some of this stir fry warming up or you’d have bread baking! Yes bread baking.
It sure wouldn’t be the Honeydew Sorbet.
I´m with you on going quick and delicious during busy periods. About what´s in your oven right now mmmm I´d say chocolate chip cookies… just because they are quite fast to make and because I´m craving some right now.
Oh my goodness!! The melon sorbet looks fantastic – in Korea, my faaaaaaaavourite ice lolly was this slightly creamy honeydew melon ice that they sold, I used to buy one almost every day in summer! *sobs* why do ice cream makers have to be so expensive!
Good luck with your exams, you rock em’! And also, I love your cute addition of “vegetables” to the “vegetable hater dish!” Healthy and amusing!
If I were you, and I were baking today, I’d be making a rhubarb pie. Sunday is a great day for pie.
I hope your exams went well.
I think you’re baking bread.
The sorbet looks wonderful!
Oh what wonderful photos and recipes! I absolutely adore that sorbet photo and can almost taste the stirfry. Best of luck with the studying.
you’re baking cake right now
I think you are baking some sort of cheese wrapped in puff pastry. With mustard.
My guess is that you’d be baking something from Beth Hensperger’s The Bread Bible…maybe one of the coffee cakes like the fresh apple coffee cake or the raspberry braid. Yum!
I like the Stir-fry recipe and the photo certainly wetted my apetite.
I am thinking you are baking a simple desert – cake – Fairly fast, easy, and a comfor tfood in times of bus-y-ness and stress!
You are baking Mediterranean Olive Bread.
Right?
Right?
I know that’s what you are baking. We have a great recipe for the same.
Call us. Mmmmkay?
That sorbet looks SOO good!! Especially since it’s like 90 degrees here today (yay cailfornia and their hotness. lol.). That would be super nice on a day like today.
Good luck on all your exams!! I just fniished mine this week. I’m sure you’ll do fabulous you’re a smart kid.
Mmm honeydew sorbet sounds fantastic. One time I had a creamy honeydew yogurt or ice cream pop (I’m not sure) and it was soooo good. Honeydew is so fragrant and I love the darling green color.
Oh a quick question, does your sorbet get really hard in the freezer? Whenever I make them they’re great when they come out of the maker but after a night in the freezer it turns into a brick and I can’t get any out. I think it’s because I don’t add enough sugar but I dislike really sweet things so sorbets and ice cream are a bit tricky. I’ll try adding vodka though, I think that’ll help.
Great recipe name! I love anything with pineapple in it, it always tastes better.
And I think you are baking cookies!
Hebrew Grammar …. oh good grief! I’m not sure the little bit of vodka in your sorbet would be enough to get me through that… think I might be turning to some straight vodka! good luck!
Oh, I just love the sorbet…..hmmm, especially on a hot day
The stir fry sounds great, especially for summer days when you don’t want to spend alot a time cooking. Thanks for the idea.
I really enjoy contests…so to answer the question:
I think you’re baking an apple cobbler to enjoy later with loads of vanilla ice cream.
This recipe looks great. And the sorbet makes my mouth water! Good luck on your exams.
Funny, but I made a chicken and asparagus stirfry last week! It was great served over jasmine rice with the sauce flavored with garlic, ginger and lemon. Mmmmm.
Anyway, I think you are making strawberry-rhubarb crunble.
cruMble…. sheesh!
Oooh, that stir-fry sounds good… I’ll have to try it, I’m undergoing finals too.
Are you making… some fascinating variation on banana/zucchini/pumpkin bread that’s amazing in it’s own right?
I would say you’re baking a fougasse bread – if not you should try it ..
– to go along with a fresh caponata, perfect for the season, or some homemade marinated cheese. and as a dessert I picture you making a rhubarb, strawberry, vanilla swirl ice cream 
bonne chance for your exams !!!
The thing that is baking in your oven is a Granadilla topped cheesecake, recipe can be found here:
http://a-stove.blogspot.com/2007/03/cheesecake-with-granadilla-topping.html
Lovely melon sorbet recipe btw, thanks alot.
/Max
Stir fry looks delicious and light enough for a Spring day:)
Good luck with your exam.
You have to have bread baking in the oven!
I love your sorbet photo, looks gorgeous. I love making ice cream, its so easy and so much fun. I like the addition of vodka, a perfect summer treat.
All the best,
Monika
Good luck with exams, Ari! These dishes look like brain-power foods to me – yummy!
I think that you are baking a delicious and zesty, pull-apart style savoury bread – like a pizza inspired loaf with cheese mingled between each piece… Mmmm!
I am guessing you are baking Shoo-Fly Pie
You are baking my famous Guinness Chocolate cake with Whipped Cream Cheese Icing…
I think I will be making the stir fry tonight to go with my roast chicken. Minus the tofu I think it would make a nice side dish that my hubby might actually eat. Thanks!
Molly
I’m in the same boat – I’m graduating in 2 weeks and I have sooo much work to do – just when I finish one paper, another one rears its ugly head and reminds me that it’s due in 2 days. Ack!
I have been baking a lot lately because I love to bake and it’s how I de-stress – and then my friends get yummy treats to help get them through long days of paper writing and studying!
I think you’re baking banana pecan bread.
(I just scrolled up after I wrote that and saw that someone else thinks that you’re baking the same thing, so we must be right!)
strawberry muffins using fresh local strawberries
that sorbet looks fantastic- this is the time of year i like to move away from heavier cream desserts (like frozen yogurt and ice cream) and enjoy the simplicity and crunch of sorbets and popsicles. yum!
as for what you’re baking…i am going to guess cookies. oatmeal raisin! but that’s probably because i’m craving some right now…!
Your photos always look too good to be true, which leaves me staring and not studying for finals. Best of luck to you. And I’m going to say you’ve probably got some pavlova in the oven, or possibly something with blueberries since those help with memory (then again, maybe it’s too early for blueberries.) Ooh, now I’m hungry for blueberry pavlova.
And for everyone who just said “bread,” come on, be more specific! It’s a good challah at least…
I’d wish you were baking a nice cakey doughnut. Mmmmm.
That looks sooooo refreshingly good! and perfect for hot summer days soon to come in my neck of the woods!
hm I’ve been craving for melon sorbet for days! My waiting will soon end as I’l try to make this wonderful yummy looking sorbet of yours
“There is something baking in my oven. What is it?” From the smell I would say some wonderful stuffed aubergines like this one http://flickr.com/photos/farruska/466835842/
Mmm, cool refreshing (relaxing!) sorbet.
Good luck with your exams.
Question: There is something baking in my oven. What is it?
Now my first thought was nothing – the cupcakes are already under the cake dome
but my real answer is a sweet pastry tart case, ready to have cream pat made later in another study break and some strawberries sprinkled on top, and maybe a little jelly to glaze 
You make me feel rather guilty. I’m in the exam run-up as well, but my weapon of choice for eluding starvation is cereal… (And not of the grain type!)
As to your oven, what about some yoghurt scones bursting with juicy strawberries and some orange rind for a bit of tang! Perfect with a drizzling of honey and some afternoon tea as a pick me up in times of seemingly unending stress!
That stir-fry looks sooooo good!
I’m guessing that you are baking chocolate chip cookies. Because cookies help people study and concentrate better, ya know.
Good luck on those exams!
Oh I’ve been trying to figure out what to do for dinner – that stirfry may have clinched it for me!
Someone mentioned challah – I still have fond memories of making your challah recipe and am hoping to do it again soon. So are you baking challah?
That sorbet looks divine. It might be time to get the ice cream maker out of the cupboard! I’m trying to think of what I used to eat when I was in college and studying…I think you’re baking off a pizza! Good luck with exams!
I would say that you’re baking up final papers. But for something tastier, I’d suggest a baked Alaska, so you can have your ice cream and bake it too!
sundried tomato and kalamata olive rolls
That sorbet looks AMAZING!! WOW! It’s sweltering over here and that photo looks like heaven.
I think you’re baking oatmeal raisin cookies! Because they are my favorite.
Hooray for vegetarian stir-fry! Inspired by watching the Breakfast Club the other night….you’re baking a pot pie! Though not necessarily turkey…..
Melon sorbet looks so DIVINE!!! well, anything with vodka sounds good to me!
Baking in oven: cupcakes
this fry rice gives me a sort of Thai-mood. Me too, when busy… and wanna empty the veg in my frige, asian stir-fry is the best way to go for. Hey wait! 5 minutes to whip up a dessert.. and vodka! I got to love it Ari!
Question: There is something baking in my oven.
How about a stuffed deepdish pizza pie like the ooey-gooey cheesy spinach one you had on here not too long ago. That is the ultimate comfort food.
These dishes look so good! And I love how they go together…. I’m going to try them out this weekend!
I think you are baking a rustic tart. Yes, a rustic apple tart!
Banana bread was baking in my oven last night!
What a lovely way to serve honeydew. And the photo is beautiful. I’m sooooo making this in my new ice cream maker.
MMMM I think you are baking muffins. maybe some fresh berry ones with coconut
I am new to your website and I have visited everyday since discovering it.
At first I thought you might be baking strawberry cobbler because the local strawberries are stating to come in. But then I remembered you are studying away so probably chocolate chip cookies might be a better guess . . .
you’re baking up a storm! A BRAINSTORM
good luck with finals… i totally feel your pain
Both of those recipes look fantastic. Now…how does one who hates veggies become a vegetarian, I wonder.
A pizza??? hum, that sorbet looks terrific!!!
I really enjoy your website. It has inspired me to get in the kitchen and cook. I’ve also been interested in baking for a long time and I’m just now getting over my fear of it.
I do have one problem though. It’s just me and my husband here and every recipe I see seems like a LOT of food.
How do you deal with this?
thanks for stopping by my blog!
this sorbet looks wonderful, and so does the book.
i bet that you are baking bread. it seems that bread would also be a good exam time food since you have to stick around while it rises, etc.
Nothing says studying for exams like chocolate chip cookies to dip in some milk…that’s what I think you’d be baking in your oven.
The sorbet looks divine. Are you baking some tuiles to go with it?
Yummy, we are in the middle of moving into our first house and I am defending my thesis on Monday, so we are in the middle of take-out boredom! Your stir-fry may be just the remedy!
Could you be baking brownies? Just a thought because they sound good to me right now…I may have guessed the same as someone else, I didn’t read all of the above entries…I started to but then thought, shouldn’t I be studying? : )
Oh I am so down with that melon sorbet!
I think you are baking cookies. Chocolate chip cookies. Or peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. Like others have said, perfect study food!
I’m going to go with scones of some sort.
Man, I love reading your inspiring blog.
Though you always make me hungry… I think you are baking vanilla cupcakes that will end up with pink frosting. =9
I just found your site — wonderful! I would hope that you would be baking an amazing apple crumb pie like the one someone brought over this past Saturday night to a dinner at our house. I wanted to lock myself in the bathroom with it and not share!!!
Waou !!! I love making ice crea. Your melon ice-cream is very georgious. I love that
I’m not sure what’s baking in your oven, your dissertation maybe? Oh wait, that’s me. I hope it’s not burnt.
I’m going for that sorbet this weekend, I have a honeydew in my fridge just begging to be turned into a quick dessert.
I imagine you …baking …a pesto filled bread … i bake my bread for a while and really love my bread machine, but you are a great such of inspiration to me … I now have many idea of stuffing and my folks are just so happy to “taste” & “test” the new versions …
thanks for everything !!!!
Just looking at your pics and reading your commentary makes me drool! I think you are baking some highly addictive, sugar crusted snickerdoodle muffins!
Good Lord Miss Popularity over here
I HATE melons, but damn that sorbet looks so good.
I’m going to guess that you are baking pineapple upside down cake
I do believe that you have some flan baking in the oven. Can’t wait to flip it!
I’ll leave the contest to others, Ari. I just wanted to tell you how good that stir-fry looked. The sorbet is pretty as well but I don’t have much of an interest in frozen desserts so I can resist that dish much easier than the stir fry, Everything you make just looks so tasty!
As I am taking my finals right now too, I think what you have baking in your oven are scones. They are the perfect morning breakfast when running off to an 8am final, or when waking up to finish study for your final later that day.
How about wonderful peanut butter doggie biscuits for your puppy? I think I can smell the aroma from here.
Gorgeous sorbet! Since I have to guess, I would say you are relaxing your nerves by baking bread.
Hmmm, I’ll venture a guess. You’re baking a light and fluffy loaf of whole grain pixie bread stuffed with something garlic-cheesey and just the right amount of pixies. For that sweet/salty combination.
OK, so probably no real pixies floating around, but I do think you’re probably just that darn creative.
I wish I had your cooking prowess.
Here’s my guess. It should be some cookies, for a ralax between finals time..