Spice Substitution Chart

I saw this posted on Facebook and thought I would share it here for anyone else who might be interested!  I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to try a recipe but didn't have a lot of the spices on hand, or simply didn't like the spices the recipe include.  Since I'm never really sure how to swap out spices without royally affecting the taste on my own, this will come in handy!

Click here for the link to the blog where this chart came from.  

Vegetable Teriyaki w/Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

I'm back; if only for a moment...  ;)   Even though it's been quite some time since I've posted any new recipes or content, I'm blown away by the number of page views this blog still gets on a daily basis!  Thank you to everyone who has continued to use these recipes; I hope you have been enjoying them!  

I really didn't intend on sharing a new recipe, but I made a really yummy teriyaki dish tonight and instinctively ran to get the camera so I could share a pic!  :-)   It's really easy to make and a very nice alternative to take-out, especially if you're worried about MSG or other additives.  I found a recipe online for home made teriyaki sauce and tweeked it just a bit.  I was really impressed with the taste!  

Vegetable Teriyaki w/Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients (adapted from here)

1.5 cups cold water

*1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1-2 tbsp Organic, Grade B Maple Syrup

*1/2 cup soy sauce (homemade or store bought)

1 tsp garlic powder

3 tbsp organic cornstarch

1 tsp safflower oil

*The original recipe called for 3/4 cup brown sugar.  I've mentioned before that I'm not a huge fan of refined sugar, but I wasn't sure how substituting all of it for another, more natural sweetener (like maple syrup) would effect the outcome.  I decided to cut back just a bit and it worked out well.

*Soy Sauce may cause MSG reactions in some MSG sensitive people.  I can handle certain brands, but the homemade recipe is a great substitute!  

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a medium sauce pan and stir constantly over medium heat, until sauce thickens and it's heated through.  Sauce will keep fresh for one week in the fridge.

Vegetable Teriyaki Ingredients

1 large head of broccoli, chopped

1 cup onion, diced

1 red pepper, diced

3 carrots, sliced diagonally 1/4 inch thick

2 cups snap peas

Directions:
Place all vegetables in a steamer basket.  Boil water and add basket.  Steam 5-10 minutes, until vegetables are soft, but not too soft.  Serve over brown rice, top with homemade sauce.

It's not the greatest picture but I was hungry so I just took a quick shot.  ;-)  Enjoy!