Spicy Szechwan Noodles

I can't believe I haven't posted this one yet—my husband loves these noodles, though they're a little spicy for most kids. It seems that there's no good Chinese takeout to be found anywhere in our state, so this dish helps satisfy that craving. (from my mother-in-law, a good recipe sharer)

1 lb ground beef; use organic if you can
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red peppers
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup beef broth
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 lb vermicelli or thin spaghetti
1/2 cup sliced scallions, for serving

Start salted water and then cook pasta until al dente. Meanwhile, brown ground beef in a large skillet, then transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Drain pan if needed.

Heat sesame oil in same skillet, then saute onion, garlic, ginger and crushed red peppers until light golden. Whisk cornstarch and beef broth together in a small bowl. Add to onion mixture. Stir in hoisin and soy sauce and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let bubble for one minute, then add the cooked ground beef. Serve over pasta with scallions on top.

*I always serve this, and many other things, with naan bread. It goes well with lots of dishes and our supermarket bakery stocks a pretty good brand. Keep it in the freezer and defrost in the microwave for a few minutes before serving (warm, with a little olive oil drizzled on top).

Hot Chocolate Mix

Perfect for your valentine sweeties, young and old. We just made a batch for my son's preschool teacher and friends, packaged in small mason jars with instructions on top. (from Babble)

2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa (I used Ghirardelli)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
pinch of cayenne pepper

Sift together all ingredients, then store in airtight container(s). Great for giving, but make sure to keep some for yourself!

*To serve, scoop 1/4 cup mix into the bottom of a mug. Add 1 cup of very hot milk and stir well. (I use the microwave to heat the milk for about 1 1/2 minutes.)

Wonderful Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Just in time for the big game this weekend. This is a crowd-pleaser! Three types of cheese take it over the top. I've made this many times and it always gets rave reviews. (from my sister Liz)

2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
1/2 stick butter
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz sour cream
5 oz grated parmesan
1 can plain artichoke hearts, chopped
grated sharp cheddar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook the spinach and drain well. Melt butter in a large skillet and saute onions until golden. Mix together spinach, onions, cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan and artichokes. Spread in a baking dish and cover with shredded cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips and/or crackers.

*You can make this ahead; just stick in the fridge before baking and allow for more cooking time.