Jamie Oliver and Sweet Sesame Buckwheat Noodles

Hi everyone. I have been struggling with some issues lately, like whether or not to continue patronizing my shoe repair guy on Park Street even though he is really mean and belittles me when I ask if certain shoes can be salvaged, or whether or not to keep buying shrimp, even though it is harming our planet.

http://www.alternet.org/food/145369/shrimp%27s_dirty_secrets%3A_why_america%27s_favorite_seafood_is_a_health_and_environmental_nightmare

What I am not struggling with, however, is how much I need to continue spreading the message about home cooked, healthier meals, like my cute idol, Jamie Oliver. Check out his TED Prize piece below:

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/jamie-oliver-healthy-education.html?campaign=daylife-article

Here are a few of the key points in his presentation:

* Teach children 10 recipes by the time they graduate school “to save their lives”.

* Create food labeling that accurately reflects what is in the product and warns consumers of unhealthy foods.

* Food companies should make education a central part of their business.

* Supermarkets should create “food ambassadors” within their stores to help shoppers choose healthy foods, and give them suggestions and guidance about food preparations.

He’s so great. Here is a healthy alternative to the Olive Garden with a totally different Asian twist :-):

Buckwheat Noodles With Sweet Sesame Dressing:

2 cups cooked buckwheat noodles (follow package instructions)
One avocado, cubed
8 oz. very firm tofu, cubed
Crushed red pepper flakes to top

Sauce:
5 TBS soy sauce
3 TBS sugar
2 TBS rice vinegar
1/8 tsp hot chili oil
1/2 tsp sesame oil

Place all sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until fully combined. Place in a dressing bottle or old soy sauce bottle.

In 2 bowls, place the buckwheat noodles, divided. Top with some tofu, avocado and pour desired amount of sauce. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and enjoy!