Today: Snowed in take-out (+ a Blue Dragon giveaway).
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Blue Dragon. I received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Unless you’re living somewhere especially remote (and maybe especially tropical), you know that it’s snowing in Boston. And not just in a normal, Oh, it’s winter! sort of way.
We’ve run out of places to put the snow, but it keeps on falling. Our public transportation system effectively shut down at 7 o’clock last night (a few buses are running, but no trolley, subway or commuter rail service) and hasn’t reopened. Schools are closed. Again. My office building is closed. Again. Day care is closed (I’ll take all the family QT I can get). And there’s a happy Yeti roaming the streets.
All things considered, we’re faring pretty well. [Side note: I think this article, A Blizzard of Perspective, is well worth a read.] We have a safe, warm home, reliable tank-like transportation (snow tires 4 life), a stockpile of necessities (diapers, water, hot pink MagLites and batteries, tea and salty snacks), and, you know, one another.
Oh and food. This weather just begs for comfort food.
Is it me, or does being snowed in make us all extra hungry and a tiny bit lazy? Forget the Freshman 15, I’m working on the Snowmageddon 15. Just kidding. Kind of.
With the roads so messy, we can’t really order delivery in good conscience, so we’ve been enjoying some take out favorites at home, thanks to Blue Dragon and the generous package of goods they send our way.
In addition to the Chicken Pad Thai with Blue Dragon Pad Thai Stir Fry Sauce pictured above (how cute is that little take-out box?!), our Sunday night snowed in take-out menu also featured:
Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls with Blue Dragon Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce (vegetarian)
Stir fried tofu and vegetables with Blue Dragon Szechuan Pepper Stir Fry Sauce (also vegetarian)
I think this was my first time cooking with a wok, which Blue Dragon kindly sent me along with their delicious sauces, noodles, and rice paper wraps. Whipping up dinner was so quick and easy. I know we’ll be coming back to these recipes and sauces for busy mid-week dinners.
Blue Dragon is named after the Chinese symbol of good fortune and was founded thirty years ago to help people create authentic Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese dishes at home. Their sauces are available in several flavors including Szechuan Pepper (my favorite), Chow Mein and General Tao.
Sauces that are vegan and vegetarian are clearly labeled (this lady appreciates that!), and include a really helpful shopping list and suggested recipes (which can easily be made vegetarian) on the back.
Blue Dragon products are available locally at Roche Brothers, Shaws, Market Basket and Stop & Shop. Several stores are hosting tastings this month, including the Demoulas/Market Basket in Revere on February 14th and 23rd.
Blue Dragon Giveaway
Looking to make your own take-out at home? I’m thrilled to be hosting a Blue Dragon giveaway today. One reader will win a fantastic cooking kit that includes:
- Samples of Blue Dragon sauces
- A wok and spatula!
- Take-out containers and chopsticks
- … five feet of snow not included
To enter, please comment below. One winner will be randomly chosen on Tuesday, February 17th.
Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Influence Central. To learn more about Blue Dragon, you can find them on Facebook and YouTube, or check out their online cookbook, Chop To Chopsticks, for authentic Asian recipes and inspiration.
And now, back to shoveling.
Also On Tap for Today:
- Getting started on the Get Messy Art Journal Challenge <3
- Thinking spring (it’s not really working…)
- Teaching Grace how to High-5 Clark (I can’t stop laughing)
What is your favorite take-out inspired meal to make at home with friends or family? (Feel free to share a link!)
Comments (31)
Amy
February 10, 2015 at 5:02 pm
I love this, your blog is so fun+positive:) I’m from MN and I feel for the East coast and all the snow………that’s saying a lot, since we easily spend 5 mths dealing with cold, snow, etc.
Stay warm and safe…………what a great giveaway!!
Carol
February 10, 2015 at 5:30 pm
Awesome giveaway, nothing like some yummy food to make the cold weather bearable
Pat
February 10, 2015 at 5:45 pm
Loved this post and have been making an effort to make more vegetarian meals…great inspiration! Stay warm!
kate
February 10, 2015 at 7:01 pm
I love making sushi. It’s actually super easy.
Kelly
February 10, 2015 at 10:04 pm
Tofu stir fry is one of my favorite take-out inspired meals to make at home. This stuff looks like a great quick dinner solution!
Kelly recently posted…Favorite NYC Foods
Lindsay
February 10, 2015 at 10:36 pm
stirfry or pizza!
Margot C
February 11, 2015 at 3:02 am
I would love to make my own “take-out style” Chinese food. If you think about it, and you have the right gear (like a wok); how hard could it be. That General Tso’s stuff is some addictive flavor.
noel
February 11, 2015 at 7:54 am
That looks so yummy and perfect for a snow day!
Kim
February 11, 2015 at 10:43 am
I would love to win this package. I need a new wok and love to make stir frys with veggies and tofu. Would like to try some new sauces. Thanks.
Stacie
February 11, 2015 at 2:24 pm
What a neat idea to add some fun into your snow days! Stirfrys are the best and how is it that a wok makes them taste so much better vs. a regular pan? (i.e. this girl needs a wok)
Thanks to you and Blue Dragon for the giveaway! So much fun 🙂
Hope you guys are staying warm, building snowmen and making lots of snow angels! (…or just snuggling on the couch with a warm cup of tea)
Lauren
February 11, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I’ve never heard of Blue Dragon, but your food looks yummy!
latanya
February 11, 2015 at 4:14 pm
I want to try the General Tao
Beth
February 11, 2015 at 8:05 pm
General Tsos chicken is super comforting, love warm Chinese food on a frigid day! Gotta keep up the core temp, right!
Stephanie
February 11, 2015 at 10:05 pm
We usually put together a stir fry/fried rice with whatever veggies we find around the house 🙂 It’s always pretty tasty.
Thanks for sharing that wbur article. It really puts things in perspective when I find myself complaining about having to shovel out my car.
Stay warm!
Stephanie recently posted…Reviewing 2014: Looking ahead to 2015
DEBIJOT
February 11, 2015 at 10:48 pm
We love making homemade pizza with different ingredients each time.
Madeline
February 11, 2015 at 11:27 pm
The stir fry looks delicious! I’d love the chance to win, it would be really helpful to have quick and tasty dinner options 🙂
David
February 12, 2015 at 9:23 pm
They have a great assortment of flavors. I am especially interested in the Szechuan Pepper variety.
Tyneisha
February 12, 2015 at 11:25 pm
I love making (or rather, trying to make, ha) Korean Short Ribs for the hubby!! How they get all those flavors in there is amazing but mine aren’t too shabby either! Thanks for the chance!
Dawn Monroe
February 13, 2015 at 7:52 am
We like to make egg rolls and sweet and sour chicken.
LynneT
February 14, 2015 at 1:20 am
I like to make fried rice.
Ashley
February 14, 2015 at 6:35 pm
I would LOVE to win this. I love making stir fry!!
Krissie
February 14, 2015 at 9:03 pm
I use a lot of egg noodles in Chinese dishes I make. I’d love to try some new stir fry sauces and the wok would be so cool to win, too! Thanks!
Heather
February 15, 2015 at 3:27 pm
What a fun giveaway! Flavorful meals are a great way to battle way this silly over-winter we’re facing. <3
Heather recently posted…2 Super Simple Snack Mix Recipes
Joan Kubes
February 15, 2015 at 6:56 pm
I’ve always wanted to try making something in a wok.
Katie
February 15, 2015 at 10:31 pm
Perfect giveaway! As a fellow Bostonian, I am so over all of this snow. I am ready to retire my shovel for good, but just heard another system is coming on Tuesday…..make it stop!!!
Jaclyn Reynolds
February 16, 2015 at 12:34 pm
Would love to try the Blue Dragon sauces! I love tofu and would try making my own stir fry meal!
Vunda V
February 16, 2015 at 3:00 pm
i love cooking asian cuisine! i’ve never made it in a real wok before!
laura ari
February 16, 2015 at 6:54 pm
I love chinese food. It’s something everyone in the family can agree to.
Danielle
February 16, 2015 at 11:34 pm
I would love to try some of these recipes at home! As a fellow Bostonian, I completely understand the need for comfort food during this never ending winter.
Abby
February 17, 2015 at 2:53 pm
I’d love to win!
Birdiebee
February 17, 2015 at 11:04 pm
My favorite take-out to make at home is shrimp stir fry or shrimp osaka.