growth is a very funny thing. you never feel the growth happening. but suddenly, after some sort of struggle, you look back and realize how far you have really come. or in my case, you put a ton of responsibility on your plate, push yourself with in an inch of exhaustion, melt down and then come through in the end with flying colors.

i always tell my yoga students, understand the difference between discomfort and pain. and more importantly, i try to teach them to understand that discomfort is a part of the growing process. which i had to remind myself of multiple times last week. i really truly did everything in my power to try and prevent an exhaustion meltdown. i made extensive lists. i did major prep in advance for our multiple catering events. i even left extra time, just in case anything crazy happened.

but of course, despite my planning, my car still broke down mid week requiring lots of time, emotion and money. it took just enough of my remaining resources to send me right over the edge. but at the end of the week when all was said and done, i not only survived, i thrived. all the planning and preparation and struggle was just the discomfort i had to experience to have a two flawless events.

all the craziness capped off last friday night with a birthday party for a client of ours. the party went great and we had amazing feedback on the food. but this noodle dish was the clear winner. i've been whipping up this easy noodle dish for years and it is an absolute go to for a crowd. or just to keep on hand in the fridge for a hungry husband on the go.

spicy peanut noodles
serves: 4-6
prep time: 10 minutes
active time: 15 minutes
total time: 25 minutes
ingredients: 1 lb udon noodles (if you can't get your hands on udon noodles, a pack of linguini will work just as well). .75 c peanut oil (if you don't have peanut you could sub a neutral oil like grape seed or vegetable). .5 cup sesame oil. 1.5 tbs red pepper flakes. 3 sweet peppers thinly sliced (or 1 large bell pepper). 6 green onions, whites and greens chopped. 6 tbs honey. 6 tbs soy sauce. 2 tbs peanut butter. .25 cup cilantro, roughly chopped. 1 lime, juiced. 2 tbs sesame seeds.

start by combining the red pepper flakes and both oils in a small pot. heat the oil over medium low heat until it lightly bubbles around the red pepper flakes. about 3-5 minutes. when the oil is bubbling, turn off the heat and allow the red pepper flakes to sit in the oil for 15 minutes.

while the oil is infusing, cook your noodles to the package instructions. if you are cooking udon for the first time, be sure to read the package as they have pretty specific details for cooking. don't be scared, it is nothing too challenging, just make sure to take a look. when your noodles are done cooking, stop the cooking process by rinsing the noodles with cold water until they are no longer warm to the touch. 

while the noodles are cooking, combine your peppers, cilantro, green onions and peanuts in a large bowl and set it aside.

when your oil has sat for 15 minutes, strain out the red pepper flakes.

combine the oil, honey, soy sauce, peanut butter and whisk well to combine.

once well combined, set the sauce aside.

when your noodles are ready, add them to your bowl of veggie and herbs.

drizzle your spicy peanut sauce over the noodles. stir well to combine.

top with sesame seeds.

serve cold or at room temperature. these noodles are great stored in the fridge for up to a week.

xo, a

spicy peanut noodles
serves: 4-6
prep time: 10 minutes
active time: 15 minutes
total time: 25 minutes
ingredients: 1 lb udon noodles (if you can't get your hands on udon noodles, a pack of linguini will work just as well). .75 c peanut oil (if you don't have peanut you could sub a neutral oil like grape seed or vegetable). .5 cup sesame oil. 1.5 tbs red pepper flakes. 3 sweet peppers thinly sliced (or 1 large bell pepper). 6 green onions, whites and greens chopped. 6 tbs honey. 6 tbs soy sauce. 2 tbs peanut butter. .25 cup cilantro, roughly chopped. 1 lime, juiced. 2 tbs sesame seeds. start by combining the red pepper flakes and both oils in a small pot. heat the oil over medium low heat until it lightly bubbles around the red pepper flakes. about 3-5 minutes. when the oil is bubbling, turn off the heat and allow the red pepper flakes to sit in the oil for 15 minutes. while the oil is infusing, cook your noodles to the package instructions. if you are cooking udon for the first time, be sure to read the package as they have pretty specific details for cooking. don't be scared, it is nothing too challenging, just make sure to take a look. when your noodles are done cooking, stop the cooking process by rinsing the noodles with cold water until they are no longer warm to the touch. while the noodles are cooking, combine your peppers, cilantro, green onions and peanuts in a large bowl and set it aside. when your oil has sat for 15 minutes, strain out the red pepper flakes. combine the oil, honey, soy sauce, peanut butter and whisk well to combine. once well combined, set the sauce aside. when your noodles are ready, add them to your bowl of veggie and herbs. drizzle your spicy peanut sauce over the noodles. stir well to combine. top with sesame seeds. serve cold or at room temperature. these noodles are great stored in the fridge for up to a week.