This Chicken Lo Mein recipe from Allrecipes.com sounded tasty and had good reviews, but I didn't like how much sugar it contained and I also wanted to make a completely vegetarian dish...so I changed it up by about 95% :).
The results? A fresh and healthy lo mein dish that's light but loaded with veggies; I served it with a sweet and spicy chili sauce that provides a good kick. The chili sauce does contain sugar, but the lo mein (made with fettuccine rice noodles) is sweetened with the juice from a small can of mandarin oranges (I used the ones from Whole Foods that are stored in pear juice). I also tossed in a few almonds and tofu for protein.
So the blog got another make-over! When I was in kindergarten, I used to change my clothes about 3-4 times a day, just because I got tired of wearing the same thing all day :P. I thought that habit died off before first grade, but it's returned! Now it applies to blog templates :).
Kitchen notes for Vegetarian Mandarin Orange Lo Mein
Cook poultry and meat to a safe internal temperature and rest briefly before slicing so juices redistribute. Pan sauces reduce quickly once you add wine, stock, or fruit glaze — taste for salt at the end, especially if bacon or broth already contributed sodium.
Build flavour in layers: brown aromatics, simmer gently, and adjust salt and acid right before serving. Soups and stews often taste better the next day; cool leftovers promptly and reheat until steaming hot.
Weekend breakfasts reward mise en place — measure dry mixes the night before when you can. Keep cooked items warm in a low oven while you finish the rest of the plate so everything hits the table together.
Packaged gluten-free products vary by lot. Check labels for allergens each time you buy, note best-by dates, and store opened packages airtight. Use this post as a tasting snapshot, not a substitute for current packaging information from the manufacturer.
Storage: separate layers with parchment if stacking frosted items. Savoury leftovers keep two to three days in the fridge; reheat only once when possible.
Serving ideas: portion Vegetarian Mandarin Orange Lo Mein while slightly warm when aroma matters most, and finish with a small garnish already in the recipe (zest, nuts, herbs, or a drizzle) rather than inventing new flavours.
Food safety reminder: refrigerate perishable fillings promptly, and when reheating leftovers, bring them to a steaming hot temperature throughout.
Further reading: FDA safe food handling advice.