Guest Chef- Mad Science from The House on Vine

Ohhhh my goodness, I have been bugging my friend Mary for a guest post for AGES !! Mary has been my friend for quite a while and we share a love for cooking,  wine and cocktails and entertaining. She is quite the hostess too- very skilled at plating and garnishing and plans to write a cookbook soon. I will be the first to add that to my collection, you can bet.

Mary, the Mad Scientist

When Mary is busy working on a cooking project she dons the garb of the mad scientist and sets to work in (use your Bella Lugosi voice here) her "labouratory." 

You won't find a lack of color and texture in the dishes either. Fresh veggies add color, crunch and healthy goodness. Her pasta dishes look like restaurant creations. Her soups are legendary! And she has a great eye for food styling with a collection of colorful and interesting serving pieces and dishes that add so much style- well, you will just have to see for yourself!!

So, without further ado- here is Mary the Mad Scientist's Winter Crab Stir Fry

1 cup shredded carrot

1 1/2 cups halved brussels sprouts

8 oz. sliced fresh mushrooms

1 can sliced water chestnuts, drained

2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

2 cups fresh kale, chopped

1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

1 package imitation crab

olive oil

Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add garlic and saute for just a few minutes but don't allow it to brown. Add pepper, brussels sprouts, stir fry for a few minutes, then add carrots, water chestnuts. Cook and stir a few more minutes, then add mushrooms, crab and finally, the kale. Give a quick little toss then pile mixture into large bowl. Add sea salt and pepper to taste, toss with 4 tablespoons of butter for a creamy finish.

For easy and quick stir frying,make sure all your
veggies are prepped and cut up before you
start cooking.

How about that ?? Fresh and delish! And in the middle of January it looks like a happy plate full of summer to me. And like any stir fry dish, so versatile- switch out what you have and don't have, or don't like. If you like some heat, hit it with a big pinch of crushed red pepper. Have an unexpected guest or two? Add a scoop of rice or asian style noodles. Swap out the meat or go all veggie! The possibilities are endless!!