Due to budget constraints (oh, and for our health. yes.), we’re having a meat-free week. It’s been a big success so far, first with the Sweet Potato Pot Pies and tonight with Stir-Fried Broccoli and Red Peppers with Peanut Sauce (from Cook’s Illustrated). I need to come up with a shorter name for it because we’ll be having it again and that’s just too much to write on the menu.

Stir-Fried Broccoli and Red Peppers with Peanut Sauce
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice plus 1 teaspoon grated zest from 1 lime
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon peanut oil plus 1 more teaspoon
1 large red bell pepper (about 8 ounces), cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips
9 ounces broccoli , cut into even 1-inch florets (about 4 cups)
2 medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons)
1/4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced (about 1 teaspoon)

Mix fish sauce, lime juice and zest, sugar, and red pepper in small bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add coconut milk, water and peanut butter, and whisk until smooth; set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until shimmering, 2 to 3 minutes. Add red pepper and broccoli; cook, stirring every 10 to 15 seconds, until just barely tender, about 2 minutes. Push vegetables to sides of skillet, clearing center of pan. Add remaining teaspoon oil, garlic, and ginger to center of pan and mash with back of spoon; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir mixture into vegetables. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in sauce mixture. Simmer to heat through and blend flavors, about 1 minute; serve immediately.

In other news, we’re thoroughly enjoying the addition of SnoBoCross to the Olympics. My favorite line of the night: “This is the essence of snowboard cross.” Closely followed by: “Radislov’s board looked like it was riding super-good.” And, “I was trying to be as small as I could.” Really, it was a photo finish.
I think Bob Costas hates SnoBoCross. He’s such a square.