Wednesday, September 9, 2009

yin and yang

Wikipedia says that yin and yang is a concept in Chinese philosophy that "is used to describe how seemingly disjunct or opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent." I think that pretty much sums up me and the carnivore. We are very different in many ways. I am vertically challenged and he is often the tallest person in a crowded room. I am a cat person; he is a dog person (we have both). I am a neat freak, and he is a little messy. I am a vegetarian, and he is, well, a carnivore. But we are the best of friends. And that is why we make such an effort to make our meals work.

It isn't really as hard as it seems. Like the other night when we had stir-fry. If you are new to a mixed diet family, this is a good option. Start by making a big batch of sticky jasmine rice in your rice cooker. (If you don't have a rice cooker - get one!) Then heat some snow peas with a bit of butter and salt in a sauce pan. Next set up two skillets. Add a bit of sesame oil to each. In one put all kinds of veggies (I used carrots, broccoli, and a variety of mushrooms, but sprouts and firm tofu work well too). In the other pan put you meat (this night I used organic chicken breast I cut into bite sized pieces). While each skillet sizzles add in Asian flavors with teriyaki marinade, soy sauce, and chili paste (optional - I like my stuff spicy, but the carnivore doesn't). They even make stir-fry seasoning packets that can boost up the meal a bit if you wish. Saute until the chicken is done and the veggies are warm. Then pile your plates up!

It is just that easy. Each of us got a tasty meal (and I even snuck something green on the carnivore's plate), but neither of us gave up what we like best. Yin and yang in action.

3 comments:

  1. I'm a carnivore trying to be at least part-time vegetarian. I really like your blog!

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  2. thanks Jen from NJ! hope it gives you some ideas to try.

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  3. What a brilliant post, thanks a lot for sharing this with us!

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