Asparagus Salad with Sesame Chili and Lime Dressing

Serves: 2-4

Sesame Chili and Lime Dressing:

1 small clove of garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated/minced finely
1 lime, zest and juice
2 tsp chili paste
1 tbsp agave nectar or honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
salt and pepper
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp grapeseed or other neutral oil

1. Combine the ginger, garlic, lime zest, lime juice, chili paste, agave nectar, rice vinegar, salt and pepper in a jar or tupperware dish with a tight fitting lid.
2. Stir to dissolve the salt and combine everything.
3. Add the sesame and grapeseed oils.
4. Put a lid on top and shake mixture vigorously to combine.
5. Set aside.

Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and stalks peeled into ribbons
small handful of grated cabbage (red, green, napa, savoy etc)
3 sprigs of mint, leaves removed and finely sliced
2-3 green onions, finely sliced
1/3 cup peanuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1. Combine the ribboned asparagus, cabbage, sliced mint and green onions in a large bowl.
2. Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine with your hands or tongs.
3. Place salad on a serving plate and garnish with the chopped peanuts and a bit more chopped mint if you like.
4. Serve and enjoy.

Note: If you’re making this ahead, save the mint slicing and dressing-tossing for the end, right before serving. The acid in the dressing can render the thin asparagus less crisp and mint tends to go dark post-slicing.

Mint Oreo Cupcakes

Serves: 24

For the cupcakes:

24 Mint Oreos
Box Chocolate Cake Mix
1 stick of butter, melted
1 cup water
3 eggs

1. Preheat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners. Place a Oreo in the bottom of each liner.
2. In the bowl of a mixer, combine cake mix, melted butter, water and eggs. Beat on low for one minute. Scrape sides of bowl and increase speed to high. Beat for another minute.
3. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for about 15 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool completely on a cooling rack before serving.

For Frosting:

15 Mint Oreos, crushed completely into superfine crumbs
4 sticks of butter, softened
4 Tablespoons milk
8 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons mint extract

1. In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter, milk, and extracts on low speed until smooth and combined. Slowly add powdered sugar and beat on low until just mixed. Increase speed to medium high and beat for 2 minutes. Add cookie crumbs and beat on low until well combined.
2. Pipe frosting on cupcakes and top with an extra Oreo, if desired.