Spicy Peanut Noodles

OK OK so I haven't posted in like a bazillion months!!! Bad Pammy right? I am sorry for that and hopefully will make some changes of what I post in general. You see, I have been trying very hard to change the way I live all because of a blood test! Late last August I found out that I had to lower my cholesterol or run the risk of taking medication. I was given 12 weeks by my doctor to change my diet and lifestyle. I decided to take the challenge and go for it.  I bought a new pair of running shoes started doing a lot of fast walking and being more committed to showing up to my Zumba classes. The walking turned to running and I got really hooked into a couple of apps on my iPhone that helped me track my food intake and activity level. I also had to watch my alcohol intake too.  After only 1 month I ran & finished my first 5K!  It was a proud moment for me on many levels. Yes I know it's "only" 3.1 miles but for me it was a milestone because I knew I wasn't going to look back on that "old" lifestyle. When I went back for another blood test my total cholesterol numbers went down 62 points! Not only that but I lost 15 pounds and about 2 pant sizes! I also started watching labels and just adjusted the way I was eating. I still eat what I like but not so much of it & when I cook, I watch the about of fat I use. So far so good, but it's ongoing for me. Tonight I made some spicy peanut noodles and it was really delicious so I decided to share it.

1 lb. linguine
2 cups fresh pea pods
2 cups broccoli slaw
1 cup red cabbage
3 chopped green onions
1 red pepper sliced in thin strips
1/2 jalapeno pepper chopped (use more if you want it spicier)
1/4 c. cilantro chopped
1/4 c. chopped peanuts
black sesame seeds

Dressing
1/4 c. peanut butter
1 clove garlic chopped
3 T. soy sauce
2 T. rice vinegar
1 t. chopped ginger
1 T. honey
1/2 lime juiced
1 T. Sriracha sauce
1 T. sesame oil
1 T. canola oil
1/2 c. pasta water (you may want more)

Cook pasta til al dente drain but keep some pasta water on the side for the dressing. Blanch the pea pods, peppers & broccoli slaw. Toss with the pasta along with the red cabbage, green onions, jalapeno, and cilantro.

Microwave the peanut butter for about 30 seconds in a glass bowl. Whisk in the remaining ingredients until combined. Toss the dressing with the noodle mixture until well coated. Sprinkle with peanuts & sesame seeds. Garnish with additional cilantro if you'd like. You could easily add chicken or shrimp to this dish too!