It’s been one week since I got engaged. It’s been one week since Zoe and I were able to share the joy of being engaged. Sometimes I stare at my ring in disbelief that this IS real. I had found that special someone in my life, just like my twin did.
WE both get questions about being marriage, commitment and relationships from friends and family. I know it seems interesting since we are both 25 and engaged. To be honest, I have never seen my own parents wear their wedding rings, let alone even a wedding picture was a rare sight. But to be fair, that isn’t important. Even more valuable than that, they always emphasized the importance of relationships – even more so than school or grades.
The truth is, loving someone is a choice you make. You choose to love someone, because they make you a better person. I don’t believe engagements or marriage is the end of hard work and communication. A relationship takes a lot of effort, time, and patience to build. I am grateful that throughout my life my parents and grandparents have been stellar examples of how a marriage should work. Sometimes they have good days, other times they have bad days, but they make it work because they communicate and they are willing to admit they are wrong (My mom will even apologize to me which i guess is pretty surprisingly for an traditional asian parent).They also highly respect their significant other. I have never heard my dad or mom say anything mean/derogatory about each other – only praises and compliments.
One big lesson Zoe and I have both learnt is that whether or not you have the opportunity to find that special someone in your life, you have to be happy with who you are as a person right now. Once I let go of the idea that I have to be in a relationship to be happy, things started to fall into place. I believe it was because I was finally ready to accept myself and therefore accept someone else my life.
I look back, STILL stunned, never imagining that Zoe and I would be able to share this special moment together. Even though it is kind of daunting and scary to think about taking this major step in my life, but I recognize that the fear I feel is normal amongst newly engaged couples. I also recognize that the fear I feel is simply worry of how this relationship will turn out in the next 10-20 years. However, as long as we prepare well and continue to this marriage as an opportunity to grow, i believe those fears will subside. I am no marriage/relationship guru, but I believe that marriage/family/relationships are always and will forever be the ultimate source of happiness in anyone’s life.
I guess enough with the solemn thoughts, now off to the fun part of introducing today’s recipe. We served roasted zucchini, broccoli and potatoes as sides for our engagement celebration dinner. It was honestly phenomenal! Seriously, I have to admit my fiancé and I outdid ourselves with this spread of miso salmon, lemon dill salmon, soy marinated flank steak, and the ultimate perfect “roasted veggies”. I make roasted veg so often for my own meal prep (as most of you know from my insta stories and pictures), BUT to have our picky crowd tell us how good the veg was just MIND BLOWING. 
Honestly there are NO measurements really to this. But don’t worry.. Its seriously SO SIMPLE. You sprinkle however much of your favorite spices, although I would highly recommend:
GARLIC POWDER, SOME FORM OF MIXED HERBS, salt and pepper.
I usually like mine oil free, but sometimes a spray of Zero Calorie Avocado Oil/Olive Oil gives it a nice char!
KEY TIP: TASTE AND SEASON GENEROUSLY
Salt and pepper are the foundation to this recipe. Make sure you taste it after its cooked and adjust accordingly. Even if you don’t have any kind of spices/herbs, this will still taste fantastic IF You season it well. The salt brings out the natural flavor of the veg!
- 2-3 large Zucchini
- garlic salt (or garlic powder)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Slice zucchini into ¼" rounds. Then slice each round in half - moon shapes.
- Place the zucchini onto a nonstick skillet/pot. Add garlic salt, salt and pepper.
- Turn up to medium -high heat. Saute until soft for about 5-10 mins.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. (THE KEY IS tasting and seasoning).
- Remove and allow to cool.
- 1lb small Potatoes
- Italian Seasoning
- Garlic Salt (or garlic powder)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
- Cut each potato into 4 (quarters) or 6 (if its bigger).
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the potatoes out into a single layer.
- Spray with olive oil/avocado oil.GENEROUSLY season with italian seasoning, garlic salt, salt and pepper.
- Roast for 40-50 mins until slightly brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, and taste. Adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper). Toss.
- Broccoli (1 bunch, about 1.5 lbs)
- Garlic Salt/Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning (or mixed herbs)
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Wash the broccoli and cut the florets into bite sized pieces.
- Cut the stem off and peel the tough outer skin. Cut into small pieces.
- Place lined parchment paper, spray with olive oil/avocado oil and season.
- Bake for 10-15 mins, until charred. Taste and season again before serving.
LOVE,
Zoe & Mia
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One of my favorite things to make on a week night – this is easy, tasty, and healthy! 🙂