Something Is Wrong With This Sauce

on July 12, 2010

Occasionally, I throw together weird sauces and spices to see if it will work. Sometimes it does (case in point: Noodle Dish with Simple Almond Sauce)â€¦ and sometimes itâ€™s just weird.

So, this dish started off as my desire to do something with baby bok choy and tahini sauce (sesame seed sauce), neither of which Iâ€™ve ever used before.

Iâ€™ve cooked with bok choy and found it to be tough, so I was looking for something more supple.

Iâ€™m-Not-Sure Tahini Sauce (makes three servings)

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons Tahini sauce
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon peanut butter
Dash vegetable oil
Dash water
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
Pinch of chili powder
Dash of hot sauce
Dash of ground ginger

Directions:

Combine everything on stovetop.
Heat for 1 minute.
Pour over veggie and pasta mix.

Now, although the sauce was off (any ideas what I did wrong? I think I used too much PB), the veggies were fabulous!

I lightly boiled the baby bok choy and carrots, added pre-roasted tiny potatoes, and tossed in sliced mushrooms at the very last minute. The timing of the veggies are very important, me thinks!

Plus, a piece of garlic naan bread (pre-made):

This was plenty enough food for me, but I â€œbulked upâ€ the Husbandâ€™s dinner by added whole wheat pasta. He seemed to really like it! But heâ€™ll eat anything.

In other newsâ€¦

Today I discovered what itâ€™s like to share a desk with my Husband.

It was fun and cute. It was also distracting. Iâ€™ve never shared my office with anyone, not since the day I graduated from college and started working at a small three-person branch office (yes, THREE people including myself!). Then I worked from homeâ€¦ alone. For four years! Alone! The Husband is in the process of launching his acupuncture practice so weâ€™ll be spending a lot of 8-hour days together. :) Itâ€™s kind of nice.

Mid-afternoon snack was cereal with hemp milk and a banana.

And after dinner, my hand kept creeping into the chips bag! These baked corn chips are SO good.

And that, my friends, is all.

Two questions for you:

1) Do you do most of your work alone? Or are you part of a big group who are always interacting?

2) What the heck did I do wrong with my sauce?

{ 129 comments }

Claire July 12, 2010, 10:03 pm
Wanted to tell you that I used “it’s OK to be uncomfortable” today during a run and it worked very well. The mental game is my hurdle so thanks for the tip! 🙂
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:07 am
  Awesome!!
  - Kara July 13, 2010, 3:15 pm
    Me too!! Thanks so much for that!
Ali July 12, 2010, 10:05 pm
“it’s OK to be uncomfortable” got me through a surprisingly intense hip hop class today. thanks, caitlyn 🙂
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:08 am
  rock it outttt!
Ali July 12, 2010, 10:06 pm
*caitlin…sorry
Suzanne July 12, 2010, 10:06 pm
Perhaps your sauce needs something acidic, I’d try lemon juice!
Heather July 12, 2010, 10:07 pm
1.) I am a teacher so I am rarely alone

2.)no freaking clue. It looks like gravy.
Wendy July 12, 2010, 10:07 pm
I love that pic of you and your hubby. Esp. with your beautiful wedding photo over the desk!

1) I work mostly alone, but consult with a lot of different people about what I’m doing. However, I will be starting my first year teaching in August, so my work environment is about to change drastically!

2) No clue! I only cook with recipes, I’m not creative enough in the kitchen to make them up myself!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing July 12, 2010, 10:09 pm
I like to work alone with it comes to things like that. I think it might be fun to work with your hubbie but also distracting!!!
Jessica @ Jessica Balances July 12, 2010, 10:12 pm
How cute is that picture of you and the husband?! 🙂 I work with lots of women and looove it (I’m a ridiculously social person) and don’t enjoy the days where I just write at home and am all alone. No fun at all! As far as the sauce goes… NO clue!!! haha
Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 12, 2010, 10:13 pm
I work with my husband and love it. We are together 24/7 with the exception of when we are asked to do something without the other. Most people think we are crazy, but it works for us. I think I would go a little crazy to work completely alone.

As for the sauce, did you really need the maple syrup? I would think it would be too sweet. Maybe a little lemon or rice vinegar to cut the thickness of the tahini and peanut butter.
- Caitlin July 12, 2010, 10:21 pm
  Yes it was SOOO spicy before the maple syrup.
  - Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 12, 2010, 10:27 pm
    I would go without the chili powder and add some kind of acid, like the lemon or rice vinegar. I like spicy, so I probably would have liked it before. You are too funny asking for help with that sauce. I am not a huge fan of tahini either, so you may just not have liked that part. I think you are on to something with the peanut butter…could you really go wrong with peanut butter though?!
- Rachel L July 12, 2010, 11:19 pm
  Yes, lemon juice is the way to go. Use the acid to break down the tahini before you add anything else, then add water and spices to make it a creamy, wonderful sauce.
- Evan Thomas July 13, 2010, 8:57 am
  Agreed, you need vinegar in a sauce for an acid.
Paige @Running Around Normal July 12, 2010, 10:13 pm
Hmm not sure about the sauce! I work well alone. In group projects, I have a hard time dealing with the time wasted to both get things done and be polite, heh.
Dynamics July 12, 2010, 10:19 pm
I work alone. A lot of times people think I do not work because I am at home and they take advantage. Geez. After working with 10 guys and a bunch of nagging women, working at home is heaven.

I made something using tahini and cumin and it was horrible. Maybe remove the chili powder? Just a thought?
Sandy July 12, 2010, 10:21 pm
That gorgeous picture belongs in your living room–or an area where everyone who walks into your house can see it. Please take it OUT of the office–it is wasted to be on display only in a private space.
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:09 am
  Don’t worry, we have more than one wedding pic to hang up! But I like having one where I will see it the most, too! 🙂 Thanks!
Nora@LifeLifeEatRight July 12, 2010, 10:24 pm
I feel more motivated when people are around me. It’s almost as if they are inspiring me to stay focused. Hmm..the sauce perhaps the PB I’m thinking maybe use chili flakes instead of chili powder and…less maple syrup (maybe use honey) and soy sauce?? Haha beats me that’s why I love cooking though…trial and error 🙂 never gets old.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 12, 2010, 10:27 pm
Aaaww, that pic of you and your man sharing the desk was adorable 😀 I can imagine it is a bit much to get used to after working alone for so many years but I’m sure you’ll grow accustomed to it!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman July 12, 2010, 10:27 pm
I’m mostly solo with my work. Even though I’ll interview people for my articles I don’t consider that working together. I only collaborate once they get to the editing stage. I like that it’s a solitary pursuit, though.

Love your side-by-side stations.
Kierstan July 12, 2010, 10:27 pm
I work from home and thrive in that environment! But, I do love getting together with my co-workers and getting stuff done as well.
Dominique July 12, 2010, 10:29 pm
For the sauce…everything seems to go well together, at least in theory…but maybe not the maple syrup? Maybe retry without the maple syrup and let us know how that tastes. I’d definitely be interested in trying that sauce as I have all the ingredients in my house.

I’d definitely find working with my significant other a major distraction. We had some classes together in high school when we were dating and it was a huge distraction, especially when we got to choose our own seats and obviously sat beside each other. Wow, I feel so old typing this because high school was ages ago! Anyway, I work with a bunch of other people (there’s 7 others in my dept…I think?) but I work best alone. There’s one guy who is a huge distraction and he knows it and so does everyone else. Every so often the supervisor/manager comes in and tells him to be quiet or leave us all alone so we can work. He’s pretty amusing though so it breaks the day up a bit.
*Andrea* July 12, 2010, 10:29 pm
he’ll eat anything…except for meat and dairy hehe. but he seems to appreciate your cooking! i feel bad for my mom – if my dad doesn’t like a meal, he will make it be known.

i have cubicles at my work and it can definitely get distracting
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:09 am
  hahah true. i guess he IS really a picky eater.
J July 12, 2010, 10:31 pm
MMM I LOVE tahini! It is so good smothered on dates, sweet potatoes (baked low and slow), or bananas. My favorite brand by FAR is Joyva, but it can be somewhat hard to find.
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is July 12, 2010, 10:31 pm
I think my husband and I would kill each other if we worked right next to each other. More than likely, I’d be the one doing the killing.
brandi July 12, 2010, 10:31 pm
I think adding soy sauce and rice vinegar would have balanced out your recipe nicely
Danielle July 12, 2010, 10:35 pm
The picture of you two working together at the desk is so stinkin’ cute!

1) I do most of my work alone. Sometimes my co-worker and I will plan a lesson together or grade papers together but then it takes us about twice as long since we are chatting and gossiping 🙂

2) Can’t help you on the sauce, sorry!
Heather @ Side of Sneakers July 12, 2010, 10:35 pm
I always work alone- I blame that for why I talk to myself 😉

Maybe too much tahini? It’s a pretty dominating flavor.
Babycakes July 12, 2010, 10:40 pm
I definitely need to work alone!!! However, I do think it’s super cute that you and the huz are working side by side. LOVE the wedding picture hanging on the wall 🙂
Camille July 12, 2010, 10:42 pm
I know I would never get anything done if my boyfriend and I shared a desk! I’m definitely a solo worker!
Rachel in NC July 12, 2010, 10:42 pm
I think the sauce may need something salty, like soy sauce or something acidic like vinegar. Or maybe both!
BethT July 12, 2010, 10:43 pm
I think of tahini as being a pretty strong, almost bitter flavor…I don’t think the PB would have done much to help it. When I use it, it’s more in combination with lemon, garlic, etc for more of a mediterranean flavor.
maria @ Chasing the Now July 12, 2010, 10:43 pm
I work alone a lot of times and it is easy for me to get distracted.
Molly @fuelherup July 12, 2010, 10:44 pm
I loooove bok choy…I cook it by marinating it in a sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, chile pepper, garlic, and ginger, and then grilling it, or you could slice it up and sautee it.
Kaitlyn @ peacelovefit July 12, 2010, 10:46 pm
I love working by myself but sometimes I find that I have to be around other people to get my work done. I am in college, so going to the library is always perfect for me! Maybe for the sauce a little less maple syrup and add some lemon or vinegar–I am no chef though!
Lauren July 12, 2010, 10:46 pm
I just started a job showing rental properties it’s the perfect part time job while I figure out my post graduate life. I get to meet SO many people and I don’t have to sit at a desk all day. It’s also kind of funny that I’m now on the other side of the fence having relocated cross country twice now within the year. Life is crazy… lol
Dani July 12, 2010, 10:47 pm
soy sauce!!
caronae July 12, 2010, 10:55 pm
It sounds really good! I might do a little less tahini and maybe add a bit of salt and pepper. You and the husband are cute at the desk together. 🙂

I work both in an office and on my own! Best of both worlds. Everyone at the office is really ncie so I like that social aspect. But sometimes I am also more productive when I can do stuff on my own at my computer at home; it’s like, okay, if I do this in three hours, then I can go play! Lol.

Happy almost Tuesday!
Ellen July 12, 2010, 10:56 pm
i love this tahini sauce:

2 tbsp. Tahini
1 tbsp. Toasted Sesame Oil
3 tbsp. brown rice vinegar (or unseasoned rice vinegar)
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. Sriracha

it’s great with veggies and noodles! try it with soba or dip tofu in it. delicious.
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:11 am
  That sounds good! Better than mine.
  - Morgan July 13, 2010, 1:29 pm
    I think you used too much tahiti in your sauce. It does have a very distinct flavor. It’s one of those ingredients I would add last.
Anya @ Fitness & Sunshine July 12, 2010, 11:00 pm
Hmm every time I’ve had bok choy it’s been pretty supple, but maybe it was steamed a little before hand, I’m not sure.

I’m better off working alone; other people generally distract me. On the other hand, time with my boyfriend is precious and I still look at it positively. 🙂
Allison @ livingoneday July 12, 2010, 11:00 pm
I used to share a desk my sophomore year of college and I hated it. My roommate and I had totally different schedules and we were constantly on each others nerves. Also, I do the exact same thing with food – just throw stuff together and hope for the best!!
Krystina July 12, 2010, 11:01 pm
I think you should either do tahini or peanut butter, but not both. Also, since you found it too spicy, only use chili powder or hot sauce, but not both. Also, using sesame oil in place of vegetable oil and adding acid (lemon juice or rice vinegar) would cut the heaviness and spice.
Jo July 12, 2010, 11:04 pm
If you haven’t had tahini before, you could just not like the taste of it and that’s what’s wrong with your sauce! It’s very bitter stuff. Its an acquired taste if you haven’t grown up eating it. I second the idea of perhaps adding some lemon juice, I always do that when making sauces with tahini.
Chelsey July 12, 2010, 11:09 pm
mmmm i love tahini!!! i made a sauce before with tahini too – it’s got it’s own distinct flavor, so I think you might have overpowered it with peanut butter which also has its own distinct flavor. Lemon juice is also a good pair with tahini.

I <3 working by myself. I get too distracted by others.
AngelaOSG July 12, 2010, 11:09 pm
hahahah that pic of you two…priceless!

Eric and I almost strangle each other when he works from home (we share an office too). He is NOTORIOUS for getting annoying songs stuck in my head. And he tapes his feet…like crazy. Oh boy, you opened a can of worms.

With the sauce my guess is too much tahini…a tiny bit goes a long way. I would use 1 tbsp max.
- AngelaOSG July 12, 2010, 11:10 pm
  oops I meant he taps his feet! (and shakes the floor) haha
  - Sarah (GF vegan) July 13, 2010, 4:04 am
    That reminds, my husband does that too! And air drums and makes the drum noises. It would drive me around the bend if we worked together!
    - caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:11 am
      The Husband made a lot of weird noises yesterday. LOL
Mary July 12, 2010, 11:10 pm
Trial and Error girlfriend with your sauce. 🙂 I’ve never shared an office with someone, but I share a nurses station with about 4 other nurses on my unit at one time. it’s nice to chit-chat and things, I do enjoy alone time though too… except I’m currently blogging next to my boyfriend who is doing the same. Kinda funny 🙂
Lisa July 12, 2010, 11:18 pm
Hi, I am new to your blog and I love it!
1) I have to work alone, I get soooo distracted.
2) I get what you were doing with the sauce but this is a quick and tasty way of using tahini on greens…ok my links don’t seem to be working?? But http://www.kathrynelliot.com.au, Greens with tahini and there is also a great salad dressing. Enjoy!
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:12 am
  ooo thanks! 🙂
Amanda @ Eat to Live, Live to Run July 12, 2010, 11:27 pm
I wouldn’t have put PB in it at all. Tahini is already pretty “nutty”. I’m never alone at work. I’m a nurse, so I’m always around other people.
Annie@stronghealthyfit July 12, 2010, 11:36 pm
Waiting tables is oddly individualistic sometimes, even though you rely on everyone you work with to work as a team. Servers are still working for their own tips, it’s like their own little business.
Elizabeth July 12, 2010, 11:36 pm
Totally salt in your sauce – tahini absorbs salt like it’s nobody’s business. I agree with all the people who said soy sauce or some other salty element…you have to be pretty heavy-handed with a dense product like tahini, or it will sort of taste bland and goopy. I used to make a great sauce that was tahini, sesame oil, pb, lime juice, soy sauce, and a little hot sauce – it’s delicious on rice noodles with tofu.
Amber July 12, 2010, 11:39 pm
I work in an office four days a week and then from home doing freelance writing one day a week. I really enjoy working from home but find I’m more focused in the office!

Also? You’re a brave woman for setting up a desk right next to hubs like that! I love my boyfriend to death but the beauty of our relationship is that we spend 8+ hours APART every day and reconnect at night and on the weekends! I think I would kill him (and get NOTHING done) if we shared an office space! 😀 Haha
Lisa July 12, 2010, 11:54 pm
I have a private cube where I work and I’d much rather work alone with my headphones on. 🙂
Janelle July 12, 2010, 11:54 pm
I think tahini is just plain gross, so my vote is to skip that! the rest of the ingredients sound great – perhaps with a t or so of soy sauce…Also, sometimes I think plain brown sugar is better than maple syrup in Asian-inspired dishes. In my experiments, the maple flavor is too strong for those dishes, and I like them better when I go for good ‘ol sugar.
Rosey Rebecca July 12, 2010, 11:57 pm
The two person desk is so cute. I can see how that would be distracting. I have two jobs–one where I work with A LOT of people: co-workers and customers, and one where I work by myself at home. I think it’s nice to do both. I have quiet me time but I also have social interaction.
Jill Will Run July 13, 2010, 12:04 am
I’ve been telecommuting for 5 years, so I work alone. But I miss being surrounded by others. Even when I worked on-site and had my own office, I had plenty of interaction with other people. It gets lonely being by myself.
Vicki July 13, 2010, 12:20 am
For me, the tahini would have been where it went wrong. I really only like tahini in hummus but I’m weird like that.

I love the picture of you and the husband working side-by-side.

The few times my husband and I have tried to work next to each other were completely unsuccessful. I’m a talker. If someone is sitting next to me, I can’t not talk.
Amber K @ sparkpeople July 13, 2010, 12:22 am
I know nothing about sauces, but it sure sounds…interesting!

My husband and I are often on our computers at the same time. They are in the same room, but our backs are to one another, so it doesn’t even really feel like we are in the same world!
Becky July 13, 2010, 12:32 am
Hi!
I’ve read your blog for so long, but never commented before…but now I’m compelled to, because Tahini sauce is one of my favorite things in the world! Here’s what you need to do:

Equal parts Tahini & Miso Paste (if you’re making it for 1, maybe 1 Tablespoon? I eyeball everything…)
Double that in Lemon Juice
1/2 of that in maple syrup (or agave)
two splashes soy sauce
splash rice vinegar

whisk with a fork and taste, adding in a bit of either the sweet or citrus or tahini, to balance it out, until it tastes right.

Once you find the right combination/amounts for your tastebuds, you’ll be thinking of ways you can put tahini on EVERYTHING – so beware!

🙂
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:12 am
  Ooo that sounds good too. Where can I get miso paste??
  - Jennifer July 13, 2010, 9:39 am
    I find miso paste at Asian grocery stores (cheapest) or at natural food stores such as Sprout’s or Whole Foods. Since you have a TJ’s, you might also find it there.
  - Becky July 13, 2010, 9:54 am
    It’s super yum! And once you buy miso paste, you can use it in other sauces as well! Or, add to boiling water to make (duh) miso soup!
    
    You can def. get it at a place like Whole Foods, or an Asian Grocery, but some typical grocery stores also have it – like Stop and Shop, or whatever is local in your area. Check the fridge section: either in the produce section, where they keep the tofu & wonton wrappers and stuff…or sometimes they stick it over near the eggs. You want to get ‘sweet white miso’ or ‘yellow miso’ and stay away from ‘barley miso’ or ‘red miso’ or ‘chickpea miso’ because those have a stronger/weirder flavor.
    
    It is definitely a staple for me, along with Tahini!
    
    Have fun!
Amanda (modernation) July 13, 2010, 12:58 am
I work from home (alone). Aaron also works from home, but he doesn’t work regular hours (I do). When I need to really focus, I go into my office, but often times I work on the couch (which really isn’t productive at all). I just don’t like being secluded in my office when I know the people and animals I love are just on the other side of the door. I don’t like to miss anything.

For the sauce, it looks like too much maple syrup? I don’t know much about Tahini, though.
Winnie July 13, 2010, 1:04 am
I think it’s the maple syrup…haha. I suggest cutting back on the sweet stuff and add in something like soysauce or oyster sauce.
Katie July 13, 2010, 1:11 am
I would ditch the peanut butter! Tahini & peanut butter have very similar flavor profiles, so I would stick to one or the other on the sauce! Rice wine vinegar or lime would round out the flavors better, so you would get a more balanced flavor. You’ve got sweet, salty, and spicy, but you’re missing sour! The goal is to activate all parts of your tongue.
Katie July 13, 2010, 1:20 am
Lemon juice brightens the flavor (not so murky) in a much better way than salt. Too much spice, and too much fat. Try adding yogurt and roasted garlic (just roast the whole bulb and squeeze out the paste when itsn caramelized and soft.)

all in all, next time less heart, less fat, more acid.
Heather July 13, 2010, 1:24 am
Maybe leave out the vegetable oil?

Cute pic of you and your hubby! I don’t know if I could work at the same desk with someone, I need my space and am used to being able to spread out.
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day (Formally A La Mode) July 13, 2010, 1:50 am
Oh I could never share an office with the Fiance. I have to have it super quiet to work (no TV, no music). Luckily, I’m always on the couch with the laptop and he’s over in the corner at his desk. It keeps the relationship alive.

Your desk is so cute though!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) July 13, 2010, 1:57 am
I do most of my work with others. I teach grade 7/8 and so I spend my day with about 26 of them. When they aren’t there, then I do my own thing, but I collaborate with other teachers.
Jess @ NZ Girl Runs July 13, 2010, 2:00 am
I work best alone but if the boyfriend is playing computer games I can do work in the same room because we are both wrapped up in our own things. But since I do my best work between the hours of midnight and 4am I usually work alone.
KMattrn July 13, 2010, 3:07 am
OK, that photo is STUNNING and belongs in a magazine — or at least in a place in your house where more people can enjoy it. But I also get not wanting a gigantic photo of myself on display in my own house (we never got anything bigger than an 8×10′ of our wedding photo).

I’ve been a nurse for 14 years now, 8 of those in an ER. Most people think that being stuck in a cubicle is a fate worse than death. I’ve gotten so jaded and cynical in my job, I sometimes wish for a cubicle and no other human interaction. Maybe it’s time for a career change…

The sauce. Listen to Ellen in #34; that sauce sounds awesome. Leavie out the PB and/or maple syrup and use fresh ginger (or ginger paste). I agree with brightening it up with an acid (citrus or vinegar). My sis-in-law just drizzles some tahini over veggies sauted with garlic and EVOO and it’s delish. But I think the best thing to do with tahini is make your own hummus! So easy & yummy. My go-to recipe is one from Emeril I found on Food Network. I usually add roasted red peppers or kalamata olives to it:)
2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons tahini paste
1 tablespoon garlic
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more, for drizzling
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini paste, and garlic. Process until smooth. With the machine running, add 1/4 cup olive oil, a little at a time. Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!
Karen
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:13 am
  I definitely want to make my own hummus next – so much cheaper than buying it!! Thanks!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs July 13, 2010, 3:23 am
I normally work alone, I don’t like distractions :s!
I think your sauce sounds lovely…is there such a thing as too much peanut butter!?
Stacey @ Tipping the (Kitchen!) Scales July 13, 2010, 4:01 am
Love the picture of the two of you at the desk with your wedding picture on the wall, it;s so cute!
Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) July 13, 2010, 4:02 am
I would literally get nothing done. You guys look cute though.
Sarah (GF vegan) July 13, 2010, 4:03 am
You guys look so cute!!!

I usually work alone. If I worked next to the husband I’d end up chatting to him too much, like we were back in school!

The sauce sounds an awful lot like what we had for dinner last night. I stir-fried the veg in some EVOO and chinese five spice then added Gena’s (Choosing Raw) sesame noodle sauce. Yum! Honestly, you’d love it and it’ll prob help you to see where you may have gone wrong 🙂
Lisa @ bakebikeblog July 13, 2010, 5:33 am
Serioulsy – that photo of you guys is too cute! Love it!!!
M July 13, 2010, 7:25 am
I wonder since tahini is sesame paste if the addition of pb is too much nuts/seed/richness.I am guessing this needed a bit of a thinner to it….perhaps more water or liquid?

I just bought tahini for the same type idea,so think I’ll browse recipes on the web to check out ratio/ingredients!
Want to solve this cause I have had some DELISH tahini sauces in restaurants…..
lisa July 13, 2010, 7:28 am
I am an elementary teacher so I am rarely alone during the work day, but I have grown accustomed to blocking out the distractions to get what needs to be done done. However, when it came to grad school work in the past or blogging now- I need to be 100% distraction-free!

Love your new place! So sunny and home-y!
Laura July 13, 2010, 7:36 am
I do something similar and it is always awesome. Try the following:
Less Tahini
add lime juice
use brn sugar instead of maple syrup
light soy sauce
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine July 13, 2010, 7:45 am
That picture is kind of adorable…you should frame it and hang it over the desk, haha. I definitely work best alone! I get VERY easily distracted, so I can’t have anyone to talk to if I want to get stuff done.
Diana (Mymarblerye) July 13, 2010, 7:46 am
i’ve always been the type to study and work alone…I’m super type A so I like things my way!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie July 13, 2010, 7:49 am
though I do get my own desk I work with alot of people and find it to be quite fun. I hate working alone and get lonely a bored without interaction!
Kris July 13, 2010, 7:49 am
I think the sauce is too much sweet since 3 T. of maple syrup is excessive in proportion to the amount of tahini/peanut butter. I would use more spice, 1/3 or less the amt. of maple syrup, a bit of soy sauce, a little more spice (cayenne, cumin), lemon juice and probably skip the pbutter).
Jenna July 13, 2010, 8:00 am
Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, dash of soy sauce & some parsley to garnish…and you’ll be all set.

I only wish I worked alone. One day. Until then I enjoy talking with co-workers. I could never sit that close to my H for 8 hours and get any work done. Interested to see how that goes 😉
Faith @ LovelyAsCharged July 13, 2010, 8:04 am
Whether or not the sauce came out great, the rest looks fabulous! I think the Naan would have been singlehandedly able to salvage any dinner, no matter how badly it was wrecked 😉 I’m not an expert with tahini, but I’d have made it a little less sweet and a little more savory. Perhaps, like you said, a bit less PB? I’d throw a few spices in there too for some kick.
Rachel July 13, 2010, 8:12 am
I would not have added peanut butter at all. Tahini is basically a nut butter itself.
Jes July 13, 2010, 8:15 am
I get to share my office with a coworker and I love it! It probably helps he is a dude with about half of the normal male tendencies and a drama free zone! Its great because i get distracted, when i want to.
Shannon July 13, 2010, 8:16 am
I would have used either tahini or PB, not both. Also, a little soy sauce.
Wei-Wei July 13, 2010, 8:36 am
Woah, I think that maybe maple syrup overload? 3 tablespoons! And maybe reduce the PB, too. I love that photo of you two – too cute 😀 I often find that I like to use the computer alone, too. Sigh. How technology alienates people. D:

Wei-Wei
Taylor @ Changing Habits July 13, 2010, 8:40 am
You guys look so cute together at the desk 🙂

I work alone, and sometimes I talk to myself in third person!
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday July 13, 2010, 8:49 am
Check this link for a traditional Lebanese tahini sauce used on white fish. It could easily be used on veggies as well. It contains:
tahini
lemon juice
water
cumin
garlic powder
salt and pepper

http://gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday/2010/03/04/day-37/
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) July 13, 2010, 9:04 am
I work from home… alone. Although my sweet pup can be a distraction, when my husband works from home I don’t get anything done!! I just want to play and he’s a perfect distraction 🙂
Emily July 13, 2010, 9:06 am
Looks like a good start to the sauce, but from my experience, tahini and peanut butter are almost the same thing, so maybe using one or the other would be best or using tahini + peanut sauce would be best?

You and the husband look so cute sharing a desk! You should both definitely get computer stands if you are using your computers 8 hrs a day, though (you want the screen to be at eye level). You will find that it’s a lot easier on your back. I got this stand for Christmas, and it’s really helped my back + neck a lot!

http://www.laptopstandset.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Rubbermaid-Rolodex-Adjustable-Laptop-Stand.jpg
ari July 13, 2010, 9:06 am
i agree with the acid suggestions, and i also think maybe honey would have been better instead of maple syrup!
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 9:14 am
  I agree – but we didn’t have any 🙁
Rachel @ Balance and Blueberries July 13, 2010, 9:07 am
I love my job….we’ll all sit together in a a big room with our laptops. Constant talking and interacting! It’s so great!
Mellissa July 13, 2010, 9:11 am
I don’t think I could work all day with my husband, I like quiet! The office I work in can get really really loud and be very hard to concentrate.
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place July 13, 2010, 9:17 am
haha your desk set up is super cute! My hubby and I both work from home, too, and I think if we shared a desk we might kill each other. 🙂
Beth @ DiningAndDishing July 13, 2010, 9:19 am
Our office is majorly group oriented. Our cubes only come as high as our chests, so that we can talk and work together all day. It makes things more fun but can also be a lot more distracting!
Erin July 13, 2010, 9:23 am
I don’t think I would’ve used PB – they’re similar products (you can substitute tahini for PB and vice versa) since they’re both from seeds essentially. And I do think you need an acid like lemon juice to balance it out. The sauce one reader mentioned with siracha and rice vinegar sounded really good and I might have to make it soon!
RhodeyGirl July 13, 2010, 9:23 am
Too much spicy and not enough acid I think.

My key for working together is to separate work time and personal time. Only talk during the day (aside from lunch) if it is work related.
OurDogBuffy July 13, 2010, 10:26 am
I work in a cubical setting. I find it hard to work when it’s super quiet (lots of people on vacation). But at least I have three walls to kind of keep me separated from others … I know when I’m at home, working on something or cleaning, etc. I can’t stand to be bothered. I’m also fussing at my husband to leave me alone. Ha
Jaime July 13, 2010, 10:27 am
Tahini is so bland. I generally only use it in hummus. For your sauce, I would try adding cumin to the sauce and/or maybe chili powder like some of the other ladies suggested. Good luck next time!
Maura @ theMOHdiaries July 13, 2010, 10:39 am
I’m better at working alone in a nice quiet place. I honestly was in love with my library at school. Airy, sunny places work best, haha.

No clue about your sauce. My “creations” (as I like to call them) don’t usually work out, lol.
Sami July 13, 2010, 11:06 am
NOMMMMM. I love Naan.

I love the framed wedding picture you had been waiting for to hang above the desk! It looks great there!

I think you should frame a photo of you two sitting at the desks (kind like the one you posted) and frame it, too. It’s cute and artsy 😉
Amy July 13, 2010, 11:08 am
You think working for a three person branch office is small…I got you beat! 🙂 I work for a three person COMPANY. The whole company…three people, including me. I LOVE IT! We’re like family and there’s no office politics or drama.
JavaChick July 13, 2010, 11:42 am
I like tahini, lemon juice & honey as a sauce – and you could add whatever other seasonings you like – soy sauce, cayenne, etc.
Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler July 13, 2010, 12:15 pm
Here’s a good recipe for bok choy that isn’t tough:
Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler July 13, 2010, 12:15 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2FKwLDrz0k
Leslie July 13, 2010, 1:21 pm
Caitlin – That picture of you two working in your office is so sweet and reminds me a lot of the Young House Love office. Love both of your blogs! Are those clear chairs comfortable?
- caitlin July 13, 2010, 1:38 pm
  yes! they are! but you cant put your feet under your butt or it hurts.
Jackie (Peaces of Earth) July 13, 2010, 1:50 pm
How cute is that picture! I get distracted very easily, sometimes even more so when I’m alone!

I think the sauce needs some tamari or soy sauce and less maple syrup. Maybe it was the sweetness that made it weird? I make tahini sauces all the time and it’s just tahini, water, tamari, ginger, and garlic.
Cynthia (It All Changes) July 13, 2010, 3:09 pm
Hunni and I work together in the same office…sort of. We have a door we can close but don’t often. Although some days I do because he is a chatter box.
John July 13, 2010, 9:45 pm
No clue on the sauce 🙂 I’ve worked on my own for the last 19 years. Most of the time I like it but occasionally company wouldn’t be bad.
diana July 14, 2010, 8:33 pm
nut butter sauce with sauteed veggies is just wrong and weird. its taste better with thick noodle as a cold dish. i’d recommend using balasamic vinegar, white pepper, fresh ginger, and a little bit of garlic!
diana July 14, 2010, 8:34 pm
instead of balsamic vinegar, you can use soy sauce. but watch out, some soy sauce contains fish.
elaine! July 17, 2010, 2:56 am
I usually work at an office with four other people (two of whom are the owners of the company) but sometimes I work from home, where I share an office with my boyfriend, who works from home full-time. I usually get more done at home because my coworkers have to actually call me to nag me about things rather than shout across the conference table. (I do web development, and like any other mental project, it’s done best in long, uninterrupted segments!) I have room for my own office in my house, but it’s too lonely in there. My boyfriend and I don’t really distract each other, but it’s nice being in a busy atmosphere, even if it’s just two people.
elaine! July 17, 2010, 3:00 am
Also, if I had to work from home alone, I would probably join a collaborative coworking space like renocollective.com and go join society a couple days a week. The idea is that freelancers can get the benefits of an office without being part of an office — e.g. conference rooms, printers, coffee, people to chat with around the water cooler. Apparently it’s a trend right now, aimed at people who would go work from coffee shop wifi points.
Kendel July 22, 2010, 8:35 am
I share a desk with my boyfriend and love it. Although it’s distracting, it’s also really fun to be able to quickly share something interesting or funny that we find.

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