Greeted with much excitement from my two little karate-masters-in-training, Kung Fu Panda was released last week to DVD. But which version should you buy? Wide or full screen DVD, Blu-Ray, Kung Fu Panda Two  Pack: Kung Fu Panda and Secrets of the Furious in wide or full screen, the pre-Wrapped and Ready for Christmasversion, or the Spanish version?

So many choices! We have the two pack, which is a bargain since it’s a only little more (or possibly less) than the single version depending on where you buy it. I do love the pre-wrapped version for easy holiday giving, too. (I love shopping, but HATE wrapping.) This year Paramount Home Entertainment is pre-wrapping three of their biggest titles – Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The pre-wrapped DVDs will be on shelves at most retailers by November 30 or December 7.

But what to eat while you’re watching Po and the Furious Five defeat Tai Lung? Well, last summer while the movie was still in theaters, I suggested dim sum. But instead, stay home and make some hot ramen noodle soup!

Am I crazy – ramen noodles? Considering how everyone is tightening their food budgets these day, I know a lot of families are living off of ramen unfortunately. But there are ways to dress it up and make it more healthy.

Healthier Ramen Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot

Ingredients:

1. 2 packages of ramen noodles
2. 3 cups of chicken stock (reduced fat, low sodium preferably)
3. 1 cup of sliced frozen carrots (fresh or canned is o.k., too)
4. 1 cup of frozen peas (fresh or canned is o.k., too)
5. 1 cup of frozen corn (fresh or canned is o.k., too)
6. 1/2 cup of frozen onions (fresh is o.k., too)
7. 2-4 minced cloves of garlic
8. ONE flavor packet

Note: if you are using canned vegetables, drain before adding to the crock pot.

Directions:

1. Put the chicken stock in a slow cooker or crock pot.
2. Add the vegetables and ONE flavor packet.
3. Cook on high for 2 to 4 hours depending on if you use fresh, frozen or canned vegetables
4. Add your ramen noodles to the crock pot and cook until done. Stir occasionally.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Variations:

• The problem with instant ramen is the flavor packets. They’re full of sodium and MSG, so use sparingly or not at all. Instead, you can substitute salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. I like using Chinese 5 Spice for a more Asian taste.
• Use different types of frozen or canned veggies – green beans, pea pods, pepper strips, stir fry mixes, etc.
• Add canned water chestnuts and baby corn for their crunch.
• Add slices of hard boiled egg, deli meat or leftover chicken or steak when you’re cooking the noodles.

Here are some other resources for ramen recipes:

• Ramen Noodle Recipes at Budget101.com
• Ramenlicious
• The Official Ramen Home Page

(And thanks to Click-Comm.com for the review copies of Kung Fu Panda Two  Pack: Kung Fu Panda and Secrets of the Furious and the Wrapped and Ready versions of Iron Man, Kung Fu Panda, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Extra copies have found good homes with a couple of families in need – thank you again!)

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