Slightly Sweetened

Quick Bread and Butter Pickles

2011-08-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

As the next step in my foray into domesticity, I've finally attempted pickling. (!) These pups are quick and easy. They're are refrigerator pickles, so there's no two-month fermentation (Disclaimer: I have no idea what's required of actual pickles). They're sweet and delicious. We played around with the sugar levels, and I think my preferred sweetness is somewhere between 3/4 and a cup of sugar,

Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake

2011-05-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Coffee Cake Cake1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, 4 ounces or 113 grams) at room temperature1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar3 large eggs, separated1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda3/4 teaspoon table salt Filling and Topping2 cups or 12 ounces semi- or

Farro Salad with Tomatoes and Corn

2011-05-10T13:10:00.000-07:00

Farro Salad with Tomatoes and CornYields 3 or 4 servings as a side dish 1 cup farro2 ears cooked corn or a can of corn niblets16 cherry tomatoes, quartered4 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano4 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil4 teaspoons white wine vinegarSalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1

Ukrainian Honey Cake

2011-05-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

No photo because I ate this delicious cakebread too quickly.Ukrainian Honey CakeMakes 1 loaf-shaped cake 2 large eggs, separated, at room temperature1/2 cup sugar1/2 cup honey4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/8 teaspoon cinnamonPinch of salt1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled to lukewarm 1. Set a rack in the

Quinoa Salad with Asparagus, Lemon & Feta

2011-01-10T11:47:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:1 cup quinoa2 cups water1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more (to taste) for seasoning the salad1 pound asparagus, trimmed3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided1 tablespoon shredded parmigiano-reggianofresh cracked black pepper1 large garlic clove, peeled and left whole1 tablespoon dijon mustard1 lemon, juiced1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds, toasted1/4 cup crumbled

2010

2011-01-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

Movies:January:1. XXX2. The Transporter3. The Land of the Lost4. Pineapple Express5. A Single Man6. Moon7. Midnight Cowboy8. Black Dynamite9. Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf?10. A Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy11. Rear Window12. Panique au villageFebruary:14. Brothers15-17. Red Riding Trilogy18. Wicker Man19. Sexy Beast20. A ProphetMarch:21. The Hurt Locker22. Deep Impact23. The White Ribbon24.

Roasted Winter Root Vegetables with Rosemary

2010-11-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

Ingredients1 pound red-skinned potatoes, unpeeled, scrubbed, cut into 1-inch pieces1 pound celery root (celeriac), peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces1 pound rutabagas, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces1 pound carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces1 pound parsnips, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces2 onions, cut into 1-inch pieces2 leeks (white and pale green parts only), cut into 1-inch-thick rounds2

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Parsnips With Caramelized Onions

2010-11-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ingredients2 tablespoon olive oil2 large white onions, thinly sliced2 tablespoons brown sugar1/4 teaspoon salt2 lbs red-skinned potatoes, peeled and cubed1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces1/2 cup whipping cream1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter1 head of garlicsalt & pepperDirectionsPreheat oven to 425°F. Cut top 1/4 inch off head of garlic to expose tops of cloves. Place in small baking

Chicken Provençal

2010-11-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:1 pound cherry tomatoes in various colors1 large red onion, cut into wedges1/2 cup brine-cured black olives, drained (pitted or un-pitted, doesn’t matter)6 large garlic cloves, left in their peels1 lemon, sliced thinly3 tablespoons olive oil, dividedSprigs of rosemary and thymeSalt and pepper3 1/2 lbs varied chicken parts like drumsticks, thighs and breasts (I used 2.5 lbs of chicken

Mascarpone-Filled Cake with Sherried Berries

2010-11-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

This cake is so easy to make, and so delicious. That's all I have to say about it.Ingredients:For cake:2 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising; sift before measuring)1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 stick unsalted butter, softened1 cup sugar1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract2 large eggs1 cup well-shaken buttermilkFor berries:1/2 cup Fino (dry) Sherry1/2 cup sugar4

Breakfast of Champions

2010-03-27T12:49:00.001-07:00

Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley Salad

2010-03-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

Mediterranean Eggplant and Barley SaladGourmet, September 2006and as found on Smitten KitchenIngredients:1 1/2 lb eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes3/4 lb zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes10 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 tsp salt1 tsp black pepper1 cup chopped scallion (from 1 bunch)1.5 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp ground coriander1/4 tsp cayenne1 1/4 cups pearl barley (8 oz)1 (14-oz) can reduced-sodium

Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

2010-03-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

so easy and delicious.Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butteras found on Smitten KitchenAdapted from Marcela Hazan’s Essentials of Italian CookingIngredients:28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes from a can5 tablespoons unsalted butter1 medium-sized yellow onion, peeled and halvedSalt to tastePut the tomatoes, onion and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer then lower the

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream

2010-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese FrostingBatter adapted from Magnolia BakeryFrosting adapted from Bon Appetit, June 2006 Ingredients:3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened2 cups sugar3 large eggs, at room temperature1 bottle red food coloring3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 1/2 teaspoons salt1 1/2 cups buttermilk1

The Best of Trader Joe's

2010-03-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

maybe I'll make this into a series.at the moment... feast your eyes on one delicious sandwich recipe:1 baguette, sliced all the way through and cut into thirds"Trader Giotto's" pesto Genovese (fresh)Italian truffle cheese, in slicesItalian-cured turkey breast (the one that's all peppery)1 large onion, sliced2 tbsp oilsalt & pepper to tasteHeat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet.

Bucatini Carbonara

2010-02-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

Bucatini Carbonaraas found on The Kitchen Sink Ingredients: 1/2 pound bucatini (I used a fine linguini)2 ounces pancetta, finely diced1 leek, trimmed and sliced in half moons1 egg, plus 1 egg per serving (i.e. if you’re serving two, you’ll need 3 eggs)1/3 cup freshly grated parmigano-reggiano1 teaspoon freshly ground black peppersplash of vinegarBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil

Crack Pot Pot Roast

2010-02-24T19:56:00.000-08:00

My roommate owns a Crock Pot. No one's ever used it. I felt it was my duty.Ingredients:3-4 lbs chuck roast2 large onions, sliced4-5 medium potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces2 large carrots, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces1/2 cup beef broth1/2 cup flour1 tbsp oil1 bay leafsalt & pepperSeason a 3 to 4 pound roast with salt and pepper then dust with flour.Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once oil

Barley Risotto with Beans and Greens

2010-02-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

Barley Risotto with Beans and Greensas found on Smitten KitchenIngredients:5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock (LOW SODIUM)2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 medium onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice1/4 teaspoon thyme1/2 cup white wine (optional)1 cup pearled barley (7 ounces)1 cup beans, canned or precooked (white would be great; I used some Red Nightfall Beans mostly because they were

Blackberry Coffeecake

2010-02-02T02:04:00.000-08:00

(Recipe found over at Smitten Kitchen) Notes:Not having any rhubarb on hand, nor the faintest idea how to go about finding it, I substituted 6 oz of blackberries, with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, which turned out delicioso. i'd personally use a little bit more flour next time. The cake turned out fantastic, but there was barely enough batter for an 8 x 8, and it was

2010-01-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

Because lists are great, and my memory is failing - this is my notebook.the good, the bad, the ugly. except from that small nine-month stint sandwiched in the middle, when i got lazy.MoviesJanuary:Broken EnglishBelle EpoqueWar, Inc.Iron ManIn The Name Of The FatherLock, Stock, and Two Smoking BarrelsRatatouilleThe Other Boleyn GirlLa Vie en RoseChinatown21The Life Aquatic with Steve

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-01-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

(i just found this lost post, which is dated from April of last year.These buns are still adorable.)..................................This is pretty much just going to be a picture post. It's fun, there's no yeast required (yeast - I can barely bring myself to say it, let alone cook with it), and they turned out pretty good. (Mine were miniature, since I gleefully make everything I can in cupcake

Quick Fix Fried Rice

2010-01-25T20:36:00.000-08:00

As all good Asians should know, fried rice is meant to be made with cold, day-old rice to give it the right texture. Making it with hot, freshly cooked rice is a different dish altogether (a much more delicious one).I'm generally opposed to fried rice, but there are those desperate days when you simply cannot face another item off the McDonald's dollar menu.For a quick fix:2 cups of short grain

Sauteed Chicken Breasts with Pear, Bell Pepper, and Cilantro Salsa

2010-01-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

(recipe from Epicurious)Ingredients:Salsa2 firm but ripe Anjou or Bosc pears, peeled, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes1 cup finely diced seeded red bell pepper (about 1 large pepper)1/2 cup finely chopped red onion1/4 cup finely chopped seeded jalapeno chiles (about 2 medium chiles)1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about small 2 lemons)3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Potato and Egg Tartlets

2009-11-26T23:54:00.000-08:00

So these are good. Really, really good. I completely cheated on the recipe from seven spoons with a shortcut on the potatoes, so I bet the actual recipe is even better. I simply couldn't wait any longer for these beautiful little tarts to be in my belly.Potato and Egg TartletsInspired by seven spoonsIngredients:1.5 tablespoons butter2 medium potatoes6 large eggs1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

Ghetto Asian Noodle Soup

2009-11-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:10-12 large shrimp, tail-offbeansprouts or any other veggies on handa big handful of soba noodles2 stems of scallions, chopped1/3 cup soy sauce1/3 cup ketchup2 tbsp rice vinegara dash of sesame oil1/2 tsp fish sauce4-5 cups waterBring a large pot of water to a boil; simultaneous heat the 4-5 cups of water to a boil in a small pot, and then reduce to medium heat.Add the soy sauce,

Sweet Chili Shrimp

2009-11-20T14:44:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:1/2 pound frozen shrimp1 pound squash & zucchini, cut into piecesa handful of mini sweet peppers, sliced3 large cloves of garlic, chopped1 stem of scallions, sliced1/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup water2-3 tbsp sugar1 tbsp black vinegar2 tsp chili garlic sauce or srirachaa splash of fish saucea couple tsp of oila tbsp of cornstarch and a little waterThaw the shrimp under cold running

Tomato Basil Soup

2009-11-17T02:09:00.000-08:00

Remember those days when I used to take at least a single photo of everything I attempted in the kitchen? And ate foods besides bagelwiches and breakfast burritos? Me neither.A single out-of-season recipe to represent the entire fall season.Tomato Basil SoupTomato Basil SoupIngredients:1/2 large onion, sliced3 cloves of garlic, finely choppedpat of butter3-4 medium tomatoes, petite diced1/4 cup

2009-08-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

An Eastern Ballad"I speak of love that comes to mind;The moon is faithful, although blind;She moves in thought she cannot speak.Perfect care has made her bleak.I never dreamed the sea so deep,The earth so dark; so long my sleep,I have become another child.I wake to see the world go wild."...Ginsberg

Summer Squash and Zucchini Ragout

2009-07-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Can we just take a moment to drink in how adorable these are?Baby summer squash from my first trip to the Mar Vista's Farmer's Market.Summer Squash and Zucchini RagoutIngredientsSauce: 4 cloves 8 peppercorns 8 coriander seeds 1/2 cup heavy cream1/2 cup milk 1 cinnamon stick5 cilantro sprigs, chopped 5 mint leaves, chopped 6 basil leaves, chopped 1 Jalapeno pepper[Note: I didn't have

You look lonely

2009-07-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

...Maybe I'll come back and play.

It's Been A Long Time

2009-04-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't have left youwithout a dope beatto step to.Dear Blog,I haven't completely forgotten about you, I promise.I've just been studying for the Series 7, 63, and working on this:T-shirt design for the ongoing Threadless competition.Photoshop is like a drug. It's an addiction and it's turning my brain into mush.

Våffeldagen: Day o' Waffles

2009-03-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

International Waffle Day (March 25) originated in Sweden where it is called Våffeldagen. It occurs nine months to the day before Christmas - the day the Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she was pregnant. As the holiday progressed, it also began to commemorate the first day of spring. Waffles come into play because on March 25th the women of Sweden would set aside their winter tasks

The Photographic Dictionary

2009-03-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

kinetic ki⋅net⋅ic [ki-net-ik]-- adjective1. pertaining to motion.2. caused by motion.3. characterized by movement: Running and dancing are kinetic activities.I love, love, love this idea.The Photographic Dictionary is an elfin, but I hope rapidly expanding, dictionary that collects beautiful photographs taken by artists around the world and draws delicate parallels between the

Bratwurst With Sautéed Cabbage & Apples

2009-03-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

Bratwurst Served With Sautéed Cabbage & Apples(Original, fancier recipe found on Seven Spoons)Ingredients:1 small head of cabbage, thinly shredded1 Gala apple, thinly sliced2 shallots, minced1/2 a small yellow onion, chopped2 slices of bacon or Canadian bacon, chopped1 or 2 tbsp rice vinegar1 tbsp white vinegar1 tsp of oil (if you use Canadian bacon. Do without for the fatty kind.)2 tsp sugar1/3

Frosty Papaya Milk

2009-03-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

Every time I mention that I'm hungry, one of my parents offers me a banana. And I always say no. I'm not sure exactly what the rationale is behind offering the banana, but the refusal is always simply because I don't like them. They're thick and dry, and leave your mouth feeling like it's covered in a coat of wax. It's like eating paste. Except... I love everything else banana. Banana cream pie,

Broccoli Soup with Lemon-Chive Cream

2009-03-08T23:11:00.000-07:00

Found an OG version of this recipe on Food&Wine, and then a way more awesome version on Orangette a couple weeks ago. Which means it was fate, and I'm not one to say no to the Moirae. This soup and I were meant to be.Ingredients:For the soup:1 tbsp unsalted butter1 tbsp olive oil2 medium leeks, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced1 small yellow onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, chopped1

Chocolate Sugar Cookies

2009-03-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Chocolate Sugar Cookiesfound on Smitten Kitchen From Retro Desserts Ingredients:1.25 cups all-purpose flour1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa1 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon salt1.5 cups sugar (the cookies end up pretty sweet, so maybe a little bit less)1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1.25 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature1 large eggPreheat to 375 degrees and

Chewy Tortilla Chips & Guacamole

2009-03-01T11:17:00.001-08:00

Have you ever considered chewy tortilla chips? I recently went with a friend to try out a restaurant called Malo (not malo at all) in Silverlake. Besides boasting a tequila bar with 150 tequilas and spicy cucumber martinis, they've got a whole set of really delicious (okay, one was delicious, the others were really delicious-sounding) salsas and, more importantly, chewy tortilla chips. I knew

Chocolate & Toffee Chip Cookies

2009-02-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

Be warned: I am not an avid chocolate lover. I know, it's embarrassing, but I feel like it's only fair to immediately admit this for your consideration. What I really love is the chewiness of the cookie when it's fresh and warm, and the perfect crunchiness of the cookie with those toffee chips the day after. They're thin and buttery and remind me of Brussels cookies, which I adore. So... that

Shrimp-Stuffed Baby Portobellos

2009-02-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

I love stuffed mushrooms, but I never order them in restaurants because, well, five is simply not enough and when you're out in public, you have to play nice and share. The thought of eating only one stuffed mushroom makes me immensely sad. But LOOK, if you make them yourself, you can eat twenty of them, drink a bottle of wine, and then roll straight into bed. It's a win-win...winwinwin situation

Grilled Gruyere and Sweet Onions

2009-02-17T23:35:00.000-08:00

The new and improved grilled cheese.Grilled Gruyere and Sweet Onions(As found on Smitten Kitchen, adapted from Food & Wine) makes four sandwiches... Ingredients:2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil2 teaspoons unsalted butter1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced crosswise (4 cups)salt and freshly ground pepper8 1/2-inch-thick slices of whole-grain bread (substituted sourdough)Dijon mustard8

In Honor Of.

2009-02-14T23:49:00.000-08:00

ValentineNot a red rose or a satin heart.I give you an onion.It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.It promises lightlike the careful undressing of love.Here.It will blind you with tearslike a lover.It will make your reflectiona wobbling photo of grief.I am trying to be truthful.Not a cute card or a kissogram.I give you an onion.Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,possessive and faithfulas we are

Fresh

2009-02-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Since I hate the taste of water (yes, it has a taste), I try to drink as little of it as possible, except when in the ocean, where I always manage to drink enormous quantities of it, enjoying as I do the subtle hints of fresh seaweed and baby pee. This general aversion means that, from time to time, I have sudden and overwhelming cravings for "fresh". "Fresh", being distinctly different from "

Chocolate Tart with Fresh Strawberries

2009-02-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

Sweet Tart Dough (Pate Sucree)from Paris Sweets by Dorie Greenspan Makes enough for three 9-inch tart crusts. To be used with sweet dessert tarts.Ingredients: 2.5 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 1.5 cups confectioners’ sugar 1/2 cup ground blanched almonds (I substituted 1 tbsp of almond extract) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs, room

This is no longer uniquely a food blog

2009-01-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

and these words are sweetness and melancholy."Words, Wide Night" Somewhere on the other side of this wide nightand the distance between us. I am thinking of you.The room is turning slowly away from the moon.This is pleasurable. Or shall I cross that out and sayit is sad? In one of the tenses I singingan impossible song of desire that you cannot hear.La lala la.

Napa Cabbage Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

2009-01-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

This salad is good. Really good.And that's coming from someone who doesn't really like raw vegetables.Especially none of the ones included in this salad.But I've been wooed and won.Try. This. Salad.(As seen in Gourmet, Nov 2007) 1/2 cup well-shaken buttermilk2 tablespoons mayonnaise2 tablespoons cider vinegar2 tablespoons minced shallot1 tablespoon sugar3 tablespoons finely chopped chives1 pound

.my heart's song.

2009-01-19T02:16:00.000-08:00

Nutmeg-Maple Cream Pie

2009-01-11T14:47:00.001-08:00

Okay, this was supposed to be a recipe for pie. This being my first attempt at par-baking (and why is it called par-baking? Shouldn't it be called pre-baking?) and at using a tart pan, I didn't understand all the warnings and comments about the crust "collapsing". Well... let's just say I learned my lesson, my pie came out rather more like a deflated custard cookie, and the pictures weren't

Veselka’s Cabbage Soup

2009-01-10T04:24:00.000-08:00

This soup is so good, SO good, especially if you love sauerkraut as much as I do.Next on my list: borscht.Yield: serves 6 to 8(as seen in New York Magazine) Ingredients:1 pound pork butt, cut into small cubes1 1/2 quarts chicken stock4 cups water3 allspice berries3 bay leaves1 tablespoon dried marjoram1 cup sauerkraut, plus around 4 tablespoons juice1 large potato, peeled and diced2 carrots,

Almond Poppy Seed Bread

2009-01-10T04:10:00.000-08:00

(as found at The Kitchen Sink)Ingredients:3/4 cup sugar1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened3 egg whites, lightly beaten1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons buttermilk3/4 cup sour cream1 tablespoon almond extract2 cups all-purpose or white whole wheat flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon poppy seedsPreheat the oven to 350. Grease a large loaf pan. In the bowl of a

Black-Bottom Cupcakes

2009-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

(From The Great Book of Chocolate by David Lebovitz) Yield: 36 mini cupcakes or 12 full-size cupcakes. I endorse only mini-cupcakes. (Solely for the cuteness factor. Well, and the fact that it feels like you have so many more.) Cheesecake filling:8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature1/3 cup granulated sugar1 large egg, at room temperature2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (or

Baby's First Panini

2009-01-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

I suspect this sudden surge in posts will last about as long as the rest of my New Year's Resolutions do, in which case, we must be nearing the end. It's been about a week. But maybe not - maybe I've changed...No. I don't think so, not for some things anyway. Consistency's just not my strong suit. But I can live with that. Consistently.In the meanwhile, I'm still intoxicated by the heady elixir

Cranberry Crumble Bars

2009-01-06T02:10:00.000-08:00

This was originally a recipe for blueberry bars, and while I would much prefer them that way, luck would have it that I decided to begin self-imposed culinary school in the winter rather than the summer. I guess my distaste for summer school trumps my distaste for cranberries. Well, distaste is too strong a word - more like indifference. I was hugely disappointed in my fresh Cranberry-Pear Relish

Honey Apple and Clementine Tart with Whipped Mascarpone

2009-01-05T01:23:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:2 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed2 small Golden Delicious apple, halved, cored, thinly sliced3 small clementines, halved and thinly sliced1 cup of orange juice2 tbsp and 1 tsp orange liqueur2 tbsp sugar2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted4 teaspoons sugar8 teaspoons honey1 cup mascarpone cheeseFlour, for dustingThaw the puff pastry according to

三杯雞 (Three Cup Chicken)

2009-01-04T03:53:00.000-08:00

This is my mom's take on San-Bei-Ji, which is a traditional Taiwanese dish. The three cups called for are sesame oil, rice wine, and soy sauce. Limited resources means this recipe is a little less traditional, but definitely just as delicious.Ingredients:12-14 chicken legs (Chop large ones into smaller pieces as necessary)10 large shiitake mushrooms, stems off and halved3 stalks green onions6

Fish Ball Soup

2009-01-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

It's a new year.Weighing in everything (everything) in my life, this is my most hopeful year.Hope-filled, rather.My only resolution and prayer: Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Alternately, I could also do with the strength to change what I can, the inability to accept what I can't, and the incapacity to tell

Caramel Apple Pie with Streusel

2008-12-16T03:16:00.000-08:00

This was my first attempt at working with dough, and it turned out fantastic. That's right, I said fantastic. It's super easy, makes the kitchen smell amazing, and, added bonus: people actually find the act of making pie crust from scratch more impressive than the pie-making overall. True story. Ingredients:Pie Crust:3 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon

Wishlist:

2008-12-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

A collection of really great stuff to give and receive, at Christmas or any other time ever, assuming that you have more money to your name than I do. so...about $223 dollars in your bank account, 1 miniature piggy bank, and 1 ziploc bag of pennies.Top Row: Handpainted Suede Journals by Kreativlink $44 >> A Year of Mornings photo collection through Amazon and others $19.95 >> Icon Watch by &

Brandy Alexander

2008-12-04T00:40:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to make this since I started listening to Feist's "The Reminder" in Maastricht. I'm not a huge fan of any opaque cocktails, but "Brandy Alexander" has spent a noteworthy amount of time as Favorite-Song-of-the-Moment, so I needed to pay due homage.True to form, I had 2 sips of my drink and finished off a whole pot of spiced cider with rum (recipe also to follow) instead, but it

Banana Cupcakes with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting

2008-12-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Ingredients: For the cupcakes:1 1/2 cups flour3/4 granulated sugar1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup butter, melted1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4)2 large eggs1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract For the frosting:1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar (I used about 1 3/4 cups)1/2 cup butter, room temperature1 tablespoon honey1/4 teaspoon cinnamon To make the cupcakes

Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter

2008-11-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

Let it be known that I trussed and cooked my first turkey, Thanksgiving 2008, and it turned out to be honestly the best turkey I've ever had. This is not quite as impressive as it sounds, since my family is one of those that usually opts out of the whole dinner thing. We went to Marie Callender's last year. But all that is beside the point. This recipe really does make a moist (and I don't use

Thanksgizzle

2008-11-27T01:26:00.000-08:00

My family continued our annual tradition of going to Vegas for the holidays this year. While my mom and I hit the tables to imbibe some free and delicious Bloody Marys and lose our money quick, my dad and sister got to enjoy our spectacular suite (The economic recession has resulted in, at the very least, some really great hotel deals). $99 per night. And a 2-for-1 special on "Mamma Mia!" tickets

Quick Cook Thoughts

2008-11-19T02:36:00.000-08:00

Two things have become apparent to me at the outset of my cooking adventure:1. i need ramekins.2. i need tumeric.What kind of a spice is turmeric? What does fennel taste like? Where do you buy monkfish? How is caster sugar different from regular sugar? Where can i buy morels or cremini mushrooms?so many questions, but seeing that it's 4 AM, i might give my wiki endeavors up for the night and

Borders society

2008-11-17T22:07:00.000-08:00

Not everyone goes to Borders to browse or buy their next bit of romanticized erotica from the bargain section or the stale chocolate-filled Koala snacks from the manga aisle. Some go for the express purpose of pickin' up chicks. I was sitting alone at a table for a good portion of the evening, with a pot of Earl Grey tea and 4 enormous cookbooks which I had picked based on two things: one, my

Paper Cuts

2008-11-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

selected works of Peter Callesen:the delicacy of these blow my mind.

Cuban Chicken and Rice

2008-11-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:2 tbsp olive oil1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves1 large onion, diced3 cloves garlic, minced1 potato, peeled and diced1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped1 1/4 cups diced tomatoes (canned works)1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper1 bay leaf1/2 tsp. paprika2 cups water1 cup white wine or apple juice2 cups long-grain rice (I

Mulled Wine

2008-11-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

(Cheater's recipe)Ingredients:750 mL of a dry red500 mL of apple cidera teaspoon of cinnamon1/3 - 1/2 cup of brown sugar5 oz Cointreau1 orangesince i drink much more often than i have fresh spices on hand, this recipe comes in pretty handy when i want to pretend that i'm back at a Christmas market in Prague.Pour the wine and apple cider into a large pot and keep over medium heat. Zest the orange

the Mad Hatter.

2008-11-10T21:29:00.000-08:00

today's efforts.

Sweet Potato Casserole

2008-11-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:Filling:4 cups mashed sweet potatoes1 cup brown sugar2 eggs, lightly beaten1 teaspoon vanilla1/2 cup milk1/3 cup melted butterTopping:1/2 cup brown sugar1/3 cup flour1/3 cup melted butter1 cup chopped pecansmini marshmellowsPreheat the oven to 350°.Fold the first 6 ingredients in together in a large bowl. Pour into a buttered 2-quart casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together

Cloudberries

2008-11-09T15:23:00.000-08:00

"The cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) is a slow-growing alpine or sub-Arctic species, producing amber-colored edible fruit. In Europe and Asia, they grow in the Nordic countries; sometimes in the moorlands of Britain and Ireland, and across northern Russia east to the Pacific. Small populations are also found further south, as a botanical vestige of the Ice Ages. The cloudberry can withstand cold

Why don't kids like brussel sprouts?

2008-11-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

I was flipping through the vegetable section of my first cookbook when I landed on the section about brussel sprouts, and realized that I've never eaten them before. I've always assumed that that I hate them, based on the propaganda of children's books and television, but today I came to the startling realization that what I've always thought are brussel sprouts are, in fact, alfalfa sprouts (

Potato Leek Soup with Bacon

2008-11-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

(recipe by Emeril.)Ingredients:2 small leeks2 bay leaves20 peppercorns4 sprigs fresh thyme2 tbsp butter2 strips bacon, chopped1/2 cup dry white wine5 cups chicken stock1 - 1.25 pounds russet potatoes, diced1 teaspoons salt3/4 teaspoon white pepper1/2 to 3/4 cup creme fraiche or heavy cream2 tbsp snipped chivesTrim the green portions of the leek and, using 2 of the largest and longest leaves, make

delayed victory.

2008-11-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

i realize i'm a little bit late (or far too early), but i still wanted to celebrate Barack's presidency.i've also eaten half a dozen cupcakes in his honor.come on, California. let's step it up a little.

late October

2008-11-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

Halloween is the best.

i am not an animal person

2008-11-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

...but these bozos are just so damn cute.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

2008-11-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:1 loaf of garlic focaccia bread2 small chicken breasts, pounded4 slices of mozzarella cheesebaby greens or spinach1.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil (not the dehydrated kind in a bag), julienne cut1 large portobello mushroom, sliced1/2 white onion, slicedjar of garlic pestodried oregano1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oilsalt and pepper to tasteBegin by slicing the focaccia lengthwise

Shrimp and Scallop Ceviche

2008-11-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

(based on Javi's recipe on allrecipes.com)Ingredients:1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp1/2 pound of chopped scallop3 limes, juiced1 lemon, juiced1 medium tomato, diced1/2 small red onion, diced1 cucumber, peeled and diced1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped1/2 serrano pepper, seeded and chopped1 bunch of cliantro1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oilsalt and pepper to tastePlace shrimp and

Orfeu Negro

2008-10-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:1 can of black beans1 cup of pico de gallo4 eggs1 baguette1/2 cup of shredded mozzarellasalt & pepper to tasteCut the baguette up into 3/4 inch slices. In each of 4 separate bowls: line the bottom with 4 slices of baguette.Heat the beans in a saucepan over medium heat.Fill a separate large saucepan up 2/3 of the way with water, and set on high heat. After the water has almost reached

Papaya Shrimp Salad

2008-10-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:1 avocado, diced1 ripe papaya, diced1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut into halves1/2 a small red onion, diced1/2 a box of sweet peppers, chopped1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced1 bag of baby greens1/2 a pound of raw frozen shrimp, thawed and tails offa ginger soy marinadepoppyseed dressinggarlic vinegarCover shrimp in marinade, and set aside for 15 minutes.Prepare and combine rest of

Baked Acorn Squash Rings

2008-10-30T20:34:00.000-07:00

(from the Bread & Honey blog: from The Martha Stewart Cookbook)Ingredients:1 small acorn squash4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into piecesCoarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper1/3 cup packed dark brown sugarPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.Cut the unpeeled squash crosswise into 1/2-inch slices and place them on a cutting board. (If squash proves too difficult to cut, steam

Turkey Burrito

2008-10-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

(adapted from "Gary's Turkey Burritos" on allrecipes.com)Ingredients:1.5 pounds ground turkey1 (7 ounce) can of tomato sauce1 can of diced tomatoes with green chiles1 can whole kernel corn, drained1 small onion, diced1 (16 ounce) can black beans1 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheeseburrito-size flour tortillas 1 tbsp of olive oilHeat the oil in a large

Mango Corn Salsa

2008-10-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

(based on recipe found on Bread & Honey through blogspot)Ingredients:1 almost ripe mango, diced1 pasilla pepper, halved and seeded1 can of black beans1/2 a bag of Trader Joe's Fire roasted corn, thawed2 avocados, diced1 red onion, diced2-3 tbsps of coarsely chopped cilantro1 lime1/2 lemona pinch of salt & pepper to tastePreheat the oven on to 400 degrees.Lightly drizzle the pepper halves and

Seared Scallops with Spicy Papaya Sauce

2008-10-29T02:28:00.000-07:00

(found listed under same name on allrecipes.com)Ingredients:1 small papaya - peeled, seeded and chopped1 red bell pepper, chopped1/2 red onion, chopped2 tablespoons fresh lime juice1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers1 teaspoon salt1 tablespoon olive oil1 pound sea scallops In a medium bowl, combine papaya, bell pepper, jalapeno

Quick French Apple Tart

2008-10-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

from Eat Drink Live from Bread & Honey blogIngredients:8 ounces ready-made puff pastry, thawed1 egg, beaten3-4 red apples2 tablespoons butter, melted2 tablespoons brown sugar1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamonPreheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter a baking tray.Roll out pastry to a rectangle 12 x 7 inches. Put on the baking tray and brush all over with the egg.Cut the apples into quarters,

Butternut Squash Soup

2008-10-29T00:42:00.000-07:00

(Recipe found on Bread & Honey through blogspot)Ingredients:2 butternut squashes1 pasilla pepper1/2 a white onion1 small shallot1 head of garlic3 skinny carrots1 quart of chicken stockPreheat your oven to 375ºf. Cut squashes into quarters and scoop out seeds. (If the squash is too difficult to cut, steaming it first for a few minutes softens the skin and makes all the difference.) Halve and seed