After one of the most fabulous getaways to the Island of Gods – Bali, I came back refreshed, more open minded, and… happily satisfied with Indonesian food. There are three words that come to mind when thinking about the essence of Indonesian cooking: rice, spicy, fragrant. Here is a photographic journey to Bali. Rice Rice Paddies –> Planting...
Let’s just safely say that you are exhausted from cooking, preparing, chopping, baking, serving… from the holidays (I know, New Year’s hasn’t even come yet). On top of all that, let’s also assume that you feel like you “ate way too much” (the only line that I say more than ‘I’m hungry’). What to do?...
Want to hear the story of that chubby baby Yukon Salmon? Wild Yukon River Salmon has been unavailable to us (in the United States) for all those years, until now. The Japanese always bought (hogged) them all, leaving us with little to none. With the Japanese economy on a decline, we are gaining access...
Happy 4th everyone! It feels quite odd to have a random Wednesday off, but I think I enjoy the midweek break. I am going to introduce you to a delicious tuna ricotta red sauce pasta – an easy dinner idea for two or a nice side dish for a crowd. Tuna Ricotta Shells Adapted from Simply...
If you think that steam = flavorless, think again! It’s all about the ingredients you bring along in your steaming that allow flavors to mingle. This steamed halibut is steamed with wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, and ginger. Steamed Halibut with Ginger, Scallions & Jalapeños Adapted from Food and Wine Ingredients Vegetable oil,...
With summer fast approaching, heavy dishes and heavy meats just don’t seem appropriate anymore. Craving fresh and simple dishes, like this spiced scallops over cilantro. I served it with a chicken meatball minestrone. It’s the perfect summer dinner idea for two! Spiced Scallops over Cilantro Salad Adapted from Bon Appetit Ingredients Spice Oil 1 tsp...
I hear waves crashing against the shore as I inhale the scent of ocean water… I opened my eyes and stared at an empty plate with scattered crumb pieces. This crab cake BLT recipe of Chef Tom Douglas tasted so fresh. It brought me to an imaginary beachside restaurant. If you haven’t read about my obsession...
Although most of my food addiction revolves around the unhealthy: sweets, cheese, bread, sweets, sweets… a fresh, hand-wrapped spring roll is a craving that I am not embarassed to share. It tastes so fresh and so light. What I am embarassed about, though, is my inability to wrap a pretty spring roll. But, it...
Grilling and searing are, of course, great ways to serve salmon. But I also love poaching and steaming fish to retain all the flavorful natural juices. Wrapping them in foil (paper is used traditionally, but foil works very well) along with aromatic ingredients bring out the best in the tender fish. It’s a must...
“Most of the famous French dishes involving filet of sole center around fish poached in white wine and coated with a lovely, creamy sauce made from the poaching liquid.” Julia Child describes poaching fish fillets from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. This month’s 5 Star Makeover theme is Cooking with Wine. We can choose...
