When it comes to gift-giving over the holidays, many of us think of chocolates, gingerbread men, fruit cakes, and hard candy. But why not give a savory rather than a sweet? As a sign of love and appreciation, my mother always made egg rolls for friends and family. This year I’ve decided to do the… Read More Pork and Shrimp Egg Rolls
With the cold setting in, and the temperatures dropping to the low double-digits (and soon the one-digits), my husband requested Pho. This popular rice noodle soup, with its aromatic broth, is mostly associated with Vietnamese cuisine, but it can be found at any street food stall in South-East Asia. The name pho is thought to… Read More Chicken Pho with Pork Meatballs
This holiday season, why not enjoy a roast duck instead of turkey? This bird not only has a lot more dark meat, but it’s also very tender and moist, and it does not require any brining. Roasting duck can be traced back to 1206 B.C., during the Yuan Dynasty in China. It was considered a… Read More Holiday Roast Duck
One advice I give myself is to not watch cooking shows at night, and yet I do. This causes me to crave that particular food I’m watching. For instance, the other night I decided to watch Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets and instantly wanted a slice of French silk pie; last night while watching Testing the… Read More Fish and Chips
Green Onion Pancakes, or congyoubing in Chinese (蔥油餅), are a traditional snack that can still be found on the streets of China today. Made from flour, green onions (scallions) and water, these layered, crispy, thin pancakes are quick and easy to make–though greasy–and make a great breakfast or snack food. As someone who enjoys cooking… Read More Chinese Green Onion Pancakes
I’ve been wanting to make some pumpkin muffins for many years now, but every time I buy a squash or pumpkin puree I end up making a pie. Fast forward to the present and what did I do with half a can of puree from the fridge?–bake some muffins! The name “muffin” was first printed… Read More Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins
Onigirazu is a rice ball that one does not need to roll in their hands, or touch the filling, as it is wrapped in seaweed wrap. The end result is a sandwich-like onigiri, or rice ball. The making of this is very recent, having first appeared in 1990 in the manga “Cooking Papa”. Like many… Read More Onigirazu (Cabinet Cookery)
Steamed Rice Rolls are a delicious street food in Southeast Asia, and contain any filling of your liking, from noodles to pork. Growing up, these rolls, known as fawm kauv in Hmong, were a luxury. Mom rarely made them, and when she did my siblings and I dug in right away. I admit I seldom… Read More Steamed Rice Rolls
Spring rolls are believed to have originated in China, during the Jin Dynasty (265-420 AD). In the spring, the people would make thin flour cakes loaded with fresh vegetables, to welcome this change in season. Today, these refreshing wraps of rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein, can be enjoyed any time of the… Read More Simple Spring Rolls
Hostess’ Chocolate Pudding Pies were one of my favorite childhood desserts–or more like snacks. I grew up as a 90s kid–during the times of slip dresses, plaid skirts, plucked eyebrows, lip-liners, and tendrils. Not mention windbreakers, spaghetti straps, hip-hugging flares, platforms, scrunchies and marble hair ties. (See more here) The fashion of the 90s is something… Read More Chocolate Pudding Pies
