I admit that when it comes to writing down recipes I’m that person who scribbles it down on the nearest piece of paper. I have sticky notes on the refrigerator and half-written recipe cards shoved into what’s supposed to be a recipe binder. And the next time I want to use the recipe again, I’m… Read More All-In-One-Place Recipes
Sweet and sour dishes can be found throughout Asia, with the protein being anything from seafood to poultry, beef, and pork. I find that chicken is more tender, so today’s recipe consists of poultry. Sweet and sour chicken dates back to 18th century China, with many provinces claiming its first creation. My recipe is a… Read More Sweet and Sour Chicken
The best way to ring in the New Year, in my opinion, is with some rice cakes. For my people–the Hmong–rice cakes, or ncuav, signify a good harvest. It means everyone has labored well for the year, so we take a break from our hard work and celebrate the coming of the new year–with family,… Read More New Year’s Rice Cakes
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
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)
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
