ATYPICAL DISH FOR ATYPICAL TAILGATING
It’s football season and I’m getting ready for tailglamping with a bunch of ladies whose sons are on our high school football team. So, I’m thinking the menu should be a little more, . . . well, “glamorous.” I’m excited, let’s get cooking! Chicken Saltimbocca on a French hamburger bun (you can have it with any bun you fancy, I definitely like mine soft and airy.) No fork, and no knife needed. Beautiful!
ASK YOURSELF REPEATEDLY: “AM I ABOVE INSTANT NOODLE BOWLS?”
I DON’T THINK SO . . .
What does ‘instant ramen noodles’ mean for you? Whatever your answer would be, instant noodles in many countries (and some continents), is associated with being broke. Not for me it’s not! I grew up in Asia eating instant ramen and we were definitely not poor, … or broke. And just so you guys know, a lot of instant noodle brands are endorsed by celebrities over in that side of the world until this day! Really, I’m not kidding. When you think about it, what’s not to love about this precooked noodle block? It’s easy, convenient, cheap, an absolute pantry staple, and back in my day didn’t even have an expiration date. Yep, and I’m still breathing 😀
CHOCOHOLICS UNITE!
I confess, . . . I’m a chocoholic and I’m a huge fan of Guittard Chocolate. Not good…
LET’S GET THAT CHICKEN DRUNK,
VIKING STYLE . . .
I’m hopping on the fun wagon, celebrating the largest volkfest in the world… Oktoberfest! It’s always been amusing for me to observe the festivity — the stout-hearted dishes and of course, the drunkards 😀 This year, instead of hanging out downtown; (drinking beer, eating wurst & pretzels and clinking steins) – I’m going to cook for my friends. There’s nothing better than having an Oktoberfest in your own backyard when the weather is still nice! You’re surrounded by (and getting loud with) people you love. You don’t need to dress up and you don’t need to call Uber. Liberating!
DARK, WONDERFULLY COMPLEX, AND RICH
DRY BEEF CURRY
Well, if you haven’t met Beef Rendang, it’s time for me to introduce you to one of the best dishes in the world!!! Originated from West Sumatra, Indonesia, Beef Rendang is a ceremonial / holiday / wedding / honor your guests must have meal. It’s definitely one of the most celebrated foods in Indonesia as well as its closest neighbors; Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. But okay, . . . let’s not nerd out on the historical side of the Rendang, I really don’t want to put you to sleep. Instead, I want you to get hungry along with me. So let’s talk about how great this meal is!
END OF SUMMER BEAUTY HOOKS UP WITH EARLY FALL HUNK
Even though we are closing the door on a bright and intense Summer bounty, we welcome the abundance of early Fall produce. The combination of the rich flavored tomatoes and the newly harvested broccolette are blended harmoniously in this dish.
CHOPS THAT DON’T REQUIRE ‘CRISSCROSS APPLE SAUCE’
Did I mention that I love Vietnamese food? I love it for its flavor, depth and complexity. I love the freshness of vegetables that complement the spiciness of many of its dishes. There’s also an influence of French cooking which quietly mingles and expands its cuisine. Everything, for me, feels and tastes balanced in my mouth.
FANCY DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN FUSSY.
AT LEAST NOT TODAY.
Hey guys, have you ever had one of those get togethers that requires you to linger for awhile? For example, a family gathering at your in laws (not that my in laws have ever done it 🙂 You’re invited to come at 2 o’clock, but the dinner doesn’t start until 6 kinda get together? … Never? Lucky.
FINDING COMFORT
IN A BOWL OF MAC N CHEESE
“Seriously?” I said to my wonderful husband of 17 years with a slight condescending tone as he ordered his entrée. “You seriously just ordered mac ‘n cheese?” I reiterate my already painful, snooty, teetering on unkind retorical question. I rolled my eyes, as if he didn’t already get my disapproval.
GETTING OVER BOLOGNESE
PASTA FINALLY MET ITS RICHER MATE
I had my birthday over 6 months ago. Every day after that big day, I‘ve heard this little voice in my mind: Am I content? What’s next?
STAY CONNECTED