tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56326825393469424732024-03-13T09:20:24.405-04:00Appetize MeDocumenting my experiments in the kitchen alongside my trusty critical guinea pig who will try anything I cook.Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-44046703506589092952011-09-23T11:56:00.004-04:002011-09-23T12:47:08.107-04:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj_Yk3sDT4s/TnyvmwiARUI/AAAAAAAABPo/J_pPD0UV7F4/s1600/IMG_1080.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uj_Yk3sDT4s/TnyvmwiARUI/AAAAAAAABPo/J_pPD0UV7F4/s400/IMG_1080.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655588312467916098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">(Spicy Totto Ramen)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Comfort is important to me when dining out. Reservations make me comfortable as I can't let extreme hunger influence my judgement on the food after waiting an hour for a table. Elbow room makes me comfortable. A place to put my jacket and purse makes me comfortable. Regulated temperatures make me comfortable. Not having patrons hover over me while I eat makes me comfortable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So what was I doing in this teenie ramen house that doesn't take reservations? Well, a girl needs to get her ramen fix every now and then. Although it was a wet summer afternoon, the timing was right, as a friend and I arrived at Totto after the lunch rush and even still on a warm, muggy day, there was still a short wait to get into this little place. </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lcOG5-6iek/TnyvmQPFfXI/AAAAAAAABPg/7EJlkBaWWKs/s400/IMG_1079.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655588303798631794" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Avo Tuna - Torched Tuna Sashimi with Avocados) </div><div><br /></div><div>We sat at the bar closest to the door and while I could feel the scorning eyes behind me of those still waiting to be seated, I was excited to witness the cooks in action. With my jacket and purse in lap, I watched the cooks, torch my tuna sashimi and squid skewers. Good predictable appetizers but I really just wanted the ramen.. and then it came, piping hot, spewing steam into the already hot, muggy air inside. This was the first time I've had a chicken and soy sauce based broth and while I missed the feeling of having oil slicked lips after sucking down collagen loaded pork broths, this was a nice lighter alternative in the warm weather. However the </div><div></div><div>peppery, spicy sesame oil that's added to the spicy ramen succeeded in making my eyelids sweat anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGMP5BvHR1s/Tnyvl0ZQdsI/AAAAAAAABPY/ysgldpff2ws/s400/IMG_1078.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655588296325101250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Ika-Yaki - Torched Squid Skewers)</div><div><br /></div><div>Complete with bouncy noodles, torched pork pieces, scallions, bean sprouts, and the obligatory nori piece, this was quite a satisfying bowl and at a wallet friendly price of $10.50. Nice to know that ramen can be found without having to trek downtown as I do enjoy a good bowl every now and then. The 30 minutes I did spend inside being totally uncomfortable was sure worth it.</div>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-36447996781854937502011-09-09T18:06:00.004-04:002011-09-09T19:25:13.897-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" ><p class="MsoNormal">"Who run? You run! We all run.. to Fu Run! "</p></span></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHNl1wwD8mU/TmqPlZC0i_I/AAAAAAAABPA/Js3fuSzkVts/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHNl1wwD8mU/TmqPlZC0i_I/AAAAAAAABPA/Js3fuSzkVts/s400/IMG_2143.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650486555030359026" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85); font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " ><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Conch w. Chili Oil)</p><p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully I did not try out for my high school's cheer leading squad, as cheers like the one above would just add to the list of rejections I had to endure during that tender young age. Since I went to a predominantly Asian high school, I obtained many friends who introduced me to Chinese food. Born was my love for Cantonese comfort foods such as roast duck, beef with oyster sauce over rice, salt &pepper squid, and wonton noodle soups. Back then, Flushing was overrun by Cantonese noodle shops, BBQ roast houses, and banquet halls and that's what I knew as Chinese food.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Fast forward X years later with more restaurants now offering tastes from the Northern regions of China. These "new" flavors quickly gained popularity (thanks to places such as Xi'an Famous Foods) with diners in search of a fresh take on a loved-well cuisine. The bold, Northeast Chinese flavors offered at Fu Run did not fail to impress my taste buds.<span> </span></p></span></div><div></div><div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8RpL7nn8LE/TmqPl_kh_NI/AAAAAAAABPQ/_EiAqQE9PZ0/s1600/IMG_2146.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S8RpL7nn8LE/TmqPl_kh_NI/AAAAAAAABPQ/_EiAqQE9PZ0/s400/IMG_2146.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650486565372296402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Muslim Lamb Chops)</p><p class="MsoNormal">If you love lamb with copious amounts of cumin, dried chilis, sesame seeds, and other robust spices, you will seriously love the Muslim Lamb Chops. The cracker like crust of spices that coat the tender meat underneath are fun little bits to nibble on or mix in with warm rice. The lamb meat falls off the bone with the slightest touch so a knife or sharp canines are not required. If you've ever tasted the lamb ribs at A Fan Ti (R.I.P.), these are a big step above - more intense flavor, less fat, and a textural treat.</p></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4GG3r-tPxc/TmqPln7YFfI/AAAAAAAABPI/hss3meQRAfA/s1600/IMG_2145.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4GG3r-tPxc/TmqPln7YFfI/AAAAAAAABPI/hss3meQRAfA/s400/IMG_2145.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650486559025665522" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Crispy Fried Fish w. Cumin)</p><p class="MsoNormal">As if there wasn't enough cumin on the table, we had also ordered the Crispy Fried Fish w. Cumin. These perfectly fried little fish nuggets were a bit on the salty side but perfect to eat with a beer in hand. Also great paired with beer is the cold conch dish. Large crunchy pieces of conch are mixed with shredded scallions, peppers, and cilantro and tossed in chili oil. The scallions are quite strong here, but in a good way to balance the heat and oil as well as add more crunch. The flavor profiles in the Mixed Vegetables w. Green Bean Sheet Jelly dish is very similar to the conch dish but with shredded cabbage and those chewy jelly sheets it was more of a soft salad as opposed to the crispier dish preceding it. If all the chili oil starts to make you sweat, guzzle some more beer.</p></span></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIb_vaJ5TpQ/TmqPlH5_YpI/AAAAAAAABO4/HEjC-zAPc6U/s400/IMG_2137.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650486550429917842" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;" ><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sHNl1wwD8mU/TmqPlZC0i_I/AAAAAAAABPA/Js3fuSzkVts/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Mixed Vegetables w. Green Bean Sheet Jelly)</p><p class="MsoNormal">The Sour Cabbage and Lamb Dumplings were the most neglected items on the table. Although I didn't find the filling as gamy or off-putting as others have noted, the wrapping was a tad mushy and the flavors not as exciting as other things. Sadly, the dumplings were mainly left untouched. I wasn't a big fan of the Triple Delight Vegetables either since I'm not a fan of soft eggplant dishes nor gloppy sauced vegetables however I did pick at some of the potatoes mixed in.</p></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIb_vaJ5TpQ/TmqPlH5_YpI/AAAAAAAABO4/HEjC-zAPc6U/s1600/IMG_2137.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYuE5iz4GuA/TmqPk8GonFI/AAAAAAAABOw/hc9npuMRcaQ/s1600/IMG_2140.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYuE5iz4GuA/TmqPk8GonFI/AAAAAAAABOw/hc9npuMRcaQ/s400/IMG_2140.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650486547261725778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">(Triple Delight Vegetables)</p><p class="MsoNormal">Now that my adult eyes (and mouth) have opened itself to other kinds of Chinese food, I will gladly give Fu Run a second, and third, and fourth visit. It's one of the hottest places in Flushing as you can always find groups of hungry customers hovering outside, waiting to be seated. Go with a group and try as many dishes as you can until you find your favorites.<span> </span>Although the booklet of a menu offers a ton of dishes, once you find your favorites, it will be quite hard to deviate from them.<span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">- Some days they take credit cards and some days the "machine is broken". You're better off prepared with cash </p></span></span></span></div></div></div></div>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-6736595647102629392009-04-12T15:19:00.008-04:002009-04-12T16:11:53.206-04:00I'm Back!I know.. I'm a bad blogger. This always happens, I get super excited about a project and then after awhile the new-ness wears off I move onto something else new and exciting. Yep, commitment issues but let me share what I've been up to. The lack of motivation during the winter brought weeks of eating the same old dishes either due to laziness, exhaustion from work or lack of time.<br /><br />My New Year's resolution was to have small dinner parties at home once a month and each time try something new. So far so good and the experience is wonderful. Let's hope I have new dishes to share in the upcoming months.<br /><br />Long Beans w. Ground Pork<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJCOnj2-9I/AAAAAAAAAc0/7P49NjBy1Lg/s1600-h/IMG_2716.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJCOnj2-9I/AAAAAAAAAc0/7P49NjBy1Lg/s400/IMG_2716.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323890528410336210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fried Rice w. Chinese Sausage<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJCOf1m6KI/AAAAAAAAAcs/Ic5T9BMZ6HM/s1600-h/IMG_2700.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJCOf1m6KI/AAAAAAAAAcs/Ic5T9BMZ6HM/s400/IMG_2700.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323890526337296546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Asian Style Butter Stir Fried Shrimp<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJCOTU9f8I/AAAAAAAAAck/R6GWaN0vdDg/s1600-h/IMG_2687.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJCOTU9f8I/AAAAAAAAAck/R6GWaN0vdDg/s400/IMG_2687.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323890522979139522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kare Kare (Oxtail)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJApsLys-I/AAAAAAAAAcU/mxHe0wesHQ8/s1600-h/IMG_2622.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJApsLys-I/AAAAAAAAAcU/mxHe0wesHQ8/s400/IMG_2622.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888794484782050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Stir Fried Water Spinach w. Dried Shrimp<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJApTlMvVI/AAAAAAAAAcM/qW8_pI1rsv8/s1600-h/IMG_2619+copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 323px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJApTlMvVI/AAAAAAAAAcM/qW8_pI1rsv8/s400/IMG_2619+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888787880459602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bean Sprouts w. Ground Pork<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJApOR9oII/AAAAAAAAAcE/W_0jLQ5aa4s/s1600-h/IMG_2617.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJApOR9oII/AAAAAAAAAcE/W_0jLQ5aa4s/s400/IMG_2617.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888786457600130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lnguine w. Clams<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAo4W1ZUI/AAAAAAAAAb8/FL99w2GqsTo/s1600-h/IMG_2405.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAo4W1ZUI/AAAAAAAAAb8/FL99w2GqsTo/s400/IMG_2405.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888780572452162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Chicken w. Chinese Broccoli<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAn1gRwaI/AAAAAAAAAb0/kdvQAQRABqc/s1600-h/IMG_2134.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAn1gRwaI/AAAAAAAAAb0/kdvQAQRABqc/s400/IMG_2134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888762626884002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Seared Rib Eye Steak w. Chickpea Salad<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAE4MHRiI/AAAAAAAAAbs/cw3ADTVWcSA/s1600-h/IMG_1962.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAE4MHRiI/AAAAAAAAAbs/cw3ADTVWcSA/s400/IMG_1962.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888162052195874" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Clams w. Black Bean Sauce<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAE7AkL_I/AAAAAAAAAbk/C-UhK1HAlX0/s1600-h/IMG_2089.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAE7AkL_I/AAAAAAAAAbk/C-UhK1HAlX0/s400/IMG_2089.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888162809065458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anchovy Pasta<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAEz5qEGI/AAAAAAAAAbc/iEerNPgtVfk/s1600-h/IMG_1865.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAEz5qEGI/AAAAAAAAAbc/iEerNPgtVfk/s400/IMG_1865.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888160901042274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Leftover Prawn Mee Noodles Topped w. Pan Seared Shrimp & Pork<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAErK4fTI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ea3vg5GCtrg/s1600-h/image311.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAErK4fTI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ea3vg5GCtrg/s400/image311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888158557371698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Vermicelli Grilled Shrimp - Bun Tom Thit Nuong<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAEg4_tAI/AAAAAAAAAbM/81x1pb3vkFE/s1600-h/image310.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SeJAEg4_tAI/AAAAAAAAAbM/81x1pb3vkFE/s400/image310.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323888155797992450" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-16023935761816039862009-02-12T00:04:00.003-05:002009-02-12T00:07:11.892-05:00Chinese Fried Pork Chops<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZOt5vH4m-I/AAAAAAAAAac/zIa8ntcAvuc/s1600-h/IMG_1883.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZOt5vH4m-I/AAAAAAAAAac/zIa8ntcAvuc/s400/IMG_1883.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301772393758890978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />More attempts with pork chops. Tried <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Chinese-Style-Fried-Pork-Chops-124290">this </a>recipe while cutting the sugar in half. The taste was interesting and reminded me of french toast. Perhaps the egg in the marinade. Good but not for me.Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-27562128958766951182009-02-10T00:11:00.007-05:002009-02-10T09:25:28.868-05:00Comfort and All Things Beautiful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZEPsSlyf8I/AAAAAAAAAaU/Itt6iivfxYQ/s1600-h/IMG_1801.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301035489970782146" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZEPsSlyf8I/AAAAAAAAAaU/Itt6iivfxYQ/s400/IMG_1801.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The winter receded for a bit to make the past weekend somewhat enjoyable to be outdoors. C and I took the opportunity to snap a few photos around Brooklyn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZEOrIBkJtI/AAAAAAAAAaM/rH4HH3b2DVw/s1600-h/IMG_1847.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301034370442995410" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZEOrIBkJtI/AAAAAAAAAaM/rH4HH3b2DVw/s400/IMG_1847.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have no hot water tonight.. WTF?? At least tonight it's not as blistering cold as it was last week. Nothing like comfort food to warm you up inside. Indulging in comfort food to me during cold days is drinking up the warm, rich chicken broth with tons of meat and cheese tortellini, saucy stir fried shrimp to pour over a warm bowl of steamed rice, and the ultimate dish of leftovers - garlicky, heavy, fried rice. This one was made from meat from leftover pork ribs I roasted last night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZENLXxSDDI/AAAAAAAAAaE/fX_dZfbk6T8/s1600-h/IMG_1617.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301032725402225714" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZENLXxSDDI/AAAAAAAAAaE/fX_dZfbk6T8/s400/IMG_1617.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZENLc71USI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/wQlv8YpVKEk/s1600-h/IMG_1628.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301032726788657442" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SZENLc71USI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/wQlv8YpVKEk/s400/IMG_1628.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Enjoy the slight heat wave while you can. I don't think mother nature is done with winter as of yet.Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-8960056573905477182009-02-03T00:00:00.005-05:002009-02-05T07:28:54.750-05:00Weekend Treat<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPe04hWpI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ull1qTvL2Ss/s1600-h/IMG_1102.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPe04hWpI/AAAAAAAAAZg/ull1qTvL2Ss/s400/IMG_1102.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298431615123413650" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Work has pretty much exhausted the last ounce of energy I have this week but I'll fight off the laziness tonight and somewhat post a full recipe! Pork chops was rarely a dish cooked at home. Pork scares me really. Growing up with the idea that all kinds of bacteria and yucky things live in pork until they are cooked to rubber was implanted in my brain for years. My pork dishes are usually braised or stir fried.. easy enough for me to fully cook tender pieces of pig without it tasting like you were eating a flavored piece of shoe.<br /><br />During a recent dinner out with C, I rebelled and fought my mental urges to just order the steak and decided to try the pork tenderloin. Pork is technically safe to eat at 145 degrees F (so I've read..!) but recipes usually call for cooking the thing until at least 160F. Me, feeling daring that night ordered the dish 'medium'. Needless to say I was rudely awaken in the middle of the night to spend a weeknight in my bathroom.<br /><br />So here's my attempt at pork chops. Brining was a technique I've used once on a roasted chicken. It turned out pretty good but alas it's chicken and I'm not much of a fan. I brined the pork chops in mixture of water, chicken broth, lots of salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic cloves. The chops bathed in the brine for only 30 minutes since they were quite thin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPeyJzXKI/AAAAAAAAAZY/6ohgauXexsc/s1600-h/IMG_1095.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPeyJzXKI/AAAAAAAAAZY/6ohgauXexsc/s400/IMG_1095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298431614390590626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />While the pork was sitting in brine I prepped the potatoes. The potatoes were cut into equally sized portions, tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper, few cloves of unpeeled garlic, rosemary and a pinch of a rub I had made for ribs a few weeks back (mostly paprika). The potatoes were wrapped up in a sheet of foil and sent to bake in the oven for 40-50 minutes at 400F. I opened the foil when the potatoes were done and let them sit in the warm oven to crisp up while I prepared the rest of the meal.<br /><br />After 30 minutes, the pork chops were taken out from the fridge so they could warm up to room temperature before cooking. I do this with all my seared meats so they cook evenly. Olive oil was heated in a pan over medium to medium-high heat depending on your stove. Added a large pat of butter and begun searing the chops. If the butter starts to foam then the pan is ready. If the butter starts to brown immediately then the pan is too hot (which usually calls for me to start over). I flipped after about 3 minutes and then removed the pork from the pan to set aside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPe7BCmJI/AAAAAAAAAZo/d9JeeG6dJOU/s1600-h/IMG_1122.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPe7BCmJI/AAAAAAAAAZo/d9JeeG6dJOU/s400/IMG_1122.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298431616769759378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The second side dish was supposed to be a simple saute of mushrooms and garlic. What started out as a side dish turned out to be the star of the meal. A little more oil was heated on the pan used for the chops at medium heat. Added another large pat of butter. The caps were laid top side down and left to brown for a few minutes. The mushrooms need to be left alone. If you stir them up too quickly their moisture will release and you will end up with a watery mushroom mixture.<br /><br />After the mushroom caps were browned nicely, I shook the pan to flip them around with some chopped garlic. Now the next appropriate step would've been to add a splash of wine to deglaze the pan. Since the only bottle of anything I had was Jack Daniels, I used that.. hoho! Another yet another large pat of butter was added and I let the sauce thicken into a rich dark glaze. Once ready the mushrooms along with the glaze was poured onto the pan fried chops. <br /><br />No longer do I fear making dried out jerky pork. The meal was quick, simple and delicious and will become a regular dish on my menu.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPexc4KNI/AAAAAAAAAZw/yi-sBmefEqA/s1600-h/IMG_1130.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SYfPexc4KNI/AAAAAAAAAZw/yi-sBmefEqA/s400/IMG_1130.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298431614202161362" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-86329785558573804142009-01-26T23:38:00.006-05:002009-01-27T19:23:28.596-05:00Winter Carb Hoarding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SX6TOM-iwsI/AAAAAAAAAZA/R_RNQXQtuxs/s1600-h/IMG_0473.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SX6TOM-iwsI/AAAAAAAAAZA/R_RNQXQtuxs/s400/IMG_0473.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295832084045284034" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ziti w. Prosciutto & Chicken<br /><br />The winter seriously puts my carb craving into hyper drive. That's all I want to eat and I devour it. Winter brings winds cold enough to make you vulnerable, to want to crawl back into bed with a bowl of hot noodle soup. I wouldn't really eat in my bedroom though I was making a lame attempt at being dramatic in order to forget how lazy I've just become during these cold days.<br /><br />After the Holidays with its "happiness and warmth" faded, the reality of winter sunk in. I think I like my job but the 10 minute walk to the subway while wearing 5 layers of clothing and still my face feels like it's going to rip off into the wind makes me suddenly feel the need to want to call in sick everyday. Since then I've sought the comfort of mom's home cooking, C's family's home cooking, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Super Kew Chinese Take Out, and at work, bagels with cream cheese for breakfast, followed by a Sicilian slice for lunch. Seriously gross looking back. When I muster up the motivation to finally cook dinner it's either been noodle soup or pasta. Is it wrong that I don't feel guilty?<br /><br />Beef Noodle Soup<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SX6TMx6f-iI/AAAAAAAAAY4/MHvlQ1FcI5I/s1600-h/IMG_0394.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SX6TMx6f-iI/AAAAAAAAAY4/MHvlQ1FcI5I/s400/IMG_0394.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295832059600697890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Campanelle w. Leftover Roast Chicken from Chinese New Year Dinner, Bacon, White Bean & Kale<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SX6UVl952GI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JvT5DT1KAvY/s1600-h/IMG_0949.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SX6UVl952GI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/JvT5DT1KAvY/s400/IMG_0949.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295833310524201058" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-77705708475936484252009-01-19T00:56:00.007-05:002009-01-19T01:19:38.329-05:00Orla Kiely for TargetNo food porn tonight but something related to the kitchen & home.. Is anyone else excited about the Orla Kiely collection for Target?? I'm normally into very simple settings and colors however one would think a bright lively kitchen would help motivate the chef. It's hard to work with horridly painted burnt orange cabinets, faux granite countertops and fluorescent ceiling lighting but I attemped to brighten it up a bit with colorful tea towels. Unfortunately it stopped there about 2 years ago and I'm looking to update the kitchen. Something about those pops of colors and patterns make me happy. I need a few of these pieces to brighten up my dungeon apartment.<br /><br />Images courtesy of <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/pillows-decorative-office-accessories/preview-orla-kiely-for-target-073679">Apartment Therapy</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWk7fYivI/AAAAAAAAAYY/KMr7IXy5oU4/s1600-h/orla-kiely-5_rect540.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWk7fYivI/AAAAAAAAAYY/KMr7IXy5oU4/s400/orla-kiely-5_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292880285767600882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWk-B-pdI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/fhgF4kFP0cY/s1600-h/orla-kiely-4_rect540.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWk-B-pdI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/fhgF4kFP0cY/s400/orla-kiely-4_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292880286449575378" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWkk5lLNI/AAAAAAAAAYI/3OR5PJhKggg/s1600-h/orla-kiely-3_rect540.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 367px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWkk5lLNI/AAAAAAAAAYI/3OR5PJhKggg/s400/orla-kiely-3_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292880279703465170" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWkeF8fwI/AAAAAAAAAYA/LzonxnA4QYs/s1600-h/orla-kiely-2_rect540.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWkeF8fwI/AAAAAAAAAYA/LzonxnA4QYs/s400/orla-kiely-2_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292880277876276994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWkLU5rOI/AAAAAAAAAX4/JvAaPuZradg/s1600-h/orla-kiely-1_rect540.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQWkLU5rOI/AAAAAAAAAX4/JvAaPuZradg/s400/orla-kiely-1_rect540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292880272838733026" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of goodies for the kitchen I'm proud to introduce you to my new lovelies in the kitchen.. Christmas presents from C and my brother. C is also paying for my knife skills class so he can finally be at ease not worrying if my finger will end up in his supper.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Prep%20Knife%20Set_10451_10001_50834_-1_11515_11521_null__">Global Prep Knife Set</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQYwoH5hhI/AAAAAAAAAYw/XqukJ0DZgKw/s1600-h/knives.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 360px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQYwoH5hhI/AAAAAAAAAYw/XqukJ0DZgKw/s400/knives.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292882685750511122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Index%20Chopping%20Boards_10451_10001_47165_-1_11515_11521_null__">Index Chopping Boards</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQYwQCaoLI/AAAAAAAAAYg/2Bx7xjGTr9M/s1600-h/boards.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 360px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQYwQCaoLI/AAAAAAAAAYg/2Bx7xjGTr9M/s400/boards.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292882679285063858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Knife%20Stand_10451_10001_12911_-1_11515_11521_null__">Knife Stand by Eva Solo</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQYwvHWdxI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RykKqn4II4g/s1600-h/stand.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 361px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SXQYwvHWdxI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RykKqn4II4g/s400/stand.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292882687627261714" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-23460727980217706042009-01-13T23:28:00.003-05:002009-01-13T23:59:18.562-05:00I Didn't Forget YouEgg Salad on Biscuits<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u_GQnPuI/AAAAAAAAAXw/eIGuwsYAbbU/s1600-h/IMG_3115.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u_GQnPuI/AAAAAAAAAXw/eIGuwsYAbbU/s400/IMG_3115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291007167521308386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Roast Pork Ribs in Dry Rub<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-0CLPJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/DQ3gMQh79UA/s1600-h/IMG_3111.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-0CLPJI/AAAAAAAAAXo/DQ3gMQh79UA/s400/IMG_3111.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291007162628914322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Roast Salmon in Lemon Butter Sauce<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-paX41I/AAAAAAAAAXg/RM7Ne7CszBg/s1600-h/IMG_0302.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-paX41I/AAAAAAAAAXg/RM7Ne7CszBg/s400/IMG_0302.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291007159777616722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Watercress Sauteed in Garlic Oil<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-Ugh_bI/AAAAAAAAAXY/RCm6HLUL02A/s1600-h/IMG_0292.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-Ugh_bI/AAAAAAAAAXY/RCm6HLUL02A/s400/IMG_0292.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291007154166300082" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Potatoes w. Saffron Butter & Parsley<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-GkkjNI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/TbEzt1tEMX0/s1600-h/IMG_0283.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SW1u-GkkjNI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/TbEzt1tEMX0/s400/IMG_0283.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291007150425148626" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-88850908701802096882009-01-02T01:05:00.005-05:002009-01-02T01:23:18.144-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2wS4rD2uI/AAAAAAAAAXA/feCsvsCAoHw/s1600-h/IMG_2953.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2wS4rD2uI/AAAAAAAAAXA/feCsvsCAoHw/s400/IMG_2953.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286575376099957474" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Christmas Day Breakfast - Bacon Corn Frittata w. Parmesan Cheese<br /><br />I love the Holiday season - spending time with friends and my favorite sin of all time - gluttony. I admit the Holidays do become truly exhausting... after days of eating out or eating at others' homes and hearing mom dictate what to do in her kitchen I started missing cooking in my own kitchen. Some of the few dishes made during the month of December.<br /><br />Galbi Jim - Korean Braised Short Ribs over Rice<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vfa0TmzI/AAAAAAAAAWY/RhuxAiuuu80/s1600-h/IMG_2885.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vfa0TmzI/AAAAAAAAAWY/RhuxAiuuu80/s400/IMG_2885.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286574491912346418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pork & Watercress Soup<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vgbGrw6I/AAAAAAAAAW4/giqwDHgsWi0/s1600-h/IMG_2933.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vgbGrw6I/AAAAAAAAAW4/giqwDHgsWi0/s400/IMG_2933.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286574509169296290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Chinese Steamed Fish - The best part if pouring the hot fragrant oil over the fish.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vf2CoGYI/AAAAAAAAAWo/qt5ss7oDsbQ/s1600-h/IMG_2929.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vf2CoGYI/AAAAAAAAAWo/qt5ss7oDsbQ/s400/IMG_2929.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286574499220167042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vgMOFXoI/AAAAAAAAAWw/E5jxshp_dUo/s1600-h/IMG_2930.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vgMOFXoI/AAAAAAAAAWw/E5jxshp_dUo/s400/IMG_2930.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286574505173802626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Appetizer Experiment - Chicken Drumette Lollipops. I wish I remembered what I marinated the chicken in, so I could change up the combination. Flavor was only eh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vfhUw2qI/AAAAAAAAAWg/74RgYi5iSqU/s1600-h/IMG_2925.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2vfhUw2qI/AAAAAAAAAWg/74RgYi5iSqU/s400/IMG_2925.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286574493659093666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Weeknight Dinner - Three Cheese Tortellini from BJs w. Home Made Tomato Sauce (yes, from that batch of CSA tomatoes purchased over the summer) w. a side of Garlic Spinach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2wS963ClI/AAAAAAAAAXI/AblCLxvhcns/s1600-h/spintort.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SV2wS963ClI/AAAAAAAAAXI/AblCLxvhcns/s400/spintort.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286575377508403794" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Will post photos of the Holiday meals later..Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-52810876080041734632008-12-03T23:07:00.008-05:002008-12-03T23:32:59.337-05:00Chinese Take Out My WayI was exhausted from the 4 day weekend for some reason. Too much binging most likely. Usually when I come home from work and just want to be one with the sofa. That usually leads to going out for a cheap quick meal or ordering greasy, unhealthy take out. In order to cut back on spending money I decided to cook at least three meals at home for at least a few weeks. After all last week's carb kick and Thanksgiving binge of mainly American fare and yes, more carbs, I was craving some salty, sweet & comforting Chinese food. Instead I decided to make some Chinese "Take Out" dishes at home.<br /><br />Beef w. Broccoli adapted from this <a href="http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/007351broccoli_beef.php" target="new">recipe</a>. Complete with Pan-Fried Frozen Dumplings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbIbnYIJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/OMtPtqqfQKo/s1600-h/food+%282%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbIbnYIJI/AAAAAAAAAV4/OMtPtqqfQKo/s400/food+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275785688897822866" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbIY8UKmI/AAAAAAAAAWA/alcz25i06kY/s1600-h/food+%283%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbIY8UKmI/AAAAAAAAAWA/alcz25i06kY/s400/food+%283%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275785688180337250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Chicken w. Ginger & Scallions adapted from <a href="http://www.rasamalaysia.com/2007/03/recipe-ginger-and-scallions-chicken.html" target="new">this</a> recipe.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbIwBKgWI/AAAAAAAAAWI/w22FPc5qYlw/s1600-h/food+%284%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbIwBKgWI/AAAAAAAAAWI/w22FPc5qYlw/s400/food+%284%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275785694374691170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Oh let's not forget my pride and joy for Thanksgiving. For my Roast Ham I ended up combining processes from two recipes as I was undecided on how to proceed. The diamond slits were cut on the ham and the dry rub of Emeril Essence & Cayenne pepper was massaged on and cloves added while I was bringing it to room temperature. I coated the ham with a simmered mixture of Coke, Jack Daniels, Thyme, Brown Sugar and Orange Zest. Then added more Jack & Coke to the bottom of the roasting pan. The Ham was basted every 30 min in its drippings until done. For the last 30 minutes the ham was glazed with the remaining coating base boiled down further with orange marmalade.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbH4YSyjI/AAAAAAAAAVw/IPZ955m50IM/s1600-h/food+%281%29.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdbH4YSyjI/AAAAAAAAAVw/IPZ955m50IM/s400/food+%281%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275785679439317554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The result was a crust that was a combination of sticky and crispy and the meat oh so succulent. I managed to keep the ham bone for next day's lunch and turned it into more comfort food. Mmmm.... too bad there were no leftovers past the next day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdcD67fLcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/0JmRjoIu9Qc/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/STdcD67fLcI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/0JmRjoIu9Qc/s400/food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275786710915952066" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-43373854280459001892008-11-26T15:53:00.007-05:002008-11-26T16:31:53.830-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_oAzaYFI/AAAAAAAAAVI/oVlfta4ZkDU/s1600-h/IMG_2726.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_oAzaYFI/AAAAAAAAAVI/oVlfta4ZkDU/s400/IMG_2726.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273081432852029522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I opened up my CSA box last week to find this funky looking thing. It reminds of of the creature in Little Shop of Horrors - "Feed me, Seymour!". The Romanesco Broccoli is a variant of cauliflower and can be treated the same way as any broccoli or cauliflower thus is ended up in my mid-week pasta.<br /><br />Fettuccine w. Prosciutto, Kale and Broccoli<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_ucpyQzI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/hqpcLIK7XL4/s1600-h/IMG_2727.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_ucpyQzI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/hqpcLIK7XL4/s400/IMG_2727.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273081543407059762" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It seems as if this cold weather has gotten me on a carb and comfort food kick again. A fresh bunch of kale ended up on my CSA box along with more potatoes. With frozen Italian sausage in the fridge, it seemed like the perfect time to make one of my favorite soups - Zuppa Tuscana Soup inspired by Olive Garden.<br /><br />Olive Garden was one of the better options when I schooled in Buffalo. For some reason the suburban OGs tasted so much better than their crappy outlets in NYC. The soup and salad lunch special for $6.95 could not be beat! As salty as it was, this was my favorite soup from OG, that every time I managed to find kale at Wegman's or Tops I'd be inclined to make a pot. Zuppa Tuscana is one of my first dishes I've ever cooked and still make today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_758IkNI/AAAAAAAAAVo/q5wbV8iJL4A/s1600-h/IMG_2679.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_758IkNI/AAAAAAAAAVo/q5wbV8iJL4A/s400/IMG_2679.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273081774606946514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another mid-week creation. Shrimp w. Linguine and Homemade Parsley Pesto<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_7GmCqbI/AAAAAAAAAVY/vh7JgGjaoa4/s1600-h/IMG_2669.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_7GmCqbI/AAAAAAAAAVY/vh7JgGjaoa4/s400/IMG_2669.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273081760824076722" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Malaysian Beef Curry adapted from this Kari Ayam <a href="http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Market/7773/chickencurry.html">recipe</a>. Instead of chicken I used stewed beef and a Malaysian curry paste instead of powder.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_7X8P7CI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1AqG_vgR10Q/s1600-h/IMG_2677.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SS2_7X8P7CI/AAAAAAAAAVg/1AqG_vgR10Q/s400/IMG_2677.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273081765480623138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I don't mean to cram my meals into one post, but laziness struck again and I wanted to get some food out of the way before the Holiday feasting begins - that means tons of food to come!!<br /><br />Happy Thanksgiving!Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-60871250836143108032008-11-22T12:05:00.006-05:002008-11-22T12:23:06.284-05:00Linguine w. Clams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SSg8AvXDXoI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/o9uikupFm1Y/s1600-h/IMG_2646.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SSg8AvXDXoI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/o9uikupFm1Y/s400/IMG_2646.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271529347247988354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style=""><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >Calling the BF, 'BF' makes me feel like I'm in 6th grade. From now on he's 'C'. Ok, now that's out of the way, let me introduce you to my signature dish, as C would call it. Linguine w. Clams. However this is Babbo's rendition of it. Having dined at Babbo's twice I've never ordered the dish. I've never been inclined to order this particular dish at any restaurant. Though usually one of the cheaper items on the menus of several Italian restaurants I feel like I can make the equivalent (or better *snort*) at home. Either that or I'm too scared to find a recipe better than mine. Well Mr. Batali might have me there.<br /><br />The recipe was adapted from <a href="http://wineguyworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/babbos-linguine-with-clams-revealed.html" target="new">here</a>. The</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Barton & Guestier Vouvray </span><span style=""><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >used is one of my favorite white wines. My wine noob vocab describes this wine as crisp, fruity and slightly sweet though not as syrupy as Rieslings I used to drink. What's even better is that it usually costs about $8-9 at the liquor store. I don't recall which restaurant introduced me to this bottle - perhaps because I drank several. </span></span><span style=""><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >May not have been the best wine to use for the recipe but it was what I had on hand. The dish was delish nonetheless. </span></span><br /><span style=""><span style=";font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" ><br />Well Mr. Batali, this dish was deliciously superb if it is indeed your own creation. I am now ruined though and can't think that highly about my own rendition ever again - thanks!</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SSg8BBWPtOI/AAAAAAAAAUY/1Be185XTwME/s1600-h/IMG_2648.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SSg8BBWPtOI/AAAAAAAAAUY/1Be185XTwME/s400/IMG_2648.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271529352076440802" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-50399494231604043892008-11-11T00:33:00.012-05:002008-11-16T13:51:37.760-05:00Comfort FoodComfort food for me is salt, butter and carbs. I guess that's kind of my idea of umami. During the car ride home I was daydreaming about opening up a small restaurant - of course everything on the menu would be my kind of comfort food. Then again no one who cares remotely about their cholesterol would be visiting my place on a daily basis! Haha one day..<br /><br />Vegetables need to make it into every meal to compensate for the load of crap I shove down my mouth daily. Thank goodness for the CSA box!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZgUppHhI/AAAAAAAAAUI/OXiaNqr0VqM/s1600-h/IMG_2666.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZgUppHhI/AAAAAAAAAUI/OXiaNqr0VqM/s400/IMG_2666.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267269282276384274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Dinner the other night - Simple Noodle Soup. One of my favorite dishes to throw all the emergency food into when we're too lazy to get anything fresh - marinated pork belly, two stalks of Chinese broccoli from the CSA, dried fried onions, frozen shrimp, frozen broth & scallion - ok, I cheated the scallions were fresh.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Simple Noodle Soup:</span> Boiled dried noodles separately while warming up your broth (chicken, beef, veggie, etc.). Prepare other ingredients - I pan fried the pork belly and then the shrimp in the rendered fat. The veggies were thrown into the broth at the end to cook for a few minutes before serving. Once noodles are done according to taste, put them in bowls, topped with meat items & scallions. Ladle broth on top and add other toppings. I love my fried onion bits. Drizzle a bit of sesame oil before serving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZaQGip8I/AAAAAAAAAT4/NMk9IrtDbpA/s1600-h/IMG_2654.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZaQGip8I/AAAAAAAAAT4/NMk9IrtDbpA/s400/IMG_2654.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267269177976203202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Last Weekend's Lunch. Egg Salad in Pita w. Baby Carrots<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Egg Salad: </span>Combine chopped hard boiled eggs, bacon bits, dijon mustard, mayo, splash of vinegar, salt & pepper. Chill.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZaIJan8I/AAAAAAAAATw/hQMKRTKOhJA/s1600-h/IMG_2650.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZaIJan8I/AAAAAAAAATw/hQMKRTKOhJA/s400/IMG_2650.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267269175840776130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Can't help but love a complete breakfast - it's what I look forward to on weekends!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZaWSu_hI/AAAAAAAAAUA/kexWUgsOVTA/s1600-h/IMG_2660.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRkZaWSu_hI/AAAAAAAAAUA/kexWUgsOVTA/s400/IMG_2660.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267269179637956114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Mid-Week Dinner. Beef Souvlaki Pita w. Homemade Tzatziki and Chickpea Salad<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beef Souvlaki:</span> Beef cubes marinated in lemon, salt & pepper. They can be skewered and grilled but I seared the cubes on a cast iron skillet.<br />Tzatziki Recipe adapted from an online recipe I can't find at the moment. Plain yogurt, cut seeded or seedless cucumbers (shredded would be better) lemon, salt & pepper and olive oil. Chill for an hour or so to meld flavors.<br />Chickpea Salad - Drained and rinsed chickpeas mixed with tomatoes, cucumbers, minced shallots, parsley, juice of 1/2 a lemonLizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-8201321679742706972008-11-07T14:28:00.006-05:002008-11-07T15:29:20.360-05:00Always a Time for FoodWork has been getting the best of me lately. There are many days I come home with the lack of motivation to pick up a pan let alone pick up the phone for take out. Some days I'll be happy with a bowl of cereal or nuts but after awhile my stomach will crave something a bit more substantial. I'm tired and beat but on to better things! Meals from the past 1-2 weeks.<br /><br />Cheese Tortellini (courtesy of BJs) w. Pancetta & Kale<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYe-3sVqI/AAAAAAAAATY/6sI0SRQ02Qk/s1600-h/IMG_2637.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYe-3sVqI/AAAAAAAAATY/6sI0SRQ02Qk/s400/IMG_2637.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001522343040674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My attempt at Caesar Salad with homemade dressing. Used the anchovies and all but am too paranoid to use a raw egg.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYAdHRluI/AAAAAAAAATA/0r_zTfLVw3Q/s1600-h/IMG_2634.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYAdHRluI/AAAAAAAAATA/0r_zTfLVw3Q/s400/IMG_2634.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266000997885515490" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lemon Butter Chicken Breasts with Roasted Garlic Potatoes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYevTSPUI/AAAAAAAAATQ/ELbyZY9XNUg/s1600-h/IMG_2639.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYevTSPUI/AAAAAAAAATQ/ELbyZY9XNUg/s400/IMG_2639.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001518163803458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cucumber Salad<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYcgxxRPI/AAAAAAAAATI/Vwm7JjagAQk/s1600-h/IMG_2641.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYcgxxRPI/AAAAAAAAATI/Vwm7JjagAQk/s400/IMG_2641.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266001479905395954" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Lemongrass Shrimp<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYAOhsavI/AAAAAAAAAS4/b6K-BKOR5bE/s1600-h/IMG_2631.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYAOhsavI/AAAAAAAAAS4/b6K-BKOR5bE/s400/IMG_2631.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266000993969793778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Breakfast w. my attempt at Homemade Sausage Patties<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYAHWNLDI/AAAAAAAAASw/nfy0Oodx_N4/s1600-h/IMG_2627.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSYAHWNLDI/AAAAAAAAASw/nfy0Oodx_N4/s400/IMG_2627.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266000992042560562" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Chickpea Salad<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSX_62moyI/AAAAAAAAASo/bEiL7xr8L8o/s1600-h/IMG_2625.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSX_62moyI/AAAAAAAAASo/bEiL7xr8L8o/s400/IMG_2625.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266000988688786210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pepper Steak Stir Fry<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSX_i0SL0I/AAAAAAAAASg/W28WvyazTjI/s1600-h/IMG_2614.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SRSX_i0SL0I/AAAAAAAAASg/W28WvyazTjI/s400/IMG_2614.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266000982236606274" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-17970909895729140962008-10-26T11:23:00.005-04:002008-10-26T11:43:57.641-04:00Crab Congee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSMCZ4ejcI/AAAAAAAAARw/TCrAQaPWL_k/s1600-h/IMG_2411.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSMCZ4ejcI/AAAAAAAAARw/TCrAQaPWL_k/s400/IMG_2411.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261484237610978754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The first time I've ever had crab congee was at my BF's parents' place. I sure licked that bowl clean. BF decided to replicate it last night. Me being the sous chef had the glamorous duty of opening and cleaning the raw & and very well alive blue crabs that were squirming for their lives as I ripped their top shells open. Me being an avid crab eater & dare I say expert in eating "cooked" blue crabs, this was supposed to be an easy feat but this job got me squealing and screaming everytime a claw would grasp my hands. Thanks, hun for giving me this opportunity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtdC-unI/AAAAAAAAARY/Cnk9gMHKlBU/s1600-h/IMG_2391.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtdC-unI/AAAAAAAAARY/Cnk9gMHKlBU/s400/IMG_2391.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261483877683083890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sauteed Veggies w. Garlic as a Side<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSMCNyh-uI/AAAAAAAAARo/MLqSOoa3_LQ/s1600-h/IMG_2407.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSMCNyh-uI/AAAAAAAAARo/MLqSOoa3_LQ/s400/IMG_2407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261484234364812002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Salt & Pepper Shrimp as a Side<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtkvRIsI/AAAAAAAAARg/xM_Yc_dCjJM/s1600-h/IMG_2403.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtkvRIsI/AAAAAAAAARg/xM_Yc_dCjJM/s400/IMG_2403.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261483879747887810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Other dishes from this past week:<br />Fried Noodles in Garlic Shrimp adapted from <a href="http://steamykitchen.com/blog/2008/01/26/fried-noodles-with-garlic-shrimp/">here </a>- added cured pork belly & kale<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtD8wyhI/AAAAAAAAARQ/BBKkv6E1kEg/s1600-h/IMG_2350.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtD8wyhI/AAAAAAAAARQ/BBKkv6E1kEg/s400/IMG_2350.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261483870946118162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Korean Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Wraps<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLszcqC4I/AAAAAAAAARA/OVnLgBg7fuM/s1600-h/IMG_2338.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLszcqC4I/AAAAAAAAARA/OVnLgBg7fuM/s400/IMG_2338.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261483866516491138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Topped with shredded carrot, fried onions & our own version of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samjang">ssamjang.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtPraXsI/AAAAAAAAARI/DdA3uSvztcM/s1600-h/IMG_2342.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SQSLtPraXsI/AAAAAAAAARI/DdA3uSvztcM/s400/IMG_2342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261483874094571202" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-72112552954325346622008-10-19T22:13:00.008-04:002008-10-26T11:47:23.860-04:00Leggo my Ligo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPvpjemx87I/AAAAAAAAAQo/vtJnXoFHG3s/s1600-h/IMG_2331.jpg"><span id="formatbar_Buttons" style="display: block;"><span onmouseup="addImage();" class="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);;ButtonMouseDown(this);" id="formatbar_Add_Image" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" title="Add Image" style="display: block;" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);"></span></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259053785605600178" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPvpjemx87I/AAAAAAAAAQo/vtJnXoFHG3s/s400/IMG_2331.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ligo branded sardines are apparently a Filipino staple in the pantry which is probably the equivalent to say canned beans, vegetables, soups, or tuna found in American pantries. I originally stocked a few cans of these as well as other canned & frozen foods in case one day we can't afford real food or to keep my BF fed when I'm out for the night and unable to make supper. The products of my kindness just sit in the pantry collecting dust as he usually reaches for the instant noodles 100% of the time. Figured it was time to take a taste.<br /><br />On a lazy Sunday I decided to make something familiar and fairly easy - one that does not require to think or surf the web for recipes. This is my go-to dish when I'm not in the mood for anything complicated and have too much pork in the freezer. The dish has been prepared many times in order to perfect it's taste to my liking. However tonight the proportions of water & soy sauce were incorrect and the Adobo did not come out as I'd like. The sauce was boiled down to nothing but a glaze and everything in the pot was overly salty. I'll post the recipe if I get it right again.<br /><br />Filipino Pork Adobo w. Potatoes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPvpkF0sxUI/AAAAAAAAAQw/10y6VL4VL3M/s1600-h/IMG_2333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259053796132963650" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPvpkF0sxUI/AAAAAAAAAQw/10y6VL4VL3M/s400/IMG_2333.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Sardines in Chili Tomato Sauce w. Onions & Sauteed Bok Choy (again<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPvpkv3HeWI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/cOzR_91GRQk/s1600-h/IMG_2334.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259053807417391458" style="cursor: pointer;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPvpkv3HeWI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/cOzR_91GRQk/s400/IMG_2334.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On another note, <a href="http://communications.wholefoodsmarket.com/servlet/website/ResponseForm?PohsLEziLJpHsl0Llm_VEqhhrptFHhsDJht"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$5 off $25 Coupon for Whole Foods</span></a>.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expires 10/22</span>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-84277636124704129752008-10-16T00:07:00.007-04:002008-10-26T14:06:32.754-04:00What's in the Fridge?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPbAA_3h_ZI/AAAAAAAAAQg/xItp-cdZX7Q/s1600-h/IMG_2192.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPbAA_3h_ZI/AAAAAAAAAQg/xItp-cdZX7Q/s400/IMG_2192.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5257600738378513810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Frozen <a href="http://www.chezpim.com/blogs/2008/09/fifteen-minutes.html">Tomato Sauce</a> BFF and I made a few weeks ago with fresh plum tomatoes. Sauteed some garlic before defrosting, added pasta & shaved parmesian cheese on top. Dinner w. a pot and 15 minutes.Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-69080284017420125062008-10-13T22:40:00.010-04:002008-10-26T11:45:46.030-04:00October Weekend Fare<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQLTW8lBcI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/KwZam9oUgz8/s1600-h/IMG_2175.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQLTW8lBcI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/KwZam9oUgz8/s400/IMG_2175.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256839092253296066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's been about 3 weeks since my surgery so I've been ready and craving the big stuff. Saturday's dinner - Tortellini w. Brown Butter Sauce, Bacon & Peas. Mmm cheese filled pasta coated in glistening lard and browned bacon bits from the bottom of the pan.<br /><br />I bought a couple cans of the <a href="http://www.cappyschowder.com/">Cappy's Chowder</a> from Maine so that I could recreate it for Sunday's hearty first course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1ESmUFI/AAAAAAAAAPo/HUJpFwJeHGc/s1600-h/IMG_2179.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1ESmUFI/AAAAAAAAAPo/HUJpFwJeHGc/s400/IMG_2179.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256834173802795090" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Not complete without the dash of paprika. Almost as good as Cappy's.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG8DLax3I/AAAAAAAAAQI/E4r0qSohAfw/s1600-h/IMG_2188.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG8DLax3I/AAAAAAAAAQI/E4r0qSohAfw/s400/IMG_2188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256834293763327858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The cast iron pan I purchased to make frittatas at a bridal shower was finally used to cook what it was meant to. A fatass rib-eye, seared a la <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pan-seared-rib-eye-recipe/index.html">Alton Brown</a>. <a href="http://www.famousfoods.com/5021608.html">Emeril's Essence</a> was added along with salt & pepper because it's like our crack or MSG - mm that and <a href="http://www.oldbay.com/">Old Bay</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1OnlpwI/AAAAAAAAAPw/nwzQ0a8O-2g/s1600-h/IMG_2180.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1OnlpwI/AAAAAAAAAPw/nwzQ0a8O-2g/s400/IMG_2180.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256834176575186690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />For anyone who likes their steak cooked 'well-done', please stop reading (jk). Sorry, I just don't understand wasting $$ on a nice fatty piece of steak when all you're going to do is make it into rubber. Go buy a $2 chuck steak. I notice a lot of women being fussy about seeing red/pink, bloody beef but gentlemen grow some fucking balls and eat that bloody slab!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1UP1ZJI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Xhf33IW-Ikk/s1600-h/IMG_2186.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1UP1ZJI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Xhf33IW-Ikk/s400/IMG_2186.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256834178086167698" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Red is not really my thing but this bottle has been sitting at home since the dinner I threw for BF's birthday back in May. I know nothing about red wine but this one paired up with the rib eye nicely. Not so much with the clam chowder we had as a first course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1B32D2I/AAAAAAAAAP4/4pugrjIkV4k/s1600-h/IMG_2182.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SPQG1B32D2I/AAAAAAAAAP4/4pugrjIkV4k/s400/IMG_2182.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256834173153709922" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-15399546429591571412008-10-09T23:55:00.002-04:002008-10-10T00:24:12.097-04:00Pork Two WaysPork is our ultimate survival meat in the household. It's delish and versatile that with various ways to prepare the different cuts of meat, I can cook pork everyday for a month and not tire of it. My freezer holds, frozen pork butt, Italian sausage, Chinese sausage, bacon, ribs, marinated pork loin, marinated pork bellow, ground pork, shrimp/pork frozen dumplings & bacon. Now that I've typed all that I 'm concerned of my cholesterol.<br /><br />It time to clean out the freezer of some the pig products to make room for meat and seafood broths now that the weather is getting colder.<br /><br />Pork w. Red Peppers and Bok Choy in Bean Sauce<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SO7SahbGZlI/AAAAAAAAAPI/BaevgiKPDwo/s1600-h/IMG_2153.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SO7SahbGZlI/AAAAAAAAAPI/BaevgiKPDwo/s400/IMG_2153.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255369168278414930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hairy Gourd Soup w. Pork Ribs<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SO7SanO9RqI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/3O0Sq5OXsDI/s1600-h/IMG_2155.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SO7SanO9RqI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/3O0Sq5OXsDI/s400/IMG_2155.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255369169838098082" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-88841604275112892972008-10-04T15:59:00.005-04:002008-10-04T16:07:36.185-04:00Simple ComfortA big bowl of this for the night. I feel a cold coming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOfMwDBoplI/AAAAAAAAAOY/CraSw1yjceg/s1600-h/IMG_2119.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOfMwDBoplI/AAAAAAAAAOY/CraSw1yjceg/s400/IMG_2119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253392616168924754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />BF trying to perfect his breakfast skills. I know it' same boring stuff but it's fun to see how the same old evolves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOfMyOI3vsI/AAAAAAAAAOg/33Zvo0JgT80/s1600-h/IMG_2135.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOfMyOI3vsI/AAAAAAAAAOg/33Zvo0JgT80/s400/IMG_2135.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253392653511802562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOfLSgNMGmI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/koclZ40RnHg/s1600-h/IMG_2134.jpg"><br /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-14224870171728525362008-10-01T23:05:00.008-04:002008-10-01T23:40:31.807-04:00HealingI've been lazy again.. but for good reason. It's almost been two weeks but I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out. Oh, how brave I thought I was. The surgery was cake, but the aftermath was utter torture. I'm a lot better now than I was last week but still cautious of what & how I eat. I haven't eaten foods like rice or corn, both foods I love, for fear they would get stuck in my holes. Ok, before this post becomes TMI...<br /><br />BFF and I purchased a 20lb box of tomatoes through our CSA and spent a fun day (the next day after my surgery) making tomato sauce to pack in our freezer for a rainy, lazy day. Disclaimer: I'm not too fond of red sauce pasta as I'm more of a garlic and oil kinda gal. We used this <a href="http://www.chezpim.com/blogs/2008/09/fifteen-minutes.html">recipe </a>from Chez Pim for one batch and cooked down the second batch longer with some additional herbs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6xtZy0pI/AAAAAAAAANI/kFNXqEm_PxU/s1600-h/IMG_2088.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6xtZy0pI/AAAAAAAAANI/kFNXqEm_PxU/s400/IMG_2088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387691096625810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Breakfast courtesy of hun. He makes better home fries than me and should be cooking more often me thinks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6x4QFCCI/AAAAAAAAANQ/_FKJFRGLbwE/s1600-h/IMG_2093.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6x4QFCCI/AAAAAAAAANQ/_FKJFRGLbwE/s400/IMG_2093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387694008666146" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One of my very good friends got married last weekend. After a week of neglect to my stomach I said F my surgery and ate everything in sight but I tell you my mouth made me pay all night. As with most Chinese Banquets, dinner is about a 7-10 course meal with TONS of leftovers at the end of the night. Figured I would take them home and re purpose the dishes.<br /><br />What to do with the plain leftover noodles? Refry them with aromatics (garlic & scallions), meat (cured pork belly) & add a veggie (frozen peas then topped with scallions)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6yO35iAI/AAAAAAAAANg/jT4xrd4_mCg/s1600-h/IMG_2100.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6yO35iAI/AAAAAAAAANg/jT4xrd4_mCg/s400/IMG_2100.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387700081264642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Leftover fried whole chicken? Strip the meat and throw it into a pasta. Looks gross but it was one of the best tasting pasta dishes I've made so far and there were enough leftovers for 2 days worth of lunch. Recipe Adapted from <a href="http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2008/02/pasta-with-spinach-chicken-and-white-bean-ragu.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6yE8M2fI/AAAAAAAAANY/me2dOTiJGSA/s1600-h/IMG_2095.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6yE8M2fI/AAAAAAAAANY/me2dOTiJGSA/s400/IMG_2095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387697414953458" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now that I'm healing and not suffering from chewing, the cooking has commenced again - my BF rejoices.<br /><br />Tonight: Sauteed Baby Bok Choy w. Garlic<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ67XXd7KI/AAAAAAAAAOA/ZUdvcqRnlBQ/s1600-h/IMG_2115.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ67XXd7KI/AAAAAAAAAOA/ZUdvcqRnlBQ/s400/IMG_2115.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387856979979426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Creamy, Garlic Mashed Potatoes w. Chives<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ67Pw-F8I/AAAAAAAAANw/uvIAt8U5MGA/s1600-h/IMG_2113.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ67Pw-F8I/AAAAAAAAANw/uvIAt8U5MGA/s400/IMG_2113.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387854939461570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ahh, I miss fish<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6yHqSv4I/AAAAAAAAANo/aaVa0sscdRE/s1600-h/IMG_2109.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ6yHqSv4I/AAAAAAAAANo/aaVa0sscdRE/s400/IMG_2109.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387698145148802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Simple Grilled Fatty Salmon<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ67YyemfI/AAAAAAAAAN4/NitEg8FoBo4/s1600-h/IMG_2114.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SOQ67YyemfI/AAAAAAAAAN4/NitEg8FoBo4/s400/IMG_2114.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252387857361705458" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-15087851452410170902008-09-17T23:08:00.005-04:002008-09-18T10:44:20.254-04:00Where I've Been..Or eating.. I've been a lazy blogger and lazy cook as well.<br /><br />Red Velvet Cupcakes from <a href="http://www.magnoliacupcakes.com/">Magnolia Bakery</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBOaZIgI/AAAAAAAAAL4/nqDHp6kSgbs/s1600-h/IMG_1745.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193864725930498" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBOaZIgI/AAAAAAAAAL4/nqDHp6kSgbs/s400/IMG_1745.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Coconut Cream Cake<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGlBNrMOI/AAAAAAAAALw/B4ZbKgf7Tv0/s1600-h/IMG_1744.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193380146589922" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGlBNrMOI/AAAAAAAAALw/B4ZbKgf7Tv0/s400/IMG_1744.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Bacon, Corn, Cheddar & Chive Frittata<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGk-WbhRI/AAAAAAAAALo/929MPqK_dS8/s1600-h/IMG_1705.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193379378005266" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGk-WbhRI/AAAAAAAAALo/929MPqK_dS8/s400/IMG_1705.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Garlic Belachan w. a Side of Long Beans<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBl38wYI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/cRoYMdmSAws/s1600-h/IMG_2083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193871023915394" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBl38wYI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/cRoYMdmSAws/s400/IMG_2083.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Steamed Pork Ribs w. Black Bean Sauce<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBm6GrzI/AAAAAAAAAMY/7h998MLVOdU/s1600-h/IMG_2085.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193871301390130" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBm6GrzI/AAAAAAAAAMY/7h998MLVOdU/s400/IMG_2085.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Buttermilk Biscuits<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGkRMEuSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/CUVIwKbYK8s/s1600-h/IMG_1666.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193367254972706" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGkRMEuSI/AAAAAAAAALQ/CUVIwKbYK8s/s400/IMG_1666.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Roasted Vegetable Soup<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGkrugw6I/AAAAAAAAALY/EpQOwsTwgWA/s1600-h/IMG_1670.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193374378738594" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGkrugw6I/AAAAAAAAALY/EpQOwsTwgWA/s400/IMG_1670.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Basil Butter Shrimp<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGkjv-ZxI/AAAAAAAAALg/LZpNBIzy52Q/s1600-h/IMG_1682.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193372237391634" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHGkjv-ZxI/AAAAAAAAALg/LZpNBIzy52Q/s400/IMG_1682.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Maryland Blue Crabs<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBMVMGxI/AAAAAAAAAMA/bqmJynPLxd8/s1600-h/IMG_1883.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193864167234322" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBMVMGxI/AAAAAAAAAMA/bqmJynPLxd8/s400/IMG_1883.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Serenity<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBVjLAhI/AAAAAAAAAMI/bktwMAyKSfI/s1600-h/IMG_2010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247193866641801746" style="CURSOR: pointer" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SNHHBVjLAhI/AAAAAAAAAMI/bktwMAyKSfI/s400/IMG_2010.jpg" border="0" /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-52568340075843167542008-09-01T17:09:00.002-04:002008-09-01T17:24:49.532-04:00Labor Day WeekendFor those who know me well, there's always an occasion to eat well. My waistline and cholesterol will pay for it one day but there's nothing like a holiday weekend to put all diets and reservations aside to dive right into good food. There isn't many photos since I was too busy stuffing myself. From potlucks to BBQ to eating out, the last summer weekend brought nothing but constant itis.<br /><br />Friday night's dinner and Sunday's brunch. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup w. Short Ribs adapted from <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/TAIWANESE-BEEF-NOODLE-SOUP-231502">here</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLxaJNIYUqI/AAAAAAAAAK4/_8dKl6Yztks/s1600-h/IMG_1550.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLxaJNIYUqI/AAAAAAAAAK4/_8dKl6Yztks/s400/IMG_1550.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241163180542546594" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thank you Mel & Mary for hosting a wonderful BBQ. I came late and probably missed a lot of stuff but being me, I managed to sample everything that was left on the table - except for the corn which looked like a heap of cheesy goodness!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLxaJTLjcPI/AAAAAAAAALA/Ga61sgbYPPs/s1600-h/IMG_1593.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLxaJTLjcPI/AAAAAAAAALA/Ga61sgbYPPs/s400/IMG_1593.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241163182166470898" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here was my contribution. Potato Salad w. Pea, Proscuitto & Dill adapted from <a href="http://gorgeoustown.typepad.com/lex_culinaria/2007/05/green_pea_prosc.html">here</a>. I didn't add the lemon juice. Something about adding acids to dairy gives me the heeby jeebies but I'm sure it's totally fine to do so with this recipe. This is an upgrade from my usually blah yet tasty potato salad but the occasion called for it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLxaJmqNsxI/AAAAAAAAALI/xz8-SyQlRY4/s1600-h/IMG_1596.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLxaJmqNsxI/AAAAAAAAALI/xz8-SyQlRY4/s400/IMG_1596.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241163187395343122" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cheers to good food and even better company. The weekend wouldn't be complete without an awesome combination of the two.Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632682539346942473.post-68667349876193842532008-08-29T17:09:00.004-04:002008-08-29T17:18:32.862-04:00The BFs DishThis is a dish my boyfriend recommended. His father made it at home so we tried it previously as I looooove lettuce wraps. They feel and taste so clean and I find it fun to create your own wraps with various toppings/sauces. It's like a mini buffet for me. We didn't use as many add ons as the previous time - I think I went overboard. Only soy sauce with chili padi and fried onions for me. I could eat them shits like onion rings .. mmm.<br /><br />Lettuce Wraps with Ground Pork and Soy Beans.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhnQJ02NKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/FyUqfWINuSk/s1600-h/IMG_1540.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhnQJ02NKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/FyUqfWINuSk/s400/IMG_1540.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240051693658715298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhnQA3ITNI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hBjiODtuZKE/s1600-h/IMG_1542.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhnQA3ITNI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hBjiODtuZKE/s400/IMG_1542.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240051691252370642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhnQQr0ouI/AAAAAAAAAKw/a7Q9oq8XQ8w/s1600-h/IMG_1547.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhnQQr0ouI/AAAAAAAAAKw/a7Q9oq8XQ8w/s400/IMG_1547.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240051695499911906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Pphzm1oosOs/SLhmjR2OHPI/AAAAAAAAAKY/oyRmaOmJZxo/s1600-h/IMG_1547.jpg"><br /></a>Lizzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06391392659093796824noreply@blogger.com1