I know. Stuffed squash sounds like the kind of thing you’d politely poke at at a dinner party, secretly wishing it was pizza. But hear me out. My version is rich, earthy, and straight-up sexy, in a way that makes you think of cozy autumn sweaters and glasses of red...
Sure. Plain beige hummus is cute. But did you know you can make hummus... stunning? I bet you didn't. This Purple Sweet Potato & Ginger Hummus comes to the party in velvet purple and refuses to leave until everyone’s staring. It’s bold. It’s vibrant. It’s the kind...
Most people don’t wake up thinking, "Today’s the day I make a radish butter terrine." But let's face it: you’re not most people. If you're here, then you're probably the kind of person who looks at a tub of grocery store butter and thinks, "Cute, but I can do better."...
Some days, you're not in the mood for complicated recipes. But that doesn't mean you can't make something that's delicious and, honestly, still kind of fancy. (Your guests don't need to know how easy this was, and our lips are sealed.) It's our classy-meets-casual...
I feel like fruit salad usually goes one of two ways. Either it’s a sad bowl of mushy melons, or it’s the thing people fight over at the BBQ. This one? Oh, it’s definitely the latter. This isn't just chopping up some random fruit and hoping for the best. We're...
What if your salad was more than just a salad? What if it was a glow-up in a bowl? Our Rainbow Glow Bowl is full of vibrant veggies, protein-rich quinoa, and topped off with a creamy, adaptogen-loaded blueberry-miso dressing. It also features roasted beets, massaged...
Let's face it. Some salads are just sad. Limp lettuce. Bland dressing. But, not this one. Nay! This salad is a response to all those sad salads you've had to endure. A rebellion. A shout into the universe, "We're sick of sad salads. And we're not gonna do it anymore!"...
A few years ago, I started experimenting with making various candies. Chocolates. Cotton candy (what a mess!). And eventually gummies, which ended up being my favorite to make. And, if you know me, you know I love to figure out all the different ways I can turn food...
Ever tried blinis? I love that word actually. It makes me want to pronounce it "buh-li-ni". Kinda like if bologna had an "i" in the middle. But then you look at it, and it's as simple as can be: blini. Like it's an app or a digital assistant. ("Blini, tell me what the...
Hey there, Super Bowl enthusiasts and snack aficionados! It's that time of the year again when the football season peaks, and so does our craving for some deliciously easy Super Bowl snacks. From the comfort of your kitchen to the cheering in your living room,...
Hey there, Kitchen Phantoms! It's Drey again, sneaking back from the crypts of Steamy Kitchen to tantalize your taste buds. While I adore a good eerie tablescape and the unique dishes of spooky seasons from afar, what really gets me giddy this time of year are those...
Put any kind of BBQ pulled pork to use in these simple Korean-style tacos that you can easily transform into a bowl! What kind of Korean Tacos are we taco-ing about? We're taco-ing precooked pulled pork or chicken in this versatile recipe that honors leftovers in te...
If you're looking for some awesome appetizers, look no further! Whether you are after authentic Chinese spring rolls or some slurp-tastic Japanese Miso soup, you won't be disappointed with these delicious Asian Appetizers! Asian Appetizers - A World Of Amazing Food!...
This Shrimp Wonton Recipe in Spicy Sichuan Sauce is from My Asian Kitchen Cookbook by food writer, stylist and cooking teacher, Jennifer Joyce. This is her 11th cookbook! The photo and recipe are reprinted with permission from Murdoch Books. Making wonton from scratch...
Juicy on the inside, crispy and golden brown on the outside, this Gyoza recipe serves up Japanese pan-fried dumplings. A popular weeknight meal as well as a great appetizer for your next party! This post is written by the lovely and talented Rachael a.k.a La Fuji...
This Firecracker Shrimp Recipe is a 3-ingredient recipe with a Mango Ginger Dipping Sauce (ready in 3 minutes). This is a festive way to celebrate Chinese New Year. The shrimp signifies happiness, and the "firecracker" scares away bad luck and bad spirits! ...
This Oven BBQ Chicken Wings recipe features a recipe from Food Network's Chef Gabriele Corcos and Debi Mazar. To make Oven Barbecued Chicken Wings, start with a simple, homemade barbecue sauce with peach preserves, bourbon and honey. Season the chicken wings...
Whether the warmer months are behind you, you're home sick with a cold, or you're just looking for a warm appetizer before the main course, let's face it: a warm bowl of miso soup is always a great idea! Its unique flavor is downright comforting, however you spin it....
Whenever I whip up a batch of my Mom's famous Chinese egg rolls, it feels like a special family gathering, even if it's just a Tuesday night! They're perfect as a great snack or appetizer to wow a crowd. And guess what? They're surprisingly easy to make! I've got...
In this Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings, you'll learn: Oven bake chicken wings instead of frying chicken wings! Less mess, healthier, more flavor. Chef Jesse Thomas' secret herb formula Optional blue cheese/Dijon mustard dipping sauce This recipe for Baked...
In my 10+ years of food blogging, I've made some darn good friends, even soulmates. One of these gals is known as The Pioneer Woman - Ree Drummond. Ree and I have been on some crazy adventures together, running barefoot in a Seattle museum, spooning in a Chicago cab,...
Summer is still going strong, and we've got some 3-step, Asian inspired kebab and skewer recipes for grilling! These are so simple they only take a few minutes to prep....and a few minutes to grill. That's the beauty of using skewers! The magic to the recipes is...
I've just added this vibrant Avocado Grapefruit Salad to my list of new recipes at home, and let me tell you, it's already a hit! Ripe avocado slices blend seamlessly with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit – one of my favorite citrus fruits – all nestled on a bed of...
Last month, I took a trip to Napa, California, to learn all about the birthplace of those funny little olives I used to put on my fingers, and the surprising invention from a poor, widowed mother! Post sponsored by California Olive Committee. -Jaden Smoked Olives With...
Learn how to make the simplest, most elegant accompaniment to a cheese plate with Oven Roasted Grapes on the Vine. Why These Oven Roasted Grapes Are So Good Recipe from award-winning chef, Nancy Silverton of Mozza restaurants. So simple to make. A great addition to...
These Chicken Spring Rolls are light with crisp-crackly skin and small enough to enjoy in 4 bites. The filling is also light, full of tender-crisp, fresh vegetables and you should be able to taste and distinguish every single ingredient in the filling. Delicious and...
Get your vegetable spiralizer out! Ali Mafucci, the queen of spiral cut vegetables and fruit, is back with a collection of new recipes in her cookbook, Inspiralize Everything. This book is like an encyclopedia of ingredients that you can turn into healthy, fun...
So many Asian restaurants feature pork belly on their menus, especially Pork Belly Buns. Here's a version that I actually enjoy even more, Pork Belly Buns in Lettuce Cups. Luscious, tender pieces of pork belly with deep caramelized edges sit on top of a bed of crunchy...
Make your own crunchy roasted peanuts, with your favorite seasoning, in less than 10 minutes! We love these peanuts as a snack (perfect with a cold beer), to sprinkle on top of Chinese congee, or to even toss in a salad. Make them spicy (add dried chili flakes), sweet...
Back in the early 90's after a period of college dorm-life, I longed for my own kitchen and imagined hosting elegant dinner parties for my friends. My roommate and I found an affordable apartment within scooter-distance of the campus and I set off to...
These Potsticker Dumplings are easier to make than you think, and they taste so better than the store-bought ones! Crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle, with an addictive dipping sauce! Why This Potsticker Dumplings Recipe Is So Good Perfect potstickers from...
Bacon, butter, white wine and soft clams... a delicious combination! If there's anything that's going to cover the clams -- it's should be BACON! Ditch the old-school Clams Casino recipe that's usually covered with a soggy, tasteless breadcrumb mixture. This is a...
Singapore Chili Crab is one of the world's most popular dishes. Succulent crab simmered in a thick, sweet, savory and spicy sauce. From Southeast Asia's Best Recipes Cookbook. What's So Good About Singapore Chili Crab Singapore Chili Crab is one of the most popular...
If you love making your own beef jerky, try this savory-sweet Korean inspired flavor combination. We use traditional Korean BBQ marinade with thin-sliced beef (we love using London broil) for a healthy snack. Tips for Making Korean Style Beef Jerky For best...
Chinese Soup Dumplings, or Xiaolongbao is a MUST TRY at least once! It's a long recipe, the dumpling skin is hand made and the filling requires several hours of chilling. But it's so worth it! These are the real deal. This is an authentic Xiaolongbao recipe from Top...
This Chinese Boiled Peanuts recipe makes for an addictive snack Raw peanuts are boiled in water with cinnamon sticks, star anise, garlic cloves and a little salt. Even though there's no sugar in the mix, you'll get a molasses-like sweetness just from boiling the...
I very rarely veer off my "tried and true" basic recipe for Vietnamese Nuoc Cham (dipping sauce with lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers, sugar, water) for Vietnamese Spring Rolls. It's easy, predictable and I can make the sauce just by taste without...
This Thai Firecracker Shrimp recipe has marinated shrimp wrapped in egg roll wrappers and then fried until golden brown and crispy served with a pad thai sauce for dipping. An awesome appetizer that's so easy to make! Why This Thai Firecracker Shrimp Recipe Is...
Here's another way to incorporate more tofu in your life! 🙂 I developed a series of recipes for Mori-Nu tofu, made Tualatin, Oregon, USA. You'll love this one! ~Jaden If you're looking for a dip for your holiday party - here it is! I was so...
If you're looking for a holiday side dish to complement the turkey, prime rib (or both!), mark this recipe down as a top contender! Not only is this a 5-ingredient dish, but the roasted brussels sprouts are treated to a special ingredient - sweet, red grapes. Let your...
This is a recipe I created for Mori-Nu Tofu as a creative way to add more healthy tofu to your diet! ~Jaden I've got a really fun PRE and POST Thanksgiving recipe for you. This is perfect both for when you're hosting a holiday party AND if you're looking to use up...
Is this not the most brilliant name for a sandwich?! It's created by the one and only, Joe Yonan, food guru over at the Washington Post and one of the most happy journalists I've ever met (really!) He's got a new cookbook out, called Eat Your Vegetables: Bold Recipes...
I've taken taking one of the most elaborate (and delicious) Chinese dishes and created a no-fuss, simple recipe that anyone can make! Read on for how to make this Roasted Duck Recipe with fluffy Chinese Steamed buns too! Why This Chinese Roasted Duck Recipe Is...
There's nothing quite like a bowl of soup to offer comfort and warmth, especially when it's loaded with vibrant flavors. My Thai Hot & Sour Chicken Soup is exactly that – a bowl filled with comfort, tinged with the exotic flavors of Thailand. It not only warms...
Roasted Brussels sprouts in a sweet chili glaze, an awesome side! It'll convert any brussels sprout haters. They’re super-quick and simple to make and always so delicious. For the past 5 years, Ree (The Pioneer Woman), Elise (Simply Recipes) and I have hosted big...
I'm a horrible grocery shopper. I'm compulsive, obsessive and spontaneous all packed into one short human form, pushing a shopping cart. In short, I'm every advertiser's dream. Grocery shopping and farmer's markets are my absolute favorite activities (next to petting...
Eating wings is an 8-finger affair (my pointed-up pinkies tend to stay clean as they are too short to get in the way), especially if you serve wings whole like I have in this recipe. Any wing connoisseur will tell you that each of the 3 parts of the wings...
While these may not look like your normal cutely folded potstickers, let me assure you that these are 100% even better. Not only are they easier and faster to fold (No delicate crimping of pleating), they have MAXIMUM crispy crunchy surface! Double win for sure. We...
If you're not familiar with Gaby from What's Gaby Cooking, let me give you a little introduction. Gaby LOVES avocado (we were in Mexico a couple of times together and she snarfed an entire bowl of guacamole the size of a soccer ball in one sitting!), is the only...
*I recently posted this recipe with the LG Oven Giveaway (hey, I'm giving away an oven!!!) and updated this recipe to include a video on how to make these yummy ribs. ~Jaden The nearest good Korean BBQ restaurant is over an hour drive away, simply too far...
This flavorful Chinese Daikon and Carrot Soup recipe, is very common in Chinese households. This is because the soup is so easy to make, so nutritious, and tastes so good! A delicious soup, made with pork, dried shrimp and veggies! Why This Chinese Daikon and Carrot...
Buckle up, cuz you're about to be WOW'd by these Lebanese Roasted Stuffed Onions. Onions baked until they're soft and mellow with each layer cradling a savory, herby filling of ground meat (or hey, a vegan beef substitute for my plant-based pals). And the best is that...
My parents grill outdoors quite often, they live in Las Vegas so they can pretty much grill year-round (though I bet during the hottest summer weeks, you could grill directly on the sidewalk). Mom is one of the best hostesses I know, always making sure that there is...
One of the recipes I made for a recent party was an Arabian dish - Kofta, or Meatballs with Sweet and Sour Cherry Sauce. It's from a cookbook called "Modern Flavors of Arabia" by Suzanne Husseini, one of most popular cooking show personalities in the Middle...
Ready to discover what could easily be the best homemade hummus recipe you've ever tried? Say goodbye to store-bought hummus and hello to this light, creamy, and utterly delicious homemade version! Made with simple ingredients you can easily find in any grocery store,...
This recipe for Curried Beef Dumplings is from Carla Hall's brand new book, Cooking with Love. Carla is a co-host on ABC's The Chew and a "Fan Favorite on Bravo's Top Chef All Stars. What I love about this recipe is that it's sort of a cross between steamed sui mai...
Chinese dumplings, especially Chinese Fried Wontons, are probably one of the most convenient and versatile foods to keep around. A crispy, crunchy, and delicious appetizer that's a real crowd pleaser. Why These Chinese Fried Wontons Are So Good They go from frozen to...
Chinese Egg Drop Soup is one of those dishes that can be made incredibly well as a warming start to a meal.....or done terribly, horribly, no-no wrong. There's an Asian restaurant near my house, not naming names but *cough* on 53rd Avenue *cough*, who serves Egg Drop...
Looking to whip up those perfectly crispy, light-as-air vegetable spring rolls that you see at your favorite Asian markets or Chinese restaurants? I've got a recipe straight from my Chinese mom's kitchen that's going to change your spring roll game forever! These...
I think the ultimate Chinese comfort food is handmade wonton in soup. Warm, soothing, gingery broth.....delicate, floating "clouds." In Cantonese, wonton is pronounced wun tun 雲吞, which means "swallowing clouds." The wonton wrapper is so delicate and...
During recipe testing, there was an unanimous "MMMMM!!!" along with what may have been a little happy-dance from yours truly. This is hands-down, the very best Beef Satay I've ever had. And it's from a Belizean cookbook called, Flavors of Belize. I actually had to...
Miso Butter Shrimp! A simple, delicious shrimp recipe with Japanese flavors. A 15-minute recipe with only 5 ingredients. Serve over rice, pasta or even as an appetizer. What Makes This Miso Butter Shrimp So Good A great blend of Japanese flavors. Only 15 mins to...
I've been waiting MONTHS to share this video with you! We shot a series of cooking videos in Seattle back in June, when I was in town speaking at the BlogHer Food conference and tickling oysters. The videos were produced by the National Pork Board and...
These Pork Belly Buns comprise of slow-cooked pork belly is sliced and simmered in a sweet-savory Vietnamese caramel sauce and sandwiched between soft, pillowy steamed buns. But it doesn't stop there - a hit of spice comes from kimchi and flash-fry of fresh chilies...
A quick sear on both sides of the scallop to get some nice crust and then simmered in the mustard-miso sauce for just a couple of minutes to barely cook the insides. They cook super quick - and turn tough/rubbery if you overdo it. The mustard-miso sauce is...
This No Mayo Potato Salad has perfectly roasted potatoes, covered in an addictive sesame and fresh chili dressing.The perfect side dish in any meal or just as a snack. Why This No Mayo Potato Salad Is So Good Super simple to make A deliciously spicy sesame and...
Just when I thought I could devote entire week to writing headnotes for my cookbook, Scott reminded me that corporate taxes were due end of the month. "End of the month!??? That's like in a few days! Why didn't you tell me before?" Of course, he did. Everyday for the...
Broccoli Spanakopita...or Broccolikopita Spanakopita is a Greek pastry, usually filled with spinach and feta cheese folded in layers of filo dough. Most of the time, I see them folded into triangles (kinda like how you fold an American flag), but I decided that...
The once empty garage-turned-playroom-turned-moving boxes storage-area-turned-photography studio is now finally looking lived in, played in, worked in. In other words, it's a mess and I love it. The wire shelving that holds my props is now about to collapse from the...
I've known Béa, author of La Tartine Gourmande blog, ever since I first started blogging. The first time I saw her blog, I was just blown away - every photo made me daydream that I was on some kind of gorgeous picnic in heaven! (they do have picnics in heaven...
If you're craving savory Japanese flavors, then this Miso Soup with Mushrooms and Tofu will hit the spot! Miso soup, fortified with egg, silky mushrooms, tofu and whatever leafy greens - so good! Why This Miso Soup With Mushrooms Is So Good An easy miso soup that's...
Firm tofu is brushed with miso and pan-fried for the perfect quick and easy addition to any salad or bowl. Mix ginger, soy, and a few more flavors in with the miso for the finishing dressing to this grilled tofu salad recipe! It's nearly mid-January and I've been...
This Grilled Calamari is grilled on a stick, which in my opinion, is just as good as fried! Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best and this is no exception. A squeeze of lime, some silky virgin olive oil and sprinkle of salt and pepper - so good and such an...
Pretzel Turtles are one of the tastiest and easiest treats you’ll make! Crunchy salty pretzel layered with sweet caramel chocolate Rolo candy and finished with pecans. Everyone loves these ooey-gooey little bites! Why These Rolo Pretzel Turtles Are So Good! Super easy...
Learn how to make perfect pate a choux with this simple recipe. You’ll be enjoying cream puffs, profiteroles, eclairs, and gougeres in no time! Why These Pate A Choux Recipe Is So Good So good they were featured in Oprah's Holiday 2009 A super...
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to learn all there is to know about Prosciutto di Parma. That means Italy, baby. Jaden hasn't even been to Italy before, so the fact that I was able to go in her place was quite the job perk! She made me promise to eat lots and...
I'm currently in a room with 3,500 other women (mostly) bloggers - at the BlogHer conference in San Diego. You can imagine all the tweeting, facebooking, blogging and hugging that's going on here. If you're internet access speed at home is a little slow, blame it on...
Another installment of food on a stick, thanks to inspiration from buddies Matt & Adam and their book titled...uh...On a Stick...which is always more fun to eat than food on a fork. Plus you get to play sword fight with the sticks after you eat (you do that too,...
We've been kabob happy lately, and it's all because of this man: click on photos to see where we were! and this man: My kids want to be Adam when they grow up. These two men wrote this book: Get this book! I know you'll love it! Chicken and Waffles on a Stick? hells...
I'm not normally into cute food. I'd rather have my food look delicious and say, "Eat. Me. Now." Cute food makes me a little sad and guilty when I take that first bite, especially if the food has an adorable smiley face on it. Poor disfigured thing! Am I right?! ...
A couple of months ago, I asked Julie of The Little Kitchen for recipes involving coffee and she responded with a very enthusiastic, "YOU MUST MAKE THESE CUPCAKES!" As if her insistence wasn't enough to convince me, her recipe was titled, "Best Homemade...
Jaden is knee deep in paint, tiles and packing boxes today, so she asked us to step in and tell you guys about this amazing tomato and watermelon salad. Today, we are introducing Zov Karamardian from the internationally acclaimed restaurant Zov's. Jaden had the chance...
In a previous life, I used to work for a giant booze company. I used to commute between my home in the San Francisco (which was only 7 miles away from the office but took 40 minutes to drive sometimes) to the office near the Embarcadero or to the winery in Napa Valley...
I'm so thrilled to introduce to you Debi Shawcross and her new book, Friends at the Table: The Ultimate Supper Club. I have a small group of friends here in my hometown that regularly get together nearly once a week for a dinner party. We often rotate houses, and...
But don't be fooled by the name "baby artichoke" as they're not "baby" or "immature" artichoke at all. An artichoke plant will sprout several regular sized artichokes near the top of the plant and much smaller ones near the bottom of the plant, which are...
Sticky, sweet, salty, spicy ribs that are so crazy simple to make (the only cooking equipment you need is tin foil and an oven!) We normally enjoy our baby backs fall off the bone - they are so tender that when you lift up the bone, the meat really does fall off. But...
I was a-browsin' for crab rangoon recipes when I came across Philadelphia Cream Cheese's version that included baking the wonton wrapper into a cup-like shapes in a muffin pan instead of deep frying. What a fab idea! I had to give it a shot, the presentation was just...
Last week, on a surprise visit to see family, Mom made a couple of dishes that I normally don't cook myself. One of them is this Chinese Fried Sticky Rice Cake Noodle dish (long name!) In Chinese, it's called 炒年糕 Chǎo Nián Gāo. The recipe is from my Dad's hometown of...
My husband's second favorite restaurant in the world is The Cheesecake Factory. We don't go for the food, we go for the cheesecake. All of them. Okay, well maybe not all of them, unless we're in a large group, but we always order at least 4 different cheesecakes to...
Wednesdays are the craziest days in our household. Not only do the boys get out of school 2 hours early each week, but Tae Kwon Do classes start at 5:45pm. Because the boys take separate classes, they normally don't get out until 7:30pm which means dinner has to be...
This is a sponsored review by BlogHer and Kraft. This dish is what I call my "company asparagus" - even though the last time I referred to dinner guests as "company" was in 1979 when my parents had "company" over for dinner - I think it was either my Dad's boss and...
*** Flank Steak on Goat Cheese on Toast The flank steak is marinated in red chili flakes, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toppings included goat cheese, roasted red bell peppers and a balsamic fig and onion "jam" that I found at the market. You can...
Introducing the McGowan family! Angie and her family are fellow Floridians and they publish the popular Eclectic Recipes blog and the fact that she has a recipe category called "Spanglish" wins my heart. Oh and that cute little boy, Julien, she's got there wins my...
Attention big television network bosses: This beautiful lady, Miri Leigh, will be the next big lifestyle star! She's already filmed a pilot shows for a cooking and entertaining show and I'd just love to see that lovely face on national television. When I first "met"...
Some of my most peaceful moments in my life was when I lived in San Francisco. I had a four-level rickety home that was built in 1929, and as you walked along the floors, the creak of each wooden plank reminded you it was built in 1929. My boyfriend at the time and I...
Earlier this month when the handsome Gnome treated me and my girlfriend to a hot date to NYC, he brought us to David Burke's Fishtail restaurant for dinner [by the way, during NYC restaurant week at select restaurants, you can get lunch for $24.07 and dinner for $35...
Do you know what's more precious than these Nutella Chocolate Truffles? This adorable, happy couple right here, Adam and Joanne of Inspired Taste Blog. If you're not familiar with their blog, I dare you to hop over there and check out warm, irresistable Pear Vanilla...
Super Bowl XLV might as well be renamed "Wing Bowl XLV" given that we consume 1 BILLION chicken wings on Super Bowl Sunday! It's definitely on the menu at my house, though instead of the normal deep fried wings, we'll probably marinate and throw them on the grill. I'm...
I just have to put it out there that if I'm going to spend the calories on a dessert, it should satisfy not only my sweet (and salty) tooth, but also take care of my boozy tooth too. Specifically, desserts that include some sort of dunking, spritzing or drizzling of...
It's taken me thirty-ahem-something years to try a jalapeno popper for the very first time. Poppers have always been one of those things that just didn't seem so appealing - I blame it on bad crab rangoon, which has certain similarities to the popper. Sure, both have...
I recently took a trip to The Pampered Chef headquarters in Chicago to host their first ever live online cooking show featuring holiday recipes and decor tips. I had great fun, thousands of people watched online and here is one of the recipes that we made on the show....
While most of the country is already turned on their heaters and brought out their winter jackets, we've been suffering from the unbearable heat with 10,254% humidity until just a few days ago. I envy those of you in cooler states, you get to snuggle under a fuzzy...
I've labored over this recipe for days. Never mind that it's just store-bought shortbread cookies + Nutella + bananas + almonds. Never mind that there's no baking involved or that it only takes 10 minutes to assemble. The recipe is about the technique of the...
I subscribe to multiple cooking magazines, their glossy photos serve as my "look book" for dinner ideas. But my favorite section actually has no photos, the "dear editor" letters from readers revisiting a favorite food memory and pleading to weasel the recipe from the...
Before I even get into this addictive little snackity snack, I just want to say thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes yesterday on Twitter and Facebook. You all are so thoughtful to send a little message of good wishes. I was sitting at the airport waiting...
8/3/10 Update: Sorry for repeat post from 2 days ago - my database crashed!!! EEEEKS! So I had to restore from older backup and recreate this post. Public service announcement: BACK UP!!! At the risk of upsetting my vegetarian, vegan and raw fans, I’ll say this: ban...
The intentions of making my own pesto sauce from scratch was certainly there, but something silly like I-killed-my-basil-plant got in the way of my plans. There's nothing more sad than walking out to my mini-garden and seeing a sad, shriveled and shrunken herb. Oh...
Great for Valentine’s day, Mother’s Day, a birthday party or an everyday treat, these Salted Caramel Covered Strawberries will be a hit with kids and adults! Why These Salted Caramel Covered Strawberries Are So Good These Salted Caramel Covered Strawberries...
Photo from The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook My blog would not be complete without mention of one of my kids' favorite dessert in the whole wide world, Chocolate Wontons. In fact, the site serves as my family's visual menu of sorts, my kids will click through the site and...
The owner of the wing joint down the street told me that their biggest day for wing sales each year is always Superbowl. People order dozens of wings, bring them to their party, but by the time they get eaten, the wings are a sad, lukewarm pile of skin, fat and bones....
I met award-winning cookbook author Virginia Willis about a month ago at IACP Portland, and within seconds of meeting, we were giggling about....oh I don't even remember! After a couple glasses of wine, chocolate bar and bite after bite of seafood cooked on...
Forget the sour cream. Forget the cream cheese. Spinach dip made with mascarpone cheese is an absolute winner! Lighter (texture...sorry...not in calories) and I bet you'll love it. I'm normally all over anything served warm, spreadable and dippable, but I had never...
This Kale Chips recipe makes the perfect snack with a satisfying crunch! They’re easy to make with basic ingredients and they’re a great healthy snack for on the go, plus kids will love these 'chips'! Why This Kale Chips Recipe Is So Good Easy to make, you can use...
I was lucky enough to share the green room with Chef David Chang of Momofuku while we were both cooking on View From The Bay television show in San Francisco. If you've never heard of David Chang, he's the guy that Anthony Bourdain calls the one of the best chefs in...
If you are not up to making pumpkin pie (me) these little treats are perfect. Bite sized, filled with pumpkin puree, cream cheese and pumpkin spices- like clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. Fry 'em up and an instant dessert that even the kids will love. Oh, and serve them...
This is one of those perfect perfect fall-winter recipes that you must make for Thanksgiving. Because it's super-simple. If you've never made gnocchi before, please trust me that it's easier than you think... please don't be intimidated by the "gn"! Two throaty...
One of my favorite cooking shows of all time is the original Iron Chef. No, not the modern version that plays over and over on Food Network right now, but the one taped in Japan with the silly English dubbing that always cracks me up. The episode that I drooled most...
What you'll learn: How to fold Chinese dumplings like a pro The importance of pushing extra air out of dumplings How to properly cook Chinese dumplings My mom is a Chinese dumpling wrapping queen. She can mix up a batch of filling ingredients and fold them into...
I've never been a fan of scones until I met Kathy, the owner of a cooking school that I used to teach at. One afternoon, I walked in with my arms full of ingredients to prepare for a cooking class that I was teaching later that evening. Just as I was putting...
When tomato and fresh basil is THIS good, I hate to do anything other than enjoy it fresh in a salad. My Basil Vinaigrette is simple to make, takes 5 minutes in a blender. You'll love it. I promise. First, the Basil Vinaigrette ingredients: fresh basil leaves,...
It's week 2 of the Summer Fest! Last week we played around with herbs and this week it's time for fruit from trees. If you haven't yet heard about Summer Fest, it's a four-week celebration of fresh-from-the-garden food: recipes, growing tips, even tricks for storing...
Andrew just celebrated his sixth birthday last week, and like many little boys, he's obsessed with Star Wars. We're currently at the height of the Lego craze and for Andrew's birthday all he wanted was go to the Lego store inside Downtown Disney, you know, the free...
Chef and pitmaster Dr BBQ shares his recipe for the most delicious baby back ribs! The perfect char, the most addictive sauce - it's what your BBQ was made for! Why Dr BBQ's Famous Baby Back Ribs Are So Good From the mind of an award wining pitmaster. BBQ'd over...
In conjunction with my podcast with Michael Ruhlman'sRatio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking. And true to the book's goal, I didn't use a recipe to develop the Lime-Ginger Vinaigrette for the Sesame Seared Tuna. After a quick check in the...
Don't put away your party shoes just yet! I know you think that the new year celebrations are over, but for many Asians all over the world, the biggest holiday is yet to come! January 26th is the beginning of Chinese New Year, a 15-day long celebration and the start...
This Marbled Tea Egg recipe serves up eggs with a beautiful marbled surface. They are simmered in a savory liquid with star anise, cinnamon sticks, Sichuan peppercorns, and black tea until soaked with the flavors of the spices and a refreshing tea fragrance. They look...
Update 12/8/09 I'm thrilled to share that I'm a featured blogger for Oprah's Holiday 2009 where this recipe is being featured! *** While I love to make my own pizza or flatbread dough from scratch, sometimes I just don't feel like getting my hands all messy with...
What you'll learn: How to properly pleat potsticker dumplings How to fry potstickers in batches How to squeeze out water from cabbage (if you'd like to include them in your recipe) so you wouldn't have soggy dumplings In college, my friends and I used to get together...
I made Oishii Eats Vietnamese Summer Rolls (Goi Cuon) with Cashew Nut Dipping Sauce this morning on television on ABC7! They came out fantastic and the crew devoured them seconds after the camera shut off. BTW, if you happened to catch the TV segment, the host...
Do you know what I call smart? Taking something from "works awesome" (No-Knead Bread) to the level of "KICK-ASS." Which is exactly what authors of the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois have done. Oh yeah, and I hold them...
With a photo like that, do I really need any words?! I firmly believe that in order to start off the New Year properly, one must have chocolate. And lots of it. Janet, wonderful customer of my husband's company, brought these Chocolate & Toffee Barks...
Last night, I whipped up this absolutely mouth-watering Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe, and let me tell you, it was a hit! Imagine juicy shrimp bathed in a rich and flavorful mix of fresh garlic and butter, each bite a perfect harmony of taste. What makes this dish a...
Because I live in one of the hottest states in the United States, and by "hot" I mean the moment you step outside, the crease in the back of your knees sweat as fast as spinach in a fry pan. In the summer, I curse the humidity, especially when my friends back in San...
Crispy Tofu with Citrus Soy Ahhh...finally a tofu recipe. This recipe is from Eric Gower's The Breakaway Cook, which is a wonderful cookbook if you enjoy global flavors. In fact, it inspired me to start playing with Flavored Salts (that's Sichuan Peppercorn...
Are you ready to dive into a dim sum classic that's bound to become a family favorite? Let me introduce you to the Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce, or as it's lovingly called in Cantonese, 'pai kuat.' This recipe is a nostalgic nod to my modest...
This is my quick-fix snack, Rolo Pretzel Turtles. In a matter of 10 minutes, I can satisfy my sweet tooth, my salty tongue and my fat ass. Can you imagine anything more heavenly than glorious chocolate hugging a salty pretzel, topped with a crunchy toasted nut and...
I decided last month that our family should make a better effort to eat more seafood and less crap like deep fried nuggets of chicken fat. Not that I wasn’t trying to be healthy or anything, because that would be called a D-I-E-T, which is against my religion,...
After a title like that, does this dish need any other introduction at all?!? Just trust me. These will be the best fries you'll ever have. Look how light and crisp these are! Garlic, parsley and hints of truffles adorn these fries. No shaved truffles...I'm not that...
I am certainly not as talented as Gattina, who created a perfect Orange & Chilli Ricotta Cheesecake . Even her description of the cheesecake is so poetic...."a little shy girl who needs a little nudging to shine in the spotlight."So, you know where I'm going with...
I don't know if you have the upscale Chinese chain called P.F. Changs near you, but in 90's Los Angeles, it was the chi-chi place to eat...a place to see and be seen, where the skinny, tall and deeluscious hung out waiting to be discovered by producers and sugar...
Its summertime! And let me tell you, there is no better way to celebrate the summer season than being seduced by the intoxicating tropical fragrance of mangoes and buttery sweetness of cantaloupe. Seared Sea Scallops with Mango-Melon Salsa is incredibly healthy,...
Update: I was in the Wall Street Journal for this Faux Gras recipe I bought Michel Richard's Happy in the Kitchen book a few months back, and while I can gleefully tell you that its my favorite eye-candy boyfriend cookbook, I have only attempted to make one thing from...
My Sushi for One dinner Last week I taught a hand-on sushi class with 20 students in the studio kitchen. We had such a fun time making Temaki hand rolls, large inside out rolls and small Maki "cigar" rolls. Of course we had leftover ingredients, so the next evening I...
Ooooohhhh - these were so delicious! These Firecracker Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce almost didn't make it to the dinner table - we were eating them as they came out of the fryer - not even minding that we burnt our tongues! The reason I love this dish so much is...
Making your own potato chips is so incredibly easy. There are 2 pieces of equipment that you should have: 1) Mandoline 2) Deep Fryer (or) you could use a big heavy pot & thermometer Here's my weapon of choice: Pampered Chef Mandolin The biggest secret to...
There would only be 2 good reasons why I would move back to California. Well...truthfully, there probably are 4,098 reasons why I LOVED living in California, but only 2 of those reasons are valid at 1:15 a.m. when I'm absolutely craving something munchy, something...
There's something undeniably comforting about a slice of homemade banana bread. It's like a warm hug from your kitchen! Our family's banana bread recipe has been a cherished gem for over 30 years, loved for its moist texture, rich banana flavor, and a delightful hint...