Burmese sour soup (chin-yay hin)

I learned this homestyle Burmese recipe from Waimar's family. Saute 1 chopped medium onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, ¾ tsp microplaned ginger, 1 chopped tomato, 5 oz white albacore tuna (drained from a can), ½ tsp turmeric, and 2 tsp paprika in a pot with a little oil.  When wilted, add about 6 cups water, bring to… Continue reading Burmese sour soup (chin-yay hin)

Colombian chicken and root vegetable soup (ajiaco), version 1

This is a multi-step recipe that took over 4 hours to make. First, make the chicken stock: place a whole chicken in a stock pot, cover with 12-14 cups water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then skim scum off the top. Add carrot chunks, celery chunks, 2 bay leaves, an onion… Continue reading Colombian chicken and root vegetable soup (ajiaco), version 1

Colombian chicken and potato soup with whole corn (ajiaco), version 2

I thought of my Colombian friend Laura while making this. Place a whole chicken in a stock pot with 12 cups water, 2/3 of a bunch of cilantro (tied with kitchen string), and 1 piece celery tied to 2 whole scallions (tops cleaned off) with kitchen string. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low… Continue reading Colombian chicken and potato soup with whole corn (ajiaco), version 2

Italian chick pea and swiss chard soup

Using a stockpot, saute 2 oz thick-cut bacon (cut into matchsticks) in a little olive oil until browned, then remove and set aside. Add 1 chopped onion, 4 cloves minced garlic, 5 sprigs thyme (leaves only), 2-3 minced sage leaves, and ¼ tsp crushed red pepper and sauté for a few minutes. Add 1 bunch… Continue reading Italian chick pea and swiss chard soup

Barley pilaf with artichoke hearts and chick peas

We first tried this recipe in 2007 when our friend Sandhya served it at a party. The recipe is here: https://www.food.com/recipe/barley-pilaf-with-chickpeas-and-artichoke-hearts-301799 Our modifications: first, we halve the amount of marinated artichoke hearts (to a 6 oz jar), drain, and slice them vertically in half. Second, for the pesto, we prefer Safeway private label brand or… Continue reading Barley pilaf with artichoke hearts and chick peas

Auntie Jenny’s chocolate cake

This is a beloved family recipe from my best friend’s mom. Auntie Jenny, as I called her, routinely baked this cake. She called it her “no fail chocolate cake” because the ingredients were so simple and instructions so straightforward. My husband loves that this recipe includes a cup of hot coffee. Preheat oven to 350.… Continue reading Auntie Jenny’s chocolate cake

Roasted acorn squash stuffed with sausage and brown rice

Preheat oven to 450.  Cut three acorn squash in half, removing seeds and membranes.  Place, cut side up, on cookie sheet and brush the cut parts and the hollow with 1 Tbsp melted unsalted butter and a little salt and black pepper.  Roast in oven until partially cooked (about 35 mins).  In the mean time, prepare… Continue reading Roasted acorn squash stuffed with sausage and brown rice