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I cook as a hobby, and I maintain this blog primarily to keep track of recipes that my family has enjoyed over the years. I started blogging back in 2015, in response to requests from friends for recipes they had seen me post on Facebook (but that I couldn’t easily catalog). My original blog was on another platform that became less user-friendly over time. I migrated my blog to WordPress earlier this year, and I’ve spent more time than expected reformatting the migrated posts.
This blog is and always will be a work in progress. For example, I currently provide Tags for posts, but I have not coded for Categories. I also generally try to share the recipes themselves in my posts, but in cases where the recipe is not available online, I try to identify the source (e.g., the cookbook title and author) as needed. In some cases, such as where a family has shared their recipe with me but hasn’t authorized me to share it widely, I post a photo of the dish with that proviso.
I recently added a Search widget to this blog. On the desktop version, the Search bar appears prominently on the left hand side. But for some reason, it is hidden on the mobile app. If you’re on your phone, tap on the SHOW tab at the top left of the home page. That will reveal another screen with the Search bar.
I hope you enjoy exploring my blog and find some recipes to try.
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We tried this recipe: https://omnivorescookbook.com/easy-mongolian-meatballs/. We used a mix of 50% minced chicken breast and 50% minced pork. For the pepper flakes, we used only ½ tsp Burmese toasted pepper (including seeds). While making these meatballs, we preheated the oven at 425 and roasted eggplant wedges (1 medium eggplant cut into 2×1 wedges, tossed with a drizzle of canola oil and a little salt and pepper) for 30 mins. (June 2021)
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Inspired by High on the Hog, we tried Dr. Jessica B. Harris’s recipe using rotisserie chicken (minus skin and bones): https://www.today.com/recipes/moyo-de-poulet-fume-smoked-chicken-sauce-recipe-t218192 Our modifications: first, we used 4 ½ fresh, peeled, and seeded hothouse tomatoes and supplemented with a 14.5 oz can of marzano plum tomatoes (omitting about 1 Tbsp liquid). Second, we slightly increased the smoked paprika and soy sauce to taste, and we added 1 Tbsp hot water mixed with 1 tsp Better than Bouillon chicken to enhance the chicken flavor. Finally, finding the stew lacked contrasting textures, we sprinkled with fried onion pieces. (June 2021)
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We tried this recipe to use up ½ head of cauliflower and 5 ripe hothouse tomatoes. This recipe is vegetarian, but we added some bacon crumble (about ½ oz bacon cut into matchsticks and browned in a frying pan). The original vegetarian recipe is here: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2017/08/roasted-sicilian-cauliflower-quick-tomato-jam/ (June 2021)
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We tried the jam from this recipe: https://www.howsweeteats.com/2016/08/avocado-bacon-and-egg-toast-with-quick-tomato-jam/ Our modifications: first, we used 1.5 cups diced fresh hothouse tomatoes (5 medium). Second, we increased the apple cider vinegar from 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp. The next time, we may add some crushed red pepper. We served this with roasted cauliflower (lightly seasoned with Greek oregano, shredded parmesan, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper, and vegetable oil) and browned bacon (cut into match sticks). (June 2021)
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We made this recipe, but halved it: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/banana-oatmeal-pancakes/ Our modifications: First, we disagreed with the general instructions to combine all ingredients in the blender. Instead, we blended the dry ingredients first in our handheld mixer, then set them into a bowl. Using a separate mixing bowl, we mashed the banana, egg, milk, and vanilla extract with a fork, then poured the wet mixture into the mixer, and slowly blended the dry mixture into the wet. Second, we used a ¼ cup measure to dole out the pancake batter; this yielded 6 pancakes for the half-recipe. We also used canola cooking spray and 1% milk in lieu of olive oil and almond milk, respectively. We garnished with sliced banana (from a second banana) and about 2 Tbsp toasted walnut pieces. (June 2021)
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The marinade is 3 Tbsp soy, 2 Tbsp mirin, and 1 Tbsp microplaned ginger for 1 lb chicken breast cutlets (about 5 pieces). Place each cutlet b/w two sheets of Saran Wrap, and gently tap with a mallet. Marinate the flattened cutlets in a lidded mixing bowl and refrigerate for 30 mins. Lightly spray a nonstick pan, and pan fry the cutlets in cycles until complete. Separately, clean and trim root ends off of mung bean sprouts (about 16 oz). Heat pan with some oil, then add 2 garlic cloves (sliced). When fragrant, add bean sprouts and sauté on high heat until sprouts are lightly cooked (about 2 mins). Place sautéed bean sprouts in a log shape on serving plate, then layer chicken cutlets on top. Serve with Japanese seasoned rice with peas. The original recipe, which used thinly sliced pork, was from Harumi’s Japanese Home Cooking: Simple, Elegant Recipes for Contemporary Tastes https://www.amazon.com/dp/1557885206/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_Kd9mxbMVKKNVD (May 2015)
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We tried this recipe: https://juliasalbum.com/arugula-salad-with-apples-cranberries-and-pecans/ We substituted the cranberries with dried cherries, and we plumped in hot water as suggested. (June 2021)
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We tried this recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/cuban-avocado-watercress-and-pineapple-salad-em-ensalada-de-aguacate-berro-y-pina-em-51203230 The original recipe called for watercress, but we used baby arugula. We also omitted the red onion. (May 2021)
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Details here: https://damndelicious.net/2019/04/15/red-beans-and-rice/Based on our pantry, we used a combo of red kidney beans and pinto beans. We added 2 large frozen jalapeños (seeded and chopped) instead of bell pepper. For the sausage, we used 12 oz of Aidells pork andouille. At the end of cooking, we mashed a bit and drizzled about 2 tsp red wine vinegar. We made jasmine rice in a rice cooker. (May 2021)
