Cut 12 oz Japanese eggplant (here, we used two) into 2 x ½" wedges and set aside. Heat a wok on high, then add 1 Tbsp oil, 6 oz minced pork and 2 Tbsp minced garlic, breaking up into mince. Sauté the pork until it’s no longer pink, then reduce heat to medium and add… Continue reading Hakka braised eggplant, pork, and mushrooms
Watermelon and blueberry salad
This is a simple and healthy recipe that uses spearmint-infused simple syrup. Details here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/watermelon-salad-recipe.html (May 2016)
Oven-roasted grape tomatoes
We followed this recipe but increased the temperature to 450 and reduced cooking time to 20 mins. We also garnished with minced Italian parsley. Details here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/roasted-grape-tomatoes-recipe.html (May 2016)
Oven-roasted mixed mushrooms
We followed this recipe from Real Simple: toss 1 lb roughly cut mixed mushrooms (such as oyster, shiitake, and cremini) and 1 lb halved or quartered button mushrooms with ½ cup olive oil, 6 sprigs thyme, and some salt and black pepper. Roast in a baking sheet (we used a baking dish) at 450 for… Continue reading Oven-roasted mixed mushrooms
Balsamic roast stone fruit and pear sundae
We followed this recipe but used two pears as well as peaches and cherries: http://cookieandkate.com/2013/balsamic-stone-fruit-sundae/. We modified by increasing balsamic vinegar to 4 Tbsp (¼ cup). (May 2015) Note: We like the following ratio of sugar to vinegar: 3 Tbsp vanilla-infused sugar and ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (3 Tbsp regular balsamic and 1 Tbsp fruit-infused… Continue reading Balsamic roast stone fruit and pear sundae
Warm kale, coconut, and tomato salad
We tried this NYT recipe: http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018114-warm-kale-coconut-and-tomato-salad. The flavor was good, but we found the lime zest overpowering. The next time, we may reduce the lime zest dressing for the tomatoes to just 1 lime. Also, as the recipe advises, be judicious in the amount of ginger-tahini-white miso dressing you add to the roasted tomatoes and… Continue reading Warm kale, coconut, and tomato salad
Armenian eggplant and minced turkey casserole
The original recipe calls for minced lamb, but we tried to make it more low-fat with turkey. Preheat oven to 350. Heat a Dutch oven on medium-high heat, then pour 2 Tbsp olive oil. Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped and seeded bell pepper (here, a serrano pepper) and sauté until onion is translucent.… Continue reading Armenian eggplant and minced turkey casserole
Armenian oven-roasted lemon chicken
Marinate 2 lbs skinless and boneless chicken thighs (about 4 thighs) in the following: the juice of 3 lemons, 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp fresh mint, ½ tsp each oregano and thyme (here, we used a few sprigs each fresh), 1 tsp each cumin and salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, and 1/8 tsp… Continue reading Armenian oven-roasted lemon chicken
Armenian-style roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce
Preheat oven to 425. Break one head cauliflower into bite-sized florets, toss in olive oil to lightly coat (about 1 Tbsp), and add a few sprigs each marjoram and thyme (leaves only). Season with salt and pepper, then roast for about 40 mins (turning once). Remove from oven.Separately, make the tahini sauce: combine ¼ cup… Continue reading Armenian-style roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce
Armenian bulgur and chickpea stew
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven on medium heat. Add 1 ¼ cups coarse-grain bulgur wheat (here, buckwheat kernels) and sauté until toasted. Add 1 medium onion (chopped) and sauté until fragrant, then add 3 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for a minute, then add 3 stalks celery (diced) and cook for… Continue reading Armenian bulgur and chickpea stew
Cooking Adventures 