Wild rice dressing with celery, nuts, and dried cranberries

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014036-wild-rice-almond-and-mushroom-stuffing?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share For the dry sherry, we used sherry cooking wine. Our modifications: first, we substituted 8 oz dried cranberries and 8 oz water chestnuts (drained, sliced, and halved) for the cremini mushrooms. Second, we increased the diced celery to 1.5 cups (from 1 cup). Third, we substituted 2/3 cup toasted,… Continue reading Wild rice dressing with celery, nuts, and dried cranberries

Beef barley soup, version 2

We tried this Skinnytaste recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/beef-barley-soup/ We made a few modifications: first, we cut our beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces, so we reduced pressure-cooking time to 12 mins on medium-low (we started timer after the pressure cooker had reached full pressure). Second, we added 6 cups beef broth instead of water, and we added… Continue reading Beef barley soup, version 2

Filipino sour soup with salmon and daikon, shortcut style

First, dice 1 large onion (or 1 medium onion plus 1 small shallot) and mince 3 large cloves garlic. Trim 6 oz green beans and cut into bite sized diagonal pieces (about 1.5-2 inches), and set aside. Peel a small daikon (about ½ lb), cut into ¾ inch slices, and set aside. Cut 1 lb… Continue reading Filipino sour soup with salmon and daikon, shortcut style

Sauteed rotisserie chicken with Middle Eastern flavors

We had about 3 cups of rotisserie chicken leftover (mainly bits of breast, backmeat, 2 thighs, and a wing). Loose instructions: first, remove meat from carcass, handshredding into bite-sized pieces. Second, heat a medium nonstick frying pan on medium and spray with a little vegetable oil. Add the shredded chicken, then add 3 Tbsp slivered… Continue reading Sauteed rotisserie chicken with Middle Eastern flavors

Breakfast barley with toasted nuts and honey

We loosely followed this recipe for barley cooking instructions: https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/barley-breakfast-bowl-mixed-berry-compote Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe to two servings, preparing ½ cup uncooked pearled barley, 1 ½ cups water, and 1/8 tsp salt. Second, instead of fruit compote, for the garnish we used ¼ cup total toasted unsalted pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds… Continue reading Breakfast barley with toasted nuts and honey

Chinese-style soup with frozen dumplings

We loosely followed this recipe for broth only: https://omnivorescookbook.com/recipes/wonton-soup/ Our modifications: first, we cut ½ block of five-spice pressed tofu into matchsticks (about ½ cup), and sauteed in 1 tsp oil in a medium Dutch oven until browned. Second, add to the pot: 6 cups chicken broth (4 cups unsalted, 2 cups Better Than Bouillon),… Continue reading Chinese-style soup with frozen dumplings

Chinese carrot and celery salad

We tried this recipe: https://www.vietworldkitchen.com/blog/2012/07/celery-and-carrot-tossed-with-sesame-recipe.html For the Sichuan peppercorns, we used ¼ tsp that we toasted and then ground with a mortar and pestle. At the end, we added ½ tsp of Marukan salad seasoning rice vinegar (yellow label) for brightness. (Dec. 2020) Source: Andrea Nguyen, author and teacher, Vietworldkitchen.com.