Cooking Adventures

Chinese bean curd stick and celery salad

We tried this recipe: https://jibuyabu.wordpress.com/2015/12/22/celery-beancurd-stick-salad/ We found that parboiling the soaked, diagonally sliced tofu sticks for 5 mins was helpful. We found the dish refreshing and light. (May 2018)

We tried this recipe: https://www.saveur.com/mushroom-foil-yaki-recipe We used a mix of fresh bonapi, enoki, and shiitake mushrooms (totaling approx. 12 oz). To reduce sodium, we did not adjust the amount of seasonings for triple the mushrooms; we used only 2 Tbsp each soy and sake and 1 Tbsp white miso. We increased the butter to 2… Continue reading Japanese mixed mushroom yaki in foil pockets

We tried this recipe: https://www.japanesecooking101.com/shiozake-recipe/ We dry-salted the salmon (about ¾ tsp per 1-inch thick filet) overnight. (For a 1.5 lb salmon filet, we cut about 4 ½ pieces.) Because we did not a grill, we used the oven. We first lined a baking sheet with foil, then placed a wire rack on top of… Continue reading Japanese salt-cured salmon (shiozake)

We tried this recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/223050/chef-johns-turkey-sloppy-joes/ Our modifications: first, we used 1 1/3 ground turkey but did not adjust the seasonings. Second, we added one green bell pepper (cut into ½ inch dice), around the time we added the ketchup. Third, we skipped the fresh scallions and reduced the amount of shredded white cheddar to 2… Continue reading Turkey sloppy joes

We followed this recipe but made modifications: https://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/caramelized-catfish-sand-pot First, we used 1.5 lb skinless salmon filet, cut into 1x2” pieces. We marinated the salmon pieces as directed in a mixing bowl. Second, we omitted bacon and sautéed 5 sliced garlic cloves and 2 large shallots (sliced 1/4” thick lengthwise) in 1 Tbsp neutral oil in… Continue reading Vietnamese caramelized salmon filets

We used 6 small thighs and two medium breasts (cut in half-chunks), all skinless and boneless. Recipe here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018244-middle-eastern-herb-and-garlic-chicken We baked at 450 and also broiled on low, for a total of 20-25 mins. We skipped the yogurt dressing. (May 2018)

We tried this recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-citrus-sugar-226250 We used zest from 2 lemons and 2 limes, baked at 170 degrees for 12 mins, which is how long it took for the zest to be dry to the touch. It’s a good way to repurpose citrus rinds leftover from recipes calling for only juice. (May 2018) Note: We… Continue reading Citrus zest-infused sugar

We tried this recipe: https://www.spoonfulofflavor.com/2013/04/12/triple-berry-salad/ We used raspberries instead of blackberries. We also julienned the spearmint leaves (except for the garnish). (May 2018)

We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1014910-zucchini-tian-with-curried-bread-crumbs Our modifications: first, we used plain bread crumbs instead of panko flakes. Second, we found that 2 large zucchini was more than enough for this recipe. Third, we used 3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes (rough cut) instead of 1 pint grape tomatoes. Finally, we used lemon zest instead of orange… Continue reading Zucchini tian with curried bread crumbs

Details here: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016103-butternut-squash-polenta-with-sausage-and-onion Our modifications: first, for the polenta, we used 5 oz spiralized butternut. We also added about 1/3 cup water slowly over time while simmering to make sure the polenta mixture wasn’t too viscous. Second, we used a mix of hot and sweet Italian chicken sausage (2 links each). We also sautéed the… Continue reading Polenta with sausage and spiralized butternut squash