Ghirardelli brownie cookies

We tried this recipe, which uses a boxed mix: https://savoringtoday.com/ghirardelli-brownie-mix-cookies/ We used a 20 oz box of Ghirardelli dark chocolate brownie mix, and following the tip in the recipe, we added 2 Tbsp flour (which resulted in a cakey cookie, so we may reduce to 1 Tbsp next time). For the optional extra ingredients, we… Continue reading Ghirardelli brownie cookies

Chinese stirfried eggplant with minced pork

We tried this recipe: https://www.chinasichuanfood.com/chinese-eggplants-with-minced-pork/ Instead of ¼ cup minced pork, we used ½ lb (approx ½ cup) and doubled the pork marinade (minced ginger and cooking wine) while leaving all other ingredients (including Pixian sauce) in the original proportion. We used Japanese eggplant, and I think that was better than the rounder western option.… Continue reading Chinese stirfried eggplant with minced pork

Korean stirfried root vegetables

I learned this easy, versatile recipe from a friend many years ago. First, peel about 2 ½ lb root vegetables (here, 2 russet potatoes, 1 Korean sweet potato, and 2 carrots) and cut into ½" thick sticks. Set aside in a bowl. Peel and halve 1 medium onion, and slice along the vertical axis (¼"… Continue reading Korean stirfried root vegetables

Simple breakfast quesadilla with pinto beans

We tried this recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/simple-breakfast-quesadillas-recipe/ Based on our pantry, we omitted cilantro and pickled jalapeños. We added 1 Tbsp chopped scallions into the egg and pinto bean mixture before scrambling them. For the quesadilla, we used shredded Mexican cheese and added a layer of fresh Spinach leaves. (July 2021)

Mongolian meatballs with roasted eggplant wedges

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 2x1 wedges, tossed with… Continue reading Mongolian meatballs with roasted eggplant wedges

Roasted Sicilian cauliflower with quick tomato jam and browned bacon crumbles

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)

Quick tomato jam with Italian flavors

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,… Continue reading Quick tomato jam with Italian flavors