Couscous with roasted cauliflower and dates

We followed this Food Network Kitchens recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/cauliflower-couscous-recipe-2105437.html?soc=itksocialshareSMS%7Cios%7Cp However, we made substantial modifications: first, instead of sautéing the cauliflower and shallots (which we increased from 1 to 3 shallots), we seasoned them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper and oven-roasted them at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes (we increased heat to 450 for… Continue reading Couscous with roasted cauliflower and dates

Korean persimmon punch with cinnamon and ginger (sujeonggwa)

After having this dessert beverage at Korean restaurants for years, I finally tried making it at home. Recipe from Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking cookbook. Similar recipe on her blog: http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/sujeonggwa. The directions were the same, with only slight differences in ingredient proportions. Her cookbook calls for 10 cups water, 5 cinnamon sticks, 3 oz ginger,… Continue reading Korean persimmon punch with cinnamon and ginger (sujeonggwa)

Oven-baked plantains

I got inspiration for this lighter alternative to fried plaintains from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/healthily-cook-plantains-3827.html, except I coated the baking pan with some canola oil spray.  Preheat oven to 450, then lightly spray a cookie sheet with canola oil.  Place two plantains, cut on a ½ inch diagonal, on the cookie sheet, then lightly spray with canola oil. … Continue reading Oven-baked plantains

Blueberries and milk sprinkled with vanilla-infused sugar

Blueberries and milk sprinkled with vanilla-infused sugar.  During my childhood, my mom loved having blueberries with milk - and lots of sugar.  I tried it this time with homemade vanilla-infused sugar (see recipe below), and it tasted great.  (Sept. 2013) Vanilla-infused sugar:  Place a whole vanilla pod in a seal-proof glass jar, then pour sugar in… Continue reading Blueberries and milk sprinkled with vanilla-infused sugar

Burmese banana and coconut milk custard (naypyew sa-nwin makin)

Preheat oven to 350.  Blend 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temp) and ¾ cup sugar until creamy, then mix in 2 eggs. Fold in 6-7 mashed ripe bananas (here, a combo of Cavendish and apple bananas) and 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz).  Mix in ½ cup flour to bind.  Pour mixture into a buttered… Continue reading Burmese banana and coconut milk custard (naypyew sa-nwin makin)