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)

Japanese grapefruit jello 

During my childhood, a Japanese family friend, Mrs. Otsuka, made grapefruit jello, which she served in grapefruit shells (similar to lemon sorbet being served in a hollowed-out lemon).  A few years ago, I finally tracked down a Japanese recipe for this dish, which turns out to be quite simple.  First, lightly spray the inside of the gelatin mold(s)… Continue reading Japanese grapefruit jello