Japanese salt-cured salmon (shiozake)

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)

Turkey sloppy joes

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

Vietnamese caramelized salmon filets

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

Zucchini tian with curried bread crumbs

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

Polenta with sausage and spiralized butternut squash

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

Simple chocolate pudding

We tried this recipe because it required only pantry ingredients and did not call for whipping or heavy cream: https://cookiesandcups.com/easy-chocolate-pudding/ We garnished with fresh spearmint. (May 2018) Note: For a spicy variation, add a dash each cayenne (1/8 to 1/16 tsp) and cinnamon (1/8 tsp) to the dry ingredients. You also can garnish with the… Continue reading Simple chocolate pudding

Korean sweet and sour cucumber salad (oi muchim)

We tried this recipe from A Korean Mother’s Cooking Notes by Sun-young Chang. First, clean 3 Persian cucumbers by rubbing with slightly wet coarse salt, then rinse and dry. Trim off ends, then slice on a diagonal to 1/16” thick (we used a mandolin). Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (we use… Continue reading Korean sweet and sour cucumber salad (oi muchim)