Rice noodles, chow fun

Do you have an asian market around? I go to china town in Chicago for my fresh rice noodles, called ban pho on the package. They come in a big slab, uncut. I add them to my stir fry or asian soup. On the side, We'll be having brown rice and Yamabuki shiro miso soup with seaweed.

one package noodles
one package enoki mushrooms
1/2 chopped onion
2-3 bunches bok choy
2-3 bunches chinese broccoli
1 carrot, peeled, i use the peeler to cut it into small shavings to cook faster, slice if you like
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 -1/2 cup silver swan soy sauce or tamari
1-2 tbsp sesame oil

saute garlic and half of the olive oil for a few minutes....add all vegetables. (sesame oil is to be applied after cooking). Cook for a few more minutes. while on high heat, add almost 1/4 cup of soy sauce. let it evaporate as it finishes cooking the vegetables. set aside.

cut rice noodles into wide pieces and pull apart. add olive oil on high heat and cook the noodles
add the soy sauce and let it brown and slightly burn the noodles. put the vegetables back in stir in sesame oil and you're done!

The Miso soup I buy is a past in a plastic bag package. Also found at an asian market. It's delicious and a super quick to make. Just heat up some water add the paste to your level of flavor intensity. I probably add about 2-3 tbsps to 3 cups of water. add scallions and dried seawed or not and serve. It's nice with brown rice on the side.

enjoy!

Chai

If you're looking for a great tea (chai) without caffine to wind down your night with a sweet beverage or just warm up with a cozy cup of something hot, try this. I generally hate anise and clove flavored things but the combination of flavors is amazing.

6-8 cups of water
2-4 tbsps of fresh ginger thinly shredded
1 stick of cinnamon
small handfull of cloves
small handfull of anise seeds (star of anise)
1-2 tbsp of ground cardamon

heat until it boils and simmer until the color gets dark. I like to let it takes its time. It allows the dried things to hydrate and permeate the tea to get a stronger, bolder flavor.

I serve it with rice milk and honey but you can use what ever type of milk you like, leave it out, and use sugar or agave as a sweetener instead.

Great to serve with cookies or breads!

Whipped cream

Forget that store bought whipped topping made with hydrogenated oils...go for the real stuff!

1 small carton heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar, preferably white

Whip the cream with a blender or by hand until it gets kind of stiff but not totally standing in peaks on its own. Add the sugar and continue to beat until it's stiff. if you go any further it will turn into whipped butter.

spoon some on your favorite pie or mix of berries and serve. we had it on a sweet potato pie slice...mmmmm de-lish!

Kimchi or Kim Chee

....We recently went to the John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and to our surprise, discovered an amazing kim chee recipe. Apprently the the school had a fermentation class that week. On fridays of each week all week long classes have a 'show and tell' sort of thing.

Gather your extra large glass containers, canning jars, cutting board, knife and this list of ingredients. This is how we adapted the recipe...
4 cloves Garlic or more depending on taste
Bok choy, one head
4-5 tbsp ginger
2 large carrots
1 large daikon or other radishes
1/2 large jicama
cucumbers
1 beet (though this will turn the whole thing beet red, I love beets)
1-2 bunches of scallions
hot peppers or pepper flakes
1 tbsp salt per 1 cup water

Chop all your vegetables the way you like. put them all in large glass jar bowl, something with a lid. Stainless steel will do also. add salt and water brine and soak. the brine should cover all vegetables. be sure to pack them in tight. some recipes use fish broth powder, hondashi, to give it that extra umph. We've laready made one batch with this recipe and it was great without it. So if you're not into fishy, leave it out. we left out the first batch for five days before canning it but this one seems to be moving a little slower in the fermentation process. I say it's due to the cooler weather by the window where we keep it. I'll probably let it go for a few more days before transferring it.

Red Bean Burgers

Erik is HUGE fan of beans! I didn't think I was much of a meat eater until we spent more time together. Now I seem like a dedicated carnivore. In comparison to the average American, I still look like I'm a vegetarian. I've revamped the bean burger recipe I used some 12 years ago and this is what we came up with.

This recipe makes 8 large burgers! Packed with fiber and protein. Feel free to substitute 1 egg for 1 tbsp of ground flax meal (mix 1 tbsp hot water with 1 tbsp flax meal to thicken.)

1 cup dried red beans
1-2 chicken boullion
2-3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter optional
1 small onion= 3/4 cup chopped
1/2 zucchini chopped
1 yellow bell pepper
1 jalepeno pepper
3/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1-2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp curry
1/4 chopped FRESH cilantro or parsley or both
couple dashes of hot sauce
4 eggs beaten
1/4-1/2 cup bread crumbs

Soak beans over night. If you didn't do that, add water and start boiling them. After the first boil pour off water and replace with fresh water. Add boullion, bring to a boil then cut down to a simmer. You may need to add more water. They tend to soak up a lot. Especially these larger red beans. When they're almost tender you can start the veggies. Heat a pan with olive oil (and butter). Add all chopped veggies and garlic. Add salt, cumin and curry. Stir and saute. Set aside. Check on the beans again. They should be firm and cooked through. Strain. and pour beans into a medium sized bowl. Use a pastry blender to coarsely chop them or do it with a knife on a cutting board. Mix sauted veggies and beans together. ( I had some left over quinoa and sprouted lentils that I added to the mixture too.) Add chopped herbs and hot sauce. Stir in eggs and sprinkle on bread crumbs as needed. The mixture should be wet looking, a little mushy. It will ensure a good bind when you cook them or else they fall apart easier. Spoon some onto the olive oil hot pan. Spread out into burger shapes and cook until toasted then flip carefully.

My personal favorite is to serve on multi-grain or rye bread with fixins' like fresh spinach or lettuce, spicy mustard and sliced tomatoes.

place a mound of mixture and flatten,

if it falls apart when you flip it, add more egg

I didn't cook all of it so I only added egg to what I

used and put the rest in the fridge

Collard Greens, Diggy Style

Southern Collards are a favorite. If you grow collard greens you know what I mean. They just keep replenishing themselves, that is if you're just taking off the leaves and not cutting down the stalk. They can be intimidating to some people if you've never tried them. Collards definitely have a particular taste; they are a tough, full-bodied green leaf, with a hint of bitterness. So when making collards, a key to success is patience for the time it takes to mature on the stove. I got the bulk of this recipe from my friend 'Diggy,' an afficionado in the kitchen. We've shared cooking techniques over the years. One thing he taught me is to have patience when browning meat and not to put too many in the pot together. Well here's the recipe...

Goodies for cookin'
I made a double batch today, so you could probably cut it in half.

4 cloves garlic
1 large onion
circle of hot sauce
2 hot peppers, jalepenos or red pepper flakes
1/2 lb bacon or midlins' * or bacon fat or
4 pork neck bones
( I prefer these to hamhocks because they have more meat)
2 bunches of collards
2 med tomatoes or small can of tomatoes
(I used 1 cup left over tomato sauce)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp pepper
3 small chicken boullion
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup vinegar

Cook bacon (brown pork meat of choice). Add garlic, onions, peppers. Add water to cover all contents. Start cutting the collards and put em' in. Add tomatoes, boullion, pepper, cumin. Cover and simmer away. When it's almost done taste and add salt if more is desired. Add vinegar. This is done last because the flavor evaporates quickly.


*(pork from the stomach region it's basically uncured/unsmoked bacon)

November 12-14, 2010

This weekend is a bit busy. Erik and I just went grocery shopping. Usually what happens after shopping is a really busy day in the kitchen. I tend to cook a few things at the same time to have some dishes pre-made in the fridge. In case of being in a hurry to go somewhere, I can just heat and go. For all of you who say, "I don't have time to cook" this is one way to manage the time. If you have a laundry day or a stay at home day where you take care of things or relax, you can cook at the same time! Anyways, we have a few dinner engagements this weekend so the cooking that follows are the dishes we'll be bringing along or cooking there.

Birthday Party Dish!!!
Apple Struedel
Preheat to 350

Dough*

1 cup all-purpose flour
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
4-6 Tbsp cold water
pinch of salt

Apples

which ever are you favorites will do, some tend to stay firm better, just experiment
for this amount of dough we tend to use 2-3 apples, but it really depends on how you plan to use the dough.

2-3 apples, cored, peeled & cut into quarters or slices (I like them chunky but slices fit better)
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2-3 Tbsp of brown sugar
1/8 tsp clove or nutmeg, optional to make the flavor have more depth

Let's make dough first.... I've discovered lately that if we let it sit for at least an hour, better over night, the result is flakier. Get a medium sized bowl, add flour and pinch of salt. Cut butter into small cubes and add to flour mixture. If you have a pastry blender use it. Otherwise two butter knives will work to cut into the mixture, using the knives pull away from center in opposite direction; or use your hands- the key here is not to heat the butter too much- and your hands can be too warm at times. So, if you notice the butter melting stop and run your hands under cold water for a minute then continue. We're looking for a uniform crumbled mixture of butter and flour. When you've reached that point it's time to add the water. Add 4 Tbsp and mix before you decide to add more. The dough should be wet but not oozing. It shouldn't stick to your hands, that means it's too wet. If it's still crumbly or when you pick up a handful and try to flatten it, the edges crack, add more water. You want the dough to roll out nicely without that happening. Its not odd to use up to 7 Tbsp of water. Mix well, kneading for a few minutes in the bowl. Cover and let stand for at least an hour. If you are preparing a day in advance, put it in tupperware, sealed or wrapped well in plastic wrap, in the fridge.

Apples....
Peel, core, cut and or slice, you can make cubes or stars if you want. Add all spices and sugar. Mix well.
Roll out dough into a rectangle. You can cut this in half or fold over when it comes time to close it. Place apples on top and arrange so that they are snug together leaving about an inch around them to connect the dough. Wet the edges with a little water on your fingers. Fold over or place your second piece on top. Pinch together with your fingers or use a fork. Cut a few slits on top to allow air to escape. Repeat until dough or apples are gone. Place on a buttered cookie sheet. Cook until top becomes light brown. Depending on size it could take 20-40 minutes.

*This dough is versatile! I use it for dumplings, pie crust, empanandas, pot pies or anythings else you need dough for.




Tapas Party Dish!!!!
Empanaditas de Carne
(little empanadas- crust stuffed with meat or other filling)

Dough
refer to recipe above, doubled

Meat Filling

Today we'll be using ground beef. They are typically made with beef, chicken, or spinach. But let's face it, there is a lot of room for creativity here.

1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 jalepeno, chopped
2 Tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb of ground beef
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 cup yellow raisins
1 large tomato, chopped


Heat olive oil over med-hi heat. Add onion, garlic, jalepeno, salt, pepper, saute until fragrant. Add meat and saute until browned. We want to brown it, not steam it. So use a large enough pan so the meat has breathing room, other wise a lot of liquid will develop. If this happens, turn up the heat a little and let it evaporate. Once brown, add tomatoes and raisins, cover for a few minutes to let the tomatoes cook and the raisins plump up. When it all looks like it has integrated and isn't to wet or dry and it tastes good, turn off the heat. You don't want it too wet because it will make the dough soggy.

Roll out the dough into the shapes desired, fill leaving a border to join both sides. We (my friend Raquel and I, sh'es visiting to learn how to make them) will be making small, bite size versions since they are for a Tapas Party. Cook until light brown on top and edges. You're only cooking the crust so it should be more than 15 minutes, depending on how many you have on the cookie sheet and the size. If you want to go the extra mile...whip an egg white and brush on after cooking for about 8 minutes. It will make the crust a beautiful golden brown.

Rooftop Pool Party
Stir-Fry
One of my Favorite Staples
My friend, Nidhi, will be receiving a cooking lesson for this dish. Super easy, fast and cheap!

Shopping List:

1 lg onion
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
2-3 tbsp shredded or chopped ginger*
1/2+ cup sliced onion
(one small or 1/2 of a large one or for more color add scallions)
2 lg carrots, sliced thin
1/3 head of green cabbage or 1/2 napa cabbage
2 cups chinese green beans (they are really long)
1/4 cup soy sauce*
juice of 1-2 limes
1 tbsp sugar
2-3 tbsp sesame oil
1 chili pepper, jalepeno or other, or red pepper*

Heat the olive oil + 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan or pot on medium to high heat. (We don't want to burn the garlic to adjust heat as necessary.) Add garlic, ginger, peppers and onions.(If you're using scallions add them with the veggies.) Allow them to become fragrant and start to brown a little, add carrots and cabbage. If you cut your carrots a little thicker let them cook a little before adding the cabbage. Stir occasionally to get an even cooking rate. Add beans. Keep stirring for a few more minutes. Turn up the heat a little before adding the soy sauce...this will ensure that it doesn't steam your vegetables too much and wil kind of caramelize the soy a bit to be a glaze over the veggies. Add lime juice. Add tbsp of sugar and mix, mix, mix. Add remaining sesame oil.

Serve with brown or white rice. This dish can easily be altered to add meat. Meat should be chopped into small pieces or ground. Just add it in with the garlic and ginger at the beginning and wait until it browns up before adding other veggies. Or this can be a side dish to a meat.

Buen probecho!

Green Lentil Soup with Fixins'

I think this dish would serve 4 people comfortably

You will need this stuff for the lentil soup:

3/4c lentils, i used green, but any will do if you want a colorful soup go for yellow!
1 large carrot, cut in 3
1/2 onion
1/8 tsp thyme
1/8 tsp basil
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp curry powder (indian pref)
2 cubes chicken boullion
1 tsp salt
couple sprigs of cilantro


I tend to presoak my beans for cooking but if you're in a pinch, you've come to the right place because lentils don't take long to cook anyways.(note- if you soak beans, throw out water and replenish with fresh water to boil! or if its last minute, pour off water after first boil- my friend Jason's grandma says "that's where the winds' at." Boil until beans are almost tender then add boullion carrot and onion. Simmer until all is tender. Pour into a blender and puree. If you have one of those hand held things that puree...go for it. If you lack something to puree with, sorry, just leave it chunky. Just Take out the carrot and onion after it cooks thoroughly and chop it up. I leave the carrots in larger pieces for better flavor. Taste and add salt if desired.

You will need this stuff for the fixins:

hot peppers*
2 cloves garlic
4 Tbsp Olive oil
1 Tbsp butter
8oz-16oz Mushrooms*
2-3 cups Chopped Kale
1/4c H2O + 2-3 Tbsp
1/2 onion
1/2 jalepeno

Saute finely chopped hot peppers, one clove garlic, 2tbsp olive oil and 1tbsp butter together until you get an aroma and the garlic starts to become golden.Then add mushrooms and saute until they are well cooked and release all their liquid.

Add Kale + 1/4c water, cover for a few minutes until kale changes color to bright green, then leave the cover off and let the remaining liquid evaporate. Once this is done, transfer to a bowl and set aside.

In the same pan, (since i try to use as little kitchen ware as possible= less dishes) saute olive oil, a clove of garlic, half of a yellow onion and half of a jalepeno. Saute until fragrant and garlic is turning golden. Add Brown rice (left overs are great for this) and 2-3 tablespoons of H2O. Let the water steam off to revitalize the rice, if you just made rice for this dish DO NOT ADD WATER.

To SERVE this wonderful dish I decided to put the soup in a larger wide bowl, filling the bowl 1/2-2/3 full and then spooning in the rice mixture. Add a sprig of cilantro for garnish and an extra umph of taste!

ENJOY!!!

*quantity depends on desired burn. I used a few different peppers and sorry, I can't tell you two names because we got them at a market in Tennessee. I can tell you what they looked and taste like...one is yellow, small and about 2-3 inches shaped like a banana pepper. It is the spicy of the bunch and has a growing, lingering heat, mild. One was enough for me to put a slight burn on the dish and make a more complex pepper taste. The other was orange, with a strong habanero flavor without the burn of it. An absolutely wonderful flavor! The third was a regular ol' jalepeno pepper.
*depending on how much you like mushrooms. Any kind, today I used white ones because that's what was in the fridge