Really appealing title, right? If you don't like okra or purslane or Vietnamese spinach or marrow bone or fois gras, then this dish isn't for you. Because that's the onctuous texture of bitter when cooked. Unlike the marrow bone and fois gras, however, the creaminess is combined … [Read more...] about Stir-Fried Bitter Melon: A Recipe with Salt, Sugar, and a Slimy Crunch
Chinese
Bad Grasshoppers, and Sweet and Sour Pad Thai-Style Pasta with Cabbage
All you need is balance. No, I'm not feeling particularly philosophical today. I am, however, hungry. For Thai. Specifically, gelatinous noodles coated in a creamy, salty, sweet, sour sauce. Want to know a secret? It's easy. It's my go-to, last minute, bad grasshopper, "I … [Read more...] about Bad Grasshoppers, and Sweet and Sour Pad Thai-Style Pasta with Cabbage
Variations on the Great Wall: Pickled Sweet Summer Turnip Threads with Szechuan Peppercorns
This is not a picture of all the pickled sweet summer turnips I made with this recipe. The other 10 jars are in the dining room... Last year I made fermented radish threads using one giant daikon radish and a recipe from "Beyond the Great Wall", a beautiful book about Chinese … [Read more...] about Variations on the Great Wall: Pickled Sweet Summer Turnip Threads with Szechuan Peppercorns
Vegetarian Dumplings: Cashew Mushroom Dumplings
Yes, this is a bit of a weird recipe. Have you ever seen cashews in Chinese dumplings? Me neither. But I have seen tofu, and I don't like tofu. And I have seen tofu replaced by nuts in other recipes (mostly raw). So I went for it. Try it before you judge me. It's no less bland … [Read more...] about Vegetarian Dumplings: Cashew Mushroom Dumplings
I Pickled! Daikon Radish Threads and Easy Red Chilies
I feel like I'm one step closer to grandmother-hood. No, there is no man involved, or God forbid, children, but there is canning. I made my first canned things and if they don't get all mouldy in the next few weeks I'll feel an even great sense of accomplishment. So after an … [Read more...] about I Pickled! Daikon Radish Threads and Easy Red Chilies
Eggplant with Ground Venison and Cilantro
Sometimes I make things that don't look very appetizing. If I'm just making them for myself I don't put a whole lot of extra effort into making them look pretty, but then in you come, reader, making me add garnishes. I have this feeling you will think I'm a better cook if I add … [Read more...] about Eggplant with Ground Venison and Cilantro
Finally! Home-Made Noodles in Home-Made Broth
There's something so comforting about noodle soup. I've ranted more than enough about the wonders of pho', the layer of fat, making the rich broth, browning or not browning bones, the hours of simmering, the straining, and the intensifying of flavour. I've also talked enough … [Read more...] about Finally! Home-Made Noodles in Home-Made Broth
Asian-Inspired Dinner Party: Dumplings, Miso-Marinated Cod, and Soba
Shiitake Mushroom and Bomboo Shoot Dumplings "Should we have some people over?" my mother asked. Well, yes, certainly. Two hours before the dinner party... Me: "You have no idea what I'm making, do you?" Mom: "No. If you got hit by a car I would have no idea what to do for … [Read more...] about Asian-Inspired Dinner Party: Dumplings, Miso-Marinated Cod, and Soba
Hani Chile-Garlic Paste: “Beyond the Great Wall”
The first thing I made when I got back to Newfoundland were my staples. Guizhou Chile Paste and Hani Chile-Garlic Paste Needless to say I was coughing up a lung for the rest of the afternoon. I used a 250mL container of dried Birds Eye chiles. That's enough to cause anyone who … [Read more...] about Hani Chile-Garlic Paste: “Beyond the Great Wall”
Un-Flung Heroes…
Well, I tried. the whole concept of flung noodles is to stretch one long piece of dough into an arm's length noodle, then hold the two ends in one hand and the middle of the noodle length in the other and re-fling. When it gets to arm's length again, double the ends and stretch … [Read more...] about Un-Flung Heroes…