Chinese Mabo Tofu

Mabo Tofu (or Mapo Doufu) is a popular Chinese dish that originated from the Szechuan province.  The dish consists of tofu set in a spicy chili and bean-based sauce that is mixed with minced meat, usually pork or beef.  The original Szechuan recipe is made to be powerfully spicy, although in America, the dish’s heat … Continue reading

Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms

It is unfortunate Brussels sprouts have such a stigma in popular culture; I grew up thinking “Brussels sprouts” were synonymous with “ew stinky” as that is what everyone would say while wrinkling their noses.  And by “everyone” I really mean characters from television shows.  Due to this misguided train of thought, I had never tasted … Continue reading

Chinese Corn Soup

I received this super simple recipe from my friend Susie (who had also introduced me to Shrimp Scampi pasta).  Whenever I was at her house and we wanted something quick, she would whip up this delicious corn soup.  I had never actually known this soup was considered “Chinese” as I had never tried it in … Continue reading

Insalata Caprese

Simple and refreshing salad!  We also like to make mini caprese salads using cherry tomatoes and bocconcini (the smaller fresh mozzarella balls).  You can stick them together with toothpicks and it is a great appetizer to bring to parties! Insalata Caprese Ingredients: 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 lb fresh mozarella, sliced 1/4 … Continue reading

Beignets from Cafe Du Monde

When I visited New Orleans for the first time, I brought back a delicious souvenir — beignet mix from Cafe Du Monde! The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When my friends and I … Continue reading

Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast

If you’re looking for a little bit more than just plain french toast, try it with peanut butter and banana! This simple dish is delicious and so easy that children can pitch in to help make breakfast. Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Yields: 1 sandwich Ingredients: 2 eggs 1 dash vanilla extract 1 dash … Continue reading

Spaghetti and Meatballs

On top of spaghetti, All covered with cheese, I lost my poor meatball, When somebody sneezed… – Tom Glazer (1963) Oh what an epic tale of a lost meatball in the form of a ballad…  there was no point to that, I just had the song in my head. Anywho, classic Italian-American dish: spaghetti and … Continue reading

Marinated Mushrooms

I found this recipe off my favorite Allrecipes.com website when I was searching for a variety of appetizers to make for an “indoor picnic” my flatmate and I were hosting.  Everyone loved this zesty mushroom dish, and I didn’t have to make any changes to the original recipe as it was perfect as it was!  … Continue reading

Shrimp Scampi with Linguine

The first time I made shrimp scampi pasta was with my friend Susie, and  I was amazed by how quick and easy this dish was to make!  We simply sautéd garlic and onions in butter, poured in half a bottle of 3 buck Chuck white wine, threw in some frozen shrimp and some spinach as … Continue reading

Poached Saffron Apples

I received this recipe from my chef friend Kei, as an complement dish to Roasted Beets with a Curry Vinaigrette.  All the flavors from the dishes are fairly intense, and they come together nicely in a unique sweet and salty combination.  I think I would love to enjoy these apples as a dessert by themselves, … Continue reading