Are you a lone nut or a follower?
Monday, April 12, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A new year, a new month, and a noodle salad
Happy February 2010! Can you believe one month of the new year has already passed? New year's resolutions of dieting and exercising have given way to thoughts about what kind of greasy, salty snack food should be served for Super Bowl Sunday. Well as for me, I've been thinking about healthy eating for a while now, and I really hope to keep it up this year.
Here's a delicious noodle dish I tried out recently, adapted from Women Heart's All Heart Family Cookbook. It's great because you can swap out different ingredients based on what you have in the fridge or what you want to use up. Just toss together noodles, this wonderful Asian dressing, veggies, and meat if you want . . . so simple! This would make a good packed lunch if you're tired of the boring old sandwich deal. Enjoy!
Peanut Noodle Salad
8 oz spaghetti (whole grain, regular, soba, whatever you have!)
1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
2-3 handfuls of green beans
Strips of cooked meat (optional)
Sauce:
1/4 C peanut butter
2 TB soy sauce
1 TB rice wine vinegar
2 tp toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger
juice of 1 lime
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
couple of drops of sriracha hot sauce (optional)
chopped peanuts (optional)
Cook spaghetti as directed on box, drain, and reserve 1/2 C of the cooking water. Lightly saute green beans and meat to heat up. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the sauce (mixture will look separated). Add 1/4 C of the pasta water and whisk until mixture is creamy.
Toss the pasta in the dressing, adding more water if necessary. Toss in the vegetables and meat. Sprinkle peanuts on top if desired.
Here's a delicious noodle dish I tried out recently, adapted from Women Heart's All Heart Family Cookbook. It's great because you can swap out different ingredients based on what you have in the fridge or what you want to use up. Just toss together noodles, this wonderful Asian dressing, veggies, and meat if you want . . . so simple! This would make a good packed lunch if you're tired of the boring old sandwich deal. Enjoy!
Peanut Noodle Salad
8 oz spaghetti (whole grain, regular, soba, whatever you have!)
1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
2-3 handfuls of green beans
Strips of cooked meat (optional)
Sauce:
1/4 C peanut butter
2 TB soy sauce
1 TB rice wine vinegar
2 tp toasted sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger
juice of 1 lime
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
couple of drops of sriracha hot sauce (optional)
chopped peanuts (optional)
Cook spaghetti as directed on box, drain, and reserve 1/2 C of the cooking water. Lightly saute green beans and meat to heat up. In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the sauce (mixture will look separated). Add 1/4 C of the pasta water and whisk until mixture is creamy.
Toss the pasta in the dressing, adding more water if necessary. Toss in the vegetables and meat. Sprinkle peanuts on top if desired.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas*Mele Kalikimaka*Joyeux Noel
Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all are staying cozy and warm inside, wherever you are. Spent the day with family enjoying lots of good food. It was my goal this year to make a Buche de Noel, or a yule log cake. It's traditional to have this cake on Christmas in France. Mine is made of a rolled hot milk sponge cake, layered with classic buttercream and ground toasted walnuts, and covered in whipped chocolate ganache frosting. Finished it off with sugared rosemary and meringue "mushrooms." It was yummy! Lots of work to pull off, but worth it, I think. Christmas only comes once a year after all!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Keys
The big day has finally come (and, now that it's past midnight the following morning, gone). It was an up and down, nerve wracking, hair-pulling, fist-pounding, feet stomping adventure that brought me to this place . . . there were some tears and some melodrama, which I can't say for sure now is totally over yet.* But there are keys and an empty apartment. Oh dears. For just a while now before I slip off to sleep, I will try to read a little of A Little Princess and feel like a child again and be blissfully unaware of what this all means.
*Much thanks is due to the people who were around me during this time.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Final Two
I'm down to my top two food pics from New York . . . drum roll please . . .
It was a tight race between these two places. I thought I had it pretty cemented while I was in New York, but just looking at the pictures again makes me want to change my mind. Ok, here goes . . .
#2 Grimaldi's
With their hours-long wait and lines that seem to go for miles, this place is for the true die-hard pizza lovers. Steph and I were fortunate to make it there about 45 minutes before it opened, so luckily, the line wasn't too bad.
However, along came this little Brooklyn "pizza tour" van, and out came some people who got to jump ahead of everyone.
After some grumbles and bit more waiting, Steph and I made it safely in with the first batch, so smiles and cheery anticipation resumed. We ordered up one pizza -- half with only cheese and the other half with pepperoni and mushrooms. Maybe 15-20 minutes later, this beauty arrived piping hot at our table.
And here's a closeup so you can see it in its full glory:
Now, pizza is probably my favorite food in the world. There's rarely one that I don't like. But this one is special. I was in bliss! Words cannot do it justice, so I'll just keep it short and sweet. If you're in New York and you love pizza and have some time to spare, make sure you stop at Grimaldi's. Just get there early!
#1 Banchan (Mad for Chicken)
While it goes against my nature not to give the number one spot to Grimaldi's, I have to go with my original gut feeling. My sister kept telling me about "the best chicken" she ever had, so I made sure to have her plan it into our schedule. Banchan (now known as Mad for Chicken) is a Koreatown eatery specializing in chicken. If you don't know where it is, you would easily pass it by, being that the restaurant is on the 2nd floor of a nondescript building with no signs in the front. It's all part of the magic of Banchan! You see the lackluster surrounding, you go in not really believing the hype about how good it can be, and then it totally sweeps you off your feet!
We ordered the soy garlic combination wings and drumsticks. It comes to you served with daikon, carrots, celery, and a dip. I have no idea what kind of dip it was because I was too busy with the chicken. The sauce makes the chicken a little bit salty, a little bit sweet, garlicky, and the best part, super crispy. There were four of us sharing two orders, and by the end, I was licking my lips and fingers, staring longingly at the plates and wishing for more.
We also ordered some kimchi pancake, which was also very tasty. I am definitely not a chicken person, but I was begging Steph to take me back there again before I left. It was so good, that we had it again on my last night in New York. Banchan totally rocks!
It was a tight race between these two places. I thought I had it pretty cemented while I was in New York, but just looking at the pictures again makes me want to change my mind. Ok, here goes . . .
#2 Grimaldi's
With their hours-long wait and lines that seem to go for miles, this place is for the true die-hard pizza lovers. Steph and I were fortunate to make it there about 45 minutes before it opened, so luckily, the line wasn't too bad.
However, along came this little Brooklyn "pizza tour" van, and out came some people who got to jump ahead of everyone.
After some grumbles and bit more waiting, Steph and I made it safely in with the first batch, so smiles and cheery anticipation resumed. We ordered up one pizza -- half with only cheese and the other half with pepperoni and mushrooms. Maybe 15-20 minutes later, this beauty arrived piping hot at our table.
And here's a closeup so you can see it in its full glory:
Now, pizza is probably my favorite food in the world. There's rarely one that I don't like. But this one is special. I was in bliss! Words cannot do it justice, so I'll just keep it short and sweet. If you're in New York and you love pizza and have some time to spare, make sure you stop at Grimaldi's. Just get there early!
#1 Banchan (Mad for Chicken)
While it goes against my nature not to give the number one spot to Grimaldi's, I have to go with my original gut feeling. My sister kept telling me about "the best chicken" she ever had, so I made sure to have her plan it into our schedule. Banchan (now known as Mad for Chicken) is a Koreatown eatery specializing in chicken. If you don't know where it is, you would easily pass it by, being that the restaurant is on the 2nd floor of a nondescript building with no signs in the front. It's all part of the magic of Banchan! You see the lackluster surrounding, you go in not really believing the hype about how good it can be, and then it totally sweeps you off your feet!
We ordered the soy garlic combination wings and drumsticks. It comes to you served with daikon, carrots, celery, and a dip. I have no idea what kind of dip it was because I was too busy with the chicken. The sauce makes the chicken a little bit salty, a little bit sweet, garlicky, and the best part, super crispy. There were four of us sharing two orders, and by the end, I was licking my lips and fingers, staring longingly at the plates and wishing for more.
We also ordered some kimchi pancake, which was also very tasty. I am definitely not a chicken person, but I was begging Steph to take me back there again before I left. It was so good, that we had it again on my last night in New York. Banchan totally rocks!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The List: #4 and #3
#4 Malatesta Trattoria
This charming restaurant came as another recommendation from Ayumi. The night before our first reunion, she asked me what kind of food I wanted to eat. One thing I've always wanted to have was really good, fresh pasta. And since we were in New York, I knew there must be some good stuff around. Being the thoughtful and sweet person that she is, Ayumi looked it up, and made reservations for Malatesta Trattoria. We started with a caprese salad (I have to do a shout out to C -- when I saw this on the menu, I thought of you and had to order it!). The classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil was a nice start . . .
But then we were served the fresh pasta, and that's when the magic started. Ayumi and I ordered the spinach ravioli stuffed with artichoke while Steph got one with a "pink" sauce (I can't remember what was inside, probably cheese).
It was all so good. Steph's face sums it up the best:
#3 5 Napkin Burger
On my second night in town, Steph and I made plans to tag along to dinner with my college friend Justin, his fiancee, and his sister. Justin's one of my most food-loving friends, and he came into my life senior year of college. That was the year my culinary world exploded, since I lived with two world travelers who loved to bake and cook amazing food. Justin also helped a lot with introducing me to different ingredients and dishes. I was shocked when he told me that he could watch the Food Network all day . . . but now I'm guilty of doing that every Saturday! He was also the coolest sophomore at Brown because he hung out with three senior girls and went on road trips with them! Here we are back in the day boogeying at the MIT luau . . .
And now those three girls' brother is engaged and all grown up. I'm super happy for him! Ok, back to the food. I knew it would be good because it was Justin-recommended, but Steph, who isn't a very enthusiastic meat eater, wasn't so thrilled when she heard they'd chosen a burger place. We decided to share the "Original 5 Napkin Burger" . . . a juicy concoction of burger patty, carmelized onions, gruyere cheese, rosemary aioli, and fries on the side. And a really really soft, delicious bun.
So amazing was this burger that Steph said it was the best one she ever had . . . and that it was #1 on her list! Coming from an almost-vegetarian, that should give one a hint that this burger is pretty extraordinary. Directly after that mind-blowing experience, I took a pretty nasty fall and earned this pretty little shiner.
That was my second fall in two days! Damn those hot $10 Savers boots with worn-out grips! But all was ok since the klutz in me remembers to pack band-aids everywhere I go. Steph and I had a pleasant subway ride home . . . still talking about that burger.
This charming restaurant came as another recommendation from Ayumi. The night before our first reunion, she asked me what kind of food I wanted to eat. One thing I've always wanted to have was really good, fresh pasta. And since we were in New York, I knew there must be some good stuff around. Being the thoughtful and sweet person that she is, Ayumi looked it up, and made reservations for Malatesta Trattoria. We started with a caprese salad (I have to do a shout out to C -- when I saw this on the menu, I thought of you and had to order it!). The classic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil was a nice start . . .
But then we were served the fresh pasta, and that's when the magic started. Ayumi and I ordered the spinach ravioli stuffed with artichoke while Steph got one with a "pink" sauce (I can't remember what was inside, probably cheese).
It was all so good. Steph's face sums it up the best:
#3 5 Napkin Burger
On my second night in town, Steph and I made plans to tag along to dinner with my college friend Justin, his fiancee, and his sister. Justin's one of my most food-loving friends, and he came into my life senior year of college. That was the year my culinary world exploded, since I lived with two world travelers who loved to bake and cook amazing food. Justin also helped a lot with introducing me to different ingredients and dishes. I was shocked when he told me that he could watch the Food Network all day . . . but now I'm guilty of doing that every Saturday! He was also the coolest sophomore at Brown because he hung out with three senior girls and went on road trips with them! Here we are back in the day boogeying at the MIT luau . . .
And now those three girls' brother is engaged and all grown up. I'm super happy for him! Ok, back to the food. I knew it would be good because it was Justin-recommended, but Steph, who isn't a very enthusiastic meat eater, wasn't so thrilled when she heard they'd chosen a burger place. We decided to share the "Original 5 Napkin Burger" . . . a juicy concoction of burger patty, carmelized onions, gruyere cheese, rosemary aioli, and fries on the side. And a really really soft, delicious bun.
So amazing was this burger that Steph said it was the best one she ever had . . . and that it was #1 on her list! Coming from an almost-vegetarian, that should give one a hint that this burger is pretty extraordinary. Directly after that mind-blowing experience, I took a pretty nasty fall and earned this pretty little shiner.
That was my second fall in two days! Damn those hot $10 Savers boots with worn-out grips! But all was ok since the klutz in me remembers to pack band-aids everywhere I go. Steph and I had a pleasant subway ride home . . . still talking about that burger.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The List: #6 and #5
#6 A Salt & Battery
Hello there! And cheers! Continuing my little countdown today with this British fish and chips place. I think I heard about this place through the Food Network, and it was in a bunch of guidebooks that I consulted. As a result, Steph and I decided to check it out after a morning of touring the beautiful Frick Museum.
(Picture taken in ignorance before being reprimanded for taking pictures.)
The tiny A Salt & Battery specializes in everything fried, though, sadly, we didn't get to try any fried candy bars during our trip. It's also located in a very "Little Britain" part of West Village, with a smattering of tea shops and bars reminiscent of London nearby. Being that I love all things British . . . the accent, tea, afternoon tea, the charming way they say "Happy Christmas," and Robert Pattinson to name a few . . . being in this area made me ever so giddy and happy. I could just close my eyes and imagine I was somewhere in London. Then seeing all the different Cadbury chocolate bars in the Carry on Tea and Sympathy shop next door transported me to Melbourne.
But back to A Salt & Battery. Steph and I ordered some chips and fried fish, to share. I can't remember what kind of fish it was, we just took the recommendation for the most popular one. The eating area there consists of two bar counters and stools, so it was a little tight. Steph and I huddled in one corner uncomfortably, standing at first, and inhaled those tasty, crispy morsels. Everything got doused in malt and ketchup (well, that was on the side, really). A little malt never hurt anyone, and a lot just elevated the fish and chips to a whole new level! Seriously, malt is my new favorite thing. And that tartar sauce was super yummy as well. It didn't have that mayonaise-y or relish taste that most have. It was more like a dijon-vinegar tartar sauce. Have you ever had an eating experience where your fork and mouth just don't work fast enough? Where you're not even done chewing what's in your mouth but you're already scoping out then fighting for the next piping hot, browned, flaky, malt-soaked piece? Well, I had that experience here, and it is a hard one to replicate. Bravo, A Salt & Battery. I tip my hat to you!
#5 City Bakery (hot chocolate)
I have gone back and forth between my #5 and #4 many times. Can a drink really be so good? Anyone who knows me knows I have a major sweet tooth and satisfying it is a full-time job. So it should come as no surprise that a hot chocolate is in my top five. Relegated to the lower position only because it is a beverage.
Before leaving for New York, a friend told me that I had to have her favorite hot chocolate in the city. And when she said City Bakery, I just nodded in agreement. I know ALL about that place. I had made the serendipitous discovery on a previous trip, and the hot chocolate there was just something that stayed in my mind and never left. I made plans to have it at least twice while I was in the city.
That being said, this beverage is not for everyone. It's like drinking a melted candy bar! It is so thick and creamy and rich. Some can only have one sip. But I just nursed it throughout the night, and came back another day for seconds . . .
this time to try it with their famed homemade marshmallows. Delish.
The chocolate chip cookie (pictured above) got some good reviews, but to me it was just secondary. You really come here for hot chocolate. And just for fun and to compare, I tried the Aztec hot chocolate from a place called Mariebelle.
It was about a third of the size as the one at City Bakery but more expensive. Six bucks for the espresso-size cup! Not as sweet, but just as creamy and rich. Perhaps they use a more refined chocolate with higher cocoa solids, but I still prefer the first. City Bakery remains my favorite hot chocolate place in the world!
Hello there! And cheers! Continuing my little countdown today with this British fish and chips place. I think I heard about this place through the Food Network, and it was in a bunch of guidebooks that I consulted. As a result, Steph and I decided to check it out after a morning of touring the beautiful Frick Museum.
(Picture taken in ignorance before being reprimanded for taking pictures.)
The tiny A Salt & Battery specializes in everything fried, though, sadly, we didn't get to try any fried candy bars during our trip. It's also located in a very "Little Britain" part of West Village, with a smattering of tea shops and bars reminiscent of London nearby. Being that I love all things British . . . the accent, tea, afternoon tea, the charming way they say "Happy Christmas," and Robert Pattinson to name a few . . . being in this area made me ever so giddy and happy. I could just close my eyes and imagine I was somewhere in London. Then seeing all the different Cadbury chocolate bars in the Carry on Tea and Sympathy shop next door transported me to Melbourne.
But back to A Salt & Battery. Steph and I ordered some chips and fried fish, to share. I can't remember what kind of fish it was, we just took the recommendation for the most popular one. The eating area there consists of two bar counters and stools, so it was a little tight. Steph and I huddled in one corner uncomfortably, standing at first, and inhaled those tasty, crispy morsels. Everything got doused in malt and ketchup (well, that was on the side, really). A little malt never hurt anyone, and a lot just elevated the fish and chips to a whole new level! Seriously, malt is my new favorite thing. And that tartar sauce was super yummy as well. It didn't have that mayonaise-y or relish taste that most have. It was more like a dijon-vinegar tartar sauce. Have you ever had an eating experience where your fork and mouth just don't work fast enough? Where you're not even done chewing what's in your mouth but you're already scoping out then fighting for the next piping hot, browned, flaky, malt-soaked piece? Well, I had that experience here, and it is a hard one to replicate. Bravo, A Salt & Battery. I tip my hat to you!
#5 City Bakery (hot chocolate)
I have gone back and forth between my #5 and #4 many times. Can a drink really be so good? Anyone who knows me knows I have a major sweet tooth and satisfying it is a full-time job. So it should come as no surprise that a hot chocolate is in my top five. Relegated to the lower position only because it is a beverage.
Before leaving for New York, a friend told me that I had to have her favorite hot chocolate in the city. And when she said City Bakery, I just nodded in agreement. I know ALL about that place. I had made the serendipitous discovery on a previous trip, and the hot chocolate there was just something that stayed in my mind and never left. I made plans to have it at least twice while I was in the city.
That being said, this beverage is not for everyone. It's like drinking a melted candy bar! It is so thick and creamy and rich. Some can only have one sip. But I just nursed it throughout the night, and came back another day for seconds . . .
this time to try it with their famed homemade marshmallows. Delish.
The chocolate chip cookie (pictured above) got some good reviews, but to me it was just secondary. You really come here for hot chocolate. And just for fun and to compare, I tried the Aztec hot chocolate from a place called Mariebelle.
It was about a third of the size as the one at City Bakery but more expensive. Six bucks for the espresso-size cup! Not as sweet, but just as creamy and rich. Perhaps they use a more refined chocolate with higher cocoa solids, but I still prefer the first. City Bakery remains my favorite hot chocolate place in the world!
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