Go Asian Tonight

With the economy tanking my family (like many across the country) has been forced to cut back on the number of meals we eat out. In fact, these days, save for the occasional Happy Meal (which is purchased only in dire situations), we really don’t frequent restaurants at all. However, this doesn’t mean that we’ve completely eliminated restaurant-type foods; it just means that I’ve had to get more creative in the kitchen. Being from Hawaii (and of Japanese descent) it stands to reason that I crave Asian food more than any other type of cuisine. Consequently, I have a collected … Continue reading

International Soup Recipes

Despite the fact that temperatures were in the 80s during our recent trip to Hawaii, I couldn’t help but indulge in some of my favorite soup recipes. I am very fortunate to have an extended family of wonderful cooks, who love to feed visiting foodies. The Chicken Jook and Sausage and Bean Soup can be made in slow cookers, making preparation and clean up a breeze. Meanwhile, the Roast Pork Kim Chee Soup is bursting with flavor and is just as fast and easy to make as the Chicken Jook and Sausage and Bean Soup. All three are ideal for … Continue reading

Soup’s On: Spectacular Fall Soup Recipes

Rich and delicious homemade soup can be a busy cook’s best friend especially when Mother Nature is acting like your enemy. Here in the Midwest fall came in like a lamb (it was nearly 80 degrees on Election Day), but now it feels more like late December (yesterday’s high was 30 degrees). The conditions are terrible if you have to be outdoors for long periods of time, but they are ideal if you have the luxury of staying indoors all day making homemade soups. The following soup recipes are easy to prepare and satisfying enough to serve as a one-pot … Continue reading

The Bouquet Garni

A bouquet garni is packet of herbs and spices that you put with your pot roast to help flavor the cooking juices. It gives your finished product a hint of whatever you put in it. I should note that typically, a bouquet garni is comprised of parsley, thyme and bay leaf, however, the sky is the limit and you can put just about any type of flavors in your bouquet garni. How To Make One You’ll need to buy some cheesecloth for this–preferably double layered 100% cotton cheesecloth. You’ll also need 100% cotton string. You can get these from the … Continue reading

Make Your Own Chinese New Year Dishes

Mark your calendars–this year Chinese New Year begins on February 7th. Which means you have exactly one week to finalize your party menu… or make dinner reservations at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Actually, the point of this blog is to encourage the former instead of the latter, more convenient option. I grew up in Hawaii where Chinese New Year is celebrated with huge block parties featuring massive buffet tables lined with the most delicious homemade Chinese delicacies. Growing up my favorite Chinese New Year treat was Soy Zing Dan Gow, a steamed Chinese sponge cake that is specifically made for … Continue reading

Shop in Season to Save on Produce: Winter

If you want to save the most you can on fruits, veggies and nuts, you should always buy what is in season. Buy in bulk and freeze when you can. You’ll be sure to save on your grocery bill. Here is your guide to the best and least expensive picks on produce in the winter. I’ll also share just a few general ideas on how to use them, but be sure to check out the Food blog for recipes. Chestnuts There is a reason for “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” They are a great frugal food for winter. Don’t … Continue reading

A Fabulous Travel Package For Foodies

If you love to travel and love to eat then I may have the perfect idea for your next vacation. Hilton Hotels has just announced it will be partnering up with the Food Network for a special promotion. Starting this week Hilton properties will be offering a Food Network Travel Package. Eleven Hilton Hotel properties including the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu and Cityscape at Hilton San Francisco are giving guests who sign up for the package a four-course tasting menu with wine pairings, specific to each destination, an autographed menu and tote bag containing Food Network goodies. The tasting … Continue reading