tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79956162012-01-24T08:13:08.040-08:00To Share, To Enjoy Life Together. Why not make the "Cooking Adventures" as part of family activities to share, explore, and appreciate the differences... Let's Rock together in the Home Kitchen Lab!Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.comBlogger2871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-36231019873755522302012-01-23T21:25:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:25:30.135-08:00

Snack Attack!?  during the football game....  but my commitment is to use whatever I have in the kitchen.... So, I came up with Cherry Empanada made with Flour Tortilla and canned Cherry Pie filling.     Deep fry it.   Coat them with Ceylon Cinnamon and sugar mixture.    Oh, yes!  it is delicious.      It is one of my recipe that I prepared for my children for easy snack.     It's my turn to

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-63769104419775230612012-01-23T21:16:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:16:22.095-08:00

Testing what else can I make with the existing ingredients I find in my kitchen. Cooking it slowly with all the wonderful flavorful ingredients produced moist tasty chicken.     I was very satisfied with the tangy sweet taste infused by the sun-dried tomatoes and candied oranges.   Dijon mustard under the skin, added a coat to protect from the moisture loss for the 45 minutes that I was

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-65709884061886633552012-01-23T21:07:00.000-08:002012-01-23T21:07:26.448-08:00

This is a concoction of a hungry guy in a hurry.     A day old Sourdough bread slices dipped in beaten eggs and milk.    Then coated with Rice Chex and cooked in fry pan with butter. Serve with your favorite syrup.     Anyway you look at it - just eat it!  it is crunchy delicious!

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-84704625846032378512012-01-23T21:02:00.000-08:002012-01-24T07:40:39.873-08:00

 Why do I call some of the menu with "Polly's"?   because I added extra ingredients that are not normally added in the type of recipes.    This Tabbouleh included Japanese FUYU KAKI (persimmon) and navel oranges.    Anything that I can find in my kitchen.     I think it turned out very good.     I never thought of eating the curly parsley other than using them as garnish, but the lemon juice,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-58445954016348878482012-01-23T20:51:00.000-08:002012-01-24T08:13:08.329-08:00

For the longest time, I wanted to try making this.    It was one of the dessert dish that I always wondered how it is made.     It is so pretty with all the dates and dried fruits and nuts cut into flower shapes or in other form and artfully placed all around the sweet (glutinous) rice.    At the center of it all is yet another surprise - sweet red beans.     It is normally served at the large

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-54863417399108095842012-01-23T20:43:00.000-08:002012-01-23T20:43:21.786-08:00

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-87662166125681471532012-01-06T22:51:00.000-08:002012-01-06T23:35:14.384-08:00

During my research for class report I came across another wonderful confectionery.    My report could have been on any of the known pastry or foie gras, but interestingly in the book of Culinaria France, Calissons d'AIX caught my interests.   The region even has Calissons festival each year in September.     As mysterious and delicious as Canneles de Bordeaux to the world, Calissons d'Aix en

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-85101465634252556492012-01-06T21:56:00.000-08:002012-01-06T21:56:29.231-08:00

This is my first Tagine Chicken.    My grandchildren were able to taste out the candied orange mixed in the flavor, and they enjoyed it very much with the rice. Toasted pinenuts with tagine spices  Cook to reduce.  Serve with pinenuts and chopped fresh cilantro.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-36090470602754261772012-01-06T21:47:00.000-08:002012-01-06T21:47:34.865-08:00

Ever since I learned how to make Challah with Raisins, it has become an addition to one of our family's traditional Christmas treats beside the Yule Log Cake (Buche de Noel) and my other favorite recipes.    Challah recipe is accurate and always turn out great.    I hope you have found some favorite recipes that have become part of your family tradition, even.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-32380837979417811482012-01-06T21:28:00.000-08:002012-01-06T22:05:59.786-08:00

One of the soup I wanted to make for the longest time is the decorated Chinese winter melon or winter squash.    The squash is normally quite large, 3 lb+.   While trying to prepare the butternut squash, the idea came to me to use it instead.     Cut the neck off the end and maintain the large bulb side as the bowl.    Clean out the fibers and seeds.   After roasting it with butter in the oven,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-10646914704530514902012-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-06T20:44:08.361-08:00

One of the challenge I gave myself last year end was how to cook the abundant of Japanese persimmons without the use of cinnamon spices as ingredients.    Almost all recipes you can find with persimmons, FUYU KAKI involves cinnamon or nutmeg as ingredients.    I was hoping to bring it up to the next level.    Looking for the right combination and or cooking methods to bring out the "KAKI's" taste

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-62134371828658766642012-01-06T20:11:00.000-08:002012-01-06T20:11:35.240-08:00

This is the other PONCHIK called YEREVAN or Ponchik from Yerevan that I tried.  I hope it looks close to the real ones.    It is puffy soft and quite tasty.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-15929239544027592732012-01-06T20:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T20:00:58.801-08:00

What a year 2011 was !!! Lots of outings, family gatherings, and lots of cooking learning.    I really enjoyed all my cooking classes.    While I was doing just that, December 2011 ended with eye opening experiences in my Mediterranean Cuisine and Professional Cooking.    While my December blogging got slipped away without a single blog, I was enjoying 12 different dishes on Tuesday evenings and

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-71646665613959258282011-11-30T23:03:00.000-08:002011-11-30T23:03:20.590-08:00

There are many different types of Ravioli, and I love homemade Chinese dumplings.    They are so much alike and yet so different, and I appreciate the differences to make my gastronomic experience so much more interesting.   While making the Siberian Pelmeni, I end up with extra meat to make them into Ravioli my way.  My ravioli is filled with 50% ground beef, 25% ground pork, 25% eggplants, some

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-82149023868355343212011-11-30T22:40:00.000-08:002011-11-30T22:40:18.703-08:00

One of the advantages in learning Mediterranean cooking is to use some of the ingredients that you would never thought of adding to the 'white rice' that you maybe so use to eating.    I have fried rice before and many times with different types of ingredients.    But once I learned the new methods of preparing the rice - risotto way, paella way, pilaf way, then, the varieties of ingredients that

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-80258334073324211932011-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:002011-11-30T22:24:38.154-08:00

I have been trying to come up with a recipe to cook with Japanese Persimmons - KAKI.    It seems that all the recipes that I came across always seems to use a lot of cinnamon or other spices that seems to overpower the natural taste of the persimmons.    KAKI in natural state - raw is wonderful to eat, especially when they are ripened to its peak moment on the tree.    Of course, there is a loss

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-30817457701984082252011-11-30T21:41:00.000-08:002011-11-30T22:48:18.390-08:00

Sometimes, the worst time to cook is when you are soooo hungry.    Your mind wants to do short cut in every way to get that food into the mouth.    I tried to come up with a way to make my Piggy Scallops.   Well, I didn't think and couldn't wait.   After wrapping my scallops with bacon, I started to sear it in the saute pan.   That didn't work out quite well with the bacon.   It was not getting

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-44952519299016025252011-11-30T21:27:00.000-08:002011-12-17T22:16:44.616-08:00

In preparation to make Calisson (Calisson d'AIX wannabe), I started by making the melons confit.   While I do not have the same type of melons from Cavaillon, France, and with Cantaloupes in quarantine, this summer, I ventured to make the melons confit with honey dew and some watermelon rinds.   The formula is 2-1/4 lb of melons to 1 kilos or 5 Cups of sugar.    Drying  Crystallization

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-75843888537760617622011-11-30T21:15:00.000-08:002011-11-30T21:15:09.156-08:00

After learning some Greecian food preparation in my class, I knew exactly what to do with my phyllo leaves that I have in my freezer.   I fell in love with this Galatomboureko.  Never thought that cream of wheat could taste so good by becoming the center of attraction in this sweet creamy custard wrapped in buttery phyllo leaves drizzled with lemon fragranted simple syrup.  So simple and so

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-27968669862489250962011-11-13T19:54:00.000-08:002011-11-13T19:54:22.901-08:00

It is so much fun to watch everyone's facial expression when they spot their favorite childhood junk food being served at the party.   It does not need any introduction.    It is like an invisible phenomena, their body just automatically and quietly like an invisible man make its way to the dish.    For my family member's birthday party, I made a bunch of MITARASHI YAKI DANGO.   I thought I made

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-50327226492025822462011-11-13T19:38:00.000-08:002011-11-13T19:38:39.123-08:00

I love my Pan-Biscuit.   I don't know if others do it this way or not, but one morning, I was hungry for a good breakfast with fried eggs.   I didn't not want to have half dozen biscuits, but just one.    So my solution was to pan-bake the biscuit.    After mixing about 1/3 cup of flour and 3/4 tsp of baking powder without aluminum, pinch of salt, rub 2 TB of cold Butter into it and make half

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-74414338617935750952011-11-13T19:24:00.000-08:002011-11-16T10:25:55.366-08:00

  This particular Arancini or the Suppli al Telefono is prepared with sauteed chopped button mushrooms and finely minced onions.   They were formed into the balls and coated with flour.   Then packed in vacuum sealed bag and kept frozen until needed.   It gave me a wonderful surprise.    I am not sure because the freezing and defrosting it caused the mixed Parmesan-Reggiano and Fontina cheeses to

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-24693139039859918782011-11-02T15:55:00.000-07:002011-11-02T15:56:14.994-07:00

The name of this dumpling caught my attention - "Siberian".     How often do I cook Siberian dish? This is my first try.    One of my favorite blogger, Nobleva made this.    When I saw the photos, I wanted to try.   Nobleva is a great cook, I can tell from her recipes.    And her photos are gorgeous.   Check them out at:    http://nobleva.blogspot.com/2011/10/

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-43475114924858821002011-11-01T08:27:00.000-07:002011-11-02T15:37:24.252-07:00

I purchased this 25lb bag of Chappati flour quite a while ago when I found it at COSTCO.     I did not read what the label said, but I thought this maybe the secret ingredient to make my favorite NAAN.    I can eat 2, 3, 5 NAAN before I even start eating the main dish.    NAAN is such a great comfort food.   But the sack of flour sat there for many months.    My kitchen lab project wondered off

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-54162794098981262172011-10-13T21:40:00.000-07:002011-10-21T09:34:55.139-07:00

Arancine,   arancini,   suppli al telefono,   rice croquettes?      I never heard of these words until I watched the foodnetwork's Iron-Chef America challenge a while back.    The secret ingredient was the Mozzarella.      I was very thrilled with this particular show because of the products the chef challengers were making.     Arancine,   Italian rice croquettes,  or the suppli al telefono were

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-984150644623795382011-10-13T21:00:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:00:44.148-07:00

In the past several weeks, Subway sandwich shop has been promoting the $5 footlong sandwiches.     For lunch, my co-worker has been kindly sharing the other half with me.      I watched the counter person removing the bread roll from this heat and humidity controlled bread box.      And I thought I could make that slightly browned soft exterior with soft crumb inside using Jamie Oliver's hotdog

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-9110364101691201202011-10-13T20:43:00.000-07:002011-10-13T20:43:29.445-07:00

I have been hoping to find more foodies posting the PONCHIK somewhere.       But to this date, I have only found a few.       Maybe because it is just simply much easier to buy them at their local donuts shop or bakery?   or I am not keying in the correct search word in the right language.      I sure wish someone post their experience making the PONCHIK with sweet pastry cream filling.   The

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-33457054905029025152011-10-13T20:33:00.000-07:002011-10-13T20:33:42.039-07:00

Every Sunday morning before noon, as a child, I will take a shopping basket and skip hop all the way to "KORO'KE YA-SAN"  - Croquettes shop.     I will stand outside this large glass window and watch the cook make croquettes.   KORO'KE is what we call it in Japan.     Then, I skip hop all the way home with the hot KORO'KE' in the basket.        Just like other children, finger foods are the

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-86008331498479964472011-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:002011-10-13T19:58:53.251-07:00

I was quite thrilled to find this red flesh dragon fruit sold at the Lowe nursery.      Ever since I tried making the dragon fruit frozen mousse, I tried to purchase them at the market a couple of times, but they are so expensive and always in poor condition.      When I planted this dragon fruit plant, I thought the location was perfect for it.         I grew through the late spring and into

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-54055069617507826312011-10-13T19:44:00.000-07:002011-10-13T19:44:47.692-07:00

Birds are kind of funny when it comes to pecking on fruits in the garden.    They just seem to know when they are sweet and ripe -- the ones that I have been waiting for the right time to pick.  They just seem to get to it before I do.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-8976708198940638962011-10-02T23:05:00.000-07:002011-10-13T00:27:48.089-07:00

My book order from the Amazon.com have finally arrived.       The first edition of the Nancy Silverton's "The Mozza" cookbook.     It is filled with delicious recipes, and I tried her Pizza dough and my hands in making the pizza dough for the Margherita Pizza.      The dough is delicious, tasty and healthy.     The ingredients include dark rye flour and wheat germs.     The pizza dough turned out

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-63866551722060236222011-10-01T01:43:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:23:07.698-07:00

My grandson ordered a Lego Punk Rocker Birthday Cake for his birthday.      Last year, I made him Lego Pharaoh.     Then, this year, he wanted the Lego Punk Rocker birthday cake.     I like the challenge.     First I had a difficult time finding a image of the Lego Punk Rocker with full details of its composition.      It took a while searching, but I finally got one.     It became my model.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-51919698217910930742011-10-01T01:25:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:37:41.415-07:00

Pan fried Ciabatta bread slices in olive oil were crumbled in the food processor.      It added the crunchy factor to the mouth feel to awaken the palate that is tasting the creamy, yet fibrous textures of the eggplants.    Eggplant is washed, peeled, and grilled between George Foreman's hamburger grill.   Brushing on the olive oil when it is 3/4 done.     Undercooking of the diced zucchini also

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-83071336996306730932011-10-01T01:10:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:37:34.876-07:00

It's been a long long while since I last made stuffed bell peppers.     Probably 20 years ago.    I remember making stuffed rolled cabbage stew, rolled grape leaf stew, stuffed bell peppers.     I don't know why I don't make it any more, but as I started to prepare for this one, I kind of remember the dis-likeness of the 'mushy' rice in it.     The solution I came up with is perfect.     As the "

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-14369933352515540292011-10-01T00:58:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:37:26.473-07:00

This short ribs stew taste light and heart warming.     I enjoyed the variety of vegetables I added to it - carrots, onions, mushrooms, pearl onions, tomatoes, roasted peppers to give a bit of heat, sachet, and turnips from my own garden.    Straining the soup produced a clearer liquid.     It probably qualifies more like braised dish, but I used both methods to produced this versatile stew with

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-17811267156865587672011-10-01T00:46:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:35:07.878-07:00

They are cute and grows well in a small garden.     Good for salad,... cook it whole with stew, or saute them, or use them as garnish.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-86480769528087411492011-10-01T00:44:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:38:32.763-07:00

How fresh can a salad be?  Made with a fresh beet right out of the garden and prepared right in your own kitchen.    Imagine this beet is regenerated from the beet's own 'head / crown'.     I purchased a beet from the market, and cut the crown off with leaves still in its place.     I planted it into the ground the next day.      After a month, I notice the new leaves started to grow.     After

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-39695666021617851192011-10-01T00:34:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:40:34.357-07:00

There are so many different types of Chinese snacks and desserts that I don't think I can finish  trying all of it.    My mother's list of her favorites are just mind boggling - some I have never seen or heard of her regional specialty snacks.    For fun we wanted to try making the Chinese fried sesame balls at home.     We figured that we know how to make the YAKI DANGO and DAIFUKU MOCHI, we

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-75595654561944942302011-10-01T00:14:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:36:20.971-07:00

With so many fresh vegetables from the garden in my kitchen, I wanted to try this Spanish GAZPACHO soup.  When I first encountered this recipe, I did not know that none of the vegetables are cooked.     Nor does it get heated up.    I was quite surprised with the fresh V8! you can make at home. At the end, I actually end up with another personal tapas - Smeared GAZPACHO spread over a toasted

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-71956451907307401572011-10-01T00:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:37:09.155-07:00

Surprisingly this no-grill BBQ Short Ribs are succulent and tasty that it added another dimension to my culinary adventure. ** Try not to use Teflon coated pan.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-21701158721245161492011-10-01T00:02:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:38:21.655-07:00

Eggplants - how we all love it.     Most of us love eating eggplants, but yet we try to avoid preparing it at home.     It's an oil hungry sponge!     Well, sort of.    It drink oil right into it before it is cooked.  And it wants more.    I think we all love to eat the Chinese EUSHANG-CHIEZE  I am not sure how you spell its pronunciation, but basically I think it is translated as Szechwan style

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-48582994618264273122011-09-30T23:51:00.000-07:002011-10-16T10:26:03.479-07:00

I learned all about this tiny "Dim Sum" like Spanish and Portuguese's TAPAS.    They are all the favorite snacks and  flavorful dishes on skewers and small plates.  It reminded me of South Viet-Nam a bit.  As you are seated in a cafe, a plateful of small pastries are served, etc.... So, I tried making tapas for myself with whatever I have in the refrigerator.     I have hard boiled eggs, home

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-16464042141117815332011-09-30T23:32:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:40:17.215-07:00

One of the family fun activity is definitely cooking together.    We were learning the SUBIEN - equivalent to French Puff Pastry in Chinese method.    The "YOE SUE" (like the butter block) is made with Olive Oil mixed with flour.    Then it is enclosed in the dough.  Rolled and filled and baked. The filling is made with shredded Japanese DAIKON - white radish and some chopped green onions.   

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-74999438666169216202011-09-30T23:19:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:41:00.156-07:00

My next testing with the croissants technique is learned from Chef Pino Ficara. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxCE963K-FY&noredirect=1     I noticed his dough mixing is very simple, yet the final croissants are with  "mille feuteuille".  I am quite impressed with the flattening of the dough and butter compared to the general 'butter block' method that I've seen, learned, and tested myself.  I

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-63223721381414627392011-09-30T12:28:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:41:48.942-07:00

My sons love this sweet rice mixed with coconut cream and mango.    I first tasted at our family gathering for mother's birthday party at the Thai restaurant.    The rice is soft and coated with white milk of coconuts.    Every rice tasted so delicious and melted in the mouth.  Then, when I bit into the mango, the sweet and tart mango juice finalized the palates to rest it from the wonderful

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-55467516082449752011-09-30T08:48:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:42:12.527-07:00

I love making Tatin. I find it easier than making the regular pies. To make the best use of the final summer fruit crops from the garden --plum, Asian pears, and Fuji apple . All from my mother's garden that my brother tended. He loves to grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables and share with the family. I decided to combine all three into one tatin. I call it A.P.P. Tatin (Apple, Pear,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-53799208956854935432011-09-19T08:17:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:41:00.158-07:00

We all love to eat the buttery croissants.  Another perfect warm kitchen and cheaper gas price during the summer beckoned me to try baking the croissants.  Although heat is the enemy of butter in preparing croissant, after timing the proofing time, and using different techniques I learned, my croissant turned out all right. I made some filled with almond paste, and others with mixtures of

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-21869378742436821422011-09-19T07:59:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:42:36.919-07:00

What is it about growing your own vegetables and fruits, then, no matter how distorted they turned out to be, we end up still eating them gratefully by cutting around the blemish, etc. ... Yet, when we go to the grocery store, I will try to look for the perfect ears of corn, unbruised peaches, etc.  My garden veges and fruits this year grew enough to keep me with fresh vegetables and fruits.  And

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-88821014995017051862011-09-19T07:41:00.000-07:002011-11-01T07:39:54.921-07:00

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-50329300512262879692011-09-01T05:51:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:43:22.178-07:00

My family enjoy some of the traditional Chinese festival meals and snacks  - New Year dinner, Hot-Pots, and in lunar month of July - the  Zong-Tze.   I am not 100% of the correct spelling in English, but it's one of our favorites.   Every country has its own version of this Zong-Tze.  Mexican, Viet-Namese, Hawaiian, etc, they got their special rice dish wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-55868098350435314992011-09-01T05:45:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:43:22.181-07:00

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-29611814098574027332011-09-01T05:33:00.000-07:002011-11-01T07:40:49.224-07:00

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-80164556398183359412011-08-30T22:09:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:44:11.115-07:00

The month of July went by too fast, and here it is at the end of August.  But I learned a few things more about my mini-van even after 16 years.  My mini-van is a 1995 Plymouth Voyager SE with 453,230 miles.  For the first time in its life, it didn't pass the smog inspection that was due on July 4th.  And it was all because the smog standard changed.  Not necessarily because my van was emitting

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-62825437439350932112011-08-19T00:26:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:44:40.747-07:00

The last challenge in making the Beef Bourguignon from the BOUCHON cookbook by Chef Thomas Keller got me thinking about the process a lot.  Minimum of three days of cooking to produce the result.  Then, there is Julia Child's recipe for it - just as much involved.  But this time for sure, I purchased the Beef short ribs.  Hoping to reverse the 'dry' bark like meat chunks I end up with the use of

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-44123727292415117222011-08-18T23:32:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:46:33.635-07:00

Some of the health experts pointed out that you want to order sweet potatoes French fries rather than the regular potatoes, especially if you have diabetic problem.  In my case, I was curious which "sweet potatoes" is the best for the French fries.  I picked sweet potatoes (not YAMs).  Lesson learned - watch closely the oil temperature during frying.  Due to sugar content of the sweet potatoes,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-72582403856015254322011-08-18T23:21:00.000-07:002011-11-01T07:42:39.283-07:00

There is nothing difficult about making the TEMPURA. But everyone who has ever attempted it know that deep frying is a 'messy' cooking method. Ordinary kitchen vent is less than ideal to prepare Tempura. In fact, I recall in my childhood memory that folks deep fry outdoor in Japan and not in the kitchen. The oil splatter takes more time to clean than the time you spent enjoying the meal

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-47022685243428475942011-08-18T22:54:00.000-07:002011-10-05T12:47:34.752-07:00

Finally my SHISO - beefsteak plants have grown successfully this year.  Taking the opportunity of the bumper crop and before any insects beat to it, I started to work with this wonderful aromatic wonder leaves.  FURIKAKE ("shake to cover")  is one of our favorite "spice" condiment flakes to top wonderfully cooked steamy rice or "OKAYU" (porridge style rice ... resembling risotto).  There are

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-83422144508713866272011-08-11T18:34:00.000-07:002011-08-11T18:34:42.844-07:00

Sometimes, you need a break from the world of the kitchen and spend some time to explore other potentials in the kitchen. So I did just that during the summer semester. My time was spent immersing myself n the "Introduction to the Robotics" class at the ARC, Sacramento. I spent hours and hours programming the Boe-Bot for the future world of modern kitchen. Naaa... not quite, but it is true that

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-43070446743551006342011-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:002011-07-19T11:55:44.754-07:00

I have not forgotten to post new adventures for July.  I had so much activities going on with my Robotic class final exam and vacation with my grandchildren that I have to rest a bit and do some more YOGA to energize.  I will be back in a couple of days, if not sooner.   Cheers!  Enjoy the wonderful summer.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-64419792319429951792011-06-12T15:09:00.000-07:002011-06-12T15:15:02.257-07:00

You have probably seen it and tasted the Pilaf and Risotto.  I've seen it and heard it and never paid attention or have the desire to taste it until just recently.  A bit of exposure in my culinary adventure have exposed me to many - I mean many possibilities that I can add to my diet and health.   I've watched some food challenger's shows and heard judges commenting on the challenger's Risotto,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-45953840450611672832011-06-12T14:18:00.000-07:002011-06-12T14:18:31.690-07:00

I enjoyed the chicken caciattori the other day that I wanted to try this myself at home.  I wanted to impress my mother and sister who were coming to visit.  Everything went well, ...naaaa.... Flop! murphy's law - I burnt the chicken skin that it left 'burnt' taste to the sauce and all.  In trying to save this dish, after 3 hours of cooking it,  it turned into a skinless chicken caciattori.  

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-44809791315683670542011-06-12T14:10:00.000-07:002011-06-12T14:10:20.985-07:00

Fresh Green Beans were just beckoning me to buy, and I couldn't pass it by.  But what am I going to make this time?  Stir fry again?  what about the combination of stir fry and turn it into salad? Wash, deveined, and cut into equal pieces, and blanch the green beans.  Saute the green beans quickly in virgin olive oil with minced garlics and onions to heat through and sweat. Remove from heat and

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-54595895014077851132011-06-12T13:57:00.000-07:002011-06-12T13:57:49.017-07:00

When I don't even the time to defrost the meat, I come up with something 'vegetarian' like dish.  And here is my photo journal of Vegetarian Curry with Potatoes and Apple.   When you bite into the diced Apple in the curry, it gives a burst of surprising experience.  If I am not mistaken, most of the people who has tasted "Japanese" style curry expect this 'apple' surprise in the curry.  It adds

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-36889376021789782292011-06-12T13:43:00.000-07:002011-06-13T09:04:24.689-07:00

By the way, all these recipe testings I posted in June were not completed in the weeks of June.  They were completed in May.   I just did not have the time to post them due to my crazy final exam and oral surgery (I could not taste well).  It was a very stressful months, and I almost gave up on sharing them over the blog.  But I still cooked every night, testing the recipes and cooking methods, .

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-81372402304043896172011-06-12T13:10:00.000-07:002011-06-12T13:10:38.257-07:00

Black Beans is not one of the common beans in my kitchen.  And using it to make the soup is just not done.  Most of my friends have made many different types of dishes with black beans.  But as for me, my first encounter with black beans is inside some healthy burrito somewhere, then, inside Adobe Cob Salad served at Dos Coyotes, which I like very much.  It taste nutty and firmer in texture than

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-52865091853216801372011-06-12T12:45:00.000-07:002011-06-12T12:45:48.662-07:00

I have been waiting for a quiet day to try this Boeuf Bourguignon for quite a long time.  I have my personal recipe to make beef stew, but when I heard about the boeuf bourguuignon in the culinary world, I wanted to try their recipe.  But the list of ingredients and long procedures have been quite intimidating.  Luckily with the instructional cooking broadcasting of Julia Child and Jacques Pepin

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-71425852625721095282011-06-12T11:57:00.000-07:002011-06-12T11:57:47.282-07:00

When it comes to eating healthy salad, fresh red beets come to my mind.   Down to earth unique flavor of fresh beets is much appreciated when they are julienned or sliced very thin.   Thinly julienned beets can be served right away with freshly prepared basic vinaigrette with a dash of sesame oil and cayenne pepper or saved in a clean mason jar as pickled beets.  Either way, the crispy beets are

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-41346112260206589932011-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:002011-06-12T11:45:25.842-07:00

Corn Pudding Souffle is light and delicious accompaniment as side dish to vegetable course or main dish.   For my first time testing with this recipe in my kitchen, I served it with Creamy Polenta.   Airy light texture of the corn pudding souffle with slight crispy crust added an interesting dimension when served together.   As for the polenta's creamy texture, I compare it to something like the

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-4004648770969544652011-06-12T11:24:00.000-07:002011-06-12T11:24:33.409-07:00

There are so many new ingredients out there in the markets that I don't know where to begin testing with.  I have my favorite banana bread recipe that I have been baking with for the past thirty-years.  Then, there is new healthy ingredients to try with.  For the health conscious bakers who maybe concerned with consuming too much white flour, here is Banana Bundt Cake with Bob's Red Mill 5 Grain

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-81810834694355673992011-06-07T21:23:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:23:42.810-07:00

I finally made this 'Chocolate' Banana Chiffon Cake as a stress relief.  Chocolate is known for its mysterious power it posses to give energy,.... but most of all for its smooth creamy satisfying taste.   (I believe this is one of the recipe from one of my favorite blogger's site.  I will have to dig out my print out to give the proper credit later.)  The cake's texture is light, banana did not

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-89039105491227713242011-06-07T21:09:00.000-07:002011-06-07T21:09:30.827-07:00

Sweet potatoes are preferred over regular potatoes in the diabetic recipes.  At the Elephant Bar Restaurants, there are two types of French Fries.  One made from Russet potatoes and the other from sweet potatoes.  I used the "sweet potatoes".  Caution:  watch the peanut oil temperature.  I think I would prefer to cook them in an electric fryer with auto temperature control to keep it at 325'F

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-53453904711334447632011-06-07T20:55:00.000-07:002011-06-07T20:55:07.885-07:00

"In your lifetime, how many different nuts have you tasted?  or how many different types of beans or grains have you tasted?"  I thought to myself.  And here it is, another nutrients that I have never tasted before, and when it is prepared 'this' way, watch out, I can eat the whole thing like a bowl of rice.  Lentil salad made with garlic, olive oil, minced onion, Italian parsley, bacon, red wine

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-44153941107312649772011-06-07T20:39:00.000-07:002011-06-07T20:39:17.056-07:00

My vegetable gardens are doing quite well despite of the inclement weather we are having.  Hailstorm, thunderstorm, wind storm in May provided all the natural nutrients that all our plants needed.  Kale is one of the new crop in my garden.  My friend gave a few grown plants.  I took them home and pluck them right into my raised bed vege gardens.  I have never tasted Kale before, and I did not

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-44355346384706398222011-06-07T20:17:00.000-07:002011-06-07T20:17:56.735-07:00

Some of the best dishes I learned are the ones that are totally opposite of what I knew how to cook.  I consider myself 'expert' rice cooker and know very well how to cook rice.  Then, came the 'doubt'.  If Rice is one of your staples in your diet, surely you know all about it.  At least we all think that way, but quite a few new varieties - Japanese rice, for example, have been introduced in the

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-49123032325510532032011-06-07T19:07:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:08:31.655-07:00

Sometimes you really feel lucky when the bread turns out great. After a long hours of patience, including some sleepless weekend hours, awaiting it's rise and yawn, and changing of its cloth and another tucking into snugly cloth trying to keep it warm through the stormy night we were having -- when it is baked, the final tale is told of how it appreciated my pampering. . . . sounds dramatic, but

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-83643517383354213992011-05-25T12:52:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:03.153-07:00

There are so many things that I want to post on food for the month, but here it is already the last few days of May.  I just have to add all my test recipes in the next few days when I am more relaxed.  In the mean time, I am looking forward to June 4th and 5th.  Sunset Magazine is hosting the Sunset Celebration Weekend.  It is going to be held at  Menlo Park -- at the Sunset Headquarters, 80

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-45613089757459430002011-04-18T01:22:00.000-07:002011-05-25T12:47:00.373-07:00

I ran out of 7 jars of Vanilla Paste that I have been using for my baking and especially for my Canneles de Bordeaux. While I have been hunting for the best possible price to replenish the vanilla paste, I decided to try the vanilla beans. While waiting for the arrival, I caught one of my recorded video on cooking channel.... Chef Sandra Lee, I believe was demonstrating how to make Open Apple Pie

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-23496165244953586242011-04-18T01:00:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:21.292-07:00

I am so happy with the result of this hamburger and hotdog buns. I think it was from one of the dear blogger -- gracekitchencorner.blogspot.com. I have been wanting to make my own hamburger or hotdog buns to find out how good it really suppose to taste. The storebought hamburger and hotdog buns are handy, but they always have this 'after taste' that I could not exactly put my fingers on. I just

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-573712989137659992011-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:21.293-07:00

Loved how this ciabatta turned out. Just like 1 Cup Baguette, I would like to bake just that amount that I need for the meal.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-10407624428383112372011-04-17T22:46:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:21.295-07:00

I just love this Challah bread recipe I learned during the 2010 holidays. The dough is so soft and tasty, I can use it as a base for many other types of bread. Since I don't have a 'pullman' loaf pan that I really would like my bread loaf to turned it into sandwich style, I improvised two 8x8 brownie pan. I let the dough rise eclosed in 8x8 non-stick teflon coated brownie pan and baked it. It

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-83201533830086687782011-04-17T22:38:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:21.296-07:00

Sometimes, all you need is just one baguette to go with your Onion Soup or what not. So, here it is, a baguette made from just 1 Cup of flour. Just perfect.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-87320753532381721912011-04-17T22:29:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:46.272-07:00

What to do with the extra Gazpacho Soup, I thought. While roasting the chicken, I decided to use it as part of the ingredient to make the sauce. It turned out quite tasty. The vegetable mixtures turned into a smooth sauce complimenting the wonderful taste of roasted chicken (brined for 12 hours in lemon mixture). The chicken is tender and tasty. The creamy Gazpacho sauce gave it the "welcome

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-82200630994824285002011-04-17T22:14:00.000-07:002011-06-07T19:09:46.274-07:00

This is my first Poached Chicken in Cream Sauce. I am very surprised that the chicken is so tasty.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-8770135335186606442011-03-17T11:00:00.000-07:002011-03-21T20:36:36.645-07:00

Time flies.  I forgot all about this delicious dish I tried in February.  This is my first attempt with Coq au vin.  I used the chicken, instead of the rooster.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-5708696838697451012011-03-10T21:09:00.001-08:002011-03-17T10:58:09.142-07:00

Disturbingly, many farmers are using pesticides to prolong the lives of their crops. These chemicals enable foods to travel long distances and... Click on the picture above to get to the full story at Dr. Oz's website. My goal this year is to plant more veges in my garden.  Let's see how it goes.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-25497195662355471632011-03-01T20:41:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:36:36.650-07:00

After following the simple recipe in the Bouchon cookbook on how to prepare french fries, I made shoestring French fries.  I have so many different cuts of potatoes left from me practicing cutting the potato tourne, etc, etc, I thought it's a great idea.  The length and width are bit irregular and would not meet the standard, but they turned out great for our dinner.  We love the texture of

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-6289774942331968852011-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:36:36.654-07:00

I think by the end of March, I will be going through the Chickens as I have with pounds and pounds of flour for my baking adventure.  The more I learn about this "European" cooking method, I like the idea of adding varieties to the dishes prepared for my family - and economically.  I was testing the Saute method to prepare the chicken breast slices.   They were lightly powdered with seasoned

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-49373856011425078722011-03-01T20:16:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:36:36.658-07:00

Hmmm..... well.  After the fact that I made this, I found out the new info on "Dry-Heat" method of what is "roasting" is.   After I made this I decided to dub this Chardonnay Roasted Chicken.... Well, learning is a progress of failure and success.  I am still happy with the result.  But,  I will try to correct the 'roasting' method the next time.  I am getting good at preparing this 'potato

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-51622526336091868522011-03-01T20:00:00.000-08:002011-05-11T07:30:45.716-07:00

Scaloppini chicken - my first attempt at home turned out a new addition to my food adventure -  fairly thinly sliced chicken pounded further and coated barely with flour sauted butter.  Swirls of chardonnay into the pan to deglaze the food bits at the bottom of the pan.  The aroma of heated Chardonnay tingled my nostril.  That's when I got the idea of making the Chardonnay sweet and sour sauce.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-52170755796411664012011-02-24T22:44:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:45:26.694-07:00

I tried the recipe from http://angelcookbakelove.blogspot.com's Christmas Tree Custard Bread (Super Soft).  The extra dough angel used to make the long bread looked attractively interesting for hotdog dinner that I wanted.  Since the holiday is passed, I made the other doughs into balls and into the shape of a double-rings.  It complemented my Potato-Leek soup (from Bouchon recipe book,

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-72763872696320833762011-02-24T22:23:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:41:39.677-07:00

This is my 3rd batch for 2011.  I think it's time to re-tin my canneles copper molds.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-57333063898812109192011-02-24T22:17:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:40:52.721-07:00

Late posting, absolutely and timely, but want to let you all know that it was fun making this mini-cupcakes for my grandkids.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-57395795403151683242011-02-24T22:15:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:42:12.564-07:00

In attempting to practice cutting potato and carrot tourne, I made this beef stew.  Tourne is quite challenging - gives me the finger cramps.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-58697140238656997902011-02-24T22:10:00.000-08:002011-06-07T19:10:13.377-07:00

Another evening of challenging cooking.  Prepared sauteed chicken with Marsala, but I didn't  have marsala.  Looked for substitute recipe for marsala.  Hmmm...grape juice and brandy... Yak!  nope, I do not like the taste.  Back to square one.  How about sweet and sour sauce?  But I did not want the vinegar.  An idea -- Ingredients: 1/2 C fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 C Chardonnay.  I used

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-66780514040417809082011-02-15T20:33:00.000-08:002011-09-30T12:56:53.782-07:00

They are heart warming and tasty.  Turnips tasted like DAIKON, but with firmer texture. The spaghetti squash is very interesting.  

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-4549637413782135312011-02-15T20:26:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:44:01.948-07:00

I never thought I will ever poach pears... and in wine?  well, I am into the new arena in cooking adventure this semester.  Not too sure about poached food items in the meat group, but it works wonder with this pears.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-36560747589834319152011-02-15T20:18:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:39:23.160-07:00

What to say, but umm, ummmm gooood!  Nothing goes wasted - even the clean fresh onion skin can be a part of stock making.    

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-11138004072536068772011-02-15T20:14:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:37:20.184-07:00

My first trussed chicken rubbed with Sea Salt, freshly grounded black peppers, fresh Cilantro.  Inside is rubbed with thyme, cilantro, salt and pepper, roasted with onions,  carrots, and celery.  The roasted chicken is then pulled apart and broiled to crisp the skin.  Then served with the potatoes.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-60518385283576279762011-02-01T22:26:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:43:22.724-07:00

There was a "Flower Fair" at the Chinatown, San Francisco, last weekend.  Even though the weather was bit damp, the street of Chinatown was filled with sunshine.  Street vendors filled the entire area with lots of interesting merchandise, flowers and trees, and candies and everything in red and green, etc... It was just fun being there.  And there we found a Lion Dance mask for my grand-children.

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995616.post-2786292879584500482011-01-14T22:51:00.000-08:002011-03-21T20:48:09.132-07:00

It's a tradition to make this OSEKIHAN on the New Year day.  It is usually packed in a beautiful Japanese laquered square containers and presented as gift.  I have been following the traditional way of cooking it by STEAM.  But the red beans are so challenging to cook for this OSEKIHAN.  It is suppose to keep its shape--not split open, yet cooked through.  The ZOZIRUSHI brand rice cooker, I

Bee with Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07390644160498108457noreply@blogger.com1