Friday, January 12, 2024

GOURMIA FOODSTATION - SMOKELESS GRILL, GRIDLE, & AIR FRYER - IS IT WORTH IT?

 During 2023 Holiday, I purchased another kitchen gadget - GOURMIA brand FoodStation - Smokeless Grill, Griddle, and Air Fryer that can also dehydrate, etc.  I want to give Gourmia another try.  The last  countertop Gourmia 7-qt Digital Air Fryer Oven failed badly on the TEFLON coated basket.  It fumed badly during cooking.  It transferred the Teflon burn smell to the food.  This FoodStation - Smokeless Grill, Griddle, and Air Fryer seem to have a different non-stick coating.  Still emit fume, I think. I am not sure if it is carcinogenic since I have not checked online for data.  The built-in smoke ventilator seems to suck out the fume.  I was attracted to the indoor grill and smokeless features.  I want grill at the table or at the kitchen counter and enjoy a meal quickly.  The cleaning is easy.  I thought "all those trays!" for Grill and Griddle, and Air Fryer.... it must be a lot of work cleaning.  It did not take up a lot of time to clean. I like the glass cover over it to help from splattering or just enjoy watching the food getting cook. So, this is a keeper for this time.  And Yes, I did change my comments here since the first posting. I discovered Teflon fuming more obvious in the last couple of tries.  Gourmia can work on different types of non-stick coating or just plain and simple - use no coating stainless steel - that will be the best.  Comparing to my InstantPot... Well, I think I like Gourmia's smokeless grill better than the InstantPot. Easier access. Funny thing is that I already tried grilling and air frying with the Gourmia, and I had fun using it.  I used InstantPot to make Yogurt, Flan, and making stew... I guess I keep both.
 
Groumia FoodStation out of box. A side view.

Grilling marinated Flank Steaks
It's a treat in Winter time to have grilled meat.



Monday, January 01, 2024

NEW YEAR MOCHI MAKING PARTY

 It's really fun to get together to make MOCHI.
Watch it!, it's dead hot Sweet MOCHI.  Everyone ready to Roll!
The new modern way to make MOCHI ... well, it's been around for 50 years, but,  the old way is quite fun, too.
Did someone sneak in cheese dip as filling instead of Red Beans?  LOL.
While waiting for more MOCHI to turn out from the MOCHI machine,
A Self-Portrait
A Froggy
A Mochi
The frog
Mr. Snail
Sponge Bob... is the MOCHI ready, yet?
Here we go, Quick before it cools off completely.
Nice Work Everyone!!
Who is the lucky person to get DAIFUKU MOCHI with the Cheese Dip??
All Done - 20 lbs of Sweet Rice into 60+ some MOCHI.  Happy New Year!! Everyone.


RAMEN WAR Christmas Party

 Just wanted a bit of interactive party with family.  We held early Christmas Party on Saturday 12/23, rather on the 25th.  It was fun!  

Prepping:



Broth base made from fresh fish, shiitake, and other secret ingredients; ChaShu made from scratch.  Everyone showed a great culinary skills.  It was a amazing RAMEN War party.


Everyone is competing for the $100 prize! and 3 Dangos!!

 
Judge's Taster Bowl

The judging was really challenging, as each RAMEN is so tasty.  Each chef was critically energized and paid attention to all the culinary details to win points  - what makes this bowl of RAMEN the best.  Each bowl had distinctive goodness that each bowl deserved the merits to be the first place winner.  I need to setup a better judging point for the next time.   .