Pink Peppercorns, the Imposter

Tags

, , , , , ,

002Pink Peppercorns (Schinus terebinthifolius), a.k.a. Brazilian Pepper, Rose Pepper and Christmasberry aren’t true peppercorns.  That’s right, they’re all dressed up, pretty as can be in that deep, sexy pink; they look like peppercorns and they have a nice peppery taste, so what’s the deal?  Well, they’re imposters, I tell you.  Continue reading

Spanish Tortilla (Tortilla Española)

Tags

, , , ,

Spanish tortilla is a lovely egg, potato and onion concoction that is so flexible it can either be supper or an hors d’oeuvre; it can be served hot, warm, room temperature or cold.  It can be made ahead, is actually best made a couple of hours ahead, and can be reheated.  Best of all, it’s absolutely delicious!  Continue reading

Lettuce Wraps with Asian Flavors

Tags

, , , , , ,

004San Choy Bow is what we’re really talking about here…Lettuce Wraps with Asian Flavors or the simpler and more to the point, Chinese “Tacos”.  These can be prepared quickly, are incredibly delicious with a mix of salty-sweet flavors (they have hoisin sauce in them) and kids love them…at least ours did and do.  This is fun food, with the benefit of being delicious.  Continue reading

Spicy Asian Short Ribs

Tags

, , , , , ,

With the Chinese New Year (February 19th) nearly upon us, this is the perfect dish to help celebrate the Year of the Goat.  In China, this is truly the holiday for families.  So, pull out the red lanterns, put on your red underwear, text a friend “Three Goats bring harmony” and let the festivities begin!  This is the perfect make-ahead dish, Continue reading

Szechuan Pepper

Tags

, ,

Szechuan, Sichuan, Szechwan Pepper and any other iteration(s) there might be, are more-or-less the same thing.  We’re going with Szechuan Pepper, because The Goddess likes the look of the “z” (or “zed” for our friends from other English-speaking countries), in the word….humor (humour) me, okay?  It’s currently snowing and blowing like crazy, YET AGAIN, making this a rather appropriate spice to be discussing.  Continue reading

Clementine (or Orange) Chicken

Tags

, , , , , , ,

052As you may have heard, The Goddess loves citrus.  Orange slice candies, you know those chewy, gelatinized candies in the shape of oranges sections; I tell ya’ they should be a food group…along with bacon.  Not together, that would just be disgusting.  But back to the subject at hand—Clementine or Orange Chicken.  This is a relatively quick dish to prepare.  I prefer to use fresh tangerine, Clementine or orange peel, instead of the usual dried tangerine peel.  The chicken has a lovely carmelized quality and then the punch of orange and the Szechwan pepper.  This will wake up your New Year’s celebration.  Continue reading

Chinese Fried Rice

Tags

, , , , ,

Fried Rice is a favorite of The Latin Lover; well really, who doesn’t like fried rice?  It’s fried, after all.  This is the version I made yesterday, but it changes according to what I’m feeling and what I’m serving the rice with.  Rice is a blank canvas for flavor!  You will need cold rice, so plan ahead…there it is again!  Continue reading

Asian Meatball Soup with Rice Noodles

Tags

, , , ,

Gong Hey Fat Choy!  February 19th is Chinese New Year.  It’s the year of the Ram or Goat, so planning ahead, as that’s a good thing (I’m trying to remember this concept; it’s not going as well as I’d hoped), I’m giving you Asian-type recipes this week, so you can plan your own New Year’s feast to celebrate the year of the Ram.  This nice brothy soup, with a real melting pot of Asian flavors, is a great place to start.  It can be spiced up with chili sauce, served with or without rice noodles and can be made ahead.  The little meatballs are poached in the soup broth, rather than baked or fried, making it simple to prepare and almost a one-pot meal.  Continue reading

Boozy, Brownie Bowl for 2

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

026This is a perfect Valentine’s dessert for lovers and other strangers.  This is a dessert that screams to be shared and really, what is Valentine’s Day for if not for sharing decadence and love.  Sometimes they’re the same thing, aren’t they?   Continue reading

Tuscan Chicken with Tuscan Fried Rice

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

021The Goddess loves these Tuscan flavors.  The Latin Lover thought this the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner for two…it’s coming up in a week, so I’m helping you plan ahead.   This is good, simple peasant food.  It is full-bodied and full-flavored, the perfect meal for an after-snow removal dinner, but delicious enough for lovers to share!  Continue reading