If you couldn’t tell from previous posts, I have a strong affinity for Asian flavors.  Love that deeply satisfying balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy.  Love fish sauce, lemongrass, bird’s eye chiles, sriracha, tamari — to name just a few. Always crave a subtle kick of heat and enjoy making my own hot … Continue Reading

Any chicken liver pâté fans out there?  No, you say?  You sure? There was a time when I too “feared” liver (and other odds and ends of the animal).  I was by no means an adventurous eater growing up, and would have never envisioned eating, much less preparing, liver and the like.  But, over time, … Continue Reading

I couldn’t make a good sushi roll if my life depended on it.  I’ve tried numerous times, never happy with the results.  Mine are always a mess.  The rolls never seem to stay together [sigh].  Every so often, I have a momentary memory lapse and decide to give them another go.  And, each and every time, I arrive at … Continue Reading

When it comes to a winter risotto, you want it rich and luxurious, with butter and cheese, creamy and decadent.  It’s that perfect, hearty, comforting dish… There are no shortcuts when it comes to preparing risotto.  It’s a bit labor-intensive.  It’s needy.  It requires constant attention (i.e., stirring), for a good 20 minutes until it … Continue Reading

  Sometimes one simple ingredient can step up your game and add that little something extra to a dish. Meet fresh curry leaves.  They come from the curry tree, Murraya koenigii. Curry leaves are incredibly aromatic. They have a taste and aroma all their own.  Couldn’t quite put my finger on the flavor of curry … Continue Reading