tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215497252012-02-16T01:46:22.734-05:00the past is irretrievable yet I can never be free from it. - andrew lamjadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.comBlogger4031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-22808598470698928062011-08-25T13:46:00.002-05:002012-01-14T13:48:18.042-05:00

Lemon pepper and creamy matcha.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-85116725253826306432011-08-13T13:40:00.001-05:002012-01-14T13:42:19.324-05:00

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-61483431162184564552011-08-06T13:36:00.000-05:002012-01-14T13:39:58.589-05:00

Continuing the string of junk food dinners, this time tater tots with salad.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-20990245648225927032011-07-23T13:33:00.002-05:002012-01-14T13:35:43.862-05:00

Makes a change from super-sweet cookies. Extremely filling. Recipe: Salty Oak Cookies

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-78833465848836830452011-07-17T13:31:00.000-05:002012-01-14T13:36:44.039-05:00

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-62457356435069387832011-07-15T13:25:00.000-05:002012-01-14T13:36:08.378-05:00

Deliciously sour and chewy. Must make again. Recipe: Sour Cherry Amaretti from Demon Cook

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-79664122753120765462011-07-09T13:19:00.001-05:002012-01-14T13:25:11.348-05:00

Chewy and sweet with my first batch of hazelnuts.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-25701503009706595622011-03-12T13:00:00.004-05:002011-03-12T13:12:08.936-05:00

I admit this recipe was only chosen in an attempt to use up the half gallon of buttermilk I bought on sale last week. It turned out great, tasting very much like Japanese cheesecake. This is way easier though. Definitely a keeper.Recipe: Buttermilk Pie Bars from Baking BitesChanges: Omitted nutmeg and vanilla and substituted orange flower water; used oat flour in base.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-23452359578461640322011-03-06T15:03:00.006-05:002011-03-12T13:13:21.939-05:00

These were the most tender biscuits I've ever tasted. Admittedly I don't make or eat many biscuits but these were exceptional and might persuade me to have them more often.Recipe: Buttermilk Shortcakes from Baking BitesChanges: added extra butter as I had an extra ounce left and didn't want it lurking around the freezer; added zest from half a Meyer lemon to cut the richness of the buttermilk.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-69650330970421431072011-03-06T12:54:00.002-05:002011-03-12T12:59:30.967-05:00

A couple of simple yet delicious lunches with an Indian inflection.Tamarind rice spice mix was one of my finds of 2010. With some frozen mixed vegetables and fried tofu, topped with sunflower seeds for crunch this is a quick yet excellent week day lunch. Shan chicken tikka spice and lemon juice make an easy marinade for juicy chicken thighs. Served with homemade focaccia and steamed cauliflower.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-37260114954044554112011-03-05T12:51:00.001-05:002011-03-12T12:53:50.952-05:00

A find at the dollar store. The mixed white/milk chocolate bar was particularly attractive.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-80625975590351587192011-02-27T10:19:00.004-05:002011-03-05T10:28:15.851-05:00

Green tea KitKats and frozen medu vada. Vada were tasty though a bit chewier than other versions I've had. Not as oily as I feared.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-65686226522094973812011-02-27T10:12:00.006-05:002011-03-05T10:31:11.837-05:00

I like to prepare lunches for the work week on the weekend. These are a selection of some recent lunches.Bulgar with frozen Mexican-style vegetables and spicy black bean burgerFeta-stuffed omelet with vegetablesChicken wontons with bok choiBulgar with chicken tikka and mixed vegetables

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-69774142418254952222011-02-26T09:53:00.005-05:002011-03-05T10:07:13.003-05:00

Extremely moist though the substitution of flaxseed meal made the mini-loaves a bit crumbly and less attractive than the original. Easy and healthyish. Recipe: Olive Oil Almond Cake from Sassy RadishSubstitutions: flaxseed meal for eggs and omitted zestFocaccia was a reprise of the earlier King Arthur Flour recipe but with feta and sun-dried tomato. Made the mistake of placing the tomato on top

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-20945287145401600502011-02-20T10:34:00.003-05:002011-03-05T10:48:56.062-05:00

This is the first time Meyer lemons have been available at a reasonable price in the local supermarket. I've been saving lemon curd recipes for this happy day. Two small batches of curd later and with no difference in taste, the microwave recipe will probably be the keeper for ease of cleanup. The preserved lemons have been started but it'll be a while before the end result is ready for testing.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-73810226261682885382011-02-06T08:03:00.005-05:002011-02-06T08:15:02.367-05:00

I was up at 5:30am on Saturday and had these baked and cooling by 9:30am. Admittedly both were very easy recipes with short baking times. Both were slightly disappointing. The cookies looked great but were strangely tasteless and not sweet at all. As someone who is very ready to criticize baked goods for their (over) sweetness, I ended up dipping them in melted dark chocolate in an attempt to add

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-78119010968895737112011-02-02T11:03:00.000-05:002011-02-05T11:11:00.029-05:00

My second attempt at focaccia was finally successful! An earlier attempt never rose, leaving me with a dense hard loaf that was finally binned after a couple of days. While this didn't rise as much as expected and the inside never achieved the open, holey texture of a typical focaccia, I am still chalking this up as a success, as a decent, edible loaf of bread was created. The added cheese cubes

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-80759502209778788272011-01-30T10:56:00.003-05:002011-02-05T11:01:00.154-05:00

Interesting tea bag concept. Probably works better with a tall mug. Too bad the tea quality doesn't match the concept.Some white and dark chocolate-covered gianduia blocks.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-58006452694498830312011-01-30T10:51:00.002-05:002011-02-05T10:53:57.313-05:00

Easy sour curry paste from a packet with freezer supplies of squid and okra. The sauce turned out thicker and less sour than expected.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-33058547038222924822011-01-29T08:29:00.005-05:002011-02-05T10:50:54.960-05:00

One of my favourite cakes is Japanese-style cheesecake with its soft fluffy texture and gentle sweetness, so I was super excited to find a recipe for it. Unfortunately it uses common ingredients (cornstarch, cream cheese) and equipment (baking pan) that are nevertheless not part of my regular pantry. The stars and sales finally aligned and I was able to make this cake. An easy recipe except for

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-13086886005463620052011-01-29T08:25:00.003-05:002011-01-29T08:29:30.791-05:00

OK, this is really a bastardized version of lahmajun to use up the last packet of ground lamb and parsley. Nevertheless it was delicious, if a bit oily.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-70618418585987796922011-01-22T09:25:00.007-05:002011-01-29T08:30:32.700-05:00

Very moist to the extent that one got mouldy within three days. Otherwise a good addition to the savoury muffin genre. (Mild) green chiles were fine but not a wow! ingredient. Maybe the hot ones will be better.Recipe: Green Chili Muffins from Food.comSubstitutions: added half can of tuna

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-63433833733264445392011-01-16T09:14:00.003-05:002011-01-22T09:26:11.504-05:00

Finally acquired a small jar of instant yeast at the local Middle Eastern market! English muffins were an excellent first foray into baking with yeast. No kneading required; dough rose as it was supposed to and "pan frying" the muffins was trouble free. Recipe: Cinnamon Raisin English muffins from Baking BitesChanges: substituted instant yeast and adapted mixing methods as a result. Increased

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-3169874795001202442011-01-16T09:10:00.003-05:002011-01-28T19:37:18.567-05:00

Adapted from a NY Times Lamb meatball recipe, these were delicious in a pita with parsley and feta scattered on top.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-25865635008060387692011-01-15T09:04:00.002-05:002011-01-22T09:08:47.801-05:00

One of the few recipes I've found for baked oats/oatmeal that is savoury rather than sweet and not including honey. These turned out to be very crispy and dense. Very filling and great for traveling, pack ups and to keep at work. Came out beautifully in mini-loaf tins.Recipe: Sheila's Savoury Oat Slices from WaitroseChanges: Omitted sesame seeds and mustard powder

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-75256097443156873012011-01-15T09:01:00.001-05:002011-01-22T09:04:21.089-05:00

A cold, cold day led to this nearby recently-opened deli for matzoh ball soup and a corned beef sandwich. The matzoh ball was tasty and surprisingly light. Together soup and half sandwich made a just-sufficient portion for lunch.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-65218504750647878842011-01-15T08:51:00.002-05:002011-01-22T08:56:57.047-05:00

My second time cooking with pumpkin: canned pumpkin added to Bob's Red Mill 10 Grain Pancake mix.. Half a can of pumpkin had previously been sacrificed in an attempt at crustless pumpkin pie which ended in failure. These pancakes were more successful and were tasty topped with crunchy peanut butter, but probably not a repeat due to the surprisingly vegetal flavour of the pumpkin.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-77077016246908758442011-01-10T08:45:00.003-05:002011-01-22T08:48:44.582-05:00

A healthy, quick dinner. Tom yum soup using a bottled paste with tofu and mushrooms, steamed broccoli and rice.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-81063807140321524522011-01-05T20:29:00.004-05:002011-01-08T20:33:33.401-05:00

Chicken thighs and mushrooms, stir fried with light soy and white pepper. Very moreish.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-77672171579718896322011-01-01T20:23:00.002-05:002011-01-08T20:26:05.450-05:00

First meal of the new year is my first attempt at stuffed peppers. Same mix as the burrito from last year.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-26108319096161272962010-12-31T20:19:00.002-05:002011-01-08T20:35:26.743-05:00

Fried tempeh, chives and shiitake with rice. Quick, easy, healthy. Let's hope it's a forerunner for the coming year.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-47869044088592012722010-12-30T20:10:00.002-05:002011-01-08T20:15:55.515-05:00

A lucky find at the local Middle Eastern store. Huge "loaf" of bread. Makes excellent burritos or breakfast sandwich.Burrito made with diced tomato with green chile, soy flakes, green onions and cheese.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-43079373052713593522010-12-29T20:06:00.002-05:002011-01-08T20:09:05.172-05:00

Gifts from my visiting parents. The dark chocolate mini two-finger bars are great, less sweet but retaining that special KitKat taste.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-68741837794828792352010-12-28T20:01:00.003-05:002011-01-08T20:05:21.480-05:00

Looks like instant coffee in the US is going the way of instant coffee overseas with pre-mixed sugar and milk. Fortunately these new Starbucks flavours don't include the milk yet. Very fragrant. Good when made into coffee agar. Tea bags are interesting for their packaging. Tea's nothing spectacular.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-54810634876841270912010-12-23T15:35:00.003-05:002010-12-26T15:40:52.124-05:00

These were nice and crispy on top straight out of the oven, but the moist bottoms ultimately led to the whole container turning soft the next day. Very crumbly, and the apple makes it too sweet.Recipe: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies from Joy the BakerSubstitutions: omitted the cinnamon, nutmeg, walnuts and lemon juice

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-47147966405260069912010-12-18T15:28:00.002-05:002010-12-26T15:33:33.861-05:00

A recent find of frozen okra was just what was needed for this assam fish curry. Paste from Tean's . Very hot and redolent with spices, this made a perfect dinner for these dark, cold nights.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-29970984924974214602010-12-18T15:21:00.002-05:002010-12-26T15:24:23.935-05:00

A reworking of an old favourite with slightly too much pandan paste adds up to a tasty, but virulently green cake.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-52773114507170665832010-12-15T14:39:00.002-05:002010-12-18T14:42:06.645-05:00

As used as I am the gigantic New Zealand green-lipped mussels, these teeny frozen mussels were an easy weekday dinner. Another night the mussels and sauce were incorporated into mac & cheese.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-43260905726859847602010-12-12T14:27:00.003-05:002010-12-18T14:38:14.109-05:00

These Moser Roth special edition bars from Aldi are very smooth, milky and sweet. Nuts are crushed into tiny chips peppered generously throughout the bars. Love the classy packaging and they way they are packed into small bars for ease of carrying about.Coconut M&Ms are mercifully free and only a small packet.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-17660403161393831442010-12-11T14:43:00.002-05:002010-12-18T14:47:56.749-05:00

Crispy, nutty and salty and sweet. Almost perfect if not for the over-spreading. Definitely a recipe to repeat with larger nuts and chocolate chunks instead of the peanut butter chips.Recipe: sweet and salty peanut chocolate chunk cookies from The Perfect PantrySubstitution: mini chocolate peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chunks; mix of oat and white whole wheat flour

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-46156001457693095192010-12-06T14:22:00.003-05:002010-12-18T14:33:02.423-05:00

Made with beef suet, this is the closest thing I've had to a meat pie since the trip to Auckland. Definitely an option for those homesick times.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-86052860964423704622010-12-05T14:33:00.001-05:002010-12-18T14:35:21.067-05:00

My first attempt at uttapam from a package. Unusual in that it came with a packet of dried vegetables to be incorporated into the dough.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-68682677761969483552010-12-05T14:20:00.002-05:002010-12-18T14:22:02.036-05:00

A trip to Aldi scored these two hard English cheeses. So far they've been used on toast and in mac and cheese.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-11996221102968344672010-11-18T14:12:00.003-05:002010-12-21T21:08:37.529-05:00

A selection of hazelnut and gianduia chocolates from various airline lounges around the world and their hazelnut bar counterparts from New Zealand, Austria and Spain.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-39865540626336599662010-11-02T10:27:00.000-05:002010-12-18T10:29:01.350-05:00

Finally managed to assemble all the ingredients for a classic mac and cheese (butter, milk, cheese and breadcrumbs) at the same time.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-12228214976775874942010-10-31T10:24:00.000-05:002010-12-18T10:25:45.473-05:00

Baked scotch egg with turkey turned out a little dry, but definitely a recipe worth experimenting further with.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-642180305155947972010-10-18T10:19:00.000-05:002010-12-18T10:23:10.697-05:00

Stayman apple from Eastern Market (TNT #29) was soft but the chicken empanada (TNT #30) from a nearby stall was tasty. Overall the market was a lot smaller than expected.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-2745326101619706742010-10-12T09:49:00.002-05:002010-12-18T10:22:42.104-05:00

A 10-day trip to the Vancouver International Film Festival allowed me to see some excellent films at an amazing festival, and enjoy some great Chinese food and patisserie, as well as try so many new things. From left to right, top to bottom: Pistachio kirsch cake from Thomas Haas, self-saucing hotdog model outside my hostel, buffet lunch from Saravanaa Bhavan, hazelnut cake from Boulangerie La

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-15010687217411026902010-09-25T09:24:00.003-05:002010-11-02T09:31:30.143-05:00

Necessity is the mother of trying new recipes. This recipe had been on my long list of recipes to try one day, and lingering bags of dried pomelo and sunflower seeds finally pushed me over the edge. Delicious and easy to make. Chewy and filling, these are perfect for long travel days.Recipe: Fruitcake bar from David LeibovitzSubstitutions: dried pomelo, dried cranberries, almonds and sunflower

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-86821155894463266532010-09-23T09:00:00.000-05:002010-11-02T09:32:16.390-05:00

Desperation forced me to turn to a Special K protein bar one day at work, and it was surprisingly edible. Since then coupons and samples have led to acquiring an assortment of varieties and flavours. Most are, at best, edible, but they've been handy while traveling and working late.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-33156784857766791072010-09-18T13:11:00.005-05:002010-09-18T13:20:53.929-05:00

I was attracted to these muffins by the promise of coffee in a not-too-sweet base. These came together very easily and were moist and fluffy. Butterscotch chips added a slight sweetness, which were just right with the base recipe. I had some trepidations substituting flaxmeal and water for the egg, but the muffins turned out great texturally. With two pounds of flaxmeal I need all the ideas I can

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-9110754721460046152010-09-12T17:21:00.004-05:002011-01-22T08:57:36.610-05:00

My version of chile pea puffs didn't turn out that well. The baked wonton wrappers were just too dry and hard for my taste. Filling was fine and will be made again. Eaten with a mug of instant miso soup.Recipe: Chile Pea Puffs by Monica Bhide on 101 CookbooksChanges: substituted pepper for chili and mozzarela for the paneer.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-43262285968513803422010-09-12T12:47:00.005-05:002010-12-21T21:01:02.126-05:00

Easy and quick to bake, this will make a nice addition to the weekday lunch box. Basically cheese and bread held together with a bit of flour.Recipe: Savory Ham and Gruyère Bread from the New York Times.Changes: substituted mozarella for gruyere and water for milk.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-54427942598707434652010-09-06T12:40:00.001-05:002010-09-12T12:43:52.920-05:00

Tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper. Served alongside a vegetarian sausage for a quick meal.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-80374255512811169582010-09-05T12:37:00.002-05:002010-09-12T12:39:26.202-05:00

Gorgeous eggplant and tomatoes from the farmer's market.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-38614214055471689122010-09-05T12:33:00.002-05:002010-09-12T12:36:24.016-05:00

A lifetime ago I went camping at Mangawhai Heads. These chocolate-covered almonds from Bennett's of Mangawhai look scarily like moss-covered pebbles.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-68796480004063263382010-08-29T12:32:00.002-05:002010-09-05T12:36:48.173-05:00

An impulse purchase from Ichiban Kan in San Francisco, eaten on a sunny but chilly day sitting on the grass overlooking the San Francisco bay. Very soft and smooth texture. Good matcha flavour.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-85993096337076277732010-08-26T12:27:00.002-05:002010-09-05T12:30:37.372-05:00

Cooked by my mother, this dinner truly I think reflects our multicultural dining. Clockwise from top: Turkish bread, miso tofu soup, brussel sprouts with dried crispy fish, Singapore chili prawns (with the famous chili crab sauce). In the center is left over mee goreng.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-7833551678506104772010-08-08T12:10:00.004-05:002010-09-05T12:15:22.870-05:00

A recent score of closeout Bob's Red Mill products led to my first attempt at baking using oatmeal. Excellent and hopefully, not too unhealthy.Recipe: 5 Grain CookiesSubstitutions: increased quantities of coconut and cranberries to make up for omitting raisins and pecans.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-56665278041313388222010-08-01T12:19:00.002-05:002010-12-21T21:01:29.460-05:00

As usual a rapidly aging item allowed me to make something I'd been wanting to try for a long time: a savory shortbread. These turned out well though without a distinct Brie flavour unfortunately.Recipe: Blue cheese cookies from pastry studio Substitutions: Brie for blue cheese

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-4405665815110667332010-08-01T09:40:00.003-05:002010-09-05T12:09:12.733-05:00

My local dollar store, like many others, has increased its food offerings lately. Good additions have been canned octopus, numerous varieties of bulgar, lentils and now orange blossom water. Added to agar to make a cool jelly to combat the seemingly unending heat, this added a delicate floral flavor to this light dessert. Can't wait to try it out in baked goods.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-19411582703716339412010-07-21T09:31:00.002-05:002010-12-26T15:42:49.649-05:00

Living in the Midwest I don't have access to a large variety of wild salmon so this dinner of sugar snaps, steamed salmon and Rainer cherries was a very spring-y and delightful treat.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-46648807244526424312010-07-18T09:25:00.000-05:002010-08-08T09:29:50.570-05:00

I'm not a fan of sugar, and even less of sugar substitutes but a free sample of Splenda's Hazelnut-flavored product came my way. I'm more tolerant of milk, sugar and added flavours in iced coffee than hot. With the recent heat, cold-brewed iced coffee is my current morning drink. This made a nice change from the usual.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-11073456770038563032010-07-17T12:05:00.003-05:002010-09-12T12:46:33.533-05:00

Coffee shards enhance the coffee flavour in this coffee bar. Balance of coffee and sugar is just right.The blueberry bar is overwhelmingly sweet with crunchy bits of berry buried within.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-38263483938014365652010-07-17T09:06:00.000-05:002010-08-08T09:31:33.191-05:00

Scored some pandan paste last week so decided to try to recreate one of my favourite childhood cakes: pandan chiffon cake. Most chiffon cake recipes seemed to require cream of tartar, lots of egg yolks and a bundt pan. Not possessing any of these I decided on a pound cake instead. This turned out great: a bit greener than expected but good pandan flavor, rich but not dense. Recipe: Pound cake by

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-1718523027323824112010-07-11T08:57:00.002-05:002010-12-26T15:41:20.893-05:00

Congee with the dregs of the Vegemite canister, peanuts, fish, zucchini and fried shallots.Broccoli and potatoes from the farmer's market with chicken sausage are a quick weekday dinner.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-24032730709946873492010-07-05T08:52:00.002-05:002010-08-08T08:54:22.421-05:00

Spam, fried egg on toast, sweet icy cold cantaloupe with French press coffee make a luxurious breakfast on this holiday weekend.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-59525119965178992862010-07-05T08:46:00.004-05:002010-08-08T09:03:07.421-05:00

One of my goals this year is to try new cheeses. I'm not making much progress on this goal but did get this dill-flecked havarti which I enjoyed. Here, in an English muffin with fried egg white and Morningstar sausage patty.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-5134632244360372822010-07-03T08:13:00.000-05:002010-08-08T08:21:06.782-05:00

Excellent crisp texture. Very strong coconut flavour. These tiny morsels make this an excellent addition to an afternoon tea. As with the linked blog post, mine came out slightly brown.Recipe: Coconut cookies by Martha Stewart on Kirbie's Cravings

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-34362914561649743722010-06-25T08:41:00.002-05:002010-08-08T08:43:19.721-05:00

Gooseberry icecream from the USDA Farmer's Market along with a Jamaican beef patty made a quick lunch on a stiflingly hot humid day. Gooseberries were refreshingly tart.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-63149557301203401562010-06-22T08:32:00.002-05:002010-12-21T20:55:51.142-05:00

I'd heard positive comments on Trader Joe's Mini Peanut Butter Cups, so picked up a box out of curiosity. I'm not a fan of Reese's Pieces but find these to have a higher (and better to my taste) chocolate to peanut butter ratio. Still very sweet, these are great for a small after-dinner dessert or baked into these fudge cookies. Unfortunately they tend to melt when baked so don't retain their

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-34663055640467141152010-06-18T08:27:00.004-05:002010-08-08T08:44:01.158-05:00

A gift from my parents, olives are a specialty of the Shodoshima region, so why not olive chocolate? Unfortunately there was little olive flavour or taste, with the sweet white chocolate being the most predominant note.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-41006474059505598462010-06-11T08:22:00.001-05:002010-08-08T08:26:22.054-05:00

In desperation I bought a Special K protein meal bar for lunch one day at work. I was pleasantly surprised at the taste. So I've started stocking up on these for emergencies and while traveling.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-46699972925761744682010-05-23T08:06:00.002-05:002010-08-08T08:10:17.023-05:00

Turned out to be disappointingly soggy. Frozen cherries in silicone cases were probably not good changes to the original recipe.Recipe: Little Blueberry Upside-Down Cakes from Baking Bites

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-1402328348241065502010-04-03T10:16:00.004-05:002010-04-03T10:36:29.169-05:00

I loved the super crispy texture of this tea cake which I made into muffins. Not too sweet, but not a very strong coconut flavour either. Maybe toasting the coconut next time will help. Recipe: Coconut Tea Cake by Dorie Greenspan on Carmen CooksSubstitutions: omitted vanilla and rum; substituted powdered coconut for coconut cream, oil for butter and brown sugar for sugar.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-40096166676152890152010-03-31T19:23:00.002-05:002010-04-01T19:39:37.134-05:00

No real challenge here as I eat a lot of noodles anyway. A few new combinations: peanut sauced noodles to clear put the last of the peanut butter, minced lamb and a vinegar-based dressing, noodles topped with Italian diced tomatoes and squid in squid ink (canned from the dollar store).No food holiday next month, as while my usual diet would make National Soyfoods Month a doodle, I'll be in Turkey

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-6041375449719269252010-03-19T19:20:00.000-05:002010-03-20T19:26:45.183-05:00

I'm not sure I understand the love for Zapp's. Good texture: crunchy but not hard like many kettle chips. Flavour is slightly sweet with a heat that sneaks up on you but is nowhere near spicy.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-67152689381967698252010-03-14T16:41:00.006-05:002010-03-14T16:47:34.627-05:00

Very moist loaf. Good flavour from the dried pomelo. Not too sweet. A keeper for this season of oranges.Recipe: Orange Raisin Muffins from allrecipes.comSubstitutions: increased juice and oil to substitute for the milk, soaked sultanas in tea, added dried pomelo and reduced zest.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-18572521317680245962010-03-12T16:48:00.004-05:002010-12-21T20:53:06.483-05:00

A couple of snacks for the work day week. Coupons made these Nut Clusters a steal. Basically a granola bar in clusters but with lots of nuts. Perfect with a mid-morning coffee. Mini bars of chocolate from Aldi are suprisingly elegant.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-88247142700192520012010-03-11T07:00:00.003-05:002010-03-11T07:03:30.783-05:00

These came out looking like scallion pancakes but without the flaky texture usually associated with them. More salt might have helped too.Recipe: Scallion Pancakes by Ming Tsai

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-68029620432472843482010-02-28T20:50:00.002-05:002010-04-03T14:44:23.058-05:00

Not pictured here was the only new recipe I tried this month: coconut pancakes. Two variations on chye tow kueh.Recipe: Coconut Yogurt Pancakes from everybody likes sandwichesSubstitutions: coconut milk and plain yoghurt instead of milk and coconut yoghurt.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-65663755284073980422010-02-28T19:29:00.010-05:002010-02-28T20:19:37.350-05:00

I was really craving something chocolately this weekend. Too bad neither of these recipes really filled the need. Cocoa powder and milk chocolate chips just don't add the depth of flavour of chocolate. The added Taster's Choice hazelnut coffee didn't add anything to the biscotti either. Recipe: Nutella biscotti from Baking BitesChanges: chocolate spread instead of Nutella, reduced the sugar and

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-71234043299909821142010-02-28T19:17:00.007-05:002010-12-26T15:41:39.190-05:00

Some bargain fish and manky mushrooms led to this oh-so healthy meal: steamed cod, bulgar and mushrooms.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-51511996460909298722010-02-19T18:36:00.003-05:002010-02-19T18:39:25.514-05:00

This is my seventh year in Michigan and the first time I've indulged in packzi. Too bad this was a supermarket bakery one which turned out to taste exactly like a cake donut. Filled with apple. Had to buy 6 as I only got them after Fat Tuesday. Next year!

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-8044189921022686692010-02-16T19:19:00.004-05:002010-02-16T21:09:06.821-05:00

Panang curry with cauliflower, tofu puffs, edamame, coconut flakes and jackfruit.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-74824474860197050342010-02-11T14:37:00.004-05:002010-02-16T21:08:03.851-05:00

Wide, chewy noodles topped with a spicy melange of mushrooms and soy crumbles. Very moreish.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-57898260189340394372010-02-07T20:30:00.004-05:002011-01-22T08:58:40.883-05:00

Naan pizza with cilantro chutney, veggie mince and mozzarella.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-38903044773665809702010-02-07T12:54:00.007-05:002010-02-16T21:13:30.013-05:00

A couple of sweet snacks for a cold week. No baking as I need to lose weight and am preparing for a big Chinese New Year blowout next week. First, a giant milk chocolate "H" from the Netherlands. Sweet and milky. The other was plain yoghurt topped with matcha jelly and brown sugar.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-80343110095288992712010-01-31T15:48:00.005-05:002010-02-16T21:16:04.774-05:00

I've had my eye on these bars for a long time. Made in mini-loaf tins, they were super crunchy on top, but way too sweet for my taste despite reducing the sugar. Next time I'll stick to either raisins or chocolate, not both.Recipe: Peanut Butter Raisin Bars from everybody likes sandwichesSubstitutions: oil for butter, crunchy peanut butter instead of natural peanut butter, omitted the vanilla as

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-37395528827278465982010-01-30T11:44:00.002-05:002010-02-16T21:16:56.636-05:00

I've decided to add a monthly feature: a wrapup of explorations of the selected food holiday of the month. Hopefully this will motivate me to try more new foods and recipes without adding to blog clutter. It should also guarantee at least one topic to post on each month, handy for those low-inspiration periods. There are some hilarious food holidays out there, but I'll be focusing on those that

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-2980958669428676652010-01-24T21:52:00.000-05:002010-01-25T22:13:28.939-05:00

Both of these look and were pretty messy. The masala dosa was made using the same mix as last time, but this time were topped with potato and peas spiced with mustard seeds and garam masala. Tasty but I need to work on the dosa so the filling can actually be rolled up inside. The vegetarian shepherd's pie used the leftover potato from the dosa with mushrooms and fake vegetarian meat crumbles. The

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-33677005438387488172010-01-24T21:44:00.000-05:002010-01-25T21:52:10.498-05:00

These were quick and easy to bake and fulfilled my craving for chocolate. Taste-wise they were very similar to the Dark Chocolate and Mango Cookies, another recipe from Baking Bites.Recipe: Cocoa fudge cookies from Cooking Light on Baking BitesChanges: reduced sugar to 0.75 cups

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-87021656029008717292010-01-23T07:56:00.004-05:002010-01-23T08:11:19.346-05:00

A couple of lazy dinners: Soup with pasta, frozen soup vegetable mix and mushrooms.Sardines and mozzarella on toast.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-3413123617798941382010-01-19T20:08:00.005-05:002010-01-20T21:14:42.667-05:00

Another work trip, more opportunities to eat.I very much prefer menu-based dim sum versus the traditional cart dim sum so was looking forward to trying Winsor Dim Sum. The salt and pepper squid was well fried, the stuffed eggplant piping hot and creamy, and the steamed spinach shrimp dumplings a change from the usual. Skins on the last were a tad brittle when hot, but otherwise a great meal. The

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-2940431328935230282010-01-14T19:55:00.004-05:002010-01-25T22:05:33.290-05:00

Picked up this Indian spice packet mix on impulse while shopping on Devon Avenue during my Christmas trip to Chicago. With leftover rice, some frozen soup mix and fried eggs strips this was a tasty and quick dinner for a busy week.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-10481910155913747872010-01-13T18:58:00.005-05:002010-01-25T21:58:58.904-05:00

The original chickpea and pea curry topped with coriander and served with rice.Added hardboiled egg as the remainder wasn't sufficient for a meal, topped with toasted coconut and served with coriander dosa from a box mix. An overheavy hand with the coconut meant the curry became very dry. Dosas turned out very thick but tasted soft, fluffy and deliciously tangy and spicy. The box makes eight so

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-51338123333473669632010-01-09T14:37:00.004-05:002010-01-09T14:43:04.530-05:00

A freezing cold but sunny day took me to a local spot to savor some pot pie and hot tea. Perfect light flaky puff pastry encased meat with more vegetables than expected. I was surprised to be offered Harney and Sons tea. The Paris blend is black tea with currant, caramel and citrus. Very soothing, especially when drunk while sitting in the sun looking out the window onto a snow-filled parking lot.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-4947610099970359402010-01-09T09:50:00.005-05:002010-12-21T21:01:51.817-05:00

I was really craving some savory muffins but had only a tiny smidgen of cheese, and no milk or butter. Not that I ever have milk or butter, but it means certain recipes are a no go. I also had some tasteless white mushrooms to use up, so this Cooking Light recipe seemed like a good base. These muffins turned out to be very moist and the mushroom flavour did intensify with baking. These look very

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-25949988926946025012010-01-06T10:09:00.002-05:002010-01-09T10:12:56.704-05:00

One of my food-related goals for the year is to find alternative food sources and shops. One of my colleagues has hens and regularly sells her eggs at work. This week I purchased a dozen. Most were the standard brown, though as you see in the photo, some were much darker brown than others. One was a pale green and the other was a speckled green. The yolks are much darker yellow than regular eggs.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21549725.post-25806747531452587562010-01-05T21:59:00.004-05:002010-01-23T08:04:29.565-05:00

Flat thick white noodles with ground turkey, and diced mushrooms and tofu. Tossed with dark soy, black vinegar and sesame oil. Topped with coriander. Comfort food on an icy cold day.

jadecocoahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000142244835149267noreply@blogger.com0