tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19182632012608546492024-03-13T07:38:38.369-07:00Tam Good BlogFrancishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-72805276514983685922017-06-03T08:14:00.002-07:002017-06-03T08:17:53.862-07:00Spring Apps!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INK7DvXvgLY/WTLNVpDDCUI/AAAAAAAAA2c/uHRmFbNWaO0z3gAM1GRet6rQeqxxasPlgCLcB/s1600/20170527_135719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INK7DvXvgLY/WTLNVpDDCUI/AAAAAAAAA2c/uHRmFbNWaO0z3gAM1GRet6rQeqxxasPlgCLcB/s320/20170527_135719.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry cream cheese tartlets </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4J6MkdVgo/WTLNBR4SmRI/AAAAAAAAA2U/kCua6rjzRfs661SICz-sPJu6UANPzDHLgCLcB/s1600/20170527_134402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AU4J6MkdVgo/WTLNBR4SmRI/AAAAAAAAA2U/kCua6rjzRfs661SICz-sPJu6UANPzDHLgCLcB/s320/20170527_134402.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bakeapple panna cotta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. One way to get ready is by stuffing a few quick app ideas up your sleeves for your next gathering. Last weekend I was at the Wilds golf resort in Holyrood, Newfoundland and I whipped up these tasty morsels:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdrPctzav9s/WTLM_KbTzfI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/0n_UyTddy7EoTHrWDYOxRvGYpSQMEHnFgCLcB/s1600/20170527_134058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdrPctzav9s/WTLM_KbTzfI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/0n_UyTddy7EoTHrWDYOxRvGYpSQMEHnFgCLcB/s400/20170527_134058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini crab cakes, Spiced rum pork tenderloin & Smoked salmon wonton flowers crisps<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wipe the drool off your face and scroll down no further.......here are the recipes:</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;">Mini Crab Cakes with Maple Dijon Aioli<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
500g crab meat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup panko
crumbs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ cup mayo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 Tbsp Worcestershire
sauce<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 egg<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
sriracha hot sauce to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Canola oil for frying<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><u>AIOLI<o:p></o:p></u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup mayo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 Tbsp lemon juice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 tsp lemon
zest<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 Tbsp Dijon
mustard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 Tbsp maple syrup<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Garnish: freshly chopped chives<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mix first 5 ingredients in a bowl season with sriracha,
salt & pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Shape crab cakes to 1 oz cakes and coat with
additional panko crumbs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Heat ¼ cup oil in a skillet and fry on medium
heat until lightly golden on both sides<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mix all aioli ingredients in a small bowl<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Serve aioli on top of crab cakes. Garnish with
chopped chives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Smoked Salmon Wonton Flower-cups with Guacamole Ricotta Cheese filling<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
300-400g smoked
salmon<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 package wonton
wraps<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup guacamole<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 cups ricotta
cheese<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 lime juice
& zest<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Season with salt and pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cooking spray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Garnish: freshly chopped dill<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Preheat oven to 375F<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Spray a mini cupcake pan and line with wonton wrappers and coat with more
cooking spray<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Bake wonton cup for 7-10 minutes until crispy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Combine guacamole, ricotta cheese, lime juice
and zest then season with salt & pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Fill each cup with the cheese mixture and top
with small pieces of smoked salmon then garnish with chopped dill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i>Spiced Rum & Blueberry Glazed Pork
Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Parsnip Puree<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 Tbsp whole grain
Dijon mustard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 Tbsp Hungarian
paprika<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 Tbsp maple syrup<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Season with Salt & pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 oz spiced
rum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 pieces pork tenderloin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Glaze:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup blueberries<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ cup water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2oz spiced
rum<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ cup sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3 Tbsp cornstarch mixed with 6 Tbsp water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Puree:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 cups chopped
sweet potato<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 cup chopped
parsnip<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Season with maple syrup, salt & pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Marinate pork with first 5 ingredients and bake
in a preheat oven at 375F for 35-40 minutes then let rest for a few minutes<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->While pork is roasting, combine first 4 of the
glaze ingredients in a small sauce pan and simmer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Add cornstarch slurry to thicken glazed as
desired<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Also while the pork is in the oven, boil the sweet
potato and parsnip until soft. Drain and puree with a hand blender and season
with maple syrup, salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Bakeapple Panna Cotta<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1/2 cup skim milk <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1 (.25 ounces, or 7grams)
envelope unflavored gelatin <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
2 1/2 cups heavy cream <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1/2 cup white sugar <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pour milk into a small bowl, and stir in the
gelatin powder. Set aside. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->In a saucepan, stir together the heavy cream and
sugar, and set over medium heat. Bring to a full boil, watching carefully, as the
cream will quickly rise to the top of the pan. Pour the gelatin and milk into
the cream, stirring until completely dissolved. Cook for one minute, stirring
constantly. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and pour into six individual
ramekin dishes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cool the ramekins uncovered at room temperature.
When cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but
preferably overnight before serving. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Unmold the panna cotta by dipping the ramekins
in a small bowl on hot water to loosen then invert onto a small dessert plat<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 45.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 45.0pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Top with bake apple(cloudberry) jam or syrup,
then garnish with fresh mint leaves<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Strawberry Cream Cheese Mousse Tarts
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Mousse:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 blocks light
cream cheese<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 cups light
whipped topping<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
¼ cup water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
½ cup icing
sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 package strawberry
Jello powder<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1 tsp vanilla
extract<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2 boxes mini
tart shells<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Garnish: Sliced strawberries, mini chocolate chips,
dusted icing sugar<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mix all mousse ingredients in a mixer until
smooth with no lumps<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Refrigerate mousse for 4 hours<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Bake mini tarts shells according to package
directions and let cool<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Using a piping bag, fill the tarts shells with
strawberry mousse<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Garnish with a slice of strawberry, decorate
with a few mini chocolate chips or sprinkles, then dust with icing sugar <o:p></o:p></div>
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TamGood's wallpaper from http://www.nlreda.ca/<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-INK7DvXvgLY/WTLNVpDDCUI/AAAAAAAAA2c/uHRmFbNWaO0z3gAM1GRet6rQeqxxasPlgCLcB/s1600/20170527_135719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-88902180161082540392016-06-22T13:13:00.001-07:002016-06-22T13:13:57.577-07:00Hawaiian Butter Mochi<div dir="ltr">
Aloha, everyone!<br />
<br />
This week I would like to share an amazing little treat I discovered during my trip to Hawaii. Firstly, I have to say that the food is amazing. I had the pleasures of sampling many of the local cuisine during my visit but what really made my little sweet tooth sing was Hawaiian Mochi. These tasty little sweet morsels are readily available everywhere much like our beloved DATE SQUARES are here in Newfoundland. You can find them in supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, gas stations, in drug stores and everywhere in between.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouz8rm84zbs/V2rwYRgSvpI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/asw2r9PpuX43kpH0kKkpZR53INfa1oJsgCLcB/s1600/mochi312x207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ouz8rm84zbs/V2rwYRgSvpI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/asw2r9PpuX43kpH0kKkpZR53INfa1oJsgCLcB/s200/mochi312x207.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow & green colored mochi from <i>blog.sfgate.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0gelnLF-eY/V2rwT64qxkI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/j13GWAROREYUFIHCFEJCuhbCRr1lWd5LwCLcB/s1600/20141118-naomi-tomky-hawaiian-food-butter-mochi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0gelnLF-eY/V2rwT64qxkI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/j13GWAROREYUFIHCFEJCuhbCRr1lWd5LwCLcB/s200/20141118-naomi-tomky-hawaiian-food-butter-mochi.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Store bought butter mochi from <i>seriouseats.com</i></td></tr>
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<br />
They come in all shapes, color and sizes. Some have a sweet filling in them and others are filled with mixture of toasted nuts, sesame seeds and flakes of sweetened coconut. Come as they may, they are more than likely made from glutinous rice or flour. They have a soft, chewy, sticky, jelloish-marshmallow texture which gives an excellent mouth feel when you bite into them. It's quite moreish and I have craved for them on several occasions. Since then I've perfected the recipe and my friends and family all love it. I hope the recipe below will tie you over until you end up somewhere tropical!<br />
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Until next time, Mahalo! </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqX120oA9R0/V2rvQdFUC3I/AAAAAAAAA0E/huOjKyf5AKYQHwFRc8iDz1ETWphFfoE0QCLcB/s1600/buttermochi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqX120oA9R0/V2rvQdFUC3I/AAAAAAAAA0E/huOjKyf5AKYQHwFRc8iDz1ETWphFfoE0QCLcB/s320/buttermochi.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Butter Mochi</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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DRY:</div>
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4 cups Glutinous rice flour</div>
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3 tsp Baking powder</div>
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3 cups sugar</div>
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WET:</div>
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1/2 cup Butter (salted), melted</div>
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4 Eggs</div>
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1 can Coconut milk</div>
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1 can 2% evaporated milk</div>
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3 tsp Vanilla extract</div>
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Directions:</div>
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Preheat oven to 325 F</div>
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Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.</div>
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Mix together all the wet ingredients in another bowl, then add them into the dry ingredients.</div>
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Continue to stir and fold until the whole mixture is is even and free of lumps. (There is no fear of over mixing here so put some muscle into it!)</div>
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Pour the batter into a 9x13 baking dish coated with cooking spray. </div>
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Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until the top of the dessert is golden and just begining to brown around the edges.</div>
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You can eat it while it's still warm but I find it much nicer the next day when it is cooled and setup overnight. (This dessert does not require refrigeration.)</div>
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Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-79778054730025536892016-02-09T22:32:00.000-08:002016-02-09T22:32:22.652-08:00恭禧發財! Gong Hey Fat Choy! <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Chinese New Year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Everyone from TamGood would like to wish everyone a joyous, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">prosperous and healthy New Year in 2016!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D06jVRJ20vs/VrrTyuvB4SI/AAAAAAAAAyU/w2Q5o_9ja-o/s1600/20160207_203526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D06jVRJ20vs/VrrTyuvB4SI/AAAAAAAAAyU/w2Q5o_9ja-o/s320/20160207_203526.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Here is our table filled with delicious, symbolic dishes.</i> </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Food Symbolism during Chinese </b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>New Year Celebrations</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">(Source: One World Nation Online Website - link below)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">The Chinese like playing with words and symbols.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">
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Often homonyms (words that share the same</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
pronunciation but have different meanings) are </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
gladly used. Names of dishes and/or their <span style="line-height: 20px;">ingredients</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;">which will sound similar to words and phrases </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 20px;">referring to wishes </span>expressed during the Chinese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
New Year, while other foods hold a symbolic meaning. </div>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">Food offerings are a prayer or a wish and can be </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">addressed to ancestors and other beings </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">such as the</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jade Emperor and The Kitchen God. The offering of</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">food serves to bring </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">ancestors and other beings in </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the other world closer to oneself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">The food offerings serve as a bonding tool to bring both worlds together.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Below a brief list of the food's symbolic meaning:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Abalone (sea snail; 鳆; fù) - definite good fortune</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Apple (苹果; píngguǒ) - wisdom, peace</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Apricot, dried (杏脯; xìngfǔ) - gold, wealth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Arrowhead (bot.: Sagittaria sagittifolia; 慈菇; cí gū) - benevolence</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Arrowroot (bot.: Maranta arundinacea; 竹芋) - good life</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bamboo fungus (stinkhorn fungus; bot.: Phallus indusiatus; 竹笙, zhúshēng), </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">also called bamboo pith (竹荪; zhúsūn) - meaning: long life</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bamboo shoots (竹笋尖; zhú sǔn jiān) - wealth (term sounds like "wishing that everything </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">would be well" - xǔyuànchí), new start</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Banana (香蕉; xiāngjiāo), on altar, offering - wish for education, brilliance at work/ school</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bean curd, dried/ tofu, dried (豆腐, dòu fǔ)- fulfillment of wealth and happiness (</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">note: dried tofu is not of white colour)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bean curd sticks (腐竹; fǔ zhú) - blessing the house</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bean sprouts (豆芽; dòu yá, literally "bean sprout/germ" 芽菜; yá cài, literally </span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"sprout vegetable" or 银芽; yín yá, literally "silver sprouts") - 'to your heart's content',</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">positive start into the new year</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Black moss (hair moss, hair weed), fat choy (髮菜; fàcài; a black hair-like cyanobacteria)</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- wealth</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cabbage, Chinese (pak choy, 白菜) - 100 types of prosperity luck</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cabbage, stuffed packages - wealth (the shape symbolises an <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/yuanbao.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">ingot</a>)</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Calms (scallops; 扇贝; shànbèi) - opening of new horizons</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">calm roll (干贝; gānbèi) - gold, wealth</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Carrots (胡蘿蔔; hú luóbo; or 紅蘿蔔; hóng luóbo), red colour- good luck</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Cashew nut (腰果, yāoguǒ)- gold, money (the nut's shape symbolises the <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/yuanbao.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">gold bar</a> of </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">ancient times)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chicken (whole) (鸡肉; jīròu) - prosperity, togetherness of the family, joy </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(note: chicken with its head, tail and feet symbolizes completeness)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Chinese garlic chives (韭菜, jiǔcài) - everlasting, eternity, long life</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Coconut, nut (椰子; yēzi), flesh (椰肉; yēròu), juice/milk (椰汁; yēzhī) - promoting togetherness</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Daylily buds, golden lily buds (金针; jīnzhēn; also called "golden needles") - wealth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Duck (鸭肉, yāròu) - fertility</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dumplings - dumplings exist in various kind, see: jiaozi dumplings, they represent the </span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">ancient good pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Egg (蛋, dàn) - fertility</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">egg roll (蛋皮春卷, dàn pí chūn juǎn) - money, wealth, gold</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fa Gao (发糕; fāgāo) the steamed "Prosperity Cake"; the sound "fa" means either</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> "to raise/generate" or "be prosperous"</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fish (whole) - The word 魚 (yú), meaning "fish", has the same pronunciation as the word 餘,</span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">which is "remain or surplus", 'having leftovers of money', an increase in prosperity</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">fish ball (鱼蛋; yúdàn) - reunion</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Golden lilly buds, Daylily (bot.: Hemerocallis; 金针; jīnzhēn) - wealth</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Gingko nuts ( 銀杏; yín xìng; or 白果, bái guǒ)- hope for silver, wealth</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(the nut's shape represents a silver <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/yuanbao.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">yuanbao/ ingot)</a></span></div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 234px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Glass-noodles" src="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/images/Glass-noodles.jpg" height="155" style="border: 0px none;" width="234" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="imagesubtitle" style="font-weight: lighter; line-height: 18px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Dried unbroken glass noodles symbolise long life.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo: © Valeska Gehrmann </i></span></td></tr>
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<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Glass noodles, Chinese vermicelli, cellophane noodle,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">noodle threads (粉絲; fěn sī; also called "bean threads ",</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">mung bean thread) - silver chain</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Grapes (葡萄, pútaó) - wealth, abundance, fertility,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">many descendants, family harmony</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jiaozi- Dumplings (jiǎozi, 饺子) - wealth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(the shape of the jiaozi dumplings is that of a</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/yuanbao.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">yuanbao</a><a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/yuanbao.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;"> ingot</a>, also the word jiǎozi shares the same</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">pronunciation with 角子 (jiǎozi) that is a small jiao</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">coin used in old times. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 234px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Jujube" src="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/images/Jujube.jpg" height="157" style="border: 0px none;" width="234" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="imagesubtitle" style="font-weight: lighter; line-height: 18px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Jujube symbolise wealth, prosperity, as well as fertility.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo: © nationsonline.org</i></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;">Jujube (kind of date, red colour; 枣; zǎo, candied</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 20px;"> jujube: 蜜枣; mìzǎo) - wealth, prosperity, fertility</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kumquat (金橘; jīn jú) - <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/colours.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">gold</a>, hence fortune, wealth</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lettuce (生菜; shēngcài) - prosperity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">lettuce roll, food being rolled into lettuce</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - having a child soon</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Longan (龙眼) - many good son</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lotus seeds/ -nuts/ -beans (蓮子; lián zĭ)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - a full wallet, many (male) offspring</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">lotus seeds,crystallized (蓮子糖; lián zĭ táng)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - a full wallet, many (male) offspring</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lychee (荔枝; lìzhī) - close family ties</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maize (玉米; yùmǐ) - growth</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mandarin (瓯柑; ōugān) - gold, wealth</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Meat ball (肉丸; ròuwán)- reunion</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Melon (瓜; guā) - family unity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">melon, candied - growth, good health</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Mixed vegetable (什锦蔬菜; shíjǐn shūcài) - family harmony</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Muer mushroom, Black fungus, Three ear fungus, Wood ear (木耳; mù ěr) - longevity</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Noodles (面条; miàntiáo) uncut - long life</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Onion (洋葱; yángcōng) - cleverness</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Orange (柑橘; gānjú) - wealth, good fortune, gold</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oyster (牡蠣; mǔlì) - receptivity to good fortune, good business</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oyster, dried (ho xi) - all good things, good luck</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Peach - immortality</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Peach, pair of (桃; táo) - wealth, abundance, long healthy life, great fortune for many</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">generations</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Peanuts (花生; huāshēng) - health, long life, birth of prosperity, continuous growth,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">multiplication in wealth and good fortune, stability</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pineapple (凤梨; fènglí) - wealth, luck, excellent fortune, gambling luck</span></div>
</div>
<table class="img-left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-width: 0px; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-right: 20px; padding: 0px 3px 3px; width: 234px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 234px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Pomegranate" src="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/images/Pomegranate.jpg" height="155" style="border: 0px none;" width="234" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="imagesubtitle" style="font-weight: lighter; line-height: 18px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Pomegranate symbolises many offsprings</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo: © Valeska Gehrmann</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pomegranate (石榴; shíliu) - many offsprings</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pomelo (柚子; yòuzi) - abundance, prosperity,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">having children, good health, family unity</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pork (猪肉; zhūròu) - strength, wealth, abundant blessing</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prawn (大虾; dàxiā) - liveliness</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Pumpkin (南瓜; nánguā) - prosperity, abundance,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">descendant's luck, illustrious children,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">enchantment, fruit draws<a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/five_elements.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">earth energy</a> to manifest <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/colours.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">gold</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rice (米饭; mǐfàn) - fertility, luck, wealth, rice</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">symbolizes a link between Heaven (Gods) and Earth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Men)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Nian gao, (Chinese: 年糕; pinyin: nián'gāo) Sticky</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Rice) cake, Chinese new year's cake. It is considered good luck to eat nian gao because</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">it has the symbolism of increasing prosperity every year.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The New Year greeting 'Nian Nian Gao Sheng' (年年高升 niánnián gāoshēng) is to</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">wish people "advance toward higher positions and prosperity step by step."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sticky rice - cohering of family</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rice is one of the <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/symbols_of_sovereignty.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">Twelve Symbols of Sovereignty</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Roseapple (Syzygium jambos; 蒲桃; pú táo) - calmness, peace of mind, no fighting</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Seaweed, especially black moss, Fat Choy, (in Chinese: 髮菜; pinyin: fàcài;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">literal meaning: hair vegetable). The two syllables of Fat Choy in Cantonese</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">sound the same as a Cantonese Chinese New Year greeting "Gung1 hei2 faat3 choi4"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(恭喜发财) meaning "congratulations and be prosperous"; additional meanings:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - good luck, exceeding wealth.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Seeds - lotus seeds, watermelon seeds, etc. - having a large number of children 籽 [zǐ]</span></div>
</div>
<table class="img-left" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-width: 0px; float: left; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1px; margin-right: 20px; padding: 0px 3px 3px; width: 234px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top; width: 234px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Shiitake mushrooms" src="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/images/shiitake.jpg" height="155" style="border: 0px none;" width="234" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="imagesubtitle" style="font-weight: lighter; line-height: 18px; vertical-align: top;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shitake mushrooms, since long a symbol of longevity in Asia, they also symbolise sizing opportunities</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: © nationsonline.org</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shitake, Black mushroom (冬菇; dōnggū) -<span class="imagesubtitle" style="font-weight: lighter; line-height: 18px;">longevity</span>,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">sizing opportunities</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shrimp (小虾; xiǎoxiā) - happiness and good fortune</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Slender Noodle (細粉; xì fě) - see glass noodle</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Snowpeas (荷蘭豆; hélándòu) - unity</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Spring roll (春卷; chūnjuǎn) - wealth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(the shape represents a <a href="http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/yuanbao.htm" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: none;">gold bar</a>)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweet corn (甜玉米; tián yùmǐ) - growth, increase</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweets, (糖食; tángshí, 糖果;tángguǒ) rice cake</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(年糕; nián'gāo) - safety, good fortune and 'sweeten'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tangyuan ( 湯圓 ,tāngyuán, "round balls in soup"),</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">sweet dumplings - togetherness, reunion</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tofu, dried (豆腐干; dòufǔgān) - fulfillment of wealth</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">and happiness, blessing the houses (note: dried tofu is not of white colour)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Tofu, fried (炸豆腐; zhá dòufǔ) - gold, hence wealth</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Turnip cake (萝卜糕; luóbo gāo) - good omen</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Vegetable, green (绿叶菜; lǜyècài) - close family ties</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">vegetable/ tofu (dried) - harmony, happiness and prosperity</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Walnut (核桃仁; hétàorén) - happiness of the entire family</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Water chestnut (荸薺; bíqí) - unity</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Winter noodel (冬粉, dōng fěn) - see glass noodle</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yuanxiao, sweet dumpling (元宵; yuánxiāo) - togetherness, reunion</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Information Source: http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/food_symbolism.htm</span></i></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-25115788628027295172016-02-09T22:31:00.000-08:002016-02-09T22:31:23.360-08:00Cantonese-Style Nian Gao <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iG1dkMPA00o/VrrRMDJ_UnI/AAAAAAAAAx8/xQeg-NV30tQ/s1600/IMG-20160207-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iG1dkMPA00o/VrrRMDJ_UnI/AAAAAAAAAx8/xQeg-NV30tQ/s320/IMG-20160207-WA0003.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A pair of nian gao fish my mother made this year.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nian gao is also known as Year cake or Chinese New Year Cake since it is traditionally eaten during this time of year. It is made with glutinous rice and pien tong (Chinese brown sugar bars) which are readily available in Asian supermarkets. It's believed that consuming this sweet sticky treat would bring good luck and fortune for the upcoming year. Growing up in the middle of Newfoundland, I remember my mother going out of her way to make this dessert for me as a child and the fond memories our family created together during the years. I want to share this recipe with everyone and pass along wishes for wealth and happiness! </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nian Gao<br />
<br />
400 G (1 bag, green label) glutinous rice flour, sieved<br />
100 G (1/4 bag, red label) rice flour sieved<br />
4 bars of brown sugar (pien tong)<br />
1 1/2 cup of water<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTEGDl06bJk/VrrYz-3V2eI/AAAAAAAAAyo/5kNKkddH6-M/s1600/rice%2Bflour%2Band%2Bsugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTEGDl06bJk/VrrYz-3V2eI/AAAAAAAAAyo/5kNKkddH6-M/s320/rice%2Bflour%2Band%2Bsugar.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<br />
1) In a saucepan, dissolve the 4 bars of brown sugar in the 1 1/2 cups of water over medium heat<br />
once dissolved, let cool<br />
<br />
2) In a mixing bowl, sieve the two kinds of rice flour. Add the cooled sugar water and mix with the flour until a thick batter consistency (thinner than dough, but thicker than cake batter). If the batter is too thick, add some water to thin it out a bit.<br />
<br />
3) In a large pot, add water about half way to avoid boiling dry (and check it every 15 mins or so to make sure it's not dry), and put on high heat<br />
<br />
4) pour batter into greased dishes or molds and place in your steamer. Steam for about an hour-2 until nian gao has taken on a firmer texture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0nkV9eF6z8/VrrS87obStI/AAAAAAAAAyI/h6nvJWE9Ut4/s1600/IMG-20160207-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w0nkV9eF6z8/VrrS87obStI/AAAAAAAAAyI/h6nvJWE9Ut4/s200/IMG-20160207-WA0002.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
5) allow to cool and enjoy<br />
<br />
Some people like to fry their nian gao, to do so, you cut the cooled nian gao into pieces and dip in beaten egg and fry on medium heat until the egg turns a golden brown.<br />
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<br />Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-77492086718179635572015-10-31T06:49:00.001-07:002015-10-31T06:49:42.056-07:00Happy Halloween!<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Halloween to all you ghouls and goblins!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight kids will take to the streets and echo the familiar chorus of "trick or treat!" and receive sweet goodies. Years back when I was a child, we would get not only a few candies, but plenty of apples in our treat bags. Mom would check them to make sure they were okay, then we used them to bake apple desserts and enjoy with the family, or if there were only a few, to go into my lunch bag for school the following day. It is rare to give out apples nowadays, but I thought I would celebrate Halloween with you by sharing a favourite recipe of mine, apple crisp. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best apples to use for this recipe is the McIntosh, which is a much older, but popular apple available at supermarkets throughout the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While still sweet, the flesh is softer and tends to melt down easily in baked desserts, which is why it is a popular apple to use in apple pies, crumbles, sauces and jams.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The dessert is fairly quick to make, so it makes a great addition to any dinner or gathering. No trick, this is a great Halloween treat!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ics7fPyalZw/VjTG4LnWJJI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-W1GRIey_q4/s1600/img_1268-medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ics7fPyalZw/VjTG4LnWJJI/AAAAAAAAAwY/-W1GRIey_q4/s320/img_1268-medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apple Crisp</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 medium McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and sliced<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1 cup butter</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup rolled oats<span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>1/2 tsp cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup packed brown sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Method:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Preheat oven to 350 F</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2) in a bowl, combine dry ingredients, cut butter into mixture until crumbly</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3) lay apples in the bottom of a greased 9X9 pan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4) cover the apples with the crumb mixture</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">5) bake at 350 F for 30-45 mins or until crust is golden.</span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-90806265341687682202015-09-22T12:29:00.000-07:002015-09-22T16:21:46.771-07:00The Fall is here! Hip Hip Puree!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roasted Butternut Squash & Honey Crisp Apple</td></tr>
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The fall is in the air and the leaves will soon be changing color. During this time of the year I turn to comfort foods and hotter meals. But nothing warms up the soul like a hot bowl of soup. That being said, pureed soups are among my favorites.<br />
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They can made from virtually all sorts of fruits and vegetables, which results in amazing color and flavor/texture combinations. They are so rich with vitamins and satisfying that even the American Food Journal of Nutrition says blended soups are both healthy and helps sedate hunger.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXQy1fqBnIo/VgGoISvYvEI/AAAAAAAAAuw/kf6ZMarqQQI/s1600/20150920_193656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xXQy1fqBnIo/VgGoISvYvEI/AAAAAAAAAuw/kf6ZMarqQQI/s320/20150920_193656.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avocado Spinach Pesto</td></tr>
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So please enjoy the following soup recipe as we usher in the autumn equinox.<br />
---until next time, get ready and let's get souped up!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ROASTED TOMATO & BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 tbsp Olive oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 tbsp Garlic, minced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup Onion, diced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 stalks of Leeks, chopped,
discarding deep green tops <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 Tomatoes, halved and seeded<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 tbsp Canola oil<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 cups Butternut Squash,
chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 tbsp Smoked Paprika<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1.5 L Vegetable stock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Garnish:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Light Sour cream or Greek
yogurt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chopped fresh basil leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frB90Nz4TbY/VgGgljDqqZI/AAAAAAAAAto/vGNJL4VVy0Y/s1600/20150920_195530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frB90Nz4TbY/VgGgljDqqZI/AAAAAAAAAto/vGNJL4VVy0Y/s200/20150920_195530.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">1)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a skillet or cast iron frying pan, heat 1
tablespoon of canola oil until it starts to smoke. Carefully place the tomato
halves open flesh side down into the hot pan.
Let them cook for a minute until they start to brown. Turn them over and
continue to brown and blister the outer skin of the tomato until dark brown.
Transfer them onto a plate and peel the outer charred skin leaving the sweet
inner flash for later. </span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">2)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium-high
setting. Add garlic, onions, & leeks and cook, stirring frequently,
until the onions and leeks start to brown, about 3-5 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">3)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stir in the tomatoes, butternut squash, smoked
paprika and cook until the bottom of the pot starts to stick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">4)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Add vegetable stock to deglaze the pot and bring
to a boil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;">5)<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reduce heat and simmer until the butternut squash
is really soft and tender, about 15-20 minutes. You will notice that the soup
has slightly thickened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->6)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Puree the soup with an immersion blender until a
smooth consistency is achieved.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->7)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Season with salt & fresh cracked black
pepper. Taste, serve & enjoy!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-72194519589722938972014-10-30T20:52:00.002-07:002014-10-30T20:52:13.998-07:00Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy
Halloween!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Halloween is
a fun time of year when our kids dress up in fun costumes and go trick or
treating door to door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also a
great time for treats for not so little ghosts and goblins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of our family’s favourite traditions is to
go to Lester’s Farm and pick out our pumpkin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We pick out a nice round pumpkin and bring it home to carve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favourite part is not the carving of the
pumpkin, but in roasting the delicious pumpkin seeds and enjoying them as a
healthy, tasty snack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The greatest
thing about roasted pumpkin seeds is that you can make them any flavour you
choose, salty, sweet, spicy, you name it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One idea you can do is coat the seeds in your favourite popcorn
seasoning before roasting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is how
to roast pumpkin seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Roasted
pumpkin seeds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pumpkin
seeds<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Water<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Seasoning
(optional) I used 2 tsp chilli powder, 2 tsp brown sugar for my 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
batch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Scoop out seeds and pulp from pumpkin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Separate the seeds from pulp by rinsing seeds in
a strainer under running water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soak the seeds overnight in saltwater (1/4 C
salt, 3C water) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take seeds out of water and place on paper towel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sprinkle salt over seeds (or coat seeds in
seasoning by tossing in a bowl)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6)</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put seeds in frying pan (no oil needed) and cook
at low-med heat, stirring constantly until seeds become dry and turn a golden
color<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is important to soak the seeds
overnight because it breaks down enzymes in the seeds that make them difficult
to digest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soaking in salt water also
brings out the flavour in the pumpkin seeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy and have a safe and happy
Halloween!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-79562926599836830812014-10-24T18:23:00.001-07:002014-10-24T18:23:52.830-07:00National Bologna Day<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">October 24<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
is National Bologna Day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bologna, or “baloney”
as it is often pronounced is a very popular luncheon meat in North America,
made from finely ground meats and fat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bologna sausage got its name from the city of its origin, Bologna,
Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are
different kinds of bolognas which are made with different ingredients;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>German garlic bologna, which adds garlic to the
mixture, Halal bologna, which does not use pork products, instead using beef,
or chicken, turkey or lamb, Lebanon bologna, which is cured and dried like a
salami to name a few.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bologna is
to Newfoundland as Spam is to Hawaii.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Locals have coined it as the "Newfie Steak". </span>We
consume 1/3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> of all bologna products sold in Canada, and given we
have a population of about 500,000, that is quite a lot of bologna!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first heard that there was a bologna
cookbook out, I thought to myself, “I bet you that the author is a
Newfoundlander” and he is, Chef Kevin Phillips hails from Cape St. George.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfTsBkNZ1AA/VEr0p7y_34I/AAAAAAAAAsI/9_0ov-G4Qt0/s1600/bologna%2Bcook%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfTsBkNZ1AA/VEr0p7y_34I/AAAAAAAAAsI/9_0ov-G4Qt0/s1600/bologna%2Bcook%2Bbook.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a
Newfoundlander, bologna is near and dear to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have so many great memories of having breakfasts on the weekend of
fried bologna and eggs, a nice treat from the quick cereal and toast during the
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had Barbequed bologna,
bologna sandwiches, appetizers and casseroles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If the recipe called for ham, in a pinch bologna would work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bologna in Newfoundland is a variant of
the rag bologna, as we call it, the wax bologna due to being coated in wax
during processing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To celebrate
this exciting holiday, I have made up a bologna recipe using bologna and
another one of my Newfoundland breakfast favourites, toutons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls5EG-kGNrs/VErzs4kyb2I/AAAAAAAAAsA/EPBPMbiw3Fk/s1600/IMG_9431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls5EG-kGNrs/VErzs4kyb2I/AAAAAAAAAsA/EPBPMbiw3Fk/s1600/IMG_9431.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bologna Eggs Benedict on a Touton<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Slice Maple Leaf bologna<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Poached Egg<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Piece Pan-fried touton dough<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hollandaise Sauce<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Molasses<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hollandaise Sauce:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Tbsp Butter<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 Egg yolks<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tsp White vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp Water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Salt & freshly cracked
black pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Start by taking a palm sized amount of flattened touton dough and pan
fry it in both sides<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To make the hollandaise sauce, melt butter in a small steel bowl over a
sauce pan of simmering water. Add egg yolks, vinegar, water, salt & pepper.
Whisk continuously until the sauce begin to thicken and turns a pale yellow,
about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next we have to poach an egg. In a small sauce pan, bring 2 inches of
water to a simmer and slowly drop in the egg and let it cook slowly until the
surface is cooked and the middle is runny and soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Heat a large frying pan with 2 tbsp of oil on medium heat. Place a small
piece of touton in the pan along with the bologna. Let it fry for about a
minute and turn over the touton dough when it starts to rise and brown and
continue to cook for another minute. Also flip over your bologna until its
crispy on both sides.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Plate the crispy touton dough. Drizzle with molasses. Top with the slice
of bologna and poached egg. Spoon the hollandaise sauce over the egg and let it
cascade over the bologna and touton dough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-10654855344448396422014-10-19T21:30:00.001-07:002014-10-24T18:11:49.505-07:00Magic Wok Restaurant<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night,
my wife and I were invited out to dinner by a good friend of ours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friend suggested we go to Magic Wok, a
popular Chinese restaurant downtown St. John’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Magic Wok Restaurant has been in business for quite some time and has
built up a great reputation in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember first going there years ago with my parents for dim sum, at
the old Magic Wok, which had burned down in 2001.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great old charming building and a
friendly atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new building is
larger, more open and bright with modern yet distinctly Chinese décor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The friendly atmosphere remains as warm as it
ever was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLdvvUoUP58/VESNFDKY0aI/AAAAAAAAApQ/hEupaaH7__o/s1600/20141018_193424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLdvvUoUP58/VESNFDKY0aI/AAAAAAAAApQ/hEupaaH7__o/s1600/20141018_193424.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived
to the restaurant at 7pm to find the dining room buzzing with activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Is there a special occasion tonight?” I
asked the waiter, to which he replied “no, this is a typical Saturday night”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our host had called ahead a few days prior
and reserved a table, so we were seated immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiters came over and took our drink
order immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked over the
menus, which had pictures of the signature dishes and were written in English
and Chinese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friend had pre-ordered
the Peking Duck, which came as 3 courses (You need to order this dish in advance).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first course was crispy duck skin with shrimp chips, pancakes,
scallions, cucumber, chili sauce and hoisin sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second course was a duck bone and
vegetable soup and the third course was a delicious duck stir-fry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also ordered flambé beef, captain chicken,
shrimp and broccoli stir-fry, braised beef, a pork rib dish, won ton soup and
steamed rice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At the
beginning of the meal, the waiter brought out our roasted duck for our approval
before bringing it back into the kitchen to prepare into the 3 courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked elegant, with silver frills on the
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so in awe that we forgot
to take a photo until the duck was brought back into the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first course that came out was the duck
skin course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This course is a fun dish
you make your own duck skin pancake rolls with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First you take your pancake and place the skin in it, then veggies then
sauce, roll it up and enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a
social dish best enjoyed with friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ghuc1BsGvro/VESNGtdNqPI/AAAAAAAAApk/ZVIh9PR5Msw/s1600/20141018_195620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ghuc1BsGvro/VESNGtdNqPI/AAAAAAAAApk/ZVIh9PR5Msw/s1600/20141018_195620.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy duck skin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OyJFTO-fYU/VESNGQSwKtI/AAAAAAAAApg/Ut7nXDb9cZo/s1600/20141018_195659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OyJFTO-fYU/VESNGQSwKtI/AAAAAAAAApg/Ut7nXDb9cZo/s1600/20141018_195659.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crispy duck skin course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next
course was the soup course, where we enjoyed duck bone soup and won ton
soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wonton soup was good, but the
duck soup was excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The baby bok
choy in the soup complimented the subtle flavor of the duck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The broth was flavorful, but not too salty or
overpowering so it could bring out the duck flavor.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5McdyjRqK0/VESNHw2uOTI/AAAAAAAAAqA/5yz-ffIqqZE/s1600/20141018_201246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5McdyjRqK0/VESNHw2uOTI/AAAAAAAAAqA/5yz-ffIqqZE/s1600/20141018_201246.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">duck bone soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The captain
chicken is Magic Wok’s take on sesame chicken, a sweet and tangy but less spicy
version of General Tso’s Chicken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The noodles
were crisp and light, and the chicken was crispy yet sweet and tangy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkn0SWMRMNk/VESNKwFrCQI/AAAAAAAAArA/UvKLYA1TPdY/s1600/20141018_204146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkn0SWMRMNk/VESNKwFrCQI/AAAAAAAAArA/UvKLYA1TPdY/s1600/20141018_204146.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The shrimp
and broccoli stir-fry was next to come out, the shrimp were juicy and the broccoli
was tender but not too soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sauce
had a nice seafood taste to it, but was not too salty.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwd0tPC6tXA/VESNKNvBwSI/AAAAAAAAAqw/Y34UM9B3O4w/s1600/20141018_204107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwd0tPC6tXA/VESNKNvBwSI/AAAAAAAAAqw/Y34UM9B3O4w/s1600/20141018_204107.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimp and Broccoli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The braised
beef was next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so tender that it
melted in our mouths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is one of my
favorite rustic dishes that I enjoyed as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not disappointed with this dish.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qn9JAyNosOA/VESNJrkqLzI/AAAAAAAAAqo/OdY5DJwwlsY/s1600/20141018_203945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qn9JAyNosOA/VESNJrkqLzI/AAAAAAAAAqo/OdY5DJwwlsY/s1600/20141018_203945.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braised beef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We then tried
the pork rib dish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pork was very flavorful
and the veggies were grilled to perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The onions and choy had started to carmelize, but were still juicy with
a hint of sweetness.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Rfqd1Czz0/VESNLIjC0KI/AAAAAAAAArI/-aX30pm1DzA/s1600/20141018_204215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r8Rfqd1Czz0/VESNLIjC0KI/AAAAAAAAArI/-aX30pm1DzA/s1600/20141018_204215.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pork ribs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last
dish to come out was the most impressive; flambé beef.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this dish, you get a little bit of a
show with your tableside service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
waiter brings out the beef on a sizzling platter, then pours vodka on it and
lights it on fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the flame burns
off the alcohol and died out, the waiter then adds the sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beef was delicious, juicy and sweet.</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzQ4lIWFWQ02T_EPQEQ4Ut7i1sYtUNdW8FzgICJ3RhqTdYVKqUYQ699IURo32_hjIKAmJsyV3Mbc0CdKTPgGg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SUs3GslQ7E/VESNMJd2HfI/AAAAAAAAArg/lqWSWNDlkbM/s1600/20141018_204933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_SUs3GslQ7E/VESNMJd2HfI/AAAAAAAAArg/lqWSWNDlkbM/s1600/20141018_204933.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flambé beef</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our last
course was dessert, we had coconut balls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were unlike standard dessert fare and reminded me of dim sum
dessert that we would get in Toronto, sweet but not as sweet as Western
desserts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The homemade treats were
coconut, fried in a crisp shell and rolled in powdered sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waiter told us that they were not ordered
often, so they were a sort of best kept secret at Magic Wok.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUcZir7c3yk/VESNMnPuvcI/AAAAAAAAAro/JOd7EbSVSZ0/s1600/20141018_213415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUcZir7c3yk/VESNMnPuvcI/AAAAAAAAAro/JOd7EbSVSZ0/s1600/20141018_213415.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coconut balls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The signature
dishes ranged from about $10-$20 each, which is quite good for an upscale
Chinese restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flambé dish,
which would have to be my favorite, was $18.99 plus tax, and worth it, given
the little show and tableside service you get. You also get decent size portions. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">There were 6 of us in our party, and there was plenty to eat and leftovers to take home.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>We were served by multiple servers over the
duration of our meal, this proved to be very effective during peak hours;
instead of waiting for our section waiter to become available to bring us our
food, as soon as the food came off the line, the next available person would
bring it out asap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The servers were also
all very friendly and fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would recommend
Magic Wok for anyone wanting to not only have a tasty meal during an evening
out, but who would also enjoy the unique dining experience of dim sum and flambé
during the same meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely recommend
the flambé beef, it will not disappoint.<o:p></o:p></span></span>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-64215479505184997622014-10-13T23:34:00.001-07:002014-10-14T18:00:37.857-07:00Chef Michael Smith's Family Meals
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope everyone had a wonderful long
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Saturday, I went to Chapters
and met Chef Michael Smith, who was there for a book signing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His newest cookbook is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Family Meals</i> and I grabbed a copy to
check out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chatted with Chef Smith for
a few minutes and he was telling me about a few of his upcoming projects. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a celebrity chef, he seemed quite down to
earth and genuine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a few photos,
and man he is tall!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am 5’11” and next
to him I look very short.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YlyqNOR2pVk/VDzCYWWt5eI/AAAAAAAAAog/pRCGn5Q1OYU/s1600/20141011_102451%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YlyqNOR2pVk/VDzCYWWt5eI/AAAAAAAAAog/pRCGn5Q1OYU/s1600/20141011_102451%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided this week I would do a review on the cookbook <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Family Meals</i> and try out one of the
recipes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cookbook itself is a large
softcover book, with easy to read print.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The layout is attractive and colourful, with large glossy full page
photos of the finished meal on every second page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ingredients are listed on the side of the
instructions for easy reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meals
themselves are fun, easy recipes that would suit a family restaurant, or a bar and
grill as they would a family dinner table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With recipes such as “Moroccan-Style Cinnamon Cumin Lamb” and “Street
Tacos”, there is definitely a recipe for everyone in the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQTWuNt7dGY/VDzDyE82ehI/AAAAAAAAAo4/-AJyMOlRnKg/s1600/cookbook.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQTWuNt7dGY/VDzDyE82ehI/AAAAAAAAAo4/-AJyMOlRnKg/s1600/cookbook.bmp" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you may know, I am a diehard fan of Chinese food and
Chinese style cuisine, so when the recipe “General Tso’s Chicken Wings” caught
my eye, I decided to try it out as my first meal from the cookbook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The instructions were simple and easy to
follow and the chicken wings came out crisp and the sauce was tangy and sweet
just as I would expect from one of my favourite take out places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing I noticed in the photo in the book
is that there was a brush with the sauce on it, and the instructions described
tossing the wings in the sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided
to do both for my photo; I first tossed the wings in the sauce, I then brushed
some of the left over sauce in the bowl onto the wings, to appear like the
photo in the book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not necessary
to do this when preparing them at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wings were decidedly a success as my wife and guests were raving about
them all night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was impressed with
this recipe as it turned out the way it was intended, and the photo of my wings
looked very close to the wings in the photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I recommend this book for easy to follow fun meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The meals are not overly artistic or “fancy”
but they are good for everyday enjoyment.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0MH_vWxrkY/VDzDWxH4QkI/AAAAAAAAAow/Z2hppnoWXho/s1600/IMG_9313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d0MH_vWxrkY/VDzDWxH4QkI/AAAAAAAAAow/Z2hppnoWXho/s1600/IMG_9313.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>General Tso’s Chicken Wings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">From<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Chef Michael Smith’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Family
Meals </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the baked wings:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
tsp (10 mL) baking powder<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
tsp (10 mL) sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lots
of freshly ground pepper<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4
eggs<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">24
whole chicken wings or 48 assorted flats and drums<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2
cup (125 mL) cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the finishing saucy touches:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2
cup (125 mL) white sugar<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2
cup (125 mL) ketchup<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2
cup (125 mL) water<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4
cup (60 mL) white vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
tbsp (30 mL) toasted sesame oil<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1
tsp (5 mL) your favourite hot sauce<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
inches (5 cm) or so of frozen ginger, grated (about 2 tbsp/30 mL)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
tbsp (30 mL) soy sauce<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2
tbsp (30 mL) cornstarch<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4
cup (60 mL) sesame seeds<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4
green onions, thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Turn on your convection
fan if you have one. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a
non-stick baking mat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Get the wings going. In a small bowl, whisk together the
flour baking powder, salt and pepper. Thoroughly whisk in the eggs. Tumble the
wings into a large bowl and sprinkle evenly with the cornstarch. Toss evenly,
coating every surface, nook and cranny with the powder. Pour the egg mixture
over the wings and gently toss with your fingers, evenly coating the works.
Neatly array skin side up on the baking sheet. Bake until the wings are tender,
lightly browned and crisp, 1 hour or so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meanwhile, build the glazing sauce. Into a small saucepan,
measure the sugar, ketchup, water, vinegar, sesame oil, hot sauce and ginger.
Heat gently. In a small cup of some kind, stir together the soy sauce and
cornstarch until dissolved. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring
gently as it thickens into a shiny sauce. Remove from the heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and
pour the sauce over them. Toss lightly once or twice, add the sesame seeds, and
toss until the wings are evenly coated. Plate the proceeds and sprinkle with
the green onions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Serve and share!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Makes 24 full wings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-23321239975095085372014-09-09T18:59:00.000-07:002014-09-09T18:59:35.321-07:00Maple Dijon Chia Vinaigrette<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MnP7RyweVso/VA-v983HVjI/AAAAAAAAAoI/TvcAX3W7eko/s1600/Maple%2BDijon%2BChia%2BDressing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MnP7RyweVso/VA-v983HVjI/AAAAAAAAAoI/TvcAX3W7eko/s1600/Maple%2BDijon%2BChia%2BDressing.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></i></b></div>
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<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Ingredients:</span></i></b><br />
<br />
3 tbsp Cider vinegar<br />
4 tbsp Maple syrup<br />
1/2 cup Olive oil<br />
1 tsp Whole grain Dijon Mustard<br />
2 tsp Chia seeds<br />
Freshly cracked black pepper<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></i></b><br />
<br />
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients until mixture is homogenized and blended.<br />
Or alternatively, you can place all the ingredients in a mason jar and just shake for a minute or so. <br />
<br />Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-87431427203084134712014-09-05T22:09:00.001-07:002014-09-09T19:03:30.397-07:00Chia Seeds<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ch-ch-ch-Chia!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Peib5zQ1m_E/VAZ_A5X-EXI/AAAAAAAAAno/MzCSAeLGnYg/s1600/chiakitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Peib5zQ1m_E/VAZ_A5X-EXI/AAAAAAAAAno/MzCSAeLGnYg/s1600/chiakitten.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Amazon.ca</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I will be discussing the benefits of Chia seeds as
part of a healthy diet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chia first became
a household name when a company named Joseph Inc. began producing pottery animals
(and later other shapes) that you could soak and apply chia seeds to and it
would grow a vegetation coat that looks something like fur or hair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had a Chia pet, but my wife got a Chia
kitten for a Christmas gift as a child and said she often wondered if the chia
seeds or greens were edible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
the same seeds, actually and are thus not only edible but healthy, but don’t eat
the chia seeds that come with your Chia pet; they are not officially food grade
chia, plus there is only a table spoon of seeds in the package that comes with
the Chia pet planter, so that would make them pretty expensive to eat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that we know Chia seeds are edible, why should we eat
chia seeds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well for starters chia seeds
are packed with essential fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6 which can help lower
cholesterol, and boost skin, hair and immune system health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In addition to Omega 3 and Omega 6, chia seeds are also
packed with fibre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And unlike flax,
which is also a great healthy seed packed with nutrients, Chia seeds are easily
digestible and do not need to be ground up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chia seeds are also great for your diet as when they are wet, they gain
a gel coating and bulk up to nearly 10 times its original weight, giving your
stomach a more full feeling after eating them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Chia seeds are also known to be an antioxidant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So here’s to the amazing super seed, Chia!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in addition to health benefits from
eating Chia, you can also use them when your Chia planter runs out of seeds,
which will happen about a week after you buy the planter because there is only
enough for 3 coatings, and after Christmas you can’t buy official Chia pet
seeds and thus have a naked chia pet…you can always buy whole chia seeds at
your local health food section and use those for your chia pet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzcxnXFY9xI/VAqW-H2enCI/AAAAAAAAAn4/fw6mVx3L4ok/s1600/DSCF3933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HzcxnXFY9xI/VAqW-H2enCI/AAAAAAAAAn4/fw6mVx3L4ok/s1600/DSCF3933.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ch-ch-ch-Chia!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-81054725150420880142014-06-29T13:41:00.001-07:002014-07-02T02:32:05.589-07:00Formosa Tea House<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, a friend and I visited the Formosa Tea House on
Lemarchant Road. Opened by Taiwanese tea
merchants in 2011, after 10 years in PEI, Formosa Tea House is one of St.
John's best kept secrets. Part cafe, part
tea wholesaler, the tea house is a welcome change from big chain places like
Starbucks and Treats and also from the expensive cafe's downtown.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZDcQf5eCr8/U7B5YwBLxZI/AAAAAAAAAlM/IF_mZA7Ry5I/s1600/20140207_184040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZDcQf5eCr8/U7B5YwBLxZI/AAAAAAAAAlM/IF_mZA7Ry5I/s1600/20140207_184040.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The space is small but welcoming. The walls are decorated in Chinese decorations,
in a minimalist design. They have tea
products prominently displayed, as well as authentic Chinese tea sets you may
purchase.</div>
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My friend and I sat down and ordered our drinks. I ordered an almond milk tea and my friend ordered
a mocha ice coffee. The prices were
fantastic. $2.21 for the almond milk tea
and $2.65 for the mocha ice coffee. The
almond tea was sweet and creamy and reminded me of the Chinese tea shops I used
to visit in Toronto, except for the prices are much better at Formosa. The mocha ice coffee was sweet and
refreshing, perfect for a summer's afternoon.</div>
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Formosa Cafe is unique in that they have all vegetarian
options for their traditional Taiwanese snacks.
We ordered BBQ buns, veggie sushi, spring rolls, bamboo rice, dumplings,
stuffed buns, sticky rice, sweet bean buns and kim chi. At an average price of $2-$2.50 per dish, we
couldn't pass up trying many dishes.</div>
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The flavours were amazing.
If you did not know the snacks were vegetarian, you would swear they had
meat in them, especially in the spring rolls and BBQ buns. Even if you were a meat lover and did not
like eating vegetables, the textures and flavours of the snacks would make you
reconsider, as they have made the snacks so well. It is worth it for everyone to try out this
little gem.</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-8256647041043100702014-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:002014-06-16T17:10:26.400-07:00Iceberg Season<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Late May to early June in Newfoundland is iceberg season, as icebergs make their way down Iceberg Alley, from Baffin Bay down past the Southeast coast. This year is a very active season for icebergs, where you can almost see an iceberg in every Bay. This past weekend, I headed up Signal Hill with my buddy to check out the Icebergs just outside the narrows. It was beautiful! All this "iceberg fever" inspired me to have an iceberg theme for my blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Iceberg Beer</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> Today I bring you a proud
lager brewed right here in St. John's, Newfoundland by the <a href="http://www.quidividibrewery.ca/" target="_blank">Quidi Vidi Brewing Company</a>. Iceberg beer was launched in 2007 and like all their beers, they are
brewed without adjuncts; which involves no corn or rice, just malt. At launch this brew came in a clear bottle but a few years later the company changed the color. They are
available province wide in liquor stores and corner shops all year round. It's currently the 4th best selling Newfoundland beer according to the <a href="http://www.nlliquor.com/products/beer/top-selling-beer" target="_blank">Newfoundland Liquor Corporation</a> website. If you attend the
tour given at the brewery then you'll most likely hear that their Iceberg beer
is made from pure 25,000 year old glacier water. And we all know that the
purity of the water affects the quality of the beer. Now on to the review, I’m getting
thirsty…</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-Rs7blnIyk/U58sQFHrDtI/AAAAAAAAAjk/yhmgpzf0LZQ/s1600/quidi-vidi-Image+by+Tudorw+@+beothic.blogspot.ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-Rs7blnIyk/U58sQFHrDtI/AAAAAAAAAjk/yhmgpzf0LZQ/s1600/quidi-vidi-Image+by+Tudorw+@+beothic.blogspot.ca.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>image of Quidi Vidi Brewery by Tudorw @ <a href="http://beothic.blogspot.ca/">beothic.blogspot.ca</a></b></span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> You can purchase Iceberg beer in
either a white box of a dozen or six. Being somewhat of a casual drinker I opted for the
latter. It comes in a tall glass bottle with a long neck much like a Corona except this bottle also comes in a cool looking blue transparent hue. A possible reason being is that clear glass bottles allows an increased amount of light exposure, thus degrading the hops and sours the flavor of the ale. Or it could also just be a clever marketing strategy to differentiate this lager from many other ones with similar clear bottles.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxO9XphXqadpu2j8l0WjprkDJqZ8qZ7O7ekgnDseYbAej-N9KrrwF0Ij-Pclw0apeiVwZdpzQXtadLtDLIuFQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The above video is the property of the Quidi Vidi Brewing Company</span></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">After snapping the pry-off crown and hearing the crisp sound of escaping vapors from several millennia of frozen purity I immediately poured the cold one into a tall glass. This light lager measures in at 341ml with an alcohol by volume content at just 4.5 percent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElE9FVNoAC8/U58fMRXMv5I/AAAAAAAAAi4/CfKHQtUUsiY/s1600/iceberg+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ElE9FVNoAC8/U58fMRXMv5I/AAAAAAAAAi4/CfKHQtUUsiY/s1600/iceberg+beer.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Appearance</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">It comprised of a pale yellow ale in color with a short head and plenty of fizzing bubbles.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Aroma</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">It smells like mild wheat and yeast.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Taste</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The flavor is a bit weak with a hint of malt compared to other light beers. It lacks in body but has a pleasant after taste with a dry finish and a balanced bitterness.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Verdict</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Iceberg beer is not too strong and people who like light beer will find it quite pleasing to taste. I was quite intrigued by the marketing direction of the product and believe that Iceberg Beer makes a great Newfoundland product to promote to locals and visitors alike. At $18.68 for 6 and $34.96 for a dozen I will drink again for that price. Bottoms Up!</span><br />
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<br />Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-14154031823506612732014-06-16T15:38:00.001-07:002014-06-16T16:59:16.396-07:00Drunken BBQ Chicken Wings<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3USpaj93H4/U55R4c4vpXI/AAAAAAAAAh0/0y-xBMR_Gh0/s1600/Drunken+BBQ+wings1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z3USpaj93H4/U55R4c4vpXI/AAAAAAAAAh0/0y-xBMR_Gh0/s1600/Drunken+BBQ+wings1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3 lbs. chicken wings, split; tips removed</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 bottle Iceberg beer</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons Clubhouse chipotle mango seasoning</li>
</ul>
<div class="ERSSectionHead">
</div>
<div class="ERSSectionHead">
<b>BBQ sauce:</b></div>
<ul>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 1/2 cup ketchup</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup dark brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 tablespoons molasses </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1 tablespoon chili powder </li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">3 tablespoons cider vinegar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">1/2 cup Iceberg beer</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients">2 teaspoons whole grain Dijon mustard</li>
</ul>
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<div class="ERSInstructions">
<ol>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Start with a large bowl, marinate the chicken wings witht he Iceberg beer and chipotle mango seasoning. Cover with plastic wrap and lay in the fridge for at least 2 hours for flavors to infuse but overnight is best if you plan ahead of time.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Preheat oven at 375F </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Meanwhile in a medium sauce pan or large frying pan, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients and mix thoroughly. </li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Lay
chicken wings out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Remove the wings from the oven and place them in the BBQ sauce and make sure they are evenly coated. Then place them back on the same baking tray with a new sheet of parchment since the first sheet probably has a lot of grease and moisture left on it from cooking the wings before.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Continue to bake the wings for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble and brown.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Turn over
chicken midway through the cooking process and baste with additional sauce if needed.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions">Once the internal temperature of the wings reach 180F and desire brownness is achieved they are ready. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="ERSNotesHeader">
<i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjkY-ZRjGlA/U55SpLBQF6I/AAAAAAAAAh8/rHd-l4uOlx8/s1600/Drunken+BBQ+wings+with+beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjkY-ZRjGlA/U55SpLBQF6I/AAAAAAAAAh8/rHd-l4uOlx8/s1600/Drunken+BBQ+wings+with+beer.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Don't forget to pass these tasty wings around with more ice cold beer!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i><br />
<i>Tip: Using a wire rack inside a parchment lined baking sheet makes the chicken crispier.</i></div>
<div class="ERSNotesHeader">
<i> You could also do these wings on the BBQ and baste them when they are almost cooked through. </i></div>
<ul>
</ul>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-45387174107580594522014-06-16T02:00:00.002-07:002014-06-16T02:00:24.238-07:00ClubHouse Chipotle Mango <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeb3XNdzPvw/U546lw0bEOI/AAAAAAAAAhM/q76SUwcFQbY/s1600/20140615_213248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeb3XNdzPvw/U546lw0bEOI/AAAAAAAAAhM/q76SUwcFQbY/s1600/20140615_213248.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IgqAokGX_Q/U547MOZIksI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/vvecp4hjs3g/s1600/large-chipotle+Mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xeb3XNdzPvw/U546lw0bEOI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9Ds7P4Oxxjg/s1600/20140615_213248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Part of Clubhouse's la Grille series comes a seasoning that combines the smokey blend of fire roasted chipotle peppers with sweet mango and spices. A few shakes onto chicken, pork or fish before grilling or baking will instantly jazz up any meal. Follow along as I use this ingredient in a featured recipe this week: <b><i>Drunken BBQ Chicken Wings! </i></b></span><br />
<br />
Nutritional info: Ingredients:<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHBSdLOKAKQ/U549Cp752xI/AAAAAAAAAhc/qWh4UQ-vR98/s1600/NutritionFacts-Chipotle+Mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHBSdLOKAKQ/U549Cp752xI/AAAAAAAAAhc/qWh4UQ-vR98/s1600/NutritionFacts-Chipotle+Mango.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">sugar & salt<br />
spice and herbs (including chipotle chili pepper)<br />
dehydrated vegetables (onion, garlic, tomato)<br />
brown sugar<br />
natural flavour<br />
sodium acetate<br />
disodium Inosinate</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Guanylate<br />
Acetic Acid<br />
mango powder<br />
corn maltodextrin<br />
fancy molasses<br />
cornstarch<br />
spice extractives<br />
lactic acid & calcium lactate<br />
sunflower lecithin & calcium silicate<br />
silicon dioxide & calcium stearate</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IgqAokGX_Q/U547MOZIksI/AAAAAAAAAhU/RVC5tJwl3tA/s1600/large-chipotle+Mango.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IgqAokGX_Q/U547MOZIksI/AAAAAAAAAhU/RVC5tJwl3tA/s1600/large-chipotle+Mango.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It comes in 2 sizes: 160g shaker or the large 650g container.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-18188827840071246002014-06-08T21:08:00.002-07:002014-06-08T21:08:31.726-07:00There's an "app" for that!<br />
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Cooking has never been easier with all the technology of today, From Smart Fridges to Iphones, there are so many tools at our disposal. As with cooking and pretty much anything you could think of, there is a helpful App just a download away. Today, I will be taking a look at one of my favourite cooking apps and making a yogurt cake using one of the recipes featured in the App.<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It doesn't matter if your culinary limits knows no bounds or if you burn water, We all could use a bit of help improving our cooking skills and saving time. If you have a smartphone or a tablet then join me as I show you the food/cooking apps I found useful as I turned my failed endeavors into delectable delights!</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Today's App of the Day is:</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<h1>
Epicurious</h1>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6folNOPb1c/U5TBR0yNm0I/AAAAAAAAAfE/WLCiuA_k3eM/s1600/epicurious-icon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6folNOPb1c/U5TBR0yNm0I/AAAAAAAAAfE/WLCiuA_k3eM/s1600/epicurious-icon1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This FREE app offers the best of the best with tried & true recipes from popular websites and magazines.<i> </i>You can choose between a variety of categories ranging from Weeknight Dinners to I Can Barely Cook. You can also search for recipes based on a Main Ingredient, Meal/Course, Cuisine, Dietary Consideration, Dish Type, Season or Occasion. On top of all that you may also save recipes and generate shopping lists before heading to the supermarket. This app is available for download @ <i>iTunes & Google Play.</i></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rLiK23CU4Q/U5UrIBwujNI/AAAAAAAAAgI/admpbgh_wRc/s1600/Epicurious.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rLiK23CU4Q/U5UrIBwujNI/AAAAAAAAAgI/admpbgh_wRc/s1600/Epicurious.png" height="233" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Description from iTunes:</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></i>
</div>
<i>Experience the all-new Epicurious
app with added free features and a fresh interface. The ever-popular
cooking resource—over 10 million downloads—has been fully redesigned and
reengineered for today’s home cooks.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· A whole new look and completely reengineered—it's even faster, friendlier, and more fun to search.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· Recipe Box sync is now FREE: all your recipes—from anywhere on the Web—saved and searchable in one place.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· Manage all your recipes and shopping lists from anywhere on your iPhone, iPad, and desktop.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>·
No more smudge-y screens: Voice-activated commands in the Cook
Mode let you follow recipes while keeping your hands free for cooking
(available only on iPad).</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· New fonts and bigger pictures make cooking from iPhone or iPad even easier.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· Search more than 30,000 editorially tested and member-rated recipes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>·
Get inspired browsing new categories like Chocolate Desserts,
Kid-Friendly Mains, Gluten-Free, Stir-Fry Suppers, Low-Carb Mains,
Healthy Dinners, and Hearty Sandwiches.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· The only app
resource for recipes from the editors of Epicurious and Gourmet
magazine, plus recipes from Bon Appétit, Self, Random House, and more.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· Read comments and suggestions by other home cooks like you on tens of thousands of recipes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>· Thousands of mouth-watering images by today’s top food photographers.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Tonight, I tried this Turkish recipe from <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/arabesquemagazine" target="_blank">Arabesque</a>, March 2009 Issue by Claudia Roden</i>:</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Yogurt Cake</b></i></span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSUwtNNJvTA/U5UfHDH8ZGI/AAAAAAAAAfo/au4YppZZk8o/s1600/Yogurt+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSUwtNNJvTA/U5UfHDH8ZGI/AAAAAAAAAfo/au4YppZZk8o/s1600/Yogurt+cake.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
4 large eggs, separated<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
4 Tbsp all purpose flour<br />
1 2/3 cups strained Greek-style yogurt<br />
Grated zest of 1/2 lemon<br />
Juice of 1/2 lemon<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
<br />
<strong>Raspberry compote</strong><br />
1C frozen raspberries<br />
1/2 cup sugar 1tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp. of water.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Preparation:</b><br />
Preheat oven to 350 F <br />
Beat the eggs yolks with the sugar to a thick pale cream. Beat in the flour, then the yogurt, lemon zest, and lemon juice until it is throughly blended.<br />
Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the yogurt mixture. Pour this into a 9 inch round, nonstick baking tin, greased with butter or cooking spray.<br />
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is brown. It will puff up like a souffle and then fall as it sets.<br />
Turn out onto a serving plate and serve warm or cold.<br />
<br />
<strong>Raspberry compote:</strong><br />
In a saucepan over medium heat bring raspberries and sugar to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch mixture until desired thickness is achieved. When compote cools, spread over cake.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xN9TjK2Ihas/U5UftMo-8BI/AAAAAAAAAfw/xNhjo8041-w/s1600/Turkish+Yogurt+cake+open2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xN9TjK2Ihas/U5UftMo-8BI/AAAAAAAAAfw/xNhjo8041-w/s1600/Turkish+Yogurt+cake+open2.jpg" height="320" width="229" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Turkish Yogurt Cake with Raspberry Compote</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOlF5ckenNA/U5UgPQcOH1I/AAAAAAAAAf4/QoCKYY6C-iM/s1600/Yogurt+cake+slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EOlF5ckenNA/U5UgPQcOH1I/AAAAAAAAAf4/QoCKYY6C-iM/s1600/Yogurt+cake+slice.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">With a texture somewhere in between an airy cheesecake and flan you know you gotta have a slice! </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-63945974826570730422014-06-01T20:59:00.000-07:002014-06-08T11:00:37.569-07:00Beavertails
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4sy6pgmbH8/U4v1dzS9WDI/AAAAAAAAAeg/klSKrDiM-Gs/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o4sy6pgmbH8/U4v1dzS9WDI/AAAAAAAAAeg/klSKrDiM-Gs/s1600/7.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every year or two, I go with my wife to Ottawa to visit
family and we always make a trip downtown to see the sights, tour the
parliament buildings, visit the museums, walk down Sparks Street, shop at the
Byward Market and grab one of my favourite treats: a Beavertail.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaBZY1iwU38/U4v1MjEeD1I/AAAAAAAAAdk/ZsMTnHHXHqQ/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaBZY1iwU38/U4v1MjEeD1I/AAAAAAAAAdk/ZsMTnHHXHqQ/s1600/10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Triple Trip, an ooey gooey guilty pleasure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beavertails are Canadian treats, something like what you
would find at a county fair, made of flat fried dough topped with delicious
toppings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Beavertails is a National Chain, founded in 1978 by Grant and Pam Hooker, who first sold their pastries at a local fair and two years later opened the first Beavertails location in Byward Market, Ottawa.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we go to Beavertails, we get our usual favourites. My wife's favourite is the
Avalanche, which is a cream cheese icing, caramel and Skor bar bits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mine is the Triple Trip, made with Nutella,
Reeses Pieces and peanut butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
only during my visits to Ottawa that I was able to enjoy this treat, until
today.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJHeMeNxJ-I/U4v1aQlzdEI/AAAAAAAAAeU/IChAPMnk_i8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJHeMeNxJ-I/U4v1aQlzdEI/AAAAAAAAAeU/IChAPMnk_i8/s1600/5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Beavertails mobile location had a grand opening down on
the Waterfront downtown St. John's today, so a friend and I checked it out (My
wife is currently in Ottawa and can go to the original location).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was quite busy, but the atmosphere was
festive, with a beaver mascot and employees giving out free samples, temporary
tattoos and balloons for the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIuRTTUQyKU/U4v1bI34oXI/AAAAAAAAAec/BVkoTSl7yNk/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MIuRTTUQyKU/U4v1bI34oXI/AAAAAAAAAec/BVkoTSl7yNk/s1600/6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ordered my favourite, the Triple Trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I closed my eyes, it would feel like I was
on the corner of Byward Market (albeit sometime in October, it was chilly
today).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At $7.00 for the
"premium" Beavertails, the prices were the same as in Ottawa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is great to be able to have a Beavertail
any time that I want, however seeing that beavertails are fried dough topped
with chocolate, peanut butter and candy, it will have to be reserved as a
special occasion treat.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Ry4zsp3kk/U4v1LkJh7GI/AAAAAAAAAdc/rhZOlync3pk/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Ry4zsp3kk/U4v1LkJh7GI/AAAAAAAAAdc/rhZOlync3pk/s1600/11.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-66429000049273421492014-05-18T21:04:00.002-07:002014-05-23T16:11:21.922-07:00Pho Vietnam Restaurant<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corner Brook is a city on the West Coast of Newfoundland
which is home to the Krueger paper mill, Memorial University's Grenfell Campus
and close by to the Marble Mountain Ski Resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is also a very special place to me, because it is where I was born
and spent my early childhood years.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTP4jUZfRN8/U3mBoiLDDcI/AAAAAAAAAcc/NumYmzqDdwo/s1600/10347510_10152779931993056_565662909350725656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTP4jUZfRN8/U3mBoiLDDcI/AAAAAAAAAcc/NumYmzqDdwo/s1600/10347510_10152779931993056_565662909350725656_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Corner Brook is also home to some great restaurants, some that you wouldn't expect to find in a smaller city in Newfoundland, but would see in larger centre like Vancouver or Toronto. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One such restaurant is the Pho Vietnam
Restaurant, a charming little Vietnamese restaurant next to Coleman's Grocery
store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The space is small, but warm and
welcoming with some Chinese and Vietnamese decorations adorning the walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The restaurant is always busy and full, but
the owner always makes sure to welcome and seat the customers as soon as
possible.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jKcwSGQazdo/U3mBnPnKnTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/I6JEjwssMz0/s1600/10155130_10152779931798056_7847288791990750390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jKcwSGQazdo/U3mBnPnKnTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/I6JEjwssMz0/s1600/10155130_10152779931798056_7847288791990750390_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One evening we decided to try Pho Vietnam and ordered
Vietnamese style crispy spring rolls and vegetarian cold noodle rolls for
appetizers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The vegetarian cold rolls
were one of the freshest and tastiest I have had in a long time,
especially in Newfoundland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The taste
was delicate with the sweet cool cucumber as the main flavour. The peanut sauce dip was very tasty, but not too overpowering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crispy spring rolls were very flavourful with
a savoury sweet sauce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-8Gf9ag3OE/U3mBnLaR2cI/AAAAAAAAAc0/UxM_SoRotPs/s1600/10295738_10152779930928056_3083156616216887529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-8Gf9ag3OE/U3mBnLaR2cI/AAAAAAAAAc0/UxM_SoRotPs/s1600/10295738_10152779930928056_3083156616216887529_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetarian Cold rolls with a peanut sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1igycwdu9OQ/U3mBn2CN82I/AAAAAAAAAcU/UrtZIJ2ISbI/s1600/10334415_10152779931663056_3550234600847729145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1igycwdu9OQ/U3mBn2CN82I/AAAAAAAAAcU/UrtZIJ2ISbI/s1600/10334415_10152779931663056_3550234600847729145_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Spring Rolls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
For the main, we ordered seafood hotpot and beef ball pho.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pho (pronounced like "fuuuh") is one
of the most popular dishes from Vietnam, consisting of flat noodles, meat and a
light broth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pho was savoury but not
salty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I am a fan of spicy food, I
added some sriracha sauce and some other spicy condiments to the soup, it was
delicious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This however was not needed
because it was flavourful on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLAq797Mrs0/U3mBoTI9koI/AAAAAAAAAck/P443jRvhs2g/s1600/10334447_10152779931053056_634900394354887918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLAq797Mrs0/U3mBoTI9koI/AAAAAAAAAck/P443jRvhs2g/s1600/10334447_10152779931053056_634900394354887918_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef ball Pho</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>The hotpot was very interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The owner brought out a pot of hot soup broth laid on a portable burner
which used a gel sterno.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also
brought out a plate of cold rice noodles, a plate with an array of seafood and
a plate loaded with vegetables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
hotpot was a little different than the hotpot we have at home because we were
given a ladle instead of the individual scoops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We tossed all the ingredients in the pot and ate it in our bowls like a
soup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not quite like hotpot at home,
but it worked well for us, and was very tasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was also very filling, as there were 3 of us and it serves 4-6.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGGDnvAzOVw/U3mBn4mUTuI/AAAAAAAAAcw/UOcRD_LOAdI/s1600/10314625_10152779931583056_8918316708181000070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGGDnvAzOVw/U3mBn4mUTuI/AAAAAAAAAcw/UOcRD_LOAdI/s1600/10314625_10152779931583056_8918316708181000070_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood Hotpot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-894Nr75ogQY/U3mBnrBp2pI/AAAAAAAAAcM/arS6tXVbg-c/s1600/10304877_10152779931433056_7477045229062016627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-894Nr75ogQY/U3mBnrBp2pI/AAAAAAAAAcM/arS6tXVbg-c/s1600/10304877_10152779931433056_7477045229062016627_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The price is very reasonable, at about $20-25 per diner for appetizer and main (depending on the item)</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The owner, Cathy Nguyen is very personable and makes sure
her customers have a great dining experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She has become friends with all of her customers who instantly become
regulars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She chatted with us after our
meal and told us about her native country, Vietnam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will definitely visit Cathy and Pho Vietnam
Restaurant when I return to Corner Brook.</span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-44192316444924315182014-03-04T14:03:00.003-08:002014-06-15T17:07:41.356-07:00Pancake Tuesday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEq8byeSP38/UxZDe9XhMqI/AAAAAAAAAbg/KGyTXjtSn2M/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEq8byeSP38/UxZDe9XhMqI/AAAAAAAAAbg/KGyTXjtSn2M/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cookie cutter shape, jacket and jazz hands optional</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Happy Pancake Day!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spring is in
the air, well not really, it is still cold and snowy, but the first sign of
spring is upon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is pancake Tuesday
also called Shrove Tuesday or Mardi Gras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Shrove Tuesday is the last day before Lent begins, which is a holy
season for Christians that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends around Easter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In historical times, Lent was a time for
fasting and prayer and so to prepare for the fast of lent, households would
take the day before to use up the indulgent ingredients they had in their
pantries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pancakes are
associated with Shrove Tuesday as forbidden "indulgent" food items
included butter, milk, eggs, dairy and sugar, which are common ingredients in
pancakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard a story on the radio
once that said that in ancient times, unrisen cakes similar to pancakes were
eaten as treats and were forbidden during the fast of lent, so people made them
up the day before with their left over ingredients to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2006,
American franchise IHOP began celebrating Shrove Tuesday as "National
Pancake Day" as a fundraiser for various causes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
Newfoundland, where I was born and raised, there is a special custom involving
pancakes on pancake Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents
would put certain items (washed and wrapped in tinfoil) into the pancakes, which
had different meanings for the kids opening them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">finding:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a penny meant they would grow up to be poor</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a quarter
meant they would grow up to be rich</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a ring meant
they would get married</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a button
meant they would not marry (bachelor's button)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a nail meant
they would become a carpenter (or marry one)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a string
meant they would become a fisherman (or marry one)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">a thimble
meant they would become a tailor or seamstress<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My wife
recalled that as a child, they would try to feel the pancakes before taking
them as to try to get the quarter pancake and her parents eventually just put
money in all of the pancakes, but it took away the fun and mystery of the
different items.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As parents
ourselves, we will continue the item in the pancake tradition in the future,
but since our son is under two we will stick to plain pancakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a recipe for homemade pancakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy Pancake Day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Old
fashioned pancakes<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 C flour<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>1 C milk<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp sugar<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>1 egg<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1tsp baking powder<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>2 Tbsp vegetable oil<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 tsp baking soda<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1 tsp vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 tsp salt <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 C chocolate chips (optional)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Method:<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat
lightly oiled pan over medium heat<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a bowl,
mix dry ingredients and make a well in the centre of the ingredients. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a
separate bowl, mix wet ingredients.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add wet
ingredients into the well of dry ingredients and whish until smooth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour batter
into hot pan, using about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Cook pancake until
slightly browned on both sides (pancake should be ready to flip when bubbles
start to form on the surface of the uncooked side).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9SNzpolbl4/UxZDjgdmVRI/AAAAAAAAAbo/VBuf3G084Sc/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_9SNzpolbl4/UxZDjgdmVRI/AAAAAAAAAbo/VBuf3G084Sc/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-22669778126154615332014-02-13T19:53:00.001-08:002014-06-15T17:07:41.350-07:00Valentine's Day Desserts<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2pXgiLkEI/Uv2TOOn6ApI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/gKg2Iad50YM/s1600/20131220_215813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2pXgiLkEI/Uv2TOOn6ApI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/gKg2Iad50YM/s1600/20131220_215813.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy
Valentine's Day!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight is
the night when we celebrate love and romance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it is also a Friday, the popular date
spots will be very busy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps some of
you are going out to dinner, to the movies or bringing flowers and candy to
your loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps you want to
skip the lines and bustle and enjoy a quiet romantic evening at home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I
celebrate Valentine's day, that is what I like to do best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy a quiet evening at home with my
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pack our son off to Grandma's,
light candles, pour the wine and cook a nice meal together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cooking at home is great because we know we
will get our meals the way we like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
year, I picked up some avocadoes for a pureed avocado soup, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>beef tenderloin, mixed red and white baby
potatoes, asparagus and peppers for the main, and homemade vanilla bean creme
brulee and red wine poached pear for dessert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To celebrate
the occasion, here is the recipe for vanilla bean creme brulee and poached pear
for you to enjoy and perhaps make as part of a meal you cook for your
sweetheart!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Makes: 8 servings<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre style="text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 11.25pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4 cups<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Heavy Cream<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1/2 pod<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Vanilla bean, scraped<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Egg yolks<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3/4 cup<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sugar<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8 Tablespoons<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sugar for topping<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 11.25pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Preheat the oven to 300F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the cream and vanilla pod and warm over moderate heat until the surface begins to shimmer, about 5 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">In a large bowl, stir the egg yolks and sugar until blended. Pour in the hot cream slowly and stir gently to avoid forming air bubbles. Strain the custard into a large measuring glass and skim off and surface air bubbles. <o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Place 8 3/4-cup ramekins in a roasting pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pour the custard into the ramekins, filling them up to the rim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Place the roasting pan in the oven and pour in enough warm water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. <o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour or until the custard is firm around the edges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It may still be wobbly in the center but it will firm up as it chills.) Remove the ramekins from the water bath and let cool. <o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 3 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The custards can be prepared to this point up to 2 days ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If small pools of liquid develop on the surfaces, blot with a paper towel before proceeding.)<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Preheat the broiler or a salamander.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Set the ramekins on a baking sheet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sieve 1 tablespoon of brown sugar over the top of each custard in a thin layer. Broil the custards as close to the heat as possible until the sugar is caramelized, 30 seconds to 2 minutes; watch carefully.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let cool and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></pre>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Poached Pear in Red
Wine Reduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Makes: 6 servings</span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Bartlett pears (Medium ripeness)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp butter</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1 cup Merlot</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Slice pears in 1/2 and core them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a medium saucepan, melt butter, and heat
until it starts to brown. Add sliced pears face down until they start to caramelize.
Turn over once caramelized. Add the merlot to deglaze the pears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then add the sugar and reduce until pears are
cooked and sauce has thickened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
pears are cooked through, stir in vanilla.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Serve and enjoy.</span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-60531581316211850442014-01-30T13:06:00.003-08:002014-06-16T02:02:21.316-07:00Dumplings for Chinese New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjyAcKDyG5Q/Uuq9z7rF6DI/AAAAAAAAAZA/XHRKbXbLOag/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjyAcKDyG5Q/Uuq9z7rF6DI/AAAAAAAAAZA/XHRKbXbLOag/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gung Hey Fat Choy! </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ask a Chinese person what their favourite Chinese holiday is
and the answer is always Chinese New Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are many reasons for loving this holiday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The young and unmarried are given red packets
containing money (called lai sees or hong baos) from their elders, families
travel long distance and reunite and there is lots and lots of celebrating, parties
and food.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many special foods eaten made and served during
Chinese New Year, with the biggest feast falling on New Year's Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the 15 day holiday there are many
different gatherings and dinners, the first falling on New Year's eve.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Families often gather on New Year's eve, watching the New
Year's Gala on television, making dumplings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At midnight, the dumplings are eaten and shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To read about the legend behind dumplings, see http://chineseculture.about.com/library/weekly/aa011900a.htm</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year, Chinese New Year falls on January 31st and it is
year of the wooden horse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, in honor of Chinese New Year's Eve, let's make some
Chinese dumplings, or Jiao zi or Gow Gee.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jiao Zi</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dumpling dough:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup boiling water</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 cups flour</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp chicken broth powder (optional)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tsp sesame oil</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp salt</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-In a bowl, mix the flour, chicken broth powder and
salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the boiling water and mix into
a soft dough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add in the sesame oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knead until smooth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Form into a ball and leave into the bowl.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-let dough rest for 20-30 mins, covered with a damp cloth.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yf64vj4hio/Uuq-EudtMmI/AAAAAAAAAZM/NpkryJcrDQc/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yf64vj4hio/Uuq-EudtMmI/AAAAAAAAAZM/NpkryJcrDQc/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dumpling filling:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 pk ground pork</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">finely shredded napa (Chinese lettuce), about a cup</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp chicken broth powder</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp garlic powder</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp onion powder</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp sesame oil</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 C finely chopped green onions</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f41q-luou34/Uuq-ErPzZuI/AAAAAAAAAZc/bnnxO6WaLtQ/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f41q-luou34/Uuq-ErPzZuI/AAAAAAAAAZc/bnnxO6WaLtQ/s1600/IMG_5321.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">- In a bowl, mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To form the dumplings:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a roll 12 inches long and
cut each roll into 1/2-inch slices.<br />
<br />
Roll 1 slice of dough into a 3-inch circle and place 1 tablespoon pork mixture
in the center of the circle. Lift up the edges of the circle and pinch 5 pleats
up to create a pouch to encase the mixture. Pinch the top together. Repeat with
the remaining slices of dough and filling.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMzKnut9FDA/Uuq-IAcWvJI/AAAAAAAAAaI/qEXr6fZbW9A/s1600/IMG_5326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMzKnut9FDA/Uuq-IAcWvJI/AAAAAAAAAaI/qEXr6fZbW9A/s1600/IMG_5326.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place dumplings in a steamer, making sure they are not touching, and
steam for 12-14 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dumplings may
also be boiled.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBvcmEojiag/Uuq-IH0ZwBI/AAAAAAAAAaE/0drkorsSKwU/s1600/IMG_5327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q28OfSkn2q4/Uuq-JjOjx5I/AAAAAAAAAaU/aRiwKax6nAE/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q28OfSkn2q4/Uuq-JjOjx5I/AAAAAAAAAaU/aRiwKax6nAE/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When dumplings are cooked, you may pan fry them with about 1 tbsp oil in
a hot pan or wok until crispy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hobIIyld_8/Uuq-KIV1xVI/AAAAAAAAAag/RxSceENOolU/s1600/IMG_5329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hobIIyld_8/Uuq-KIV1xVI/AAAAAAAAAag/RxSceENOolU/s1600/IMG_5329.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sauce:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For a simple traditional sauce, add 1tsp sesame oil to 1/4 C soya sauce.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Enjoy!</span>Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-7710644473654544772013-10-30T21:56:00.003-07:002013-10-30T21:56:52.761-07:00Pumpkin carving<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s92Opa7kfZY/UnHhNIRccRI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/oONHORbdkHE/s1600/pooh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s92Opa7kfZY/UnHhNIRccRI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/oONHORbdkHE/s320/pooh2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My son and his 1st pumpkin 2012</div>
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</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydrl-temg0U/UnHhNXXmOzI/AAAAAAAAAYU/o-ayX1xifXc/s1600/poohpumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ydrl-temg0U/UnHhNXXmOzI/AAAAAAAAAYU/o-ayX1xifXc/s320/poohpumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Winnie the Pooh pumpkin lit up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s92Opa7kfZY/UnHhNIRccRI/AAAAAAAAAYA/OxrZlCQS3W0/s1600/pooh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Halloween is once again upon us!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In St. John's this year, pumpkins have sold out early, and
are quite in demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past few
days, radio stations have offered pumpkins as prizes in contests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully you have your pumpkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some little facts about pumpkins.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1) Pumpkins are considered botanically to be fruit because
the pumpkin itself is the only seed bearing part of the plant, which comes from
the flower.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2) Pumpkins belong to the squash family.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3) Pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, copper,
magnesium and protein.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4) Pumpkin is full of fibre and can be eaten to help
alleviate digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5) If you carve a pumpkin, it can be preserved for a few
days longer by rubbing petroleum jelly over the exposed flesh.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6) Carving a pumpkin is similar to watermelon carving; you
can trace any pattern or image onto a pumpkin and etch it out using Thai
carving knives or an exacto knife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
do not have to cut all the way through in order to have light shine through
from the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For step by step
instructions on how to carve watermelon (or use the same technique for pumpkin)
please see my blog entry on watermelon carving.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Halloween!!</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28KrbCi50Y8/UnHhMuTQ3qI/AAAAAAAAAYI/CBlMs1rlMwg/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28KrbCi50Y8/UnHhMuTQ3qI/AAAAAAAAAYI/CBlMs1rlMwg/s320/IMG_4969.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Doraemon pumpkin carved, 2013</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAIhID2LORE/UnHhM0mjDEI/AAAAAAAAAYM/lGHbUoEydsI/s1600/IMG_4976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAIhID2LORE/UnHhM0mjDEI/AAAAAAAAAYM/lGHbUoEydsI/s320/IMG_4976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Doraemon pumpkin lit up</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGH6F6u9T-w/UnHhN64rObI/AAAAAAAAAYc/XHQpxzyP8yU/s1600/IMG_4977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGH6F6u9T-w/UnHhN64rObI/AAAAAAAAAYc/XHQpxzyP8yU/s320/IMG_4977.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My wife is a huge fan of the Japanese cartoon Doraemon!</div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-91280667761046830602013-10-07T22:43:00.000-07:002013-10-07T22:57:07.849-07:00Kalakand (milk burfi)
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kOj4pSBzgc/UlOatqO7fLI/AAAAAAAAAXk/gi8BoxcTLtE/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kOj4pSBzgc/UlOatqO7fLI/AAAAAAAAAXk/gi8BoxcTLtE/s320/IMG_4817.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a recent request to make an Asian dessert, and so I
decided to make Kalakand, an Indian sweet which is similar to burfi. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Burfi is one of my mother in law's favorite
desserts, introduced to her by close friends from Delhi years ago and so I
decided to try it out and give some to her as a treat.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kalakand, like burfi
is made from mostly from milk solids and sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The difference is in the way the milk solids are taken from the
milk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Kalakand, the fats in whole
milk are solidified using lemon or lime juice, making a basic cheese (paneer).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In burfi, the fats in whole milk are solidified
by boiling the milk for a long time, reducing the liquid until only the solids
are left (khoya).</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought for trying it out the first time, the best method
to get milk solids was through curdling the milk, since it was less time consuming
and easier to achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so similar,
that in many recipes online, it is used interchangeably with burfi, so why not
make kalakand?</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 litre of
whole milk</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3-4 tbsp
fresh lemon juice</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 tbsp whole
milk powder</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 tbsp
powdered sugar</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 tsp cardamom
powder</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2-3 tbsp
ghee (clarified butter is fine)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tbsp
chopped pistachios *optional*</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*this recipe
yields very little (about 3"X3"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and about 3/4" thick), so if you want a 9" pan of Kalakand, it
is best to quadruple the recipe, to make sure there is enough.</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Method:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a heavy
bottom pan, stirring constantly, simmer 1 litre of whole milk.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESCMnG0G2B8/UlOaaeoXQNI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Kw-w6beq9t4/s1600/IMG_4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESCMnG0G2B8/UlOaaeoXQNI/AAAAAAAAAWk/Kw-w6beq9t4/s320/IMG_4808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the milk
is coming to a simmer, slowly add the lemon juice to curdle the milk.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the
milk is separated, strain the solids through a mesh sieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let drain for 3 hrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The solids are now called paneer.</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0oP10JoQ94/UlOaaTplboI/AAAAAAAAAWo/dA2tEChDvfg/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0oP10JoQ94/UlOaaTplboI/AAAAAAAAAWo/dA2tEChDvfg/s320/IMG_4810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Put the
paneer into a bowl and add the powdered whole milk and sugar and knead into a
dough.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In a pan
heat the ghee and add the paneer mixture.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t26XrF0Yf4E/UlOacl4lQ2I/AAAAAAAAAW4/yGpDUGVQ0b4/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t26XrF0Yf4E/UlOacl4lQ2I/AAAAAAAAAW4/yGpDUGVQ0b4/s320/IMG_4813.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stir fry on
low heat until ghee separates, remove from heat.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add cardamom
powder, mix and allow to cool a bit.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When cooled
a bit, press into pan.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWkQkUBK-ps/UlOag2hJ9xI/AAAAAAAAAXU/nVaF3BIrTh0/s1600/IMG_4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWkQkUBK-ps/UlOag2hJ9xI/AAAAAAAAAXU/nVaF3BIrTh0/s320/IMG_4814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Press
chopped pistachios onto the top of the kalakand *optional*</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wait 1-2 hrs
to allow to cool completely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cut into squares and enjoy</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KauzYm8jKDY/UlOag92oYyI/AAAAAAAAAXY/cQPEyrT12k0/s1600/IMG_4816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KauzYm8jKDY/UlOag92oYyI/AAAAAAAAAXY/cQPEyrT12k0/s320/IMG_4816.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a
very rich and tasty dessert often served at Indian celebrations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes in many colors, flavours and styles,
including being decorated with real edible silver foil.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1918263201260854649.post-85567081336850391052013-09-30T20:08:00.002-07:002013-09-30T20:08:40.116-07:00Chinese Hot Pot 火鍋
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy autumn!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my neck of the woods, autumn brings beautiful fall colors
of the changing leaves, an abundance of delicous harvest vegetables and goodies
and cooler crisp weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the weather
cools, I like to warm up by enjoying one if my favorite Chinese meals; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial;">火</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic";">鍋</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";">(foh wo; literally meaning fire pot) also known as hot
pot, dah bin low, Chinese fondue, or steamboat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hot Pot is very popular
in China, HK and other places where there are Asian people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In bigger cities in Canada, like Toronto or
Vancouver, there are many hot pot restaurants with burners built into the
dinner tables.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Customers pick the
ingredients they want and the waiters bring them the ingredients, the pot with
broth and hot water to top up the pots.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5ZHOePOkcQ/Uko7-j3UadI/AAAAAAAAAVs/lD0kNN868CI/s1600/epichotpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5ZHOePOkcQ/Uko7-j3UadI/AAAAAAAAAVs/lD0kNN868CI/s320/epichotpot.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hot pot meal prepared by my godmother<br />
photo credit: Leo and Mel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This type of Chinese
meal has been around for over a thousand years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My father once told me that hot pot came from an ancient village in
Northern China where the peasants were very poor and had little food, but
wanted to have a gathering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
villagers brought what little they had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Somebody brought a pot, another brought a fish they had caught, cut up
to share, another brought a few vegetables from their meager garden, and so
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When combined, the villagers had
plenty of food and from then on hot pot became popular.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are different
stories about the origin of hot pot and there are many different combinations
of ingredients that can go into hot pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You could even add your own twist on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My wife adds tortellini to her hot pot and while it's not traditionally
Chinese, it actually tastes pretty good in it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here are some common
ingredients for hot pot:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">shrimp<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>thinly
sliced beef<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>udon noodles<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>wonton noodles<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">crab<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>thinly
sliced lamb<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>nappa<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>dumplings<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">fish balls<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>cubed
tofu<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>bok choy<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>beef balls<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tip: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are using a gas or coal fired stove, make sure to
have adequate ventilation, including opening the window as the stove will eat
up oxygen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are using ground beef, or thick raw meat
ingredients like dumplings, it is best to boil the meatballs/dumplings
beforehand to ensure they are properly cooked, and to also reduce cooking time
while in the hot pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinly sliced
meats such as beef or lamb are okay to put into the pot raw, as they will cook
rapidly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MS Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Gothic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Francishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16992341078798508249noreply@blogger.com2