Serious Eats: shaofan's Profile

Making homemade yogurt not so tart!

Thanks everyone. I will try using a shorter time period, straining and also someone suggested testing different starter yogurts (I had used the dried stuff that came with my yogurt maker).

Thanks!

shaofan at 10:38PM on 08/09/09

From Serious Eats

Has Anyone Had Sister Schubert's Rolls or Marshall's Biscuits?

But where can you buy them in the NYC area? I searched and cannot find anywhere close to here? Any tips from a tri-stater?

shaofan at 8:43PM on 04/15/09

From Talk

Doughnut Plant Throwdown

I saw it and thought that he was irritated that he was celebrating his shop's 7th anniversary and then some hotshot (though I don't think Bobby Flay is that bad) strolls in and makes it into a challenge to try to take him down. Seemed like he was pissed it was an interruption to his party and maybe that he was a little insulted that someone would challenge his product. Their Tres Leches donuts are delicious though!

shaofan at 12:06AM on 07/06/08

From Talk

Cookbook conundrum

I see a lot of Joy of Cooking and I don't have it though I have about 20-30.. maybe I need to get it! I agree that the Cooks Illustrated classics are great (American Classics, etc)- just pick one of their many for the style of cooking you want. Some of my other favorites:
Hot Sour Salty Sweet- gorgeous book and great southeast asian recipes
Simple to Spectacular (one of Jean-Georges' books)
Sunday Suppers at Lucques (Suzanne Goines)

Also would suggest subscribing to a magazine- they are fun and help inspire each month- Gourmet, Saveur, Food & wine, Cooks Illustrated....

shaofan at 12:03AM on 07/06/08

From Talk

Would you rather give up eggs or cereal?

Cereal, hands down. Eggs are one of the perfect foods, not to mention all the things it is used in. Cereal, while okay, is just cereal!

shaofan at 10:38PM on 01/16/08

From Talk

Help me make a tasty carbonara!

I think it is hard to make authentic carbonara like a real Italian. Coincidentally, I made it tonight before I logged on- I tried Giada's recipe from her EveryDay Italian book for kicks. Bad. Too creamy and not sophisticated. Also tried the one Saveur published last spring - better but not great. Here is one from Gourmet: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/107810.. Real Carbonara doesn't normally have onions, from what I know.

using pancetta or guanciale is better than plain bacon. And usually the cheese is a mixture of grated parmagianno and pecorino romano...

shaofan at 10:37PM on 01/16/08

From Talk

For the love of Congee...

We ate this at home almost every Sunday- we would top the congee from a variety of dishes- Chinese pickles, dried pork, egg, peanuts, seaweed (nori)... it is delicious and very very comforting...

shaofan at 8:42PM on 11/30/07

From Talk

cooking with coconut oil

I just bought some and wanted to use it but was wondering if it should only be used for certain types of dishes- do you use it for everything? Like meats, stir fries, eggs? Or can you taste it? It is supposed to be much much better for you than veg, canola or even olive oil...

shaofan at 4:37PM on 11/21/07

From Talk

CSAs in NYC

You can also look at justfood.org, though I didn't know CSAs did winter shares! Mine ends in November...

shaofan at 7:15PM on 11/03/07

From Talk

What are you reading (food-related)?

I just finished the The Zen of Fish: The Story of Sushi from Samurai to Supermarket- great, with so many great nuggets of information on sushi and the fish. Also, just finished Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, all about growing and eating local with her family for one year.

shaofan at 4:54PM on 10/15/07

From Talk

When a baking recipe asks for xx cups of 'sifted flour',

You guys are good- thank you so much. That CI guide is great! Wish me luck!

shaofan at 4:45PM on 10/15/07

From Talk

Good things come in cans...

unsweetened coconut milk
green curry paste
water chestnuts
pellogrino limonata
san marzano canned tomatoes

canned water chestnuts are definitely used mainly for texture and crunch. fresh might be better but i have had success with canned for certain recipes.

shaofan at 9:09PM on 09/07/07

From Talk

What fruit could you eat every day for the rest of your life?

White peaches, rainer cherries, fuji apples, cold crisp watermelon and all kinds of berries- straw, blue, ras, black....Oh yeah- and pineapple.

shaofan at 8:53PM on 08/25/07

From Talk

Bear Naked Granola tastes funny to me

I think their Hot oatmeal is awesome- they add sunflower seeds and other goodies to make it even heartier. I throw in some raising and cranberries and it's a delicious breakfast. I actually search it out- so I guess that means I like it.

shaofan at 8:51PM on 08/25/07

From Talk

What is your biggest food difference with your sweetheart?

My boyfriend hates the smell of garlic- what great cuisine does not abundantly use garlic? (asian, italian, french, middle eastern, etc). This is so problematic for almost 80% of the dishes I cook- if I slip in some garlic, he can't (won't) kiss me for a day because his nose is so sensitive. When he hugs me, he turns away or at the least, crinkles his nose in disgust. Luckily he travels a lot and then I binge. But when he is home, I have to choose- hugs & kisses or great food. It's a close tie!

any tips on how to get rid of garlic breath?

shaofan at 8:39PM on 07/21/07

From Talk

Eating in China- any tips?

Wow- please keep them coming! I have been jotting down notes and will check out hubby's blog too!

Thank you- Fuuchan, feel free to scare us more with more posts if you have them!

shaofan at 5:25PM on 06/21/07

From Talk

Are they disgusting or what??

Grits are good stuff. Cooked well, where they are thick and earthy and chewy. With shrimps- yum. with eggs and bacon- yum. Made with broth, water or milk- yum. If you don't like them, a good chance you haven't good ones yet...

shaofan at 9:13PM on 06/14/07

From Talk

Kurowycky's closing due to rising rent. Share rage, memories here.

Kitchen and Bright Food Shop (chelsea) also announced they are closing due to high rents....

shaofan at 4:36PM on 06/04/07

From Talk

Do you eat weekday breakfast? If so, what?

During the week, I make a smoothie of blueberries, strawberries, rasberries, bananas and plain yogurt. on the weekend, however... I have eggs, bacon and toast. And sometimes, a lovely egg/bacon/swiss sandwich on ciabatta...

shaofan at 9:15PM on 05/16/07

From Talk

Question of the Day: Gas, electric, other?

Absolutely gas- it is sensitive and much more controllable in terms of the minor adjustments needed. Also, it heats up fast and shuts down fast. Also, as someone else above said- there is a sensory advantage to cooking with gas. I do get a little freaked out on the gas stoves that you have to light with a match, as I always worry I may light a huge flame and scorch my hair off, but that's part of the thrill, I guess.

That said, I grew up with a mom who cooked incredible restaurant-worthy meals on electric. But still- Gas!

shaofan at 4:32PM on 04/28/07

From Talk

Question of the Day: Bought but Never Opened

Chinese style XO sauce, a jar of Farro for an Italian farro salad that was never made, and then an entire tupperware of spice bags of indian spices- masala, two types of curry powders, fennelgreek seeds, cumin seeds..... everytime i think to make Indian food, I get intimidated and order takeout instead.

shaofan at 5:50PM on 04/24/07

From Talk