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Serious Eaters! Lend me your rice cooker recipes!
Roger Ebert had a whole column devoted to the topic. It's quite creative and useful, actually. You might like it.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
Chinese herbal soups never bring to my mind any pleasant memories. Mostly they taste bitter. Here's hoping she's getting some winter melon soup which is sweeter.
Chinese Preserved Vegetables
My family uses preserved turnips to add almost as aromatics to our vegetables and fish. You can also use in soup. They are also pretty salty, just be warned. I would cut them up into thin strips, about one inch long, and add to your vegetable stir fry. It goes well with bok choy and over steamed fish.
Just be warned - the taste is not for everyone!
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Recent Posts
Good Vietnamese food in Los Angeles Silver Lake area?
Posted by toastykitten, July 31, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Can you recommend some good (food) gardening resources?
Posted by toastykitten, December 24, 2007 at 2:19 PM
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Recent Favorites
Cook the Book: Gordon Ramsay's Last Supper, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Posted by Adam Kuban, March 13, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Cook the Book: Chicken Liver Pate
Posted by Michele Humes, December 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Healthy & Delicious: Basil Chicken Pasta
Posted by Kristen Swensson, December 22, 2008 at 11:15 AM
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Restaurants: Here's How Getting a Good Review on Yelp Is Done
Hmm...the last time I ate at that particular Mel's Drive-In, I waited almost an hour for my food at lunch time, when there were probably about five other customers. Maybe there's a reason why they need enticements to bring people in...
Serious Eaters! Lend me your rice cooker recipes!
Roger Ebert had a whole column devoted to the topic. It's quite creative and useful, actually. You might like it.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
Chinese herbal soups never bring to my mind any pleasant memories. Mostly they taste bitter. Here's hoping she's getting some winter melon soup which is sweeter.
Chinese Preserved Vegetables
My family uses preserved turnips to add almost as aromatics to our vegetables and fish. You can also use in soup. They are also pretty salty, just be warned. I would cut them up into thin strips, about one inch long, and add to your vegetable stir fry. It goes well with bok choy and over steamed fish.
Just be warned - the taste is not for everyone!
Potluck wedding receptions
It's pretty interesting to read all the different opinions. It will be a pretty small wedding. Several people, including us, will be flying in from out of town, across the country to attend it. We love these friends dearly and would show up no matter how they were doing their wedding, but I still find the idea of a potluck reception completely odd.
Light Butternut Squash Recipes
you can try grilling them. we actually did this a few days ago and it came out great - very sweet and tasty. cut in half, brush with olive oil, pepper, salt and some herbes de provence. i think we grilled them for about half an hour.
WD-50 NYC???
I ate there on my first trip to NYC. It's fantastic. The tasting menu changes, but what I had was excellent, and you can see Wylie poking out his head every now and then to watch how everything's going.
Raw Almonds
We just bought some last week. We ate them as is with some salt. It has an unexpected tart flavor, that reminded me of pears. Anyway, as long as you get over the fuzzy thing, it tastes fine. Just don't eat the stem.
Going to be in LA LA land next week
If you make it to Lucky City, a Chinese restaurant in Monterey Park, during a weekday they may be running a 2 for 1 lobster or crab special. It's something like $8.99. GET IT! They fry it in a wok with piles and piles of garlic.
I love Lemongrass in Eagle Rock for its pho and the banh mi are good.
Chosun Galbi for a really nice atmosphere and delicious Korean BBQ. They butter the grill! (Service can be slow. It's also expensive, but the quality of the meat makes up for it.)
The Kitchen for delicious, new American-style food. I remember loving the mac n' cheese there.
As for markets: I second the recommendations for Hollywood Farmers Markert, and for ethnic markets, you should hit up: Super King on San Fernando (Armenian/Latin), Seafood City in Eagle Rock (Filipino) and 99 Ranch in Monterey Park (Chinese).
Ed Levine's Serious Diet, Week 61: The Acid Reflux Chest Tightness Diet
I'm really glad that you covered this and that there are so many commenters piping up with their own stories. My husband has acid reflux that became pretty severe right after our wedding, and it was a struggle to find the right balance. We cut out caffeine, alcohol, and lightened up on the seasoning. We got ourselves a few cookbooks that seemed to focus on people with acid reflux, but were frustrated with the instructions - everything was like, "add onion, as tolerated".
Anyway, eating a healthier diet helps a lot. A lot of people we talked to suggested switching to brown rice...which I am resisting because I don't like the texture, and also because I have a 25 lb bag of white long-grain rice to finish!
Olive Oil Help
Get a giant thing of Bertolli's under the Kirkland brand at Costco. I think it's a two-pack, about twenty bucks, and will last you months. Tastes great, too. Otherwise, get yourself to an Arab/Armenian market like Super King and get one of those giant cans for pretty cheap. (I think you live in Los Angeles, right?) Super King has a few locations, one in Altadena and one near Silver Lake on San Fernando. (While you're there, take advantage of super cheap fruits and vegetables and their awesome and equally cheap deli counter.)
Cook the Book: 'Beyond the Great Wall'
Eating Peking duck in China with other Chinese tourists. The guy next to me kept talking about how much better the Peking duck was in Berkeley.
Cook the Book: 'On the Line'
I like seafood mostly as sushi. But I will admit to adoring a great smoked salmon.
Cook the Book: 'Almost Meatless'
Butternut squash soup, with roasted brussels sprouts and either potatoes or rice on the side. I might add some bacon to either the soup or the sprouts, but they all taste yummy just the same.
Taking Comfort In The Kitchen in Silver Lake, California
Oh hey, I just ate here tonight with my husband! (He had the turkey burger and I had chicken pot pie.) It's one of our favorite spots. Their menu is so awesome and has so much good stuff.
Weekend DVD Giveaway: 'Bottle Shock'
i need a good drink
chardonnay sounds like an idea
disappearing stress
Any Tea Drinkers?
I love tea. Twining's Earl Grey is great. But my favorites are from Mighty Leaf, expensive, but worth it. I also like getting Genmai Tea from the Asian markets.
Weekend Book Giveaway: 'American Cheeses'
Point Reyes Blue Cheese. I am not normally a blue cheese girl, but theirs is delicious.
Dinner Tonight: Lentil and Bacon Soup
Did I read this right? HALF a pound of bacon?
I love bacon as much as the next person, but that's a bit much...
Cook the Book: 'Into the Vietnamese Kitchen'
to learn to use our kitchenaid mixer.
San Francisco Burritos at La Corneta
El Matate, in Belmont, CA. Every time we head back to the Bay Area, my husband makes a stop here for his "Mission-style" burrito, which is not available in his native Los Angeles. Be warned - their burritos are quite huge. This was a favorite lunch place for him and his coworkers.
Cook the Book: Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook
The third time or so, when I realized that I'd perfected bruschetta for our parties and didn't need the recipe anymore.
Restaurants: Here's How Getting a Good Review on Yelp Is Done
Please... if someone didn't like the restaurant, are they seriously going to go back for a 20% discount? NO!
This incentive may bump up a review from 3 to a 4 stars at most - I think most reviewers are pretty judicious with their 5 star ratings.
Restaurants: Here's How Getting a Good Review on Yelp Is Done
@lollie: HEY! "Lollie" used to be my nickname in High School......weird!
Restaurants: Here's How Getting a Good Review on Yelp Is Done
I'm so sad. I love Yelp and writing reviews on Yelp. But now that I know they are allegedly corrupt, I don't know if I can continue with them.
:(
Serious Eaters! Lend me your rice cooker recipes!
I was just wondering, what kind of rice cooker? Does it have a glass lid that comes off? Or one those hinged plastic deals? I think the latter keeps heat and moisture in better. Some recipes won't suit all types of rice cookers. Some recipes are devised by college students getting around the no-hot-plates-rule. Keep that in mind when you use a recipe.
Also, some recipes tell you to prop something in to hold down the "cook" button. It keeps the rice cooker from switching off to "keep warm". Personally, I don't think this is a great idea. I just worry that it may damage the heating element and the thermostat. It might shorten your rice cooker's life span.
Now that you can make good rice, why not try your hand at sushi or maki rolls or kimbap?
In general, I've only ever made rice dishes in the rice cooker. But... my family makes rice nearly every night so its essential for us. :] Have fun.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
I'm not a troll. You responded.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
@pearce77, I have several answers to your question, but I'll stick to: will not feed the troll soup.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
We can read all about it in the upcoming tell all books. Who cares!?
Kellogg's Saves Mother's Cookies
Just found out Kellogg's are NOT planning on producing Mother's Gingerbread Man cookies for Holiday season this year. I am sad.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
when i read that, I thought she just meant she made it two days in a row. . . .
@ginger, I make soup the same way. This way, you can chill the stock and scoop off any fat that rises to the top. Watercress soup should be very... clear. It's one of the easy favorites in our house.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
@lemondair - My soups usually take two days to make. One day to make the stock and cool it off. The next to make the soup. Not that it takes a whole day to make the soup but I do like the stock to sit overnight.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
There's nothing herbal about watercress soup. It's, as @e_ting says, "tasty and consomme-like." If it's a traditional Cantonese watercress soup it'll start with a broth of pork bones and contain duck gizzards, too. It's so popular that Campbells actually makes a special watercress and duck gizzard canned soup just for the Asian market--or used to, as I can't find it on the website anymore.
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
I did hear Kate Snow say that on the evening news yesterday. I made particular note of it because serious eats brought the topic up yesterday. And I'd never heard of watercress soup (and why would it take two days to make?)
Laura Ling's Special Soup Revealed, Sort Of
toastykitten must have been thinking of Chinese herbal medicine - Chinese soups, particularly Cantonese ones, can be incredibly tasty and consomme-like. It's one of the only things I crave when I'm away from home.
Dinner Tonight: Lentil and Bacon Soup
OK, great recipe. Just a few changes from my stove:
1) Use Sadaf lentils, they are larger and more effective in soups than the typical grocery kind. IMO they are cheap, approx $1 per pound. BTW, I am not connected to this company.
2) Skip the carrots. Use a red pepper instead.
3) Add garlic.
4) No salt, add cumin.
Potluck wedding receptions
I am not OK with the pot luck I have been invited too. The couple had a money tree wedding shower and they are having a potluck/money tree wedding as well. I'm not up on all of the traditions but wouldn't anyone know that this is tacky?!!!!!!! I would have no problem if they were hippie-type people who were having a party and just asked for people to bring a dish in lieu of gifts. But, to ask for both is just ghetto. I will go and not be happy about it.
Please check etiquette when you are planning your own casual shower/wedding stuff. Its much more relaxed than it used to be but some stuff will never change and will always not be OK.
If you don't have enough money, just get married by a judge and go out for a nice dinner with your family. Especially when you've been together for more than ten years...
And brides and grooms, you don't have to ask for money for your wedding, (aka, a money tree) most of your gifts will be monetary.
Chinese Preserved Vegetables
@dmarina- greens with pork and preserved radish sounds fantastic!
I love hot pot, but I can't even think about it now that our heat index is 3 digits. have to wait till late fall...
Chinese Preserved Vegetables
hot pots! or i love greens (mustard or chinese broccoli) with pork and preserved radish.
Chinese Preserved Vegetables
Thanks! you guys are great :-)
@fuuchan, the radish is somewhat moist.
I'll try a small amount of them in easy dishes to start with!
Chinese Preserved Vegetables
The preserved turnips we use to add salty umami oomph to certain dishes. They are quite strong, so a little goes a long way.
Typically, when the family uses them, the turnips are minced fine and added to the pan first with things like ground pork, garlic, scallions, etc. When they become fragrant, other ingredients are added.
Stir fried green beans are fantastic with them, btw.
A lazy dish is to make an omelet with some minced preserved turnip and have it as a side with other Chinese-style dishes. Once again, its very salty so only use a little!
Also great to flavor a sauce for pan-fried or steamed fish.
As for the dried radish...is it completely dried and flaked or is it somewhat moist? I'm having trouble pinpointing what it actually is from the picture.
If its what I think it is, it's typically used as a condiment in soups, to top rice porridge. Its really great pinched over noodle soups, too!
Kellogg's Saves Mother's Cookies
Will Flaky Flix ever come back?
Potluck wedding receptions
@NotAmerican--and no plastic 'bride and groom' to top it off!
Kellogg's Saves Mother's Cookies
Nabisco also makes "Circus Animal" cookies. They were on the shelves a few months before the Kelloggs Mother's version. Last I looked, they're still there. They started an "old favorites" label, which includes versions of other Mothers cookies, as well (I think iced oatmeal and the English tea cookie). I'm not sure if they're any closer to the Mother's versions than the Kelloggs editions, but it's worth a try, if you're not happy with the Kelloggs. I haven't tried either, though I bought the Kelloggs English sandwich cookies tonight. I'd really like to see Iced Raisin brought back. Maybe people should write to Kelloggs about the favorites that are missing, because it sounds like they're still test-marketing and might bring out other kinds if the demand is there.
Potluck wedding receptions
@HeartofGlass; we had Croquembouche at our wedding; it's a traditional French cake, made up of profiteroles, stacked into a large pyramid and covered in caramel to keep them together. They were served with hot melted chocolate and a raspberry sauce, alongside a berry cheesecake and a cheese plate. The cake looked gorgeous and tasted wonderful, and cost the same as a normal, boring sponge cake with white icing would have.
Here's a picture for anyone who hasn't seen one:
Recent Posts
Good Vietnamese food in Los Angeles Silver Lake area?
Posted by toastykitten, July 31, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Can you recommend some good (food) gardening resources?
Posted by toastykitten, December 24, 2007 at 2:19 PM
Rice Cooker Cooking: More Than Just Rice
Posted by toastykitten, November 6, 2007 at 3:13 PM
Chinese deliverymen in New York filed lawsuit.
Posted by toastykitten, August 6, 2007 at 11:17 AM
How can I drink less soda and thus not rot my teeth anymore?
Posted by toastykitten, April 25, 2007 at 3:19 PM
Have you tried any new ice cream flavors lately?
Posted by toastykitten, April 14, 2007 at 11:32 AM
How do you manage your kitchen gadgets & equipment?
Posted by toastykitten, March 26, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Do you grow your own food or know someone who does?
Posted by toastykitten, February 21, 2007 at 11:13 AM
Rachael Ray - love, hate, ignore, pity, envy?
Posted by toastykitten, February 17, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Do you ever feel guilt about how much money you spend on food?
Posted by toastykitten, February 13, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Question of the Day: What is your favorite food-related magazine?
Posted by toastykitten, February 8, 2007 at 12:30 AM
Dine About Town - who's doing it where?
Posted by toastykitten, January 5, 2007 at 4:42 PM
I would like to ask for suggestions for excellent dim sum in and around San Francisco.
Posted by toastykitten, December 3, 2006 at 1:01 PM
Recent Favorites
Cook the Book: Gordon Ramsay's Last Supper, Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding
Posted by Adam Kuban, March 13, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Cook the Book: Chicken Liver Pate
Posted by Michele Humes, December 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Healthy & Delicious: Basil Chicken Pasta
Posted by Kristen Swensson, December 22, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Sunday Brunch: Marian Burros' Macaroni and Cheese
Posted by Ed Levine, December 21, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Red and Green Recipe: Baguette Croutes with Brie, Avocado Mousse, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Posted by Kerry Saretsky, December 16, 2008 at 6:30 PM
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About toastykitten
Website: http://toastykitten.livejournal.com
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Favorite foods: fried chicken, dim sum, tofu, chips, sodas, teas, snacks, cheese, chow mein, chow fun, salt & pepper pork, sizzling rice soup
Last bite on earth:
Hmm...the last time I ate at that particular Mel's Drive-In, I waited almost an hour for my food at lunch time, when there were probably about five other customers. Maybe there's a reason why they need enticements to bring people in...