How did our Thanksgiving menu end up featuring cold sesame noodles, ghost pepper hot wings, turkey wontons, toasted ravioli, onion rings, turkey oven-roasted and turkey deep-fried, Wana's hamburger stuffing, wild cranberry and orange sauce, pumpkin muffins and chocolate-butterscotch fondue? It started with this sweet email from our 12 year old niece: "I cannot wait for … [Read more...]
RECIPE: TURKEY WONTONS WITH APRICOT DIPPING SAUCE
1 lb. ground turkey 4 T. finely chopped carrot 1 large clove garlic, minced 1" knob of peeled ginger, finely minced 2 T. soy sauce 2 T. sesame oil 1 scallion (white and green part) finely minced 1 T. minced fresh cilantro 4 dozen fresh wonton skins (at Asian markets) vegetable for deep frying Apricot Dipping Sauce Make the dipping sauce (or obtain another … [Read more...]
PUMPKIN SPAETZLE
Do you love the taste of pumpkin? Is it a yummy treat you look forward to all year long? When you scan the groaning board of Thanksgiving desserts, do you pass by the pecan pies, the cheesecakes, the maple this and apple that, zeroing in on the cracked-custard tops of the pumpkin pies? If your answer is yes, you are in Group A. A's need read no further! Click here for the … [Read more...]
RECIPE: PUMPKIN SPAETZLE
1 15 oz. can pumpkin purée 3 extra large eggs 1 c. milk, + extra as needed 2 1/2 c. flour, + extra as needed 1/2 t. salt 1/2 t. cumin 2 heaping Tablespoons of roughly chopped fresh sage, plus extra whole sage leaves for garnish 4 T. butter 2 oz. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated s&p Empty canned pumpkin purée into a fine mesh sieve and set over a bowl or … [Read more...]
CRAB RANGOON: ORIGINAL GOURMET RECIPE
Welcome back old friend. This recipe for Crab Rangoon transports one back to the glory days of Trader Vic's and all its progeny spread across America like the Polynesian archipelago itself. I was always one to pooh pooh the pu pu platter -- a hit or miss gamble and always too few Crab Rangoons. A full order or two is the de rigueur commencement of an ersatz tropical … [Read more...]
CILANTRO SICHUAN WONTONS
What's a Culinarium? Let me tell you. It's just the most fabulous show kitchen by designer to the stars (and hedge fund moguls) Christopher Peacock. In San Francisco now, just hanging with my peeps, like Tyler Florence, no biggie. Good time to bring back these, like most totally awesome cilantro sichuan … [Read more...]
DUMPLINGS ETIENNE
To establish your dumpling cred, it's good to follow a few guidelines. Even after you've got a number of killer recipes under your belt (like these Dumplings Etienne), resist the temptation to prepare them all at once. Focus on just one or two. If you crank out an array worthy of a dim sum palace, … [Read more...]
FIRECRACKER DUMPLINGS
Who doesn't like a dumpling? And the fun of going to dim sum in Chinatown, selecting the most intriguing (and least threatening) offerings as they pass by? The best part is when you take a chance and try something new, like this recipe for firecracker dumplings, and it's really, really good. I've heard dizzying stories from friends … [Read more...]