Happy Lunar (Chinese) New Year ![]() Chinese New Year—often referred to as Lunar New Year--is a time to celebrate long-honored food traditions and delicious celebrations where the foods are symbols of luck and prosperity. Longevity Noodles celebrate long life and usually are one of the most delicious elements of the holiday meal. My recipe for Longevity Noodles includes all the essentials that make for a well-balanced stir-fry, along with a few culinary tricks I learned along the way at China Rose. See all my secrets in the ChefSecret section of this blog. The entire dish is hot and flavorful with great contrasting textures. Add shiitakes, green onions tops and plenty of crisp Napa cabbage to the wok. Be careful not to overcook the vegetables, just let them sizzle for a moment in the wok. You’ll notice the red pepper flakes and ginger bloom in the oil bringing a wonderful fresh flavor to the dish. It is rumored the longer the noodle the great the longevity for you and your family. Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Yield: 4-6 servings Ingredients 12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2- inch thick, bite-size pieces (thighs are perfect for high heat wok dishes) 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger 2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons Shaohsing rice cooking wine (or dry sherry), divided 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce, divided 1 teaspoon, divided (plus a pinch for the noodle water) 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 1 10-ounce package dried lo mein noodles 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil 2 tablespoons peanut oil, divided 1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper 3 cups thinly sliced Napa cabbage 2 cups fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced 1/2 cup green onion tops, plus more for garnish (cut 1-inch long) Chinese chili oil, for serving Directions
ChefSecret: Toss the noodles in a wok separately, add in just a small amount of peanut oil keeping them light and springy (so they won’t stick together). Marinate the chicken in sherry, soy sauce, fresh ginger and just a bit of cornstarch. This keeps it moist when cooked in a hot sizzling hot wok with oil and red pepper flakes. This process of coating the meat in cornstarch is called velveting giving it that lovely smooth texture—the sign of a professional Asian chef. Quip of the Day: Confucius Says: “Food can never be too clean and meat can never be sliced too thin.” (食不厭精,膾不厭細) ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross. #Entrees #LongevityNoodles #LoMein #LunarNewYear #ChineseNewYear #YearOfTheRabbit #2023Recipes #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023
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…from the Perspectives’ Kitchen![]() How you doin’? Char Siu Bao Dim Sum Pork Buns were best-selling dim sum food at my China Rose restaurant. Little wonder why… just look at these beautiful little buns. I make these with Chinese barbecued pork filling with lots of seasoning and spices—it is utterly delicious and the perfect bite. Baos are made with a simple steamed yeasted dough that creates a soft and pillowy texture. If you’ve never tasted one, it’s a bit like eating a cloud. Remember to temper the buns in the steamer basket for five minutes after they’ve steamed, which keeps them from cooling too quickly and deflating. Ed’s Comment: This is a complex recipe—it is fairly easy but daunting just the same. You would be forgiven to just read it and see how much effort goes into the restaurant dim sum that looks so easy when the cart comes to your table. If you’ve got some time on a rainy day, give it a try. Prep time: 10 minutes Marinade time: 8 hours or overnight Cook time: 50 minutes Yield: 16 buns (with leftover pork for a great stir fried rice) Ingredients For the char siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder/pork butt (select a piece with some good fat on it) 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 2 teaspoons molasses 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring (optional) 4 tablespoons finely minced garlic Water for the roasting pan 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon hot water Directions
Ingredients For the char siu filling 1/3 cup water 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 teaspoon rice wine 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water 8 ounces diced char siu (use the recipe above) Directions
Steamed Buns (Baos) Ingredients For the bao dough 3/4 cup warm water (about 110⁰ F) 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Non-stick cooking spray as needed Chili oil, for serving You will need a steamer (bamboo steamer or steamer insert for your double boiler (with at least 2 steam trays) and 2 parchment liners. Directions To make the dough
ChefSecret: If not using all 16 buns, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Quip of the Day: “Life should be more like dim sum. We should all learn to get Oolong.” ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross. #Snacks #Appetizers #DimSum #CharSiuBao #ChinaRose #ChineseFood #PorkBuns #2023Recipes #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar ![]() How you doin’? Wow! I woke up last week after the west was battered by storms to see the magnificent snow-topped mountains—what a beautiful site! I know you easterners are used to winter landscapes such as this, but us “snowflakes” on the west coast are not. I was thinking… what would be the most appropriate cocktail to serve for today’s happy hour? If you love your cocktails all creamy and flavorful, you’ll love My Snowflake Cocktail. It’s a little fussy to make but well worth the effort. To make this drink, start with a base of Baileys Irish Cream and milk. Then, add caramel sauce and vanilla extract. Melt and mix it all together. Top with some additional ingredients–marshmallow, cinnamon and even caramel sauce. This is a blustery, sweet, decadent drink that you won’t want to miss. It’s cool, sweet, refreshing and absolutely beautiful. Prep time: 5 minutes Ingredients 1 tablespoon corn syrup (I prefer Karo) 1 tablespoon coarse sugar crystals A handful of ice 1⁄2 cup milk (whole, 2%, non-fat, soy or almond) 1-1⁄2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream 3 tablespoons white chocolate sauce (I prefer Guittard or Torani) 3 tablespoons whipped cream for topping 1 teaspoon white chocolate sprinkles Directions
ChefSecret: Top with some additional ingredients–marshmallow, cinnamon and even caramel sauce or whatever you like. Quip of the Day: Where does a snowman get the weather report? The winternet. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour #SnowflakeCocktail #BaileysIrishCream #Cheers #2023 #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023 …from the Perspectives’ Kitchen ![]() How you doin’? There was a time, right here in the United States, when the most popular person on a school campus was the old reliable cafeteria lady. They knew all the secret recipes that made school happy times—mac and cheese, cinnamon rolls, sheet tray pizza and old fashioned crumb cake which was the most popular BHSD Crumb Cake. In fact, in those days, she might even be ready and willing to help you make it. Apparently, this very recipe has been rocking local cafeteria trays since 1954, so if you went to public school, chances are you probably have fond memories of it. This was a time when the federal government gave away surplus commodities to public schools like flour, vegetable oil and cheese. In my recipe of in-home pantry ingredients, the combination of vegetable oil, buttermilk and egg gives this cake a super moist and fluffy crumb. Add handfuls of brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon (what could go wrong?), and the flavor is reminiscent of grandma’s spice cake. We love its simple, cozy warmth and light, crumbly streusel topping. It’s one of those recipes that works for all meals, from brunch to dinner and afternoon snacks, too. My crumb cake recipe comes together with a handful of steps and a little bit of whisking. Oh yes, and definitely pair this one with a great big glass of milk! Prep time: 15 minutes Bake time: 30 to 40 minutes Yield: 12 servings Ingredients Cooking spray (I prefer Pam) 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3/4 cup vegetable oil 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, divided 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 large egg 1 cup buttermilk Directions 1. Preheat an oven to 375°. 2. Spray a 9”x 13” baking pan with cooking spray. 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt and nutmeg until smooth. 4. Fold in the vegetable oil to create an evenly hydrated, crumbly mixture. 5. Transfer a packed 1/2 cup of the cake mixture to a small bowl, stir in 1 tablespoon cinnamon and set aside for the topping. 6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon cinnamon, baking soda, egg and buttermilk, and blend well. 7. Fold the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture just until smooth. Be careful to not overmix. 8. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. 9. Evenly sprinkle the reserved topping over the cake. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. 10.Transfer to a wire rack to cool. ChefSecret: Our professional advice would be to exercise caution on step #6, when you mix in the buttermilk. If you over-whisk, the cake will get a bit rubbery. Quip of the Day: Trust the science. Studies show that if your parents didn’t have children there’s a high probability you won’t either. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross. #Baking #CrumbCake #BeverlyHillsSchoolDistrict #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023 …from the Perspectives’ Kitchen ![]() How you doin’? Ms. Swander was a 2nd grade teacher in my grammar school. She used to invite us to her house for lunch every month. Imagine that happening today!... hey, it was a different time. She always made the same thing—Miss Swander’s Casserole. Kids loved this casserole dish, and our mothers could never seem to master it until she actually posted it the school newspaper. My version probably adds a few more ingredients than the original and has more of an adult profile, but I’ve tried this with my nieces and nephews and they love it as much as I did all the way back in grammar school. Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 10 minutes Cooling time 15 minutes Yield: 6 servings Ingredients 8 ounces shell pasta 1 pound ground beef 1/2 pound bulk mild Italian sausage 3/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped celery 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs Directions
ChefSecret: I prefer to have this dish sit overnight before baking as the flavors improve and the pasta absorbs some of the sauce so the consistency is just right. Quip of the Day: “What did the pencil sharpener say to the pencil? Stop going in circles and get to the point!" ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/covid-19-survival-guide. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, be positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America and/or American Red Cross. #Entrees #BakedPastaCasserole #GrammarSchoolCasserole #PastaShells #ItalianSausage #2023Recipes #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19 #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2023 |
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