New First Blog since 2016: Mirror Twin Brewing in Lexington

 Mirror Twin Brewing Co. in Lexington, KY

My first time visiting Mirror Twin Brewing Co. I always want to check this place out and try their beers. I went there with a friend to social chat and catch up. 

Usually, when I go to a new brewery, I tend to order a flight of beers. This time, I decided to have a flight of beers because I cannot decide what beers I want to drink. They offered 5 of 5 oz of beers to choose from. They have 18 different beers but they have 8 flagship beers and 8 rotational beers. I did the majority of flagship beers and a few rotational beers. 

We will start from right to left

#1 Red Blooded American (Red Ale, 6% ABV): This red ale is not for everyone. But I enjoyed it. It is malty and smooth. I like it. 

#2 White Girl Wasted (Blonde Ale, 5.5% ABV): Not quite my favorite. It is clean and crispy, and light. It is not for me. I am more of heavy and dark flavor. 

#3 You, Me & Mr. PB (Stout, 5.6% ABV): You never go wrong with this beer. You can literally taste the peanut butter in it. This is one of my favorite peanut butter beers so far. 

#4 The Oregon Pale (India Pale Ale, 5.9% ABV): This is excellent for IPA lovers. I enjoyed it a lot because it is hoppy, and smooth but hint of citrus

#5 One for All and All for Beer (Brown Ale, 5.5% ABV) Honestly, this is one of the most best beers I ever had! It is sweet and you can taste the chocolate in it. I am swearing at it. I love it. 

Mirror Twin Brewing Co. is located in Lexington, Ky near downtown. The area is not too bad. Parking can be a little tricky but shouldn't be any issues with it. It is family-friendly, perfect for friends to hang out, and also dog friendly too!

Always have Late Night Meal

I know it had been long overdue since I posted a recipe. I have been quite busy and didn't have time to make blog and share the recipe with everyone. It is hard when you are working at the second shift and come home, really tired.

Also it is hard for me to have a dinner because I am always working from 3 pm to 9 or 10 pm at night. So I most of time eat late night around 9 or 10 pm. I know it is not good but you can't go to bed hungry. I am very sure that many Chef does eat late night meal.

I want to share this recipe that I had in my thought for the last few days. I want to try something new with the pizza that you can make it up. SO I make this Shrimp Pesto Pizza. It is so good.

Shrimp Pesto Pizza

- Ready-bake Crust
- A jar of Pesto
- Shrimp, uncooked
- Crumbled Feta
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

1. Turn the oven to 450 F degree or accord to the package. Spread the pesto onto the pizza crust. Then spread the Shrimp all over the pizza as same for the Crumbled Feta and then add the Mozzarella cheese to it.
2. Bake until you desire on your crust and the cheese melting.

I know it is just simple and easy. If you want to know to make homemade without store bought. Just message me and I will give it to you. This is quick and easy meal.

Testing this new recipe that I invent

I still have a lot of apples from the apple orchard. I was trying to figure out what to use. Since it is still Fall in here Kentucky. But Thanksgiving is coming up soon and after that, it will become winter and Christmas is coming soon. I cannot believe that the time had gone fast when I am so busy with two jobs that I love. So I thought of this recipe that I want to try out. It is simple name, it is called Pumpkin Apple Chocolate Chip cookie. It is quite delicious. Here is the recipe that you might want to try it out.

Pumpkin Apple Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar (dark is fine)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned puree pumpkin
- 3 cups All purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 large or 2 small apples, peeled, cored, and small diced
(If you don't have all of the spices, you can use ground all spice for 1 tsp or pumpkin pie spice for 2 tsp)

Direction
1. Heat oven to 350 F degree
2. In a mixer bowl, beat the butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar together with mixer until mixture is fluffy. Add egg one at a time and mix in with vanilla and pumpkin until it is well blended.
3. In other bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. Slowly beat the flour mixture until the batter in thirds until well blend. Then stir in with chocolate chips and apples together. Scoop 1 TBSP of cookie dough onto the well greased baking sheet or cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 15 min to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

The Amazing Fall Dessert

I am still here and blogging about the food and sharing my recipes with you. I am still busy with work. So just be patient with me. 

This amazing Fall dessert is so easy and simple. You will love this one. 

My brother, my future sister in law and I went to the farm where they had pumpkin patch and apple orchards and many fun things there. It was my first time going to the pumpkin patch and pick out the pumpkin. I really love it. Then we did our first time picking the apples from the orchard. I was so exciting to eat those natural apples from the orchard than to buy from the store. 

I was tried to figure out what to use them. I sometime don't have time to eat them due to my work or I kept forget it. So I found this recipe that is called Dark and Stormy Apple Crisp. It is contain with dark rum. I thought I could make some. However, I don't have the rum in the house. Since I live in Kentucky, there is a lot of bourbon. So I decided to try to use it. Guess what, it came out amazing. Here is the recipe that I want to share with you. It is amazing. 

I could called it Bourbon Apple Crisp or other name, I can't think of one. You could help me out with one. 

Ingredient

- 5 Apples (Granny could be best)

- 1 lime, zested and juiced (bottle lime is fine)

- 1 1/2 TBSP freshly grated ginger (Ground ginger is fine but use less, I recommond 3 tsp)

- 1/3 cup Rum (Bourbon is fine but think to match the flavor of apple)

- 3/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 cup All-purpose flour

- 1 cup quick-cooking oats

- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (light is fine)

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Direction

1. Peel, core, and slice five apples, then add into a large bowl. Add lime juice and zest, grated ginger, rum, and granulated sugar, and mix thoroughly until apples are coated

2. For crumble, Stir together flour, oats, and brown sugars. Melt the butter in microwave or stove. Then pour into the flour mixture and stir until combined

3. Pour the apples into the greased 13 x 9 inch pan or smaller which is fine. Then pour the crumbles on the top of the apples to cover it. Bake at 350 Fdegree until crisp is golden and apples are softened, about 45 minutes. 

So Easy!

You'll love this cupcake

You'll love this cupcake...why?

Because it is so simple and easy and it won't take a lot of your time. I created this cupcake called Cola Coke Cupcake with Salted Peanut Butter frosting. Is it sound complex? NO, it is not. I am sharing this recipe with you. You will love it.

I make this for my future sister-in-law. It was my first birthday cupcake that I made for her. I hope she will enjoy it.

Here it is...

Cola Coke Cupcake

- Devil's Food cake mix
- 12 oz Cola Coke



1. Combine the cake mix with coke and stir together until well-blend.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F degree, according to the package direction for how long.
(You can use just cake pan too.)



Salted Peanut Butter Frosting

- Creamy Peanut Butter
- Vanilla Frosting
- Chocolate sprinkle
- Sea salt

1. Combine the Peanut butter and vanilla frosting
2. Put on top of cupcake with knife or pastry bag if you have one. (Only put on when it is completely cooled)
2. Sprinkle the Chocolate sprinkle and dash of sea salt on top of frosting (You don't have to add those sprinkle but it will taste great)


So simple and easy to do.

Enjoy!

Speaking of the Devil

I was such in mood to make something sweet that I haven't made for long time. I mean every after dinner, I am always craving for something sweet. That's the way I am. I have this huge sweet tooth that I cannot help it at all.

So now, I am in mood to make cookies and I did. I called this Devil's cookie. Because few years ago, I was making really good chocolate cookie with chocolate chips. I was just made it in order to save me money so that I can eat one every after dinner. But my sister really want one and she ended up called me Devil because I always make really good cookies.

So I am here to share my recipe with you.

Devil's cookie

- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 TBSP vanilla extract
- 2 cups All-purpose flours
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
(Optional, you can replaced chocolate chip with nuts)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F degree
2. Beat the butter and sugar until cream and well-blend. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well as not over mix. In other bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, whisk all together well. Then add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture by hand until blend well. Then fold in the chocolate chips until well blend.
3. Put heap of Tablespoon onto the cookie sheet and bake for 12 to 17 minutes or until it is your prefer type of cookie. Try not to burn them.

Enjoy!

Sharing my journey...

I can't believe it is been four weeks since I moved out of Utah and move in Kentucky. I never thought of this and it is so surreal to me. But I ended up love it and made the right decision. I do not regret this for anything in the world. I have decided to share my story with you upon my adventure from Utah to Kentucky.

March 27th -
    After work, I went to pick up the rental truck with dolly. First, I rented the dolly with two wheels because it was cheaper than the four wheels dolly. But when I arrived to pick up the truck. They don't have the two wheels dolly and only have four wheels dolly with same price that I reserved. I was so happy about that because it is more safe for my car. Then I ended up first time drive the truck with dolly. I was so scared but I did it alright. Then after dinner, I moved almost all of the boxes into the truck from 8:45 pm to 9:45 pm in the dark. I was totally worn out and I had to go to work on the next day with my arms so sore.

March 28th -
   Again after work, I went back to the house for one last time to see it and finish up moving all of the stuffs. Then my car was put on the dolly. I ended up rent a car for my safety reason. So I left my car on the dolly for almost a week. Then I moved up to Heber City which is literally in the mountain. I was helping my sister and she helped me too. My sister was moving in her new house so I am staying with her for few days until I am finish with my work.

Last time to see Mountain in Utah

March 31st -
   My last day of work was bitter sweet. I do enjoyed working there and I have learned a lot. Then I went to meet my dad at the airport which it was only 10 minutes of walking. So much easy. Then my sister picked us up and went home.

That's what we did drive with this truck

April 1st -
   I packed up few more into the car and the truck. I had to take out some of things from my car because of the heat. Then we were ready to leave. I took Marshall with me to start the journey to Kentucky. We left around 7 am and start on the journey. Marshall did not like the ride at all so it took few hours for him to get use to it. We started to drive on I-80 to go to Wyoming. It was not bad at the beginning but once we passed Green River, WY. It did got little worse because of the winds. The winds were blowing at 35 mph. It took forever to get out of Wyoming. It took us 8 hours. We finally entered Nebraska and it was still windy. We were supposed to continue to drive to Lincoln, NB but it is not going to happen because of this huge storm is coming. We decided to stopped in Kearney, NB. We tried to find a hotel that would accept the cat and it was not that easy. Most of the hotel only accept dogs. Finally, my dad did beg one of the hotel as just for one night. So we got the room and spend the night.

Marshall didn't not like the ride

Marshall started to like the ride

April 2nd -
   We got up so early because we were planned to leave around 7 am to get on the road again. The weather was much better than yesterday. We continued to drive. Marshall had quite become more comfortable than yesterday. He mostly spend his time sleeping in his bed. We continued to drive and then finally arrived in Kentucky around 10 pm. It was the longest drive. We had to make a lot of stops because the truck doesn't have cruise control so it is a lot harder to drive without one. You can try it.

The Fort in Kearney, NB

April 3rd -
   I finally moved in with my Brother in his new house.

That's all of my journey from Utah to Kentucky. It was the biggest move I never done with all of my things. I know that I did move from Colorado to New York for college but it wasn't everything. It was just my personal things. But this one, is everything from bed to etc.

I do not regret to move to Kentucky. It is always the best things to start new life and going for a change.

I will have my next blog to go back to foodie. I do miss it. Just keep eye on it.

Starting New Chapter is Always Best Thing

I know it had been long time since I have post on this blog. I know that you might want to know of any new recipes or the recipes that I test out and want to share with everyone. But things had changed when the new year began.

In December 2014, when my mom told me that she is going to move to Texas in January 2015. That moment, I knew that I will have to move to somewhere else and chose not to move to Texas with her. I thought of Colorado as how much I want to move back because of my friends live there. So I started to apply for jobs there which is the hardest part. Then I already bought the plane ticket, rent a car, stay at my friend's house for two days, and then reserve the hotel room. I had everything set in plan.

First week of January 2015, I flew to Denver to do the job interview. The only thing is that I had two job interviews there and I did call and apply few places but I had no luck. Also I did meet some roommate that I was plan to live. However, when I drove in Denver to get the feeling. You  know the feeling that where you should be. I did not get any feeling when I drove around in Denver as to get to know. I had second thought that I should not be in Colorado for a while. I came back to Utah with little disappointment but didn't give up yet. I had to go back and regroup to figure out the plans.

But a week later, my brother had offer me a place to stay. ONE thing, my brother live in Kentucky which is pretty far away. I had to come to make the tough decision. I do really want to move to Colorado so badly but when I visited there. I didn't have any good support system there. I felt that I was pretty much lonely there. But at the same time, I am starting new life in Kentucky and meeting new people which I am not that type of person to meet new people. Since I am very introvert. I wrote down the pro and con to make the decision. I made the decision to move to Kentucky as not moving to Colorado. I felt the timing was not right.

I started to apply the jobs in Kentucky. I did get more calls than I excepted. I did apply jobs in Colorado and I didn't get a lot of call from them that much as I get from Kentucky. Then I had tough decision was to quit my job and go ahead to move to Kentucky with no jobs. But I ended up ask my dad to see if he can buy me a flight ticket for me to get interview and hope to get a job. My dad did ended up bought the ticket for me. I did flew to Kentucky for fours days. I had two interviews per day which is six interviews, which it was good. I did drive around in Louisville and some in Lexington, Kentucky. That point it hit me that I knew this is the place where I should be. I felt more comfortable to live in Kentucky. I do remember that I always want to live in Kentucky but never in right time. Now it is the right time to live and be much closer to my Dad and my brother.

I know myself that I will be moving to Kentucky with no jobs, but I do have faith in myself that I will get job soon once I live in Kentucky which it could be much easier. Wish me luck for this journey. Keep eye for more blogs when I am settle down.

My favorite view in Kentucky while I was driving...

Surprise News! It had change me!

I cannot believe that it is almost 2015. We always look back of what happen in 2014. There was a lot of wild, tragedy, and good memories. For me, 2014 was the good year for me and some of them are bad. Here is my short summary of what happen to me through the year of 2014.

In January, I continued to work at the HMS Host as Baker and I continued enjoy the job and learning a lot more things.
In March, the tragedy had hit me the hardest. My stepmother Debbie had passed away from brain cancer. My stepmother had fought hard and long for almost two years. I am still missing her a lot. She had influenced me a lot. She is the one who influence me to do the scrapbooking so I am continuing doing my hobby as scrapbooking.
In April, I started slowing move up the position as become second cook and baker at the same time. That when I am starting to learn how to make sauce, soup, and dressing and also including prep the vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
In June, My nephew Samuel had graduated from kindergarten and I was really proud of him. I cannot believe that he is growing up so fast. I picked Samuel up on his last day of school. I had decided to spoil him for the day by take him out for lunch and also I took him to the Aquarium to look at the fishes and etc.
In July, I decided to go up to visit my best friend Becki in Idaho for third time. We have been best friend for 13 years and it is still going on. I still enjoyed it every moment as I could. After that, I went to Days of '47 Rodeo with my sister and we did have a lot of good time there.
In August, I decided to do something good about myself. I decided to do my volunteer time at the Humane Society of Utah. I do miss playing with the dogs. So I decided to start my volunteer at the Humane Society of Utah to spend more time with the dogs by my love that I always want to give. I enjoyed it every moments.
In October, I made the decision to go hiking in the most beautiful nature. I haven't visit this special place for long time. I do remember from my childhood that my family and I were going on hiking with easy trail to this secret lake and it was called Cecrent Lake. I did went up there and surprised myself how I still remember where to go. I went there in right time with most beautiful weather and the colors on the tree. I enjoy it every moment. Halloween night, I spend time with my nephew by going trick and treat.
In November, the Thanksgiving came and I cooked for the last time with my family. They all loved it and include the dessert.
Then the December, things had started to change. I found out that my mom and John are going to move to Texas. I ended up make the decision that I am going to move to Colorado which it is the best for me.

Now, in addition, I want to tell you something. I know that I didn't do any of 2014 resolutions because every time, I made one and I never follow it. That why I didn't do the 2014 resolutions and I just let it happen. I never told anyone and I only kept to myself.

I have started my weight loss program myself with just simple diet by count calories and also exercise 2 to 5 time a week. I have lost 40 lbs since last year. Here is the picture of 2013 and 2014 in same chef jacket that I graduated.

And another one which little more more...

So 2014 was a good year to me. Also I am keep going to reach my goal toward to 2015. Let see what the 2015 will bring.

Happy New Years!

Simple and Easy but Delicious Cinnamon Rolls

Hello Everyone,

I know it had been long time since I have done this blog. Several months, I got so busy and got up at my work. I didn't have the chance to share with everyone with this new recipe that I did. Every Christmas morning, I always want to have Christmas breakfast with family. I never got that chance with my mother. At my father's house, we always have Christmas breakfast and it was the best of all. At my mother's house, I made the decision that I want to make Christmas breakfast. What kind of breakfast that I want to make that is so simple and easy at the same time? I started to realized that I was really in mood for cinnamon rolls. I haven't make it for long time. I clearly remember that I did make cinnamon rolls last year in summer while I was in school. I remember that I make the cinnamon rolls that I add the nutmeg in it and bite it that is just taste like Christmas. I decided to make one. This cinnamon rolls will taste like Christmas morning. Here is the recipe that I want to share with you.

Nutmeg-Cinnamon Rolls
Yield: 12 rolls

Rolls
- 4 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 packets Rapid Rise Yeast (not Instant Active Yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cup Water
- 6 TBSP unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg

Filling
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tsp nutmeg
- 6 TBSP butter, melted (any will be fine)

Frosting
- 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 TBSP butter, melted
- 3 TBSP milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Direction
1. Combine 2 cups AP flour, sugar, dry yeast and salt in large mixer bowl with dough hook and stir until blended. (You can hand-mix but it can be little tough in progress) Place water and bowl in microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 15 sec or until warm (not hot). Add to AP flour mixture with egg. Beat for 2 min at medium speed. Add 1 cup AP flour, beat for 2 min at high speed. Stir in enough flour as it turn into ball.
2. Lightly flour the surface and knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic. Cover in towel and rest for 10 min. Meanwhile, Making the filling by combine all together. (if you felt it is not enough filling, you can always make it more by double again).
3. Roll the dough to 15x10 rectangle. Then spread the filling all over to the edge. Roll the edge to all the way to the edge and then seal it. Using clean knife and gently cut into 12 rolls. Put in well-greased 13x9 inch casserole. Cover in towel and double in size for 1 hour. (Tip: if you want to make the day before, Just cut the cinnamon roll and put in greased baking dish and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Then you put in the fridge overnight. They will rise slowly which is okay. When you are ready to bake, take it out and let it rest for 30 minutes before baking).
4. Preheat oven to 350 F degree. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When it is finished, let it cool for 20 minutes. While it is cooling, make the frosting by combine all together and add milk if need as if it is too thick. Then pour over the cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

The Magic of the Bread!

Two days ago, I was thinking about making bread; it is because it was almost fall season. Also I know that I had pumpkin puree in the freezer that I want to use it. The first thing that came in my mind is to make Banana-Pumpkin Bread with chocolate chip in it. I never thought of this but I decided as why not try it out to see how it work.

I did make one big change on this recipe. You know that you tend to use vegetable oil to add in the bread. This time, I decided to change to make it little more healthier version but not always. I decided to change from vegetable oil to applesauce. I am sure that you are shocked to see that but it does work well and it is delicious at the end of results. So I have decided to share my recipe with you. You have to try this. It is the best thing in the world. Even my family love it and include my nephew who don't often eat bread but love this bread.

Banana-Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bread

- 2 banana, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 4 oz applesauce (I used one of the cup that you eat it out)
- 1 1/3 cup pumpkin, pureed
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chip

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F degree. Grease your loaf pan very well by using cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine banana, eggs, applesauce, pumpkin, honey, and sugar until well blended. In other bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon until well blended. Then add the dry ingredient to banana mixture and combine well. You will get thick batter which is normal. Add the chocolate chip and fold into it. Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
3. Bake at 350 F degree for 45 minutes or check in the middle to be sure it is done. Then take out and let it cool for 10 to 20 minutes and then take it out.

Enjoy!

Keeping up with my Culinary Skill

Do you want something low-calories meal for dinner? This one is perfect for you. It is only almost 390 calories but it is still under 500 calories as depend what food that you buy from the store. This recipe is called Sesame Steak Stir-fry. This recipe is so simple and easy. You can find this from Food Network or click the link here: Sesame Steak Stir-Fry.

I did the change on this recipe. Because of some of the food, that I don't like it and also not able to find in the store. I got rid of scallions and replace with yellow onion. Also I got rid of napa cabbage, ginger, and red jalapeno peppers. I was thinking of what my family will like it. That's why I change to make it my own recipe but still it is delicious.

Here is the recipe of my own with change of things.

Sesame Steak Stir-Fry

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Serving: 4 

Ingredients
2 TBSP light-brown sugar
2 TBSP soy sauce (light soy sauce will be fine)
2 tsp corn starch
2 TBSP vegetable oil (since this ask for sesame oil, that is part where I cannot find in store)
8 oz Top round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 half yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 whole English cucumber, quartered and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 whole carrots, shredded
3 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Directions:
1. Whisk the brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, 2 TBSP water, and 2 tsp vegetable oil in a bowl. Add the steak and toss. Let it aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 tsp of vegetable oil, then add onions and cucumbers. Cook until it is become tender and the onion became little brown; about 2 minutes. Add the carrots and 2 TBSP water; cook; stirring, until the water is evaporates and the vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl and wipe out the skillet.
3. Add 2 tsp vegetable oil in the skillet over high heat. Add the steak to the skillet with slotted spoon, stir-fry until browned; 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in 1/2 cup of water into the steak marinade; then add to the skillet and cook on high heat. Stirring, until quite thick, about 2 minutes. Return the vegetables to the skillet and continue to cook for 2 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let it set for few minutes. Serve over the rice.

Hope you enjoy it! Unless if you are really in mood for Asian food.

Craving for Avocado!

Lately, I have begin to craving for avocado. I was never like this before until last week, that when I start to crave for more avocado, just plain. So I looked through my recipes and cookbook to see anything related with avocado. I was looking for something with savory, not sweet. I started to remember one recipe that I really like the most that I found in Rachael Ray's magazine. It is called Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers and Avocado Mash. This recipe is really good and it is so simple and easy to do. This recipe had the most amazing flavor and I did change a little. Here is the recipe that you can look at Rachael Ray's... Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers and Avocado Mash

The only thing that I change is the rice, because when I read the recipe. It is just plain white rice so I decided to tried something new but it is well known rice that you can make it yourself as called Lime-Cilantro Rice. But I was testing by add lime juice in boiling water before you add the rice to cook it; to help infuse the lime juice into the rice so that you can taste it. So I decided to write the recipe on this to help you out with it. 


Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers and Avocado Mash (combine with Lime-Cilantro Rice)

Yield: 4 serving; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 30 min

Ingredients
- 3 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 pound pork tenderloin (in 1 or 2 pieces)
- Salt and Pepper
- 3/4 cup long-grain white rice (instant rice will be fine)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 TBSP fresh cilantro, minced (dried cilantro will be fine, just add 1 tsp but it does have less flavor in it)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Bell peppers (mixed colors as red, orange, and yellow), thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 avocado, halved and pitted, mashed
- 2 TBSP chopped flat-leaf parsley (dried parsley will be fine, but only add 1 tsp)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees . In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook, turning, until browned all over, 5 minutes. Transfer the casserole pan covered in foil (to help less cleaning) to the oven and roast until cooked through but still juicy, 10 to 13 minutes for 2 pieces, or 15 to 18 minutes for 1 whole tenderloin. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. (Be sure the temperature is reach to 170 F degree; It might take longer as 30 to 45 minutes)

2. While the pork is roasting, Prepare the rice. If you are using instant rice, just follow the direction; when you add the water in pot and let it start to boil and add one whole lime juice into the water, then add the rice in it. If you are using long-grain rice; boil the water first, then add the lime juice, then add the rice in it and turn it to low simmer and cover for 20 to 25 minutes without touch it. When the rice is finished, add minced cilantro in it and stir to blend it. 

3. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium heat. Add half of the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in halved juice and season with salt and pepper.

4. Scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl. Mash in the parsley, another halved lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Serve the pork with the rice, peppers and avocado mixture.

Hope you enjoy it!

Taste of Sweet and Savory....

Hello Everyone!

I know that it had been long time since I make blog. I was busy with my job as baker and second cook with full-time. At my work, I do mostly of the baking as like hamburger buns, pretzel, pizza dough, bread sticks, and many others. Also I do not only do the baking; I do help with other as making different kind of dressings and also make and cook the proteins. It is the best way for me to learn more and more. I always learn everyday. Anyway, back to my cooking that I want to share with everyone. I was looking through the cookbook and tried to find the inspiration. So I found this inspiration of chicken wrapped in bacon. I know that it is pretty simple but I had decided to change it up to make it better. I created this chicken stuffed with blueberry/cranberry chutney with bacon wrapped. Does it sound good to you? I will share with you in a minute.

You know when you go to grocery store and you tried to find the fruit chutney. Sometime, it had be expensive to buy and you don't use it often. I want to share this very simple and easy recipe to make. Here it is:

Blueberry and Cranberry Chutney
- 1/4 cup Blueberry (frozen or fresh)
- 1/4 cup Cranberry (frozen or fresh) (I know that it is not in the season yet, I bought this last November, but any other berries will be fine, not recommend strawberry)
- 1 TBSP sugar
- 3 TBSP water

1. Wash blueberry and cranberry and then put in pot. Add sugar and water to it. Start to boil in med-high, then turn down to simmer for 10 minutes. Be sure to stir every once a while.
2. Then pour in bowl and leave to cool it down and then put in fridge.
3. So simple and easy.

Before cooking the berries                                                                            After it is finish cooking

Now on to the next, the chicken stuffed with blueberry/cranberry chutney wrapped with bacon as here is the recipe of it

Chicken stuffed with Blueberry/Cranberry chutney wrapped with Bacon
Yield: 4 to 5 serve; Prep: 15 minutes; Cook: 45 minutes

- 4 to 5 chicken breast each
- 1 package of bacon
- 1 tsp of blueberry/cranberry chutney

1. Cut and trim the chicken, then cut in the middle as not all the way. Then filled in with blueberry/cranberry chutney, and then wrapped with bacon. Be sure nothing is spill out of the chicken.
2. Preheat the oven to 425 F degree. Put the chicken in 13 inch X 9 inch casserole, it is due to bacon fat, to prevent from dripping. Then put in oven and cook for 45 minutes, while halfway cook, turn the chicken over in order to get bacon to full cook.
3. Then take out and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Here is the tip for this chicken: You can grill it and it will take about 10 to 20 minutes to grill. Hope you will enjoy this!

Bison Ravioli, the recipe I created

I looked through the Internet and tried to find some ideas to cook dinner for my family, and also take practice and keep up my culinary skills. Since my job is baker and 2nd cook but I do most of time doing baking. I decided to practice more often at home when I can. I still do some cooking at my work but not so much. I came up this recipe that I create with some of the inspiration. I was really in mood to cook ground bison after I saw many time in the store and never had chance to cook one. So I created this recipe called Bison Ravioli. I decided to share with you if you are really interest to try it. It is long process and it is best time to do during your day off.

Bison Ravioli (Serve 6)

Bison Filling
- 1 lb ground bison
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper

Ravioli Dough
- 6 cups All-purpose flour
- 6 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tsp olive oil

Sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) Crushed tomato (diced is fine)
- 1 1/2 cup Pureed tomato
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup Tomato paste
- 3 TBSP Sugar
- 2 TBSP dried basil (fresh can do)
- 1 TBSP dried parsley (fresh can do)
- 1 TBSP dried oregano
- 1 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper

Direction
For Bison Filling (Prep: 5 minutes, Cook 30 minutes)
1. Cook the ground bison until no longer pink. Add thyme, crushed red pepper flake, oregano, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Then add salt and pepper. Turn off heat and let it cool a little.
2. Add ricotta cheese in medium bowl, then add the bison to it, then blend it all together. Put in fridge for 1 to 2 hours to chill

For Dough (Prep: 1 hour)
1. Place 6 cups of flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Beat the eggs, water, and oil together and then pour into the well of flour. Stir together, forming into a ball. Turn onto floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes; add remaining flour if sticky. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes of resting; Divide dough into 1/4th, roll one portion to 1/16 inch thickness. Working quickly, place 1 tsp filling in 1 inch apart over half of pasta sheet. Brush around with water to moisten. Fold sheet over and press down to seal. Cut into squares with a pastry wheel, knife, or pasta shape if you have one. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
3. Bring salted water in pot to boil. Add ravioli to it. Reduce heat to simmer; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until tender or until it float. Drain.

For Sauce (Prep: 10 minutes, Cook 1 hour)
1. In a large pot, combine all sauce ingredient. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

So that is all and yes, it is long process but worth it. Here is the picture. (Sorry for lousy picture, I was really hungry and forgot to take one)

Graduated!

I finally graduated from the Art Institute of Salt Lake City with Associate degree in Culinary Arts. It had been long year, I was in school for a year and half. It had been great experience in this culinary field. I have learned a lot of new stuffs and tasting everything. I have learned how to cook Asia, World (Greece, Middle East, and India), European, and America. I have started to discovered my skills by what I am really good at. I am good at Asia, Europe, and America, and also I have found out that I am good at bakery as bread, rolls, and french bread.

It is the funny thing, at the start of my first quarter of school year, My tasting palate wasn't that great but the time goes by, it began to expand more and became more familiar with the tasting. That explain why I started don't like the foods that are product from the company or factory. I have noticed that I am getting picky on the food and product. But I am still opened to taste many different foods.

While I was in school, I have tasted so many different thing. I mean I ate octopus, oysters, lamb, veal, alligator, frog legs, and fois gras. I find those things interesting. I never thought that I would eat them unless if I was focus to do. Also my cooking skills have been improved a lot more and also gain my knowledge in this culinary field. I never thought that I would love to cook and have people really enjoy my foods with amazing flavors in it.

So now, I am going to seek for the job and hope for a better future.

I had Mexican dishes all day long...

I had Mexican dishes all day long...why? Because I had my morning class which I take Latin America, we were focus on third week of Mexico. In my class, we learned about two to three weeks of different countries. So I had Mexican dishes in the morning but lucky I didn't eat that much. Anyway, I made one dish called "Pot" Bean. I do not mean that literally. It mean bean soup, or whatever is that. Anyway, I realized that I had a lot of beans so I decided to take it home to make refried bean for dinner.

After class, I went to the grocery store. I was hoping to make Pork Mole Verdes. The key to this dish is the tomatillo. I wasn't sure if they were in the season. But lucky, I found one so I took 7 of them, they are like 84 cents at my store. I am sure you wondering what I am making for dinner. Well, I am making Pork Mole Verdes with homemade refried beans and Spanish rice. One thing about Spanish rice, I was too lazy to do homemade so I make from the box, just simple. I decided to share the recipe, it is so simple and easy to do.

This recipe is called Pork Mole Verdes which mean Green Mole. The green mole is coated the pork. It is really good.

Ingredients:
1 to 2 lbs of Pork shoulder, cut in cubes
1 or 2 bay leaf (dried or fresh)
Small onion, 1/4 inch dice
Salt
3 TBSP sesame seeds
1/4 cup Almonds
5 green onion
2 garlic cloves
7 fresh tomatillos
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cilantro (fresh or dried)
1/4 tsp chili powder
Salt and Pepper to taste

Direction:
1. Put the cubed pork, bay leaf, and onion in large pot filled with 4 to 6 cups of water. Boil at first, then quickly add salt. Turn down the heat to simmer and leave there for 45 min to 1 hour.
2. While the pork is simmering, toasted the sesame seeds and almonds, they should be near to golden brown (do not burn it!), and then add to blender. About 15 minutes later, take 1/4 cup of cooking liquid from the pork and add to the nuts. Blend until little smooth, little chuck is okay.
3. Don't worry about cutting up the green onion, garlic clove, tomatillo, and cilantro, because you will add in the blender. Read Step 4
4. Add onion, garlic clove, cilantro, cumin, cilantro, chili powder to the nuts and then add 1/4 cup of cooking liquid from pork. Blend all together to almost smooth. For the tomatillo, peel the husks and if it is dirty, just wash them. Cut off the top and bottom and cut in quarter to make it easier for the blender. Then Add tomatillo in the blender with the rest of them, and blend until smooth. Correct the seasoning with salt, pepper, and seasoning.
5. After the pork is finish cooking and it is already reach to 175 F degree for the meat, drain out the cooking liquid and discard the bay leaf. Put the pork back in the pot. Then add the tomatillo mixture to the pork and then warm it up. Correct the seasoning.

Sound good? if you have any question, feel free to ask me.

For the refried bean, it is little tough but if you are up for challenge. Here is the recipe...this recipe will take you about three hours of doing homemade refried beans.

Ingredients:
2 cups Pink bean or Pinto bean
1/2 cup White onion, 1/4 inch dice
2 TBSP Pork Lard or vegetable oil (Cisco will be okay)
1 TBSP Salt
To taste - salt and pepper

Direction:
1. Rinse beans in cold water and check for and remove small stones that floats
2. Cover beans with hot water, add onion and lard, and bring to boil.
3. Reduce to simmer: cover and cook until they are just soft and the skins are breaking open, 1 1/2 to 2 hours
4. Add salt and continue to cook until the beans are soft and the liquid is somewhat thick
5. Draining out the cooking liquid but leave 1/2 cup in it. Split the beans in 1 cup
6. Put 1 cup of bean back in the pot and start to cook. Then start to mash them until almost to puree. Then add another 1 cup of bean and continue to mash.
7. Continue to cook for 10 to 15 minutes until they are dry out
8. Correct seasoning

So that all for it. It is sound a lot of work, it will be nice for family time if you need help.

For the Spanish Rice, I make it from the box so no homemade for this one.

So Enjoy!

Going to Graduate in December!

Since the Summer is ending and the fall is beginning, I mean literally the temperature is dropping slowly as which mean I have two weeks left of school quarter to be done with summer quarter. This summer quarter, I only took two classes. One of my class had 9 credits and three days and plus it was evening class. Other class is only once a week and it was in the afternoon. Then after that, I will have one last quarter to be done as I will be graduate this December with Associate degree in Culinary Arts.

This class is called A La Carte Class and it is called Restaurant class. This class is where we do serve to real people in the real restaurant. It is more likely private restaurant. We served 6 courses from price range $18 to $20. Those six course is Amuse, Charcuteire, Soup, Salad, Entree, and then Desserts. Many people does enjoy the foods. This class had three days. We prepared the dishes as chopped and cook, etc on Monday and then we serve on Tuesday and Wednesday. I do enjoy this class a lot and plus it was challenge because it was due to the communication but it wasn't big deal because I had interpreter with me. I still have no idea how real world work like that but I am not too worry because I can figure it out.
Anyway, this class had two teachers, one is in charge of front of the house where you social with clients, and other teacher is in charge of back of the house which is the kitchen. The teacher in back of the house is really tough because this person can be very blunt with you and have to do their way. It was tough because every time, I suggest the idea and then this person does not like it. This person is very modern with food and make it very strange things. I am totally opposite that way, I like to make it simple with a lot of flavors in it. I don't need to decorate in strange way as I prefer to keep it simple. Here is the example of what I took in the class with those 6 courses.
      

Left to right, first row: Shooter - Citrus Apple with Vanilla form, Amuse - Watermelon sushi, Charcutiere - Swiss chard wrapped in cold smoked mozzarella, Drunken goat cheese, Biscuits, felino, and bacon jam.
Left to right, second row: Soup- Cherry Soup, Salad - Beet with mixed green, and beet vinaigrette, Entree - Bison with pesto orzo and fried onion with corn/peach salsa
Left to right, third row: Dessert - Sorrel (herb) gelato with beet cake, pink peppercorn crumb, and elderflower creme, Petits four - Kaffer lime, honey comb chocolate truffle
(Sound good?)

The other thing about this class, I have been learning a lot of new stuffs and taste new food. I mean, I have ate very exotic and strange things. I have ate frog leg, alligator, antelope, and new foods that I never had before. Also I have learn about how to kill alive lobster in many different ways. I do enjoy this class.

The other class that I took is called Intro to Baking Science. It is baking class where you can purpose to screw it up and figure it out why you did it wrong and how to fix it. I felt like it was start over in Intro to baking and pastry. It was the most easy class I ever took.

So that is my Summer quarter class but with this last quarter, Fall quarter which mean I am taking much more classes in order to graduate and plus will be very busy to get it done. I am taking four classes this Fall quarter. Those classes are Capstone, World Cuisine, Latin America Cuisine, and Art Culinaries. I will be more busy because of this Capstone class which is more of homework than the other three classes. But I will be doing fine because I have done this before while I was in other college. When I was in CSU, I did took Senior Capstone while I was volunteer in theatre in Denver which it was not easy thing to do. So this time, I can do it. I am ready to be done with school and hope to get career in Culinary in the future. Wish me luck!

My Fingers are sore...

My fingers are sore from the cross-stitch. I either cross-stitch in cold or hot, that cause my fingers to become tired. I am just saying that I have complete my part 4 of cross-stitch. It is just short version of the part. Then I will be starting the second row. So I am just keep it short and see so that you can see the progress as meaning the complete progress of the first row. I start this on June 16 and finish today, June 23.

I am going to take a break for a while. I might not start for a while because I believe it is the best for me to take a break.

Hope you all have great summer.

As the Summer begin...

       So the summer began as for me, I am on three weeks break from school. I really need a break from school because my brain had been fried. I am serious. I started school on the first week of Jan and continue until third week of March. Then I had one week break. Then the school start on first week of April and continue to second week of June. So my brain was fried because it had so much homework to do. This school gave me a lot of homework then I was in college. I mean, I have to handwritten the recipe every week, about 6 to 15 recipes to write for my classes. Also I have learn every day. So most of time, I get tired. It is nice to have three week break to let my brain rest.

         So anyway, last Spring quarter, I took Intro to baking, Asian Cuisine, and English. Let me talk about one class that I didn't like at all. It is English class. I know everyone don't like English class. But I am saying that this English class is the one worst class I ever taken. I have learned nothing from this class. I mean this teacher always have public debate on many issues. I felt like I am in Political Science class, not English class. I have learned nothing from this class. So I don't have much to say about this one.

       This class, Intro to baking, is not my favorite class. Yes, I do enjoying baking that only happen at home, not in the field. In this class, you just make and mix, and then you bake. All you have to wait while it bake. So most time, you clean. Also I am not that kind of person to stand around and waiting. I am glad that I picked the right field into Culinary. This teacher in this class is very strict and organizing. I do enjoy his teaching style but it is little annoy over little things but not too bad. I enjoy this class as I learn a lot. I learned a lot of new styles of baking and understand how things works that I cooked differently from home. If I own a restaurant, I would hire baker/pastry to do those desserts for me. Anyway, I learned how to do the cookies, bread, pies, ice cream, and the fancy desserts. Here is the example that I learn and did my best.

 

 Whole Wheat Bread                       Spritz Cookie (my best of all)            Eclairs (My family love this)

     

Fresh Fruit Tart                                                              Sacher Tort (Chocolate Cake)

 Candied Orange Browne with Homemade marshmallow and Honey Almond Ice Cream

Do this look delicious to you?

              Let talk about my most favorite class which is Asian Cuisine. I really love this class. At first, I wasn't sure about this class. I thought that it would be tough class but it seem not to be. I know this Asian Cuisine have a lot of ingredient to make one dish. But still, I love this class. I finally found this class that I am really good and love their dishes. I learned about Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam cuisine. I like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam the most. But I would like to try more. Since in my class, we have limited resources because we live in Utah. If I live in California, then we could cook more dishes. But I enjoyed this class. This teacher is the best one I ever taken. I can see why many students like him. He is laid-back teacher and took his time to teach us, but he is also strict too. I really like this class a lot and I will miss this.

           Red-Cooked Duck (East China)         Seafood Hot Pot (Korea)           Pot-stickers in Egg Wrapper (North China)

            

Nigiri (Japan)                                        California Rolls

Look good too?

So that all that I did in Spring Quarter. Enjoy!