Steamed fish is something we had many times while we were in Chengdu, Sichuan, and in Hong Kong. It is actually a fairly simple recipe. I reconstructed it and I have continued to make it since we come back.
Author Archives: karllueck
Karl’s Steamed Dong Quai Chicken
We were introduced to this dish while we lived in Chengdu, Sichuan. Dong quai is a Chinese root that is good for women. Suffice it to say, that what ginseng is supposed to do for men, dong quai is supposed to do for women. If you want to know more, The Soup Queen goes into far more (and personal) detail on the subject than I possibly could. I do not make this dish very often, only when my women are feeling ragged.
Filed under Uncategorized
Karl’s Gobi Musallam Sichuan
My son-in-law was waxing eloquently about Gobhi Musallam. Chris described the dish as a whole roasted cauliflower, an impressive Indian presentation dish, which fits his Ketogenic diet. The recipe is also in-line with the soft food diet that Myr has been put on by her doctor. However, we just had Indian food last week. While I like the idea of a whole roasted cauliflower, there is nothing that says it has to be Indian. What other cuisine could I adapt this technique to?
Filed under Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables
Karl’s Spicy Stir Fried Cucumbers
I decided that my whole roasted cauliflower would look a bit naked sitting in the middle of a plate. A ring of stir fried cucumbers would make a nice compliment, both in color and texture. This dish would also fit in with Myr’s soft food diet and Chris’ Ketogenic diet.
Filed under Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables
Karl’s Refrigerator Chicken Soup II
I make chicken soup with whatever bits I have in the refrigerator, the backbones and wingtips of chickens, leftover bits of vegetables from other meals. This recipe is never the same twice, because what vegetables go into it depends entirely on what I have on hand. I do try to get a balance of colors, starch and flavors, but it is always different.
Filed under Main Dishes, Poultry, Soups
Karl’s Apricot Quick Jam
My neighbors know that I make jam. As a result, they occasionally show up on my door step with boxes of fruit. They buy more then they eat and then give it to me before it goes bad. Yesterday it was apricots.
Filed under Desserts & Treats, Treats
Jan’s Stalwart Brownies for Charlie the Barbarian
Adapted from Obsidian Stout Brownies
Backstory: Charles Worstell, who recently passed away, loved to hold court in his local cafe. When I knew him in the 1970’s it was at the Cafe Midi. More recently it was at the Revue in the Tower District in Fresno. He would frequently bring brownies, since he loved to drink beer and eat brownies. This recipe was adapted to honor him.
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Filed under Desserts & Treats, Treats
Karl’s Sloppy Jodhs
To add to the dietary restrictions for this week, Myr was just put on a “soft food diet.” This week’s recipes must be: low(er) fat, low carb, and soft foods. She suggested something like Sloppy Joes.
Filed under Main Dishes, Poultry
Karl’s Kalmi Saag Paneer
I went to the Indian market looking for fresh methi leaves, but was told they didn’t have any because it was summer. I had picked up something called “green leaf,” which I was told was very good. Although it looked familiar I didn’t recognize it. I am always one to try something I have not tried before.
Note: I am still not sure that this is water spinach. If anyone out there knows by what other name the Indians call “green leaf” I would appreciate knowing.
Filed under Side Dishes, Vegetables
Karl’s Vegetarian Lasagna
Adapted from a Cook’s Illustrated recipe
A friend of ours had a reoccurrence of her cancer, an all too familiar event in our lives. She is so sick that it is hard for her to cook, so I am making one of my mitzvah lasagnas. When a person is on chemo they tend not to be concerned with eating. I unfortunately know this from personal experience. This dish is designed to tempt you into eating at least a bite or two to keep body and soul together.
Filed under Main Dishes, Vegetarian MD









