I have been making marmalade the same way for years for a Christmas giveaway. I bought a microplane zester that produced very fine bits of rind. Over time I have been experimenting with the recipe— no extra water, fine bits of zest and less and less sugar. This has produced an intensely flavorful marmalade.
Karl’s Caramel Mandarin
Micro Marmalade
Filed under Breakfast, California Fusion, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian
Adapted from an Ina Garten recipe
When I was a child my mother, Claudia, would make strawberry jam every strawberry season. With five kids and a tight budget, it was one more way to stretch a dollar—even then commercial jelly was expensive. Whenever she did this, she would also bake bread—the smell of fresh bread and jam would fill the house. We would all gather around anticipating the treat of hot jam on warm bread just out of the oven.
Karl’s Strawberry Jam
Filed under Breakfast, California Fusion, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian
A common weekday dinner at my house is Chinese chicken salad. I have done it often enough that it has become a bit boring. I thought about what I could do that was similar, but in a different culture. When I make tacos, Jan uses the leftovers to make a taco salad for her lunch. I thought: “That is a starting point!”
Karl’s Chicken Taco Salad
with Hot-Pan Salsa
Filed under California Fusion, Chicken, Main Dishes, Poultry, Salads, Vegan, Vegetarian
One of Jan’s friends has a sweet lime tree. She gave Jan 6 limes from her current crop. I decided that a small batch of marmalade was the best way to preserve this bounty. I have learned over time that you can make marmalade out of any citrus fruit.
Karl’s Sweet Lime Micro Marmalade
Filed under Breakfast, California Fusion, Desserts & Treats, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian
Jan is going to another pot luck organized by NUMU Los Gatos. She and her students have been interviewing relocated American Indians who live in the South Bay—having moved to the city from various reservations in the 1950s, ‘60s, and 70s. Last time, I made a big pot of ham and beans. To switch things up, I decided to do larger than usual Mac & Cheese this time.
Karl’s Mac & Two Cheeses
with Bacon & Leeks for a Crowd
Filed under California Fusion, Casserole, Main Dishes, Pork, Vegetables
Everyone has their own ideas about chili. A wide variety of dishes fall under the general heading of “chili.” Some think this dish should be only beef slow cooked in chili sauce. Others use a wide variety of meats—chicken, pork, turkey—in their chili. Still others say that it should include beans as well. Vegetarians get rid of the meat all together and still call it “chili.”
Karl’s Quick Beef Chili with Beans
Filed under Beans, Beef, California Fusion, Main Dishes, Sauces and Spices, Stews
We are having cracked crab and crackers this Sunday. Meat and starch needs vegetables. A salad is a good compliment.
Karl’s Arugula and Spinach Salad
Filed under California Fusion, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Jan is having another potluck with her students. San Jose anthropology students present papers at the SWAA conference every year. To prepare them, the professors have them present before each other and two professors for feedback and suggestions. Since they come in on a Saturday to do this, food is usually involved.
Karl’s California Fusion Hummus Wraps
Filed under California Fusion, Main Dishes, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Many times, the inspiration for one of my Sunday dinners is a food challenge by the family. Other times, I look for an untried world cuisine to make my own variation of a traditional dish. This week, I started with a bottle of hot sauce.
Karl’s Lemon Chicken Habanero
with Sautéed Spinach and Fingerling Potatoes
Filed under California Fusion, Chicken, Main Dishes, Potatoes, Poultry, Side Dishes, Vegetables
I had bought some broccolini earlier in the week and I had not used it. I could have just steamed it and tossed it on a plate with my roasted chicken, but Jan and Miriam have been liking blended vegetables soups lately. Checking my vegetable bin, I found some other things to add to the soup.
Karl’s Broccolini Soup
Filed under California Fusion, Side Dishes, Soups, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian
karllueck
Miriam
Jabberwocky Stew 