Every year, my sister Karen renews my subscription to Cooks Illustrated at Christmas time. Over the years, I have tried and usually adapted many of their recipes—I am frequently at odds with some of their philosophies of cooking. In the October 2006 issue, they presented a recipe Stir-Fried Chicken with Bok Choy and Crispy Noodle Cake.
Karl’s Spicy Chicken
with Pan Fried Noodles
Filed under Chicken, Main Dishes, Poultry, Stir-fry, 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
Chili powder—as a blend of spices—is composed chiefly of chile peppers and mixed with other spices including cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and salt. While there is some agreement about which spices this blend should contain, the amount of each is a matter for debate. This is not improved by the linguistic confusion between “chili powder”—as a blend of spices—and the “chili powder”—as in powdered dried chilies—used in those blends. In addition to the basic ingredients, some add other herbs and spices and still call it “chili powder.”
Karl’s Quick Chili Powder
Filed under Sauces and Spices, Vegan, Vegetarian
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
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
I am always up for trying a new ingredient, but that being said I don’t guarantee that I will like it. I had seen heart of palm in several recipes that I had perused over time, so when I saw them at Trader Joes I, of course, bought a bottle. This jar has sat on my shelf for a time and I thought I would use it for this Sunday’s dinner.
Karl’s Heart of Palm, Mandarin Orange, and Arugula Salad
Filed under California Fusion, Salads, Vegan, Vegetarian
Every Christmas for more than the last decade I have made marmalade as a giveaway. A few years ago, I bought a microplane zester that produced very fine bits of rind. I also stopped using any extra water, just the zest and juice of the oranges. This micro marmalade was an intense flavorful jam, but it did not make as much as the old way I had been using. This year I ended up giving away all of the marmalade I produced and we had none left for ourselves.
Karl’s Micro Mandarin Marmalade
Filed under Desserts & Treats, Treats, Vegan, Vegetarian
I am making salmon for son-in-law Chris’ birthday dinner. My first thought was to make colcannon—potatoes and cabbage—to go with it. Chris, who is limiting his intake of simple carbohydrates—like starchy potatoes—suggested using yams and herbs instead. This is very much a California Fusion recipe.
Karl’s Colcannon California
Filed under California Fusion, Side Dishes, Starches, Vegan, Vegetarian
It is asparagus season, so every time I go to the store there are bundles of this vegetable that Jan and Eilene love. Miriam and I cannot eat asparagus, so I usually leave them where they lay. For this Macanese inspired Sunday dinner, I decided that I would make some for them, but I will also make a separate vegetable dish for Myr and myself.
Karl’s Sesame Asparagus Stir Fry
Filed under Green Vegetables, Side Dishes, Stir-fry, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian
karllueck
Miriam
Jabberwocky Stew 