Koji: Shio Koji

Shio Koji translates to Salt Koji and this is exactly what it is. It’s another simple and quick application of your newly made batch of koji. It has a wonderful impact on proteins you apply it to. I tried it primarily with pork and beef so far, but marinating chicken or fish in it should…… Continue reading Koji: Shio Koji

Venison (or Beef or Lamb) Shawarma

I’ve posted about Maui Nui Axis deer before here. In short it’s a delicious and densely nutrient and protein packed meat that is sustainably “raised” (since it is mostly wild) and harvested on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The leg roast is consistently my favorite cut due to its versatility and -relative to other cuts-…… Continue reading Venison (or Beef or Lamb) Shawarma

Taratoor – Lebanese Tahini Sauce

If you’ve ever had a good lamb shawarma wrap or have been to any Lebanese restaurant, chances are you have tried this simple sauce. It’s delicious on almost everything. Dip some fried cauliflower in it, roasted potatoes, grilled beef or lamb kebabs, fried fish, drizzle it on spiced rice and ground beef pilaf….the sour, nutty,…… Continue reading Taratoor – Lebanese Tahini Sauce

Panettone – a Proper One

It’s a labor of love making one of these Panettone, the delightful gorgeous looking Christmas season bread from Milan. A few years ago I made one based on my knowledge and experience in baking and treated it like a regular sourdough bread. It was ok, not what I had envisioned though and not a proper…… Continue reading Panettone – a Proper One

Koji: Amazake (Sweet)

Amazake is one of the easiest application of your newly made batch of koji. It’s a mildly sweet porridge-drink made by mixing koji with cooked grains and water and letting it ferment for a few hours. Simple as that. The result is a delightful drink with a pinch of umami and a nice sweetness to…… Continue reading Koji: Amazake (Sweet)

The Best 72-hour Sous Vide Short Rib

Why, in my humble opinion is this the best version of beef short rib cooked sous vide? The short answer is: It’s never ever stinky! But I’m hoping you want to know a little more about what I’m talking about and what I did to read on. If not, here is a quick jump to…… Continue reading The Best 72-hour Sous Vide Short Rib

Grilled Pork Chops, BBQ Carrots and Ranchovy Dressing (Combustion Inc. Thermometer Overview)

I have been playing with the Combustion Inc. predictive thermometer for a bit now and made some awesome food with it including these lovely pork chops. It’s not really a substitute for cooking sous vide in every case but in some cases it is because it provides a lot of information about what is happening…… Continue reading Grilled Pork Chops, BBQ Carrots and Ranchovy Dressing (Combustion Inc. Thermometer Overview)

Koji: Growing the Mold

I’ve tried a couple of different methods to incubate and produce Koji. By far my favorite method is -surprise surprise- from Koji Alchemy and involves using an immersion circulator to control temperature and humidity. It is very simple, hands-off and requires minimal manipulation during the 36 hours or so of incubation. The process, no matter…… Continue reading Koji: Growing the Mold