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

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)

Corn and Flounder: Maque Choux and Meuniére

It’s a cool name for a dish. Not sure what the origin is or why it is called that. I did not want to even research it. The name is definitely French-Creole and this makes sense. Corn Maque Choux is a popular dish in Louisiana and you can find it in various iterations. Some very…… Continue reading Corn and Flounder: Maque Choux and Meuniére

Quinoa Salad with Peas, Parsley and Mint

It’s great having a recipe for something easy and requires very little cooking in this hot weather but that is also immensely satisfying in their own. Lots of salads fall in this category and I am partial to a few recipes I have learned from Michael Solomonv’s book “Zahav” that he creates as variations on…… Continue reading Quinoa Salad with Peas, Parsley and Mint

Beans and Beef with Chile and Panela

It’s the season for deeply flavored stews, braises, roasts and rich bean dishes. This one is not based on any specific recipe but like most cooking I do is more based on a flavor profile, in this case American Southwestern/Mexican. The starting point was the beef shoulder roast. I wanted it more substantial, enter the…… Continue reading Beans and Beef with Chile and Panela

Sugo and Polenta with Over- Easy Egg

Rustic, but not simple, as it gets and so very satisfying. The combination of tender polenta and some sort of saucy meat is a classic. This one, based on a recipe from the book Hello! My Name is Tasty (I’m loving this book and I wrote about it previously here), is an excellent example of…… Continue reading Sugo and Polenta with Over- Easy Egg

Paella with Halibut, Shrimp and Chorizo

All kinds of delicious stuff happens we you have awesome seafood stock in the freezer. I’ve been cooking sous vide for years. In the early days I’d find any reason to use my immersion circulator to cook anything. It was new to me and very cool. Now, I still use it a lot (and it…… Continue reading Paella with Halibut, Shrimp and Chorizo