Kitchen! Kitchen!

Bali and it's fabulous spicy chicken dish!....at kitchen! kitchen!

2015-01-07T09:17:00.003-08:00

Spicy Chicken Over Rice

I am really trying hard to keep up with my blog on a regular basis. So, enough excuses, here is my version of a Spicy Balinese Chicken dish as inspired by my niece Catherine. She is a great cook and we constantly rattle off ideas and recipes. With a bit of tweaking I came up with this fabulous and aromatic dish! Don't get thrown off with the recipe and the long and "wordy" instruction. I assure you that as soon as you have all the ingredients gathered up and ready everything will be breezy and balmy just like being in Bali.

'Tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers"....Shakespeare

Here's what you need:

Kaffir leaves (these are lime leaves -most important ingredient - available in any Asian or Indian gourmet store either fresh or in the frozen section)....bay leaf is a substitute if you must ( but Kaffir leaves really "make" this dish). Kaffir leaves could also be ordered online at ImportFood.com
12 medium cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped or halved
1 - ginger about 2" long peeled and roughly chopped
1 large sweet onion or 1 cup shallots - roughly chopped
2-3 red chiles or jalapeno or serrano roughly chopped
OR: reconstituted dried chiles
2 tsp. ground turmeric
4 limes/lemons -juice and zest
2 tbs. coconut oil
1-1/2 lbs of chicken thighs
1- 1/2 lbs. of chicken wingettes or drumsticks
10 or more kaffir leaves -
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chopped Cilantro for garnish

What to do next....
Combine the garlic, ginger, onions, in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and pasty.
In a pan heat the coconut oil over medium heat and add the chile mixture paste, add the turmeric and cook, stirring constantly until fragrant and softened. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool completely.
In the meantime, place the chicken pieces in a baking dish; squeeze the lime or lemon juice all over and zest from the lime; salt and pepper and toss to coat. Add the cooled, cooked chile paste and KAFFIR LEAVES (tear up the leaves to get the intense fragrance). With your hands, rub the mixture into the chicken until well coated. (cut a small piece of the chicken meat and microwaved to taste and correct the seasoning) - Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Put the oven rack in the top third of the oven and preheat it to 350F.
Bake the chicken uncovered, until tender and cooked (should register at 180F on the meat thermometer)
for about 50 minutes. To reduce the sauce and more browning - lower the temperature at 195F for another 20-30 minutes.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with cooked jasmine rice and the sauce on the side.
Suggestion: On a separate pan add the cooked jasmine rice and coat with the sauce before serving as a side dish.

roasted hock of lamb.....at kitchen! kitchen!.....and a very happy 2015 to all!!

2015-01-02T13:08:00.001-08:00

Roasted Hock of Lamb

Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, and Garlic
The magical spices for roasting

Now, that the season of festivities is behind us, hopefully, I will be able to play catch up with my cooking blog.

.....and here I am with my beautiful roasted hock of lamb with roasted potatoes and string beans.... Now, don't limit yourself with just potatoes and string beans, those are just what I have in ready supply.You could play with your imagination with whatever you have in your fridge ; and instead of potatoes you could serve it with rice, or any grains for that matter. You are the mistress/master of your kitchen, and don't you forget it! The ingredients I used as a marinade are rosemary, sage, thyme, and garlic smashed to submission; salt, and freshly ground black pepper with about 1/4 cup of olive oil. Massage the marinade all over the hock and let it stay for at least an hour. The longer it continues to rest in the marinade the better the result. Preheat the oven to 350F. In the meantime, in a large skillet or cast iron pan ( I have several sizes of those cast iron pans - they are my workhorses in the kitchen); HEAT THE PAN WITH with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; brown all sides of the hock; add the potatoes and roast in the oven for about 35-45 minutes according to your desired "doneness". I prefer the lamb hock to be a little pink inside - but , hey, I won't judge you if you prefer your meat well done and you may roast the meat longer. As for the string beans - I blanch them in boiling water for exactly 30 seconds and coat them with the hot juices of the lamb hock before serving. I suggest that you serve it with SALSA VERDE....here's what you need for the SALSA: parsley or cilantro, thyme, oregano and tons of garlic (don't worry about your "breath" for later - it's so good you wouldn't even care); salt, black pepper, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons) and pulse in the processor. Taste to correct the seasoning and add more olive oil if it's too thick. Add some minced scallions (by hand) for some texture. And you are welcome to add some chili pepper to the ingredients for a bit of a kick...AND ENJOY!

shrimp burger made easy.....at....kitchen! kitchen!

2014-08-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Shrimp Burger Made Easy
With lettuce, sliced tomato, and avocado

As you bite into it - the sweet juicy shrimps dribbles down
and you must be quick enough to catch it with your tongue
and savor its deliciousness!

Ingredients:

30 pieces of medium size shrimps
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 bunch of green onions - finely chopped
1/4 cup of red bell peppers - finely chopped
1/2 cup of celery - finely chopped (give those babies a bit of crunch!)
*2 cloves garlic - finely chopped -OPTIONAL
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 to 3/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (more if you are brave enough)
1 large beaten egg
2-3 cups Panko
2 teaspoon of my amazing dry rub - (check previous posting 2010) or your favorite seasoning

In a food processor or blender (make sure to brush the inside thoroughly with olive oil to keep the shrimps from sticking to the sides and to the blade) - pulse half of the shrimps to mush them up a little. Roughly chopped the rest and combine with the ground shrimps in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
Sautee the celery, bell peppers, and garlic (if any) in a hot oil until welted a little for about 2 minutes and let cool.
Combine the shrimps, bell, peppers, celery, cayenne pepper; 1 cup of panko, and the beated egg mixing and combining thorougly with spatula in a large bowl (brush the inside of the bowl before hand with oil thoroughly - to keep the shrimps from sticking- you will thank me for this).
Form into desired size patties about 2 tablespoons each (if you think the mixture is still too wet to form a patty - go ahead and add a little more panko) - dredge each patty in the remaining 1 cup of panko. You may add more panko if necessary. Chill for at least an hour.

Slowly slide each patty in a hot pan with vegetable oil until both sides are golden and crispy. Do not crowd the pan. Brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on a paper towel and keep warm.

Serve on a bun with layering of lettuce, tomato, avocado, and luxuriously drizzled with spicy aioli mayonnaise.

Spicy Aioli Mayo:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Sriracha or chili paste (add more according to your taste)
Juice of one lime
salt and pepper
1 tsp. garlic paste (or 2 cloves of garlic mashed to submission)
Optional: 1-2 tablespoon of honey or organic agave

Another lovely idea - combine shrimps and scallops; follow the above recipe and you will discover another heavenly taste!

simply steak and simply done! ......at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-07-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

Simply Steak!
Seared sirloin steak with sweet caramelized onions
nestled on a salad of baby arugula and "flashed"
sauteed zucchini.

Simply Steak And Simply Done:

1 sirloin steak - seasoned well with salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil on a hot cast iron pan
Brown the steak 2 minutes on all sides and keep warm.
(add more minutes for well to medium well)

Salad:
1 sliced zucchini (1/4 inch thick)
2 cups baby arugula
Sautee the zucchini on a tablespoon of olive oil on a separate pan for 2 minutes seasoned with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.
Take the pan off the heat and add the baby arugula just to coat it with the oil already in the pan.
Add a squeeze of half a lemon and a tiny pinch of salt; mix thoroughly transfer to a bowl- toss with the zucchini.

Caramelized Onions;
2 large vidalla onions sliced
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
2 tablespoon of butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil (so as not to burn the butter) on a heated pan; add the onions with the brown sugar and pinch of salt. Mix well and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes. Stir the onions ocassionally to keep it from sticking. Cook until golden brown.

banana waffle....by tarts & quiches..at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-07-25T12:08:00.001-07:00

Banana Waffle Norwegian Style
Another delicious banana dessert with whipped cream
and caramelized pieces of sugared bananas - finally
drizzled with pure Maine maple syrup.

A bite of this gorgeous waffle is so deliciously pleasant - just like
sunshine after the rain.

Special Order Only at Tarts & Quiches/Contact: tartsquiches@gmail.com for information.

Mini banana cake.....by tarts & quiches,,,,

2014-07-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

Banana Cake
Top with blueberries, strawberry and slices of bannanas
over a dark chocolate topping and let's not forget
the lavish sprinkling of sugared pecans.

Melted chocolate oozes down with such decadence
that it is even hard to pause for the next bite.

I think banana is the most understated fruit - maybe because it is readily available all season long.
However, Tarts & Quiches will show that this fruit will prove otherwise. It can be more than just a snack on the go. Watch out for more on banana desserts from tarts & quiches.

Special Order Only: tartsquiches@gmail.com (for more information)

Just wild for chanterelles!.....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-07-24T11:08:00.001-07:00

From Woods To Table
Wild chanterelles on fried egg for breakfast!
How wild is that!

There is something exciting and wonderful about gathering wild chanterelles in the woods while doing a lesisurely walk. We picked chanterelles along the property, just before you really go into the woods . The golden color of these babies stick out among the pine needles on the forest floor. They seem to be hiding and at the same time, calling out to us. It was the first for me to actually gather this beautiful aromatic fleshy mushroom that gave color and life to the drab forest floor. It is so magical.

Maine -Wild Chanterelles and breakfast:

Simply sautee the chanterelles in butter just until soft for about 1-2 minutes
Add some favorite greens on your plate; nestle a fried egg on top then add the chanterelles and the most enchanting taste touches your palate

eggs benedict with a southern touch!.....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-05-17T17:19:00.003-07:00

Eggs Benedict With A Southern Touch
Eggs over buttermilk pancakes with thick slices of double smoked bacon

A pretty simple EGGS BENEDICT with a bit of the south - understandably so, since we just came from Virginia for my nephew's college graduation. So my mind is still very "southern" especially after we had a very finger licking good southern ribs. So the first order of the day, when I arrived home was to make eggs benedict for brunch with a southern touch. Of course!

Everybody knows how to make eggs benedict so, I don't really need to put down the recipe. But, if one has not done this wonderful rich dish, fear not, just google the recipe. The only difference here really is I opted to make buttermilk pancakes for my eggs benedict to rest on. I drizzled each layer of pancake with maple syrup; added thick slices of smoked bacon and voila! A very delicious and filling eggs benedict. As my nephew would say, " I never had eggs benedict with pancakes, but man, this is delicious"!

from Greenpoint to smoked salmon burger....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-05-17T16:56:00.002-07:00

From this wonderful smoked salmon comes
a very irrisistible "SMOKED SALMON BURGER".

Smoked Salmon Burger
Layered with hard boiled egg yolk, paper thin slices of
English cucumber anchored by a sticky brown rice

What one thick piece of smoked salmon steak could turn into if one really tries to think other than just what one sees.

So easy to assemble: (Serves one)
1 2-1/2 inch pastry ring ( or an empty can of tuna bottom part removed - for molding)
2.75 oz. of shredded smoked salmon meat
1 tsp. of minced shallots
1 tsp. of minced celery ( or dill will be perfect )
3-4 paper thin slices of cucumber for each layer
1 hard boiled egg - yolk only
1/4 cup of cooked sticky brown rice ( or plain white rice)

Combine the shredded salmon, minced shallots, and minced celerey or dill in a bowl and add 1-1/2 teaspoon of the chili dressing. Set aside.

For the dressing to bind the ingredients:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tsp. ketchup
2 tsp. chili sauce
Season to taste

Use only 1 to 1-1/2 tsp. of the dressing to the egg yolk in a separate bowl
First layer is the rice - brushed the top with the dressing; then top with slices of cucumbers;
3rd is the shredded salmon; followed by the egg yolk; cucumber slices and lastly the rest of the shredded salmon.
Slowly, push down the assembled salmon from the ring mold with a spoon unto a plate and garnish with cucumber and lemon. Serve with salad and some toast if you so desire.

A trip to Greenpoint, Brooklyn for kitchen! kitchen!

2014-05-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Smoked Goodness

Smoked bacon, smoked sausage, and blood susauge.

Gorgeous slices of Smoked Ham

Smoked Salmon And Haddock

Kitchen! Kitchen! is beyond the rolling pin of Tarts & Quiches.
It is it's alter ego and responsible for creating
dishes that are simple, delicious, easy to follow, as well as a feast to the eyes.

I trekked to Greenpoint, Brooklyn with friends headed by our leading "pipe-piper" Halina to shop and discover the Polish gastronomy. The trip brought us some insight as to what Polish cuisine has to offer. The rainy weather would not damper the spirit of us foodies. We were like kids going to a candy store, as soon as Halina opened the first magic door of Polam Meat Market, the magic scent of smoked meat and fish met us with such force (in a very good way) that our stomach started to grumble. Smoked sausages in all shapes and sizes, hams, slabs and slabs of bacon smoked and otherwise. There were also smoked salmon, haddock (where have you been all my life my love) and their other friends of the sea smoked to perfection. A wall full of jams, cheese, and what nots. My head was just spinning with joy!

bangus belly over pasta....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-03-23T13:18:00.004-07:00

Bangus or milkfish is not just popular in the Philippines

but it is also the national fish.

It has a mild sweet taste with a melt in your mouth belly fat.

So versatile it could be made into a zillion ways.

You can deep fry it, make into soup, stuffed, dried

or just about anything you can think of.

This particular dish of bangus was made by my sister

for me to take back to the states on one of my previous visits.

It was packed vacuum sealed and I with great care brough it back lovingly.

After all I was bringing back a part of my heritage.

Unfortunately, her recipe is one of those secret and treasured ones.

But, any of the bangus recipes you will find on the web site

will be perfectly suitable for this dish.

So what I did here, was to make a simple garlic pasta

with baby arugula and topped it with Pearl's precious

bangus belly.

Adobo Style Bangus Belly Over Pasta With Baby Arugula

For bangus recipe - search the web;

any of those will be perfectly delicious.

You may also use any fish, shellfish

or whatever you have at hand and cook it the way you want to.

Garlic Pasta With Baby Arugula:

1 pkg. baby arugula

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 head garlic finely minced (time to repel the vampires)

or less if you're prepared to fight single handedly!

1 pkg. Dececco pasta - or your favorite brand

Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in a deep pan on medium heat; throw in the garlic

stirring until soft without burning them. Season with salt and pepper.

*For the pasta follow the instruction on the package*

Combine the cooked pasta in the pan with the garlic;

add the arugula and shut off the heat.

Let the heat from the pan welt the arugula.

If you need more liquid, add a little more of the pasta water.

Transfer the cooked pasta into your serving platter and

serve the bangus belly (or your fish of choice) on top; add more arugula;

drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle some parmessan cheese.

Lastly, have a glass of wine and enjoy!

do you like escargot?....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-03-22T16:14:00.001-07:00

Step 1

Step 2

Enjoy the final result! You'll want more!

If you like escargot - you will love this escargot open face sandwich covered in gooey, melting cheese!

What is there not to like? You do have to develop a taste for it. But, once you've tried it, you are hooked just like me. A serving of crusty bread to soak up the sauce comes hand in hand when dining on an appetizer of this wonderful French invention. So, thinking out of the box, why not do an open sandwich and enclosed them in a gooey, delicious melting cheese, serve bruschetta style. I know, it's rich, but, you are not having this everyday or every week for that matter. You are treating yourself because you are just so worth it!

So, arm yourself with these......

1 can of Roland Escargot (there are about 14 pieces in the can and will serve at least 2). Rinse with cold water and drain
blue cheese - cut into small pieces about 4-5 oz.
slices of fontina cheese or any good melting cheese like monterey or goat cheese - enough to completely cover the sandwich.
1 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped green onions
4 cloves of garlic finely minced - I used 6 in this recipe
1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
salt/pepper to taste
a chunk of butter about 1/4- more if you are ambitious enough!
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
a drizzle of good white wine or brandy (1/4 cup or less if you are shy).
3-4 pieces of toasted bread of your choice - a good country bread either French or Italian bread is good.

heat the olive oil and butter in a pan; add the garlic (do not burn) stir for a minute or so; add the parsley and the green onions; season with salt and pepper; add the bread crumbs then the white wine or brandy. Stir and simmer on low for 3 minutes or so until the alcohol evaporates.
set aside.

prepare the toasted bread on a cutting board or clean surface.....
spread evenly the escargot with its sauce on the bread;
layer the top of the escargot with cut up blue cheese;
lastly with the fontina slices; cover completely - encasing the whole top
put in the toaster oven or microwave to melt the cheese

Serve on a bed of greens of your choice with a vinaigrette dressing.

*this is also great as an appetizer- to serve as an appetizer:
slice about 1" thick of french bread-toasted;
put one escargot on each piece and continue as above. Serve the escragot with melted cheese bruschetta style*

fish and chips (sans the chips)!....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-03-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Fish & Chips - sans the chips!
Serve with celery/carrot slaw, and aioli tartar sauce

('Tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own finger - Shakespeare)

This is my version of fish and chips without the chips. The chips were replaced with roasted potatoes (flattened - just because I like it that way). Served with celery and carrots slaw. It's my guilty pleasure for Lent or anytime.

Here's the how and the what!

what?
1 lb. of fresh cod fish - cut into about 6 pieces- more if the it's more than 1 lb. The size of the pieces is up to you. We are not quite strict here.
kosher salt and black pepper
1 bottle of beer (any beer you have in the house) again, we are not fussy!
3/4 cups of flour
1/4 cup of corn meal

how?
Mix the flour and corn meal in a large deep bowl; season with salt and pepper; add the beer - it needs to have the consistency of a pancake batter. add more flour if you need to.
add the seasoned cod fish to the mixture and refrigerate for 1/2 hour to an hour

what about the slaw?
4 large celery stalks - cut into julienned
2 large carrots - cut into julienned
1 or 2 jalapeno - cut into julienned -if you are not brave enough replace with any bell pepper
1/4 cup white vinegar - tame it down with a tablespoon of water if you want
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons of agave (or sugar or honey)....again we are not fussy!
Mix together in a large bowl and taste to correct seasoning. Set aside for the ingredients to meld.

and the aioli tartar sauce?
* here's a shortcut version....buy a ready made tartar sauce
1 cup tartar sauce ; add a tablespoon of mayonnaise and 2 cloves of garlic pounded into a paste
and add to the tartar sauce.

frying the fish!

1 cup of vegetable oil heated in a deep pan - must be sizzling hot - on medium heat
drop carefully each piece (make sure each one is coated well with the batter before dropping it in the hot oil)....and don't crowd the pan or fiddle with it...leave it in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden before turning it over to brown the other side. Drain on a paper towel.

Serve on a platter with slaw and aioli tartar sauce and don't forget your roasted potatoes - if you are a purists - serve with french fries.

Shrimps Salad With Mustard Vinaigrette.....at kitchen! kitchen!

2014-03-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Spring has sprung and I'm back again in full force.
I have been quite busy promoting and baking for Tarts & Quiches.
Thus, the reason for the long absence. But, enough of the excuse,
I am back roaring like a lion with the attitude of a lamb.
My first foray for spring is a simple, but delicious shrimp salad
with grainy mustard vinaigrette.
All you need is a good crusty buttered bread, a glass of wine,
and a good appetite!

Shrimp Salad With Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

A simple salad and an even simpler recipe!

1 doz. of cooked and frozen medium size shrimps
(thaw the shrimps in the fridge on a colander on a bowl to catch the drip)
VINAIGRETTE:
a pinch of Kosher salt
a teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon
1 teaspoon chopped garlic (optional)
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon of agave
about 1 tablespoon of grainy mustard
chives - cut a bit longish

gather all the drained and thawed shrimps in your serving bowl
mix all the vinaigrette ingredients and whisk well until incorporated and drizzle the shrimps until well coated.

now, a delicious salad awaits thee!

Breton Cake ....Kouign Amann,,,,,,..for kitchen! kitchen!

2013-11-19T06:51:00.001-08:00

The wonderful buttery, flaky miracle from Brittany! Kouign Amann-
finally in my kitchen ! (This was posted a month ago)

Breton Cake or Kouign Amann
A 9" cake version of the Kouign Amann

Indeed a great pastry to serve this holiday season! When faced with a challenge.....I just glow with anticipation and happiness when followed by success!

Special Order Only /Contact: jaenwitt@aol.com

kouign amann....at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-09-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

NKA
Nina Koguin Amann

This fabulous cake/bread pastry from Brittany is taking everybody in NYC by storm including myself.

My niece and I trekked down to Soho to experience the CRONUT, the latest craze and invention of Dominique Ansel's Bakery. Well, they were sold out, so we ended up getting the second choice which was the kouign amann or DKA ( moniker for Dominique Kouign Amann). I fell instantly in love with this buttery, pastry! Forget about the cronut! My niece who does recipe research for me every now and then, did just that and sent a recipe of this fabulous pastry. I tested and tasted for almost a month. There were nights that I must have I slept with some flecks of flour on my hair. There were happy friends and relatives who got some of my experimented NKA. Not an easy task to undertake - but after reading up on several books, my notes on baking, and my instinct of " what if I do this instead", I finally perfected it to my absolute satisfaction. Baking this pastry is very laborious, but so worth it.

This deserves another trip to Soho and try Dominique Ansel's new invention, "the magic souffle". Of course they were sold out. Again, my friend and I settled on the DKA. As soon I bit into that pastry, I was overjoyed and disappointed at the same time. Overjoyed because my version of the kouign amann was so much better and tastier. Mine was a lot flakier, more buttery, and lighter. Disappointed because the original was no longer to my satisfaction.

I admire Dominique Ansel for being innovative and for getting out of the box. He is indeed one of the best if not the best pastry chef.

But, for me to be able to improve on something a famous pastry chef made and trusting myself by getting out of my comfort zone, I was able to improve and create my own version of this fabulous pastry. Calling it my own NKA was very euphoric.

Special Order Only/For Information: email address: jaenwitt@aol.com

apples and pork chops.....at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-07-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Sauteed Apples And Pork chops
Nothing complicated, simple and delicious!

There is nothing complicated about this dish. Takes no more than 1/2 hour to prepare yet, so delicious and happily satisfying.

For 1 Serving:

3 thin slices of pork chops - season with salt and pepper
1 whole Fuji or granny smith apples cored and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
1 tablespoon of butter
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon sugar

Sear the seasoned pork chops on a very hot skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and set aside cover with foil.
On the same pan - add the butter (more if you like); add the sliced apples, pinch of salt, and sugar. Cook the apples until soft and browned a little. Don't allow it to get mushy.
Remove from pan add more butter and olive oil to the pan to drizzle on the dish before serving.
Garnish with flat leaf parsley and serve with your favorite greens.

Hake Fish lightly battered and delicious!....at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-06-12T10:11:00.002-07:00

Lightly battered hake fish steaks with grilled sweet onions,
fennel bulb, and a slaw of romaine lettuce.
Drizzle with a layering of fresh and light tomato sauce
and aoili is a treat to your palate.

Hake fish is similar to cod fish. I never had hake fish before, but looking at the fresh white fillets made me think, "why not"! So, here I was armed with hake fillets. The pieces were cut into rectangular shape like a steak. I wondered if I would be rewarded with a delicious tasting fish. Well, it looks like cod so, it must be good. And indeed the dish turned out be such a rewarding adventure for me.

4 fillets of hake fish (or cod) cut in half
Kosher salt
Black pepper
1/2 cup of flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of corn meal and a pinch of salt - set aside in a bowl
1/4 cup canola oil or olive oil

Grilled Fennel and Sweet White Onion:
1 fennel bulb cut in half - remove the outer skin with blemish and brush with olive oil
1 peeled white onion cut in half and brushed with olive oil
Grill the fennel bulb and onion until soft and cooked through - set aside

Fish:
Season with salt and pepper; lightly dredge in the flour/corn mixture and shake of the excess
Cook in a hot pan with oil until browned on each side for about 3-4 minutes on each side

Romaine Lettuce:
1 cup of romaine slaw

Tomato Sauce:
6 cherry tomatoes cut in halves or heritage cherry tomatoes
1 small can of tomato juice
1 tsp. of tomato paste
5 cloves of garlic minced
2 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
Black pepper
Pinch of red flakes hot pepper *optional*
Sautee the garlic until fragrant in olive oil; add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot pepper. Stir and mix well. Add the tomato juice and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Add more olive oil if necessary.

Aoili: (Mayonnaise Aoili)
3/4 cup of mayonnaise
3 cloves of garlic minced or pounded into a paste
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Whisk all ingredients in a bowl and correct seasoning.

Whole Wheat Pasta With Anchovies......at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-06-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

A delightfully delicious whole wheat pasta with anchovies.
There is nothing complicated about this dish except a promise
of pure delight!

The simplicity of a dish will often bring joy to one's palate and makes one think of how good life has been. That maybe after all, Someone up there watches over you. It made me think of my mom and my family back in the Philippines. There is this locally made anchovies from the old country that I always fill up my extra luggage with. These are the wonderful anchovies that I could only get in there. A friend told me that it is available now in California. But somehow, the fact that I struggled ( you have no idea how much 2 dozens of jars weigh) to bring some with me back to the States made it more special.

My Cupboard:

4-6 pieces of anchovies (Connie's Gourmet Anchovies) or Canned Anchovies)
*Chop 4 anchovies and live 2 whole for garnish later*
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. of hot red pepper flakes
5-6 cloves of mince garlic
a pinch of salt
Whole Wheat Pasta or regular Pasta
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
Basil leaves

Cook the pasta and follow instruction on the package **** reserve some of the pasta water**

Sautee the garlic in a pan with olive oil until fragrant (do not burn) add the tomato paste and a pinch of salt. Stir and add the chopped anchovies, pepper flakes and some pasta water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes adding more pasta water and olive oil as needed. Add the chopped basil and pour in the cooked pasta into the pan and add freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Garnish with whole anchovies and serve with garlic bread.

steamed flounder filet with "succotash"...at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-03-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Steamed Flounder Filet And Succotash
Delightfully cushioned on a bed of
baby arugula.

Spring break for my nephew Matthew means a visit from his parents. Always a welcome spring treat for me. A lot of cooking and shopping are always in store and both are my favorites! So, on the last day of the visit, what is more delicious and easy to prepare but steamed flounder filet and a more easier side dish of pre-bought package of Trader's Joe's Soycutash! A must have for everyone for those "asap" days.

So very easy.....
1 pkg. of fresh flounder filet
1 pkg. of Trader's Joe's frozen "Soycutash"
Season the fish with salt and black pepper with a squeeze of fresh lemon
and sprigs of fragrant dill; wrapped completely in foil.
On a deep baking dish or pan with water (about 1" high), place a small rack and place the wrapped fish on top and bake for 20-30 minutes on a 350F preheated oven.
Follow direction on the package of the "Soycutash"
Pour some of the fish drippings on the dish and serve the rest as a sauce.

Winter squash....the sweetest of winter.....at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Winter Squash...the sweetest of winter...
roasted then drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Sweet, healthy and delicious!

Winter squash is one of my favorite winter vegetable....it satisfies my sugar cravings, easy to prepare and simply delicious as a side dish.

One whole winter squash (acorn squash) The rind of this squash is difficult to cut....be very careful.
What I do is cut it in half and then in wedges. I leave the rind on when roasting to keep the squash whole and not mushy. Sprinkle some olive oil on the wedges and roast at 350F for about 1/2 hr. until fork tender. While the squash is hot sprinkle some balsamic reduction. Great as a side dish for just about anything. So, instead of potatoes, why not roasted winter squash...the sweetest of winter!

Balsamic Reduction:
1/2 cup of good balsamic vinegar - reduce until thick on a sauce pan add some honey according to desired sweetness and a little olive oil and whisk.

A little bit of everything.....at kitchen! Kitchen!

2013-03-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a little bit of everything but loaded with mouth watering goodness is all you need. Leftovers do not have to be "leftovers" in the real sense of the word. It's a bit of challenge to spin leftovers into a new dish. As a foodie, I loved to make a new dish out of leftovers. It is very gratifying both for one self and one's pocket. I hate throwing food out and if I do, the guilt is so enormous that 3 Hail Mary's just won't do it. So, here I am, faced with half of the smoked eel from the other day, and some matjes herring filets.

Divinely satisfying served with some buttered toasts and roasted carrots, parsnips, tomatoes, and perfectly boiled eggs.

A varying taste of sweet, salty, vinegary, and smoky
just dancing in your palate!

Iceberg lettuce and gravlax.....at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-03-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

A delightful salad of home made gravlax, iceberg lettuce, baby arugula,
and some sweet cherry tomatoes with agave nectar grainy mustard dressing.

Hello there! I guess, in a way I kind of neglected by blog for a bit, but certainly not my cooking and baking. Now, that I can again download photos from my own files, I will be posting more of my dishes that are just waiting in the wings to be shared to all my friends and followers.

Having a home done cured gravlax handy is so convenient for one of those delicious and quick to prepare salads or sandwiches. With several slices of this wonderful cured salmon will easily perk up anyone's appetite as I have here.

Gravlax Salad:
A quarter of whole iceberg lettuce
A handful of baby arugula
Some slices of ever sweet cherry tomatoes
Several thin slices of GRAVLAX - my recipe is only a guide for me and I don't measure, instead I still do this curing process by taste....so I will suggest that you google for the exact recipe.

Agave Nectar Mustard Dressing:
1 tablespoon of grainy Dijon mustard
2-3 tablespoons of Agave nectar or honey
2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar (diluted in 1 tablespoon water)
Pinch of salt and black pepper
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Whisk vigously until well incorporated

to you from....kitchen! kitchen!

2013-01-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hello -

kitchen! kitchen! will be taking a break from posting new dishes for a while on this blog....until such time that downloading new photos from a different file will be easier and less cumbersome. The upgraded new way has some limitations that is very challenging to my patience, and more difficult to do. In other words, I have to sign up to whatever new upgrade the site has.

To some of my followers and facebook friends, I will be posting photos of dishes every now then on FB for now!

Until then!

Stuffed meatball...at kitchen! kitchen!

2013-01-08T12:49:00.001-08:00

Veal Meatball Stuffed With Egg And Hollandaise Sauce


Double Chocolate Cupcakes			\

To ring in 2013.....we always have the dinner table laden with circular shaped food and desserts. The shape of a circle represents "coins" or money; so you greet the new year hoping for prosperity and good luck in the coming year. Well, there is no harm in adhering to this tradition. So, this is exactly what I did. I will let you know next year if it worked.

1-1/2 lb. of Ground Veal
Amazing Dry Rub
2 tablespoons of butter milk
1 beaten egg
1 small onion finely chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
4 small eggs (hard boiled) peeled
1 cup bread crumbs

Mix all the ingredients in a large ball and enclosed one boiled egg covering it completely.
Dredge each ball in bread crumbs and brown in a pan with a hot oil; brown all sides.
Continue cooking in a preheated oven 350 F for another 20-25 minutes.
Allow the meatballs to cool before slicing it in half with a very sharp knife.
Garnish with shopped parsley and serve with hollandaise sauce.
*Please goggle for Hollandaise sauce*

Double Chocolate Cupcake: courtesy of Tarts and Quiches