Asian Pickled Salad

Asian Pickles in Mason Jars

I am a fan of all things acidic, tart, and vinegary. This quick pickled Asian Salad is a great compliment to this hearty, salty Asian Braised Pork Shoulder dish. 

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 hothouse cucumber, sliced thinly, preferably on a mandoline
• 1 medium daikon radish, peeled, sliced in half lengthwise and sliced into thin half-moons, preferably on a mandoline
• 2 scallions, sliced thinly on the bias

Slow-Cooked Asian Pork Shoulder

Slow-Cooked Asian Pork Shoulder

I've been wanting to use my slow cooker more often as of late. But, to be honest, I am not fond of the traditional "Crock Pot" recipes. I find the traditional flavors of the usual chuck meat, potatoes, celery, carrots, and stock a little blasé.

So, anytime I see an interesting recipe for braised anything, I eagerly try to adapt it to the slow cooker.

On Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Anne Burrell introduced an Asian version of a braised pork shoulder. Since I've gone gluten-free three months ago, my Asian food options have been limited. So, this was a perfect opportunity to 1) use my slow cooker 2) enjoy Asian flavors 3) try an updated slow cooker recipe.

Gluten-Free Potato Gnocchi

Gluten-Free Potato Gnocchi

I am a huge fan of Gordon Ramsay. My friend, Eugene, introduced me to his UK cooking show "Ultimate Cookery Course." 

I stumbled upon Ramsay's recipe for homemade potato gnocchi. In my great fortune, I had most of the ingredients on hand thanks to my CSA box. Below is my gluten-free adaption of this classic Italian pasta dish.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

I had spaghetti squash for the first time last year at True Food Kitchen. Their Spaghetti Squash Casserole is a baked pasta dish, without...the pasta. The squash is slightly crunchy mimicking al dente noodles. 

What's great is you don't have to cut or grate the squash to get it this way. When it's cooked, it literally comes out as noodles. You can enjoy it as a pasta replacement.

My friend, Kelly, gave me the idea to bake my CSA winter squash with all the flavors of lasagna. Here's my version of a tasty carb-less Italian casserole:

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash  
• 1 lb lean ground turkey I used 1.25 lb
• EVOO
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (14 oz. each) of diced tomatoes, undrained 
• Tomato paste, optional I made the mistake of draining the tomatoes, so I added in for flavor & color
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning I used 1/2 tbsp dried oregano & 1/2 tbsp dried basil 
• 6 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg I took it out when I started cooking to bring it down to room temp
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded I used shredded Parmesan
• Salt & pepper to taste

Spiced Milk

Photo Credit: Glamour Magazine

Cold weather calls for hot drinks with warm spices. Here's a simple recipe that'll help you relax and sleep better, too.

Ingredients

• Milk of choice I used 2% Broguiere's Farm cow's milk
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cardamom In an earlier post, I shared how to use them fresh from whole pods
• Ground nutmeg Just grate the whole "seed" over a microplane or fine grater
• Sweetener of choice such as agave or honey I used this thick, raw honey

Directions

1. Heat milk via desired method (stovetop, microwave, steamer/frother) I love using my Nespresso Aeroccino. Thanks for the gift, Esther!
2. Sprinkle spices into heat resistant cup to taste
3. Pour milk into cup, then stir
4. Add sweetener of choice, then stir
5. Enjoy!

In the words of Ina Garten, how easy is that?

How to Use Whole Cardamom

Whole Cardamom

It's a well-known fact that whole spices are superior to pre-ground ones because powdered spices can go stale quicker. When you grind spices immediately prior to use, you enjoy the benefits of fuller, fresher aroma.

Want to take it to a whole 'nother level? Toast whole spices on a sauté pan or baking sheet prior to grinding. It's similar to toasting nuts prior to use. It releases more flavor.

Even though working with whole spices is slightly inconvenient, the pay off is worth it.

I recently learned that warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg (especially), and cardamom can promote relaxation and sleep. If you are (East) Asian-American like me, these spices might be foreign to you. But, if you enjoy Chai tea, you will like these spices.

Last week, after dining in Brea Downtown, my husband and I popped into World Market to browse. Coincidentally, they were having specials on spices. Score!


I have to admit, I did not know what to do with the whole cardamom. Let alone, it was my first time actually seeing it in person. So, I searched to Google for answers.

In a (nut)shell, you need to separate the cardamom seeds from the outer layer.

Here's how I made fresh, ground cardamom at home:

• Place cardamom pods on parchment paper Only grind what you need
• Fold paper over to cover pods and go over with rolling pin You won't need to use much pressure
• Separate shells from seeds
• Place seeds in spice grinder or mortar I used my Magic Bullet
• Grind until you get a fine, even texture

Enjoy in spiced teas or milks, baking, and cooking.

How do you use cardamom? Please comment below.

Meal Plan | Week of 11-27-13 & 12-1-13

South Coast Farms CSA Fall Basket

I must confess I've been MIA for the last month as I was celebrating a milestone birthday and, unfortunately and unrelated, I have been experiencing more-than-the-usual migraines (read, sleeping 10-12+ hours a day to cope). 

Now that I'm back in the groove of the daily grind, I'm feeling extra motivated to empty my overly-stocked fridge full of organic CSA produce and items from my usual grocery runs.

To make up for it, here are meal plan for two weeks.