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Is it summer or fall? Temps are 80 degrees and upwards in Southern California. However, reminders of autumn are everywhere when I get in my car. Orange-jacketed crossing guards demand stops in front of schools I only recently zipped past. I don’t mind though. It’s fun to see the parade of young kids. Their joy and innocence are inspiring. Confession: I also get concerned about society providing enough support to today’s... Read More |
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Roxana of Roxana’s Home Baking is celebrating one year of hosting her Chocolate Party. Every month she invites foodies from the blogosphere to bring their best chocolate treats to the virtual party. As this month celebrates a momentous anniversary, Roxana is requesting an extra-special family favorite.
The Ninja Baker's Japanese Plum Wine Brownie Chip Ice Cream
is sandwiched between two giant chocolate cookies.
Do... Read More |
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Fun fact: In Japanese momo (?)means peach and the character for fuku (?)reads as good fortune. However, in Japan the words are never paired together. There is no such word as momofuku in Japanese. Yet, the Momofuku restaurant group’s website boldly declares, “Momofuku means lucky peach.” (They even have a peach logo.)
The word and restaurant conglomerate are the clever invention of Virginia born Chef David... Read More |
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Finally, our flight from Tokyo would land at San Francisco International Airport. My sister and I would charge through customs; bear-hug Great-Uncle George and make a beeline for the closest store selling American candy. Today, Snickers and M & Ms are rare commodities sold in expensive Tokyo supermarkets specializing in imports. (Aspirin-looking hybrids of M & Ms, however, are more readily available.) In the ‘60s and ‘70s... Read More |
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Is ice cream reserved for summer? Or do you enjoy a scoop or two year round? I do! And so does Jeni Britton Bauer, author of the Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home. She even divides recipes into seasons in her cookbook.
As this week’s virtual #SundaySupper table on Twitter is laden with autumn goodies, I am contributing bourbon pecan ice cream from Jeni’s autumn chapter. (You are cordially invited. Please scroll down... Read More |
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“Just Do It!” The Nike sneaker slogan was my mantra this month. Why? The Cake Slice Bakers' assignment for September is a Butterscotch Cream Roll-Up. (I needed courage. I’ve only made one roll-up in my entire life! ) The rules of the group stipulate that each member bakes the same recipe from the same book. Currently, we’re making our way through Vintage Cakes by Julie Richardson.
The famous Nike... Read More |
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This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.
Dinner in Tokyo was mostly fish, miso soup and rice. I never tired of the simple fare in my 17 years growing up in Japan. I was always excited, however, when birthdays and anniversaries rolled around. Celebrations meant cake and sloppy joes or lasagne. Like American TV in the ‘70s (dubbed into Japanese), the dishes made a rare appearance. So, lasagne... Read More |
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Potluck suppers are like the Miss America beauty pageant. As the evening progresses a few cooks emerge as popular choices. Their contributions are devoured with nods and smiles.
I’m attending my first tailgating potluck party (a virtual one!) at Twitter for #SundaySupper. (Scroll down for details.) As I made my Japanese go (chess) game inspired rice dish called gomoku gohan, I recalled the wise words of my Top Potluck Chef... Read More |
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The Silk Road started with one Chinese Emperor Wudi’s dream. And one General Zhang Qian’s courage to carry out the vision. They committed themselves to build better understanding between the East and the West in 2 BC. Despite a journey fraught with mishaps and encounters with nomadic rebels like the Xiongnu - whose goals were less than lofty - the project captured the hearts of many and the Emperor’s dream endured.... Read More |
