Blissful Musings

I don’t if it’s because I’m 1/2 Chinese, grew up eating lots or rice, make excuses to eat or what.  I don’t last too long without some type of Asian food and need a good rotation of all types.  Or I get cranky.  It’s true, ask my husband.  Luckily he also loves a good Asian meal and happily indulges my cravings.

Usually this means we are running out to a delicious dinner of Chinese, Japanese or Thai.  But lately I’ve been more determined to cook.  My mom is an amazing chef of Chinese food.  I’m trying to get some of her recipes, but she doesn’t write anything down.  So I try observing, writing as fast as I can and taking a few pictures as it is the only way to get her recipes and it’s not always a successful recording.

While I try to get my mom’s secret Chinese recipes (I’ll share), I have found some pretty delicious recipes online that I want to try.

Asian Noodle Salad by Pioneer Woman found via Tasty Kitchen

This salad just looks refreshing and delicious with all the veggies.  I’d also maybe add in some stir fried tofu.

Spicy Ginger Soba Chicken Salad found via Tasty Kitchen

The marinade for the chicken alone sounds delicious.  I find ginger and garlic to be like a taste of home.  As most of my my mom’s Chinese recipes involve those ingredients.

Sriracha Chicken Wings by White on Rice Couple

Ok, maybe not a super traditional Asian dish.  But Sriracha sauce is awesome.  Add it to anything for a spicy kick.  Plus Mark LOVES hot wings.  So Asian hot wings are perfect for both our tastes.

Crockpot Pho Recipe by Steamy Kitchen

I love Pho and I love my crockpot.  I’m super curious to try this recipe and see if it’s as delicious as the $4 bowl I get at my local Vietnamese restaurant.

Chinese Fried Rice by Steamy Kitchen

There are lots of versions of steamed rice.  My favorite is my mom’s but I find these recommendations and tips from Steamy Kitchen to be super helpful.

Now the hard part is to decide which one to make.  The best part of eating at a restaurant is to order a bunch of dishes, eat family style and take home some delicious leftovers.  At home I’m only likely to make 1 maybe 2 dishes otherwise there is a pile up of dirty bowls all over the kitchen.  Can’t help it if I get a little crazy in the kitchen, it tastes good.  At least that is what I tell Mark when he asks how I create such kitchen disasters.

What types of food do you get cravings for?

Hello?  Anyone still here?  Yes, I know I’ve abandoned the blog for a few weeks.  I just got the point that one more thing on my to-do list was driving me crazy, and when my creative outlet of blogging starts to feel like item 52 on the to-do list, well it’s time to take a small break.

Since I last posted I’m happy to announce we have successfully made it to San Francisco!  We moved into our condo, have unpacked all boxes and are basically settled other than a few blank walls and some random displaced items in the bedroom.

I’ll give a “tour” soon, but here is a sneak peak.

So far we are really enjoying the city.  We live above a grocery store, are in walking distance to work and are exploring the city.  It’s definitely different than our San Diego and Orange County upbringings.

Here is a quick summary of life in the last few weeks:

• With the help of my MIL unpacked the kitchen the same day we moved
• Woke up on our 1st morning to the annual Bay to Breakers run complete with sequins, leotards, giant human carrots, runners with kegs and naked people (just google it)
• Ventured across to the Bay Bride for a trip to Ikea and Target.  Only got lost once.
• Walk back and forth to work everyday
• Watched the season/series finales of LOST and 24 (what did you think?)
• Breakfast at Brenda’s French Soul Food
• Accidentally walking through the Tenderloin on the way home from Brenda’s Soul Food and witnessing a drug deal (Tenderloin is not the best area of SF)
• Dim Sum in Chinatown.  Mark bought the $2 backscratcher he has been talking about for months
• Ate at the delicious A16 with Mark’s mom and our family friend.  Pizza, pasta and the food is to die for.
• Bought umbrellas. Realized we need to add some jackets to the wardrobe.
• Watched In The Heights at the Curran Theater with my aunt and extended family.  Fantastic music!  If you love musicals go see it.
• Fly back down to Southern California for my cousin’s wedding where I finally got to meet the amazing Mrs. Lemon of Weddingbee and Kimberly Michelle, who was the MOH.
• My parents and brother drove us back to SF where we proceeded to have the car transmission die on the 580 and leave us stranded at the bottom of an offramp (thankfully we had made it to civilization and were no longer in fields along the 5).  We got a tow truck and took an hour cab ride back into the city.
• Saw our 1st Giants game with my family.  Super fun, extra innings, Giants lost in the end

I’ll post more about our restaurant experiences here in the city.  Let’s just say I already have a wishlist of where I want to go.

Overall things are really good.  We miss our family, but know that they will be planning trips to visit in the near future.  I’m terribly behind on catching up with friends due to the new schedule.  My phone dates with all my best girl friends used to be on my drive to and from work.  Now with a less than 10 minute walk and long hours, I’m overdue on about 10 calls.  But more than anything we are so excited for what is in store.

Basic summary?  I’m back.  Ready to share new experiences in San Francisco and get back to my regular blogging.

What’s new with you?

Earlier this week I got the sudden craving for macaroni and cheese.  No, not talking about the blue box of our childhoods, but some bubbling, baked homemade macaroni and cheese.

I’ve seen all sorts of Mac & Cheese recipes on the blogs (will share at the end), but I decided to go with my mom’s recipe.  My mom’s recipe isn’t scientific, it allows for variation on you own tastes for cheese, spice etc. but the basics are there.  Here is the recipe for my mom’s version with a few of my own adjustments added in-marked in italics.

Macaroni & Cheese by Mom

Cook 16 oz. penne or elbow macaroni according to directions.

Meanwhile:

Heat up 1/2 stick of butter in large pan until melted.
Mix in 3 T. flour until a thick paste.
Add 3 c. milk (Your choice- I used low fat) while continuously stirring until it makes a slightly thickened soup.
Add seasoning to taste: ground pepper (fresh is better)- 4 good grinds at least
salt (just a touch – there’s some in the cheese)
nutmeg (optional) just a small shake–Instead of nutmeg I added in some paprika and cayenne pepper
Add grated cheese: 8 oz. or so mozzarella (for melting fast, use fresh),  8 oz. cheddar (usually sharp, depending upon your taste) until the cheese is melted and your mixture is thickened and all cheese has melted.  This times we used mozzarella and cheddar but really you can use anything that melts easily.  In the past we’ve used gouda, jack pepper, havarti etc.

Add hot noodles, mix and then pour into a buttered (or “Pammed”) casserole dish.  If you like some crunch and texture add breadcrumbs on top.  (This time I used Italian bread crumbs and fried french onions since that is what I had in my pantry.  Next time I’d like to make my own bread crumbs when I take more time)

Put in oven for 20 minutes @ 350 degrees until top is nicely browned and sides are bubbling.

If you are making this ahead: Cover casserole w/ foil and place in refrigerator.  Put in oven for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Then uncover for 20 minutes & serve when golden brown & bubbly.

This completely satisfied my craving.  Next time I may be a little more healthy and add some broccoli.  Yes, I believe it’s more healthy when I add in some green vegetables.

Here are a few links to some other Mac & Cheese recipes that look good.  Combine all of them to create your very own version.

Pioneer Woman’s Fancy Macaroni- um this has bacon and caramelized onions…yes

Spicy Mac and Cheese by Annie’s Eats- Mac and Cheese with some extra spice and flavor sounds yum

Mushroom Herb Mac and Cheese by Annie’s Eats- Clearly other people have my same craving.  I actually went back to add this in today when I saw she had just posted this.  I am trying this one next.

30 Days-30 Ways with Macaroni & Cheese- Want to eat it for 30 days straight? This has recipes with all different types of cheese and a variety of fun recipes to try.

Do you like Macaroni and Cheese?  What meals have you been craving lately?

p.s. macaroni and cheese makes for delicious leftovers…

I’ve recently discovered all the Gawker Websites: Foodgawker, craftgawker and weddinggawker.  I realize I may be a little behind, but I have so much fun browsing all the inspiration from 3 of my favorite topics.

In honor of St. Patricks Day I thought I’d post some green favorites. I linked back to the original sources that posted to the gawker website.

I just love making and eating cake balls. Bakerella’s blog is constant inspiration, I always look forward to her next post. Did you hear she has a book coming out!?!? Anyways, I thought these cake balls made by Gourmet Recipes were so fun.

Need just a hint of green so you don’t get pinched? Lovely necklace by Etsy Seller J Frances Design

Etsy Seller Ira Grant has this green purse to add a pop of color to your outfit.

JL Designs seriously has the most incredible creations for her events. This one is from her own wedding. Go look, you’ll be in awe.

Gotta love Martha Stewart and Rebecca Thuss. Found via The Cinderella Project

It’s St. Patrick’s Day. We need a 4 leaf clover. This yummy one was made by Homemade by Holman.

Have you been gawking at foodgawker, craftgawker or wedding gawker? What’s a favorite go-to website for inspiration?

Happy St. Patty’s Day! Any fun plans? Or did you celebrate over the weekend?