Blissful Musings

Remember when I told you I was going to make these Sriracha Chicken Hot Wings?

Well I made them the other night.  And all Mark could say was “Whoa these things are nuclear!!”  They were seriously hot.  Our lips were left with this tingling burn.  Water helped as we ate away, but was of no use in the burning aftermath.  This could only be remedied with delicious ice cream.

But they were good.  I’d maybe recommend taking the Sriracha down a notch and I’d say we both like spicy food.  If you have ever used with the stuff you know it packs some serious heat.  Think of consuming 1/4 cup and that is what we did.  We also added some extra soy sauce and some thai sweet chili sauce we had on hand.

Verdict? I recommend them.  Just be prepared with some ice cream for dessert.

Source

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?

We are still adjusting to life and work in the city.  One of those adjustments is the dinner dilemma.   We get home much later than before and since we work together, we arrive home at the same time.  What’s that mean?  Well, previously I usually got home 20-30 minutes before Mark and could start dinner and be eating not too long after he got home.

Now?  We both get home at the same time.  Who cooks?  What to cook?  How long will it take?  These are the questions that plague us.  And all too often we end up going out or resorting to the frozen Trader Joe food that is supposed to be our emergency supply.  Oops.  Thus, the dinner dilemma.

It’s not that we don’t enjoy cooking.  We do.  It’s just hard during the week and after a long day of work.  I need a few more quick easy no think recipes.  Maybe we should each have our day or 2 days that dinner is your responsibility?  We do cooking date nights, but that is usually a more elaborate meal and not meant for during the week.  50/50 split with 1 day eating out?

One of my favorite food blogs is Jaden’s Steamy Kitchen blog.  There is even a category I found devoted to fast recipes.  I’m doing some research.  Her food photography will make you drool and bookmark the recipe every time.  This one is making me hungry…

Asian Pork Burgers with Kimchi

We need to figure it out.  It’s been on my mind.  But currently I get lazy when I get home and somehow never get to cooking a nice, quick and healthy dinner.

How do you dinner at night?  Do you prepare in advance?  Do you cook? Or does someone else?  Do you cook together?

Let’s talk food for a little bit. As I was doing some blog maintenance I noticed I still have yet to actually talk food, recipes and cooking.  I enjoy cooking and baking. A favorite date night is spent in the kitchen together stirring, chopping, tasting, laughing and of course eating. Am I a fabulous gourmet chef? That would be a big no. However, I’m trying to get better as I’d just consider myself a good cook now. I’m trying to step up my creativity and adding my own flair to recipes and become more confident in my skills.

I subscribe to way too many food blogs. Why? I like to tempt myself and cause hunger pangs throughout the day. Not really, I like seeing all the different food possibilities that are out there, get ideas and most importantly find recipes that I can try myself. Here is the problem, I “star” and “bookmark” post after post, but often don’t go back to actually make it.

Have you noticed Recipes-THE list in the menu bar above? I’m going to start keeping track of recipes I’d like to make and then try to get through as much of the list as possible. This may be difficult since the list will be ongoing, but that is beside the point. As I successfully/unsuccessfully create each recipe I will write a post and share the results. I will also link to my attempt by the recipe on THE list. Does that make sense? In short, I’m cooking/baking/eating my way through all those recipes I admire and will share the experience with you.

Here are a few delicious goodies that have caught my eye as I start building THE list. (Building takes time, I have starred waaayy to many recipes)

Coconut Mike Balls by Smitten Kitchen

Let’s start with dessert. Anything with coconut is amazing and on my favorite list. Dessert menu has a coconut item? That is what I’m ordering. Unless they have a good creme brulee.

Braised Brussel Sprouts in Bacon and Shallots by White on Rice Couple

I have been wanting to try a brussel spout recipe. White On Rice Couple has had several recipes that sound yummy.

Sundried Tomato Risotto by Pioneer Woman

Let’s be honest, I star/bookmark/favorite every Pioneer Woman recipe.  They always are irresistible.

Tomato Braised Cauliflower by Steamy Kitchen

I always look forward to recipes on Steamy Kitchen.  She has an amazing collection of not just Asian influenced recipes, but other delicious dishes too.  Cauliflower is one of my favorites.

Spinach and Mushroom Stuffed Shells by Elly Says Opa!

Pasta is probably my one of my favorite foods.  Any sort of pasta/noodle dish I will devour.  I’d eat it every day, every meal if I could.

What’s your favorite recipe? Have you tried any of the recipes you admire on the blogs? What is your go-to food blog?

p.s. I’m working on Craft-land as well. What are your go-to/favorite diy tutorials?