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?

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…

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?