Beetlejuice? Oh, Jeow! Let’s go to Laos (w/ poll)

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It took me a few tries to figure out what Jeow means. Turns out Jeow is a lot of things, but mainly any sort of dipping sauce, typically made with char-grilled veggies. Sometimes spicy. Sometimes not. Always delicious. It could be vegetarian or it could be made with crushed beetles.  Or anything in between. I'll skip to the chase: my version is beetle free. Phew. And it's also really easy. Recipe for a Simple Jeow 3 tomatoes 3 Thai bird chilies 1 head … [Read more...]

Recipe: Minty Garlicky Yogurt Sauce

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Minty Garlicky Yogurt is an oddball recipe. An oxymoron. Personally I love loads of garlic. I don't mind dragon breath. I don't mind scaring away the cat. So, I suppose Minty Garlicky yogurt sauce is good for people with garlic regret. As you eat it, the garlic infuses your breath but then - woops - the mint comes along for the ride, sweetening things up in the background. Of course, you'll probably still need to brush your teeth after eating this dip. You'll find similar recipes all over … [Read more...]

Recipe: Kuwait’s Epic Tomato Sauce (Daqqus)

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Have you ever noticed how salty tomato sauce can be? I have nightmares about it (my husband has high blood pressure so I need to moderate his salt as best I can).  Making homemade sauce is a great solution. And, let me tell you,  even if you don't have to watch your salt intake (lucky!), you'll feel extra epic when you learn how easy it is to make your own sauce. And, while I love a good blast of Italy, today we're not talking about long, slow-cooked, browned up Italian-style sauce. Today is … [Read more...]

Recipe: My Kuwaiti PB&J (w/ poll)

Dibis-W'rashi

Great things happen when I shut my eyes. Dreams. Day dreams. First kisses. Second kisses. Laughter. But sometimes I don't even want to blink for fear of missing out on the tiniest bit of excitement. In a split second, bolts of lightening can streak across the sky. Fireworks can transforming into a bouquet of roses and then dissolve. Just one look can tell you everything you need to know, as long as you don't miss it. Well. Today I'm here to tell you not to blink. We're at the Kuwaiti … [Read more...]

Recipe: Quick, Magical Kimchi

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Makes 1 quart Do you know a picky eater? Are you a picky eater? Even I have my moments... I'm here to warn you that kimchi is one of those dishes - a Mount Everest for some culinary Adventurers and a potential moon landing for our beloved but stubbornly picky eaters. Here's why: Kimchi is fermented, pickled, fishy, spicy, and totally funky.  It can take months and months to make, fermented in large vats with such delicacies as raw oysters or fish chunks. Astonishingly, the end result … [Read more...]

The quickest way to Korea w/ poll (Saute Sauce & Marinade)

RicePaddy

This recipe is for those times when an airplane ticket isn't in the budget... ... When a two week's vacation won't fit into the schedule. ... When the daydream only gets you halfway to the dream. Splash a little of this sauce in your frying pan - let it dance and sizzle and pop. Serve with bibimbap, if you dare! Welcome to Korea. Makes 3/4 cup Ingredients: 1/2 cup sesame oil soy sauce, to taste 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 inch ginger, grated 1 green onion, chopped 2 Tbsp … [Read more...]

Recipe: Grilled Corn rubbed with Chili & Lime Salt

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Makes 1/4 cup seasoned salt for lots of corn goodness. Can you squeeze a lime? Can you smash chili peppers into a mini mound of salt? Can you grill corn? This is one of those recipes that you make on a day, much like today, when you want to prepare something impressive, but you can't be bothered to do very much. We owe it to the lovely people of Kenya: take a walk down their bustling streets and you'll likely find vendors selling roasted corn rolled in a spicy blend of chili, fresh … [Read more...]

Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

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Makes about 3 cups Are you in need of a lil' pep in your step? Do you want to go beyond your comfort zone? Would you like to make your taste buds burn with the fire of Jamaican delight? I am. I do. I would. Also, a friend's birthday is coming up, and she loves spicy food. In a pretty bottle, with a cute recipe card, jerk seasoning makes quite the fabulous gift. So, join me friends. Let's go on a stovetop journey to the clear waters of Jamaica, where we can heat things up for … [Read more...]