Best Hashbrown Cassarole

We use cream of celery rather than cream of chicken soup for our vegetarian friends.

My Baby Got Me a GRILL!!!

I woke up at 4 AM thinking, I need a grill and found out that M got me one!

Need validation from M's mom on this one (she makes the best wings): http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/cambodian-grilled-chicken-em-mann-oeng-ktem-sor-marech-em-359049

Breakfast

Now, if only I can get the recipe for that amazing baked egg and cheese dish that my friend's wife made...

Buttermilk pancakes: http://www.marthastewart.com/318689/best-buttermilk-pancakes

Banana Bread: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/flours-famous-banana-bread-recipe.html

Baked Bacon: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roast-bacon-recipe.html
Dutch Baby Pancake: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/dutch-baby-pancake
Baked French Toast: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/baked-french-toast-casserole-with-maple-syrup-recipe2.html

Flan for 2 in 3 Minutes

I like a little dessert after dinner and decided to try this flan in a mug recipe. It was so easy and exactly what I wanted! For our microwave it took about 1 minute and 13 seconds to make the caramel.

https://cookpad.com/en/recipes/145508-easy-in-the-microwave-pudding-in-a-mug-with-variations

Lost

I never lose things. I'm normally super organized, I know where everything is, I have a system. But mid-January to February was the season of lost. I lost a ring, keys, a glove (I've had these gloves for over 3 years), and a diamond. I also lost my temper, hope, faith, joy, trust and taking care of myself. The ring was returned and I replaced all the keys. May I be able to restore the non-tangible things as well.

Teenager

I have learned so much from my teenager. I learned that my type A tiger mom tendencies do not work. I learned that if I just listen to him, I'm amazed by his compassion, kindness, really unique point of view. I've learned to make jokes and use humor in trying to teach and guide. I've learned to let him make decisions and fail. I've learned that the terror in being a passenger while he learns to drive pays off when he takes me to all 29 stores I need to go to. I've been spoiled by him walking and feeding the dog, taking out the trash, vacuuming the apartment, doing dishes and cooking 1 night a week (he does his own laundry and cleans his own room and bathroom). He thanks me for every meal I cook and hugs and kisses us good night. He teaches me to be a better person

M's Congee

M's Congee

Poor M's been sick and it's hard because she makes the best congee (ultimate comfort food). Her Cambodian congee takes a long time, has many components and has a soupier quality than the Chinese congee most of us are used to. I decided to take a chance and you know what, it's really close.

M's Congee
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs medium dice
- fine dice 1 thumb fresh ginger
- fine dice 1 large garlic clove
- shitake mushrooms (I'm in love with the frozen ones from the organic market - fresh and dried work as well)
- 1/4 cup rice wine
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- Coarse kosher salt

Put all ingredients in the Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker and fill up to 10 cups with cold water. Set the cooker on high pressure 10 minutes. When done, use natural or quick release. One option is to add small dice Chinese sausage. You can also top with bean sprouts and/or white pepper.

Meatball Noodle Soup

Meatball Noodle Soup

This is another favorite dish my mom used to make. It's so satisfying on a cold day.

Meatball Noodle Soup
- 1 lb ground pork
- fine dice scallion (1 stalk)
- fine dice ginger (half thumb)
- soy sauce
- rice wine
- sesame oil
- Asian noodles (linguini size)
- Watercress

Mix the ground pork, ginger, scallion, 1/4 soy sauce, splash of rice wine and sesame oil. Roll into balls and place in Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker. Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice wine, and fill cooker up to 10 cups with cold water. Set to high pressure and 10 minutes. Cook noodles and wash water cress. When meatballs are done, use quick or natural release. Put noodles, watercress and a couple meatballs in a bowl and pour soup over it. Enjoy!

Beef and Potatoes Panang Curry

Beef and Potatoes Panang Curry 

It's been awhile since I've made something new to add to the blog but I threw this together one weekend and the family loved it. I told them that I couldn't recreate it (there's a weird ingredient) but that didn't go over very well. Thank goodness I was able to replicate it today.

Beef and Potatoes Panang Curry
- garlic, fine dice
- shallot, fine dice
- ginger, fine dice
- 3 potatoes, large dice
- beef stew meat sprinkled with salt and pepper
- 1 Lipton onion soup pack (weird, I know, but I think it's why the family likes it so much)
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Panang Curry paste

1. Set Cuisinart electric pressure cooker to "Browning", add some oil and brown the beef
2. Add garlic, shallots and ginger
3. Turn off pressure cooker and add the rest of the ingredients and mix
4. Put cover on and set to pressure cook. Set on "High", set timer to 10 minutes and hit start
5. Allow to naturally release pressure after cooking
6. Serve with rice or french bread

2013 Fortune for Snakes According to My Mom

As usual, M and I participated in the largest human migration on earth - people who celebrate the lunar new year travelling to celebrate it with their families. 2013 is the year of the water snake and I was worried about my fortune as a fire snake. When M and I came back to see my family on New Year's Day, my mom handed me a typed up fortune which I thought was so cute and sweet. Here it is in its entirety.

2013 Fortune for Snakes according to my mom

"Job Related: Snake Year is the best year for your job, especially female snake. Promotion opportunity is more than male snake. No matter male or female snake, please pay more attention the relation with government's affairs; be more carefully involved with politics. After June 27, 2013 your luck is getting weak, think more when you make decision.

Fortune: Snake Year's fortune is moderate. Unfortunately, most money spending are for medical care. Married snake will easily get money from your better half, or your spouse's will support you financially. In General, this Snake Year's fortune is moderate (not too bad, not too good either). Besides your fix income, there is no much chance get lottery or losing money. Finically is smooth year.

Health: Because you are a Snake and fall in Snake Year, pay more care when you go out, accident may happen easily. Do not go out at late hours; try not to go to lounge bar (night club) at night. This Snake Year not suitable to go out at late night to void accidents. Go home as early as possible if there is no necessity activity.

Household: At this Snake Year, family dispute will increasing. Please keep in mind, if argument can not be avoided, try not to keep in your heart for a long time. Remember parents and siblings are your lucky stars this year."