My Cooking Blog

Happy Holiday Canapes

Posted by in The Kitchen

Nothing says “retro fun” like canapes – cute, open-faced mini sandwiches made of a variety of simple, tasty ingredients. What better way to celebrate the old-school hospitality of the past than with these fun, tasty morsels, all done with a whimsical Holiday twist!

Adobong Manok

Posted by in The Kitchen

I’ve always wanted to try this classic Filipino dish, of which tons of versions exist. They all involve cooking chicken pieces in a tangy, flavorful combination of vinegar, soy sauce and garlic. This is definitely a recipe that tastes better the next day, as the flavors combine and permeate the chicken. Delicious!

Cooking The Perfect Steak – Part Nine

Posted by in The Coffee Shop

I’ve discovered that the perfect addition to a simple grilled steak is a compound butter. Adding a big, flavorful punch, these butters are simple to make, and the possible combinations are truly endless. For this New York Strip: Kaffir Lime, Ginger and Garlic, with a nice hit of Sriracha!

Joie de Viv

Posted by in The Coffee Shop

More than just a waitress, Vivian was a friend. Her stoic exterior belied a heart of gold, and she was the benchmark for “service with a smile.” You just didn’t want to piss her off.

Pan Fried Adobo Pork

Posted by in The Kitchen

Adobo seasoning, a traditional Mexican blend of cumin, garlic, onion, oregano, salt and pepper, lends a deliciously smoky flavor to many meats, especially pork. Coming across some thin, “budget cut” pork loin trimmings, I decided to turn them into yummy morsels that tasted like a million bucks! Quick, hot pan frying created a crispy exterior, while the thin meat remained tender and moist inside.