Saturday, December 31, 2022

Impromptu Chicken Pho

I had a hankering for some chicken pho a few days ago, and since we had remnants of a Costco roast chicken in the 'fridge I threw together available ingredients and made this.  Everything was good except for the "shiru" which was very bland.  Canned chicken broth just didn't cut it.

IMG_2655

I remembered that I had this that I bought from H Mart the one time that I went there.  The package said "5 servings" so I expected to find 5 packets inside.
IMG_2656

Instead it contained loose powder, but it was easy to just sprinkle some onto my soup.  It totally worked.  In 5 seconds my pho went from being super bland to being super ono!
IMG_2657

The ingredients aren't exactly healthy, but I would so use it again next time.
IMG_2658

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Our Electric Bill

For the first time our electric bill was in the negative.

IMG_2739 2

In comparison, this was our last bill before we had our solar panels installed 10 years ago.  According to my calculations $531.62 x 12 months x 10 years = $63,794.40!!
IMG_8086

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Pancakes on a Hexclad

Landon and I got Wendell a Hexclad frying pan for Christmas. Wendell baptized it yesterday by making some pancakes.  He tried out a new recipe, and the pan worked so good that the first three pancakes got burnt!  ðŸ˜†   After Wendell lowered the heat from "4" to "1", the pancakes came out just right.  

Not perfectly round in shape, they were fluffy and had a bit of a crunch on the outside.  Too yummy.  

IMG_2758

The recipe is from here.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Even though the button shows how I really feel, I do wish all you peoples a Merry Christmas Day today.  No stressing allowed . . . only relaxing . . . and eating.

We're staying home again this year, just the three of us.  Wendell made prime rib last night.  Not sure what's on the menu for today.  Maybe leftovers. 

IMG_2741

Friday, December 23, 2022

Today's Sunrise

I totally annoyed Wendell on our walk this morning.  He had softball practice to go to and didn't have time to dilly dally, but . . .

IMG_1420 2

IMG_1422 2

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Hawaiian Genealogy Indexes

I found copies of the application for marriage licenses of my grandparents on both sides here at ulukau.org.

The search site is called Hawaiian Genealogy Indexes, and it was chicken-skin amazing to find the info.  Now I know the names of my grandparents' parents including great grandmothers' maiden names!  How cool izdat! 

Tip:  It seems that misspellings abounded when translating from Japanese (for example) to English back then, so it's better to be not so precise in the search box.  My dad's father's first name was misspelled and my mom's mother's maiden name was also misspelled. 

The following is a screenshot and is not linkable.


Screenshot 2022-12-20 at 7.40.31 AM

Monday, December 19, 2022

Putin Statue

A statue of Putin has been installed in a Worcestershire village in England.  Throwing of eggs is encouraged.

Screenshot 2022-12-17 at 7.19.12 AM

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Brush Pen Drawing

Halfway through this Hokusai wannabe drawing I decided to record with my phone.  Here's the result.  

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Geri's Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Per Geri:   Pillsbury biscuits come in a tube of 8.  I separate them to fit into 12 muffin tin slots. Mix together left over Costco chicken, mixed frozen vegetables and 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup.  Spoon into biscuit wells and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Sounds easy yah!

692769048

Here are her ingredients (minus the chicken).
692768751

692768803

692768779

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

On Da Desk

I'm trying to learn brush drawing.  It's not easy, but I'll keep practicing. 

IMG_2574

This book is good.  My sister Geri gave it to me about 5 years ago when I first started doing art.
IMG_2575

I'm hoping to graduate into using these soon.
IMG_2576

Takehiko Inoue uses similar brushes.  He inspires me.
IMG_2578

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Why So Greedy?

Look at how big Russia is.  Why oh why do they need more land when they can't even properly manage what they already have?

Screenshot 2022-12-09 at 2.21.33 PM

Friday, December 9, 2022

Cleta's Braised Tofu

Cleta was inspired to make this by Jenny.  I just love her photo!  You can find the recipe here

Resized_Resized_20221208_140430

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

TIME's 2022 Person of the Year

 Well-deserved honor for Volodymyr Zelensky.

Screenshot 2022-12-07 at 7.41.43 AM


Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Baklava from Ross

I held on to this the whole time while shopping at Ross yesterday.  I couldn't decide if I wanted to get it or not.  Even though it was a "product of Greece" and "handmade" with an "authentic family recipe", I was skeptical about its ono-ness.

IMG_2527

The box was grease-stained and felt light.  It was $4.99 for 5 pieces.  In the end I decided to "buy it for Wendell" because he likes nuts. 
IMG_2528

I was surprised that they were individually wrapped.  I liked that.
IMG_2538

It was kinda tiny . . . about two bites' worth . . .
IMG_2540

and not as filled with nuts as in the picture on the box.  It was ono, but maybe not worth 150 calories for the whole thing so I saved the other half for Wendell.  Since I bought it for him anyway.
IMG_2542

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Pua the Escape Artist

Look who Wendell ran into on his evening walk.  Good thing we still had the owner's phone number.

IMG_2502

Friday, December 2, 2022

Fried Tofu with Tomato Sauce

I like fried tofu and this version came out ono!

The way I make fried tofu has evolved a lot, and lately, all I do is slice the tofu, microwave for 2 minutes, drain the liquid, pat dry and fry in some oil.

Tomato sauce:  

Fry for a minute: 3 minced garlic, 3 diced shallots (I used the white part of green onions instead), 1-inch grated ginger and 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce.

Add: 2 large diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons shoyu, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook until sauce is reduced.

Add:  3 stalks sliced green onions.  Cook for a minute.

IMG_2475

Top the fried tofu with the tomato sauce.  Eat. Yummy!
IMG_2477

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Dd's Escargot


I love escargot, and Dd's looks amazing!

20221123_183411

ESCARGOT CREMINI BOURGUINONNE

Adapted from Chef Anthony Bourdain*

 

18-24 snails, rinsed, drained

6-8 medium cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 tsp. butter

1 tsp. olive oil

1 medium shallot, chopped

½ c. white wine

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 head of garlic, peeled & separated

1/3 bunch Italian parsley, leaves

½ c. butter, slightly softened

2 TB grated parmesan cheese

Toasted baguette slices

 

In a skillet over medium heat saute mushrooms in butter and oil 5-7 minutes.  Add snails, shallot, wine, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cook 15 minutes until completely reduced. Drain; transfer into a mixing bowl and set aside. 


In a food processor combine garlic and parsley. Process until finely chopped.  Add butter; process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Combine mixture with snail mixture. 


Preheat oven to broil.  Place snails in a baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil until butter is sizzling and cheese has browned. 


Serve immediately with toasted baguette. Serves 2-4 as appetizer. 


*Note: Original recipe did not include cremini mushrooms or cheese topping.

Monday, November 28, 2022

$1 Swap Meet Find

Just a quick post ('cause I'm lazy).  Wanted to show off this small shelf unit that I got at the swap meet this past weekend.  It was unassembled (new) in a small plastic bag with only the handles visible.  I'm so glad that I spotted it. 

It actually came with wheels, but I left them off.  I put my "Love" bag in the photo so that you could see the size. 

So score, yah!

IMG_2430

Friday, November 25, 2022

Curry at Ross

When I previously blogged about the Thai Curry that I made last month, there was only that one box at the Hawaii Kai Ross.  Now there's more (I didn't take all)!

69092592076__0C94718D-FD83-4361-AFD9-0C75D350A693

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Mapo Tofu Mix

 My sister Geri gave this to me.  She said she got it at Don Q for $6.99.

69049024077__77F11B25-C3EA-441C-AA1C-D4D75620E90D

It's made locally by Lumu's Food.
IMG_2370

It came with a bag of Sichuan Peppercorn!
IMG_2359

I first fried up onions and garlic in some oil before throwing in a pound of ground pork.  The bowl on the top is some shiitake mushrooms rehydrating in about 1/2 cup of water.  I put about 2 tablespoons of the mix in the mushroom water to dissolve and added it in along with some water chestnuts and green onions.
IMG_2365

Finally I added the tofu, some oyster sauce, shoyu and diluted cornstarch/water for thickening.  Came out ono.  Landon liked it a lot. 
IMG_2367

A few days later I used the rest of the mix in this Farmer's Breakfast.  That was a hit too!
IMG_2373

Monday, November 21, 2022

Jane's Fountain


My brother went to Jane's Fountain on Liliha Street today.

IMG_0271

This is what he had.  He gave it a thumbs up 5/5 stars. "Saimin base: shrimp and fish.  Burger: old school.  Open 7:30, perfect for me."
Resized_20221121_103609

This was his check.  So cute, yah!
Resized_20221121_105030

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Mam's Meat Pies

Landon picked these up from Mam's Meat Pies awhile back.  I was so surprised when he told me that they were in the Ala Moana Medical Building on the 3rd floor.  It seemed like I had just been there for a doctor's visit and never saw them. 

He picked up two pies, steak pie and mince pie.  They were sold out of the other varieties. They were ono.  I would love to try the Bacon/Egg and the Chicken/Mushroom

IMG_2149

Mince and Cheese Pie ($10.00)
IMG_2151

Steak and Cheese Pie ($11.00)
IMG_2150

Friday, November 18, 2022

Chicken and Shrimp Lettuce Wrap


I wanted to make a lettuce wrap and found a recipe on The Food Charlatan site.  

It came out good, but to be honest, I'm not sure if I'll ever make it again.  It's kinda too humbug for a lazy cook like me.

IMG_2346

Wendell and Landon ate it like you're supposed to . . . . on lettuce.  I decided that I wanted it on rice.
IMG_2353

I had issues while cooking and needed to drain off excess liquid twice, first after frying the chicken and then again after adding in the sauce.  Maybe I shoulda turned up the heat and let the liquid reduce, but I lacked the patience.
IMG_2341

 

Ingredients


  • 1 pound chicken thighs, chopped into 1/4" to 1/2" inch pieces
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • black pepper

  • 1 cup minced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 (8-oz) can minced water chestnuts
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
  • 4 stems chopped chopped onions

  • 1 cup minced shrimp


    For the sauce to go in chicken filling

    • 1/4 cup cold water
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
    • 2 tablespoons mirin
    • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

    For the dipping sauce

    • 1/4 cup warm water
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 4 teaspoons rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
    •  2 teaspoons oyster sauce
    • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

      Instructions


      • Heat a wok. Once the pan is very hot, add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil and 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the diced chicken and stir constantly until thoroughly cooked. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove the chicken.
      • Keep the heat on medium high. Add another 1 tablespoon neutral oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. When hot, add in the mushrooms and water chestnuts. Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add in 1 tablespoon garlic and 1 tablespoon ginger and saute for another 1 minute.
      • Add in the cooked chicken, shrimp and the prepared sauce. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the shrimp is cooked.
      • Add green onions.  Remove from heat.
      • Make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup warm water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 4 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce and 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil. Whisk it together.

      Monday, November 14, 2022

      Dd's Sausage-Stuffed Braciole


      This looks sooo ono, am wondering if I dare attempt trying to make it myself.

      Looks like you pound a flank steak until its thin, spread on a sausage/bread crumb mixture, roll it up, brown and then simmer in a wine/marinara sauce. 

      sausage stuffed braciole

       

      SAUSAGE STUFFED BRACIOLE

       

      ¾ # flank steak, cut into 3 - 4 pieces, pounded flat ¼-inch thickness

      Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

      1 small onion, finely chopped

      2 TB olive oil, divided

      2 garlic cloves, minced

      1/4 c. bread crumbs

      2 TB kalamata olives, sliced

      2 TB Parmesan cheese, grated

      2 TB Italian parsley, chopped

      2 TB fresh basil, chopped

      ¼# Italian sausage

      12 oz. marinara sauce

      1 plum tomato, chopped

      ½ c. red wine


      Service: cooked pasta, grated parmesan cheese, chopped Italian parsley

       

      Generously season pounded flank steak on both sides with salt and pepper.

       

      In a medium saucepot over medium heat saute onion in 1 TB of oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Transfer into a mixing bowl.  Stir in bread crumbs, olives, cheese, parsley, basil, crumbled sausage, salt and pepper. Mix well. 


      Onto work surface divide sausage mixture over each steak piece. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with long side; tie with kitchen string. 


      Into same saucepot, brown meat rolls in remaining oil. Turn, browning on all sides. Top with marinara sauce, tomato and wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Allow to 

      simmer 1 hour. 


      Remove kitchen string. Serve with pasta.  Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serves 2-3.