Salmon Poke Bowl, Avocado and Scallions

 

This past semester, I read Haruki Murakami’s book “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” while training for the Philadelphia half marathon. The book opens up in Hawaii, as the author reflects on his island summer runs. He describes his feelings, the weather, the landscapes, the routes… painting colorful pictures in his reader’s mind. I found Murakami’s writing to be incredibly motivating and inspiring. Surely, any reader will feel an urge to drop the book, go for a long long run, and never give up. While that thought certainly crossed my mind, his book also made me want to finally try my hands at Poke (though that could also be the influence of Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown”, which includes a great episode in Hawaii)!

Sesame-Crusted Tuna Sushi Bowl

If I could snap my fingers and be instantly transported to another country, I’d visit Japan. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with this country and its incredibly rich culture. Be it art, architecture, food, landscapes and gardens… everything is aesthetically pleasing! From the outside, it is refinement at its finest. It is perfection and sophistication in every detail, and it is incredibly interesting to me.

Passion Project: Almond and Herbs-Crusted Easter Lamb Chops

Happy Easter everybody! 

This has got to be one of my favorite weekends of the year! Filled with sunshine, bunnies, friends, family, and good food (read: chocolate and lamb)! It doesn’t get much better than that if you ask me. Unless an egg hunt is involved! In which case the whole weekend gets even better. I mean, do you really enjoy the chocolates as much if you don’t have to look for them? Delayed gratification is definitely a thing, right?! Ok maybe not… Maybe that’s just what we were told as kids. But in any case, it sure doesn’t hurt to give a little bit of effort to reach the prize. Speaking of which…

Passion Project: Shredded Pork Tenderloin over Rice and Greens

It all started with a craving. A pulled pork sandwich kind of craving. I don’t know where it came from, but I know that I suddenly needed one. Have you ever made pulled pork at home though? Not only does it take forever, but it also requires one of the largest cuts of meat there is: pork shoulder. I neither had the time, nor the appetite to cook a whole shoulder. So what could I do? Pulled pork is typically made from the shoulder because of its high fat content. When cooked at a low temperature for an extended period of time, the fat slowly melts and the meat strands fall apart. Could I get this result with another cut?

Passion Project: My (Better Than Take-Out) Chicken Tikka Masala

  I couldn’t possibly complete my chicken week without one of my favorite chicken dishes: tikka masala! a.k.a, the most British of all Indian dishes! Did you know that the debate still rages about this recipe’s origin? Though India claims its creation, the British have declared it “British National Dish.” So what’s the story behind Tikka Masala exactly?