Mulled Wine

One of my favorite ways to celebrate fall is to simmer something with a cinnamon aroma to let it permeate the kitchen.  I was hunting for a mulled wine recipe that would be simple and require the least ingredients.  This recipe turned out well, as it has been well received by friends, and I'm happy to drink it on my own if there are no takers (when I can.)  It's makes for a pretty site while it is simmering in the pot or slowcooker.  

2 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp whole allspice or fresh ginger
1 750 ml bottle of dry red wine
2/3 cup honey or sugar
1 orange, sliced
1/4 cup brandy (optional)

tie up cinnamon, cloves, and allspice or ginger in cheesecloth or place in large tea infuser.  pour wine and honey into slow cooker, stir until all dissolved.  cover.  cook for low for two hours or until steaming.  remove the spice sack before serving.  serves 4-6

Link to recipe

For a great mulled apple cider, this recipe works quite nice.  I also love to use good quality apple juice, instead of the cider, as I'm not a big fan of the pulp.

Mulled Apple Cider

apple juice can be substituted.

• 4 cups of apple cider
• 6 whole cloves
• 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick, broken into pieces
• 1/2 orange, sliced
• 1-inch peeled, fresh ginger, cut into 6 slices            

Combine the ingredients in a medium saucepan and simmer over a low flame for 20 minutes. Strain and serve.

The fried chicken list

QFC fried chicken...their baked chicken is yummy as well

Nothing makes me happier than a bite into a great piece of fried chicken.  The meat I'm not so interested in, as I'm into the combination of the crispy skin, crunchy bone, with a small piece of tasty meat to round out the bite. 

My love affair with fried chicken began at an early age.  I remember that my favorite part of swim trips to the YMCA was the trip to KFC afterwards.  It was so much fun sharing the family bucket of chicken with my aunty, uncle, cousins, and brother. 

While my love for fried chicken has remained consistent, the places that offer fried chicken have increased dramatically I'm happy to report.  Here's the current list of my fave sources for fried chicken.  Of course, it's all about being lucky enough to catch a fresh batch of fried chicken coming out of the vat of oil.  It really doesn't matter where it comes from at that point.

1.  QFC (Bellevue and Ballard location in particular)
2.  Old Country Buffet
3.  Jollibee (Southcenter mall)
4.  Fred Meyers (Redmond location)
5.  Albertsons
6.  KFC and Ezelle's

Market Spice Tea

This is one of my favorite teas of all time.  I first tried it when they served it in the lobby of a Gene Jaurez I was at, patiently waiting for a pedicure.  I was happy to discover that this tea comes from a tea/spice shop in Pike Place Market, called Market Spice.  It's their signature tea.  I love the cinnamon sweetness - iced is the best way to drink it and I don't need sweetener.  As Joe is trying to cut down on coffee, this is a happy caffeine delivery vehicle for him.

I have found other retailers that sell this tea occasionally, such as Bartell Drugs.  The best experience would be to take a trip to Pike Place Market and enjoy all the fun things at the market while picking up supply of this tea.

Link to Market Spice Tea

French bakeries

Nothing gets me more excited than a french bakery.  I love the buttery smell that envelopes you as you walk in.  I love the colorful and pretty pastries that are on display.  You can't get too greedy with the selection - each item is bound to be enough to satisfy you.  Butter and sugar in its best form - the French really know how to do it.  Thank goodness there is no French Bakery that is conveniently located to me.  Otherwise, I would be done for.

Perfect breakfast at The French Bakery in Bellevue

Napoleon from La Panier at the Pike Place Market

Pita Pizzas

This is one of the easiest dinners that I've ever made - total time - 15 minutes.  The pitas gets nice and crispy once you bake the pizzas for 10-12 minutes.  Throw on pasta or tomato sauce, cheese, and ham (or any meat lying around like sausage, chicken, etc).  I'm planning to do a turkey, artichoke, and olives one next week.  The possibilities are endless.  Joe is a huge fan!

Here's the recipe link 

My eater's list

 

Here's my list of how various people have qualified as "eaters".  I've used initials to protect the innocent, but you guys know who you are.  :)  And not a surprise, but most of the eaters on my list are girls!  For those who are not on the list yet, I look forward to getting to know you better!

A.K.  She has talked about food since she was in elementary school and hasn't stopped.
M.L.S.  She always sneaks the best things from my plate, despite my death threats.
S.O.S   This girl can cook.  And has impeccable taste.  When she finds something she likes, she sticks with it.
V.N.  She can pretty much eat as much as someone that is twice her size.  Seriously.
L.R.  She loves to eat and to eat well - she is willing to go the distance for quality.
M.L.  She's never said no to an eating outing and loves all types of foods.
S.G.  She is the pho queen and has done many things to qualify for this list, i.e. reviewing a menu as she is eating to order more.
M.K.  I've never seen anyone eat so many shrimp balls in one sitting.
R.S.  I've never seen anyone eat so many shui mai in one sitting.  He knows what good food is all about.
R.C., R.M.  Fun people to eat with and they know what's good.
A.W.  She has the best FB food pics and always has new places for me to visit.
P.H.  She is my food twin - we have very similar palettes and we love sharing plates.
V.F.  She is a healthy eater, but she can definitely carry her own when it comes to chowing down.
W.C.  She shares my love for cocktail buns and meat bones.
L.L.  She can write paragraphs recommending places from her hometown, and always has the best research when it comes to the best places for food.
V.W.  We both love roast duck, and can have long conversations about food.  He can kill down his share at a buffet.
S.M.B.  She has the most enthusiasm for good food and I love hearing her describe food.
S.L.  She is game for most foods and being Chinese, she loves some of the old school stuff too.
B.Y. & E.L. Both qualified for the list at the same time - we were at a baby shower, and instead of games, we wanted to stand around the table to eat.
E.W.  He's just warming up when most people are almost done eating.
E.S.  She's game for most things, and always has room to fit in a happy hour, meal, or snack.
B.C., A.Q., R.Q.  Meals are events for them and it's been fun to do japa dog and hot pot nights.

The Seattle Community Church family - have you seen the sunday lunches?  Yeah, the whole church is full of eaters...generous eaters...

The WONG family - put a plate of food in front of them and all bets are off.  They love food and lots of it.

The LEE family - ditto, and we (well, our parents) are pretty darn good cooks.

"chocolate pudding"

Husband approved, this chocolate pudding recipe is healthy and easy to make.  I was reluctant to make this but it really tastes decent, considering it's tofu based. (just make sure you haven't eaten the real thing in a while :) The tofu taste gets hidden well by the cocoa powder.  This pudding stands up well for 1-2 days, so I usually half the recipe.

link to the recipe:

2 pkgs Silken Tofu-firm (light or regular)
3/4 cup Honey
3 tsp Vanilla
1/2 cup Cocoa Powder

In a food processor whip tofu until smooth. Heat honey 90 seconds in microwave on medium high. Pour honey over cocoa powder-stir until smooth. Add vanilla. Add chocolate mixture to tofu and continue blending for one minute. Pour into pre-made pie shell or custard cups and chill for 1 to 2 hours. Garnish with banana slices if desired.