Author Archives: chefkelly

Jerusalem Artichoke isn’t an artichoke at all…but tastes like one

Always up for discovering new ingredients, I found little critters of jerusalem artichoke or also called sunchoke at the market the other day and was curious what it would taste like.  Think alien-like edible tuber (like potato, yam, radish), a … Continue reading

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happy spring! yay for spring veggies – asparagus anyone?

I think there are two teams when it comes to asparagus – those who are a fan! and those who just think it’s an odd vegetable with weird after-effects;) – uh-hmmm – the strange odor in your pee caused by … Continue reading

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Mixed paella recipe – first time for everything…

When you start to think about it, it’s pretty crazy how different cuisines across countries find commonalities, whether it’s Italian ravioli compared to Chinese dumplings or French bouillabaisse to Spanish paella.  It’s just different variations of the same kind of … Continue reading

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Okinawa purple sweet potatoes – the perfect asian dessert

Growing up in Korea, my childhood memories include eating vegetables/fruits considered to be savory or side dishes here in the US of A to savory dishes being eaten like desserts.  In winter – sweet potatoes (Japanese, Korean, me thinks same … Continue reading

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Meatless Wednesday – a quick, easy, tasty and healthy kale pasta

Kale – why does it get such a bad rep as being this granola hippie and not-very-tasty vegetable?  Maybe it’s because people don’t cook it the right way?  Or maybe it’s one of those “so-good-for-you-veggie” that you just assume it … Continue reading

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Candied kumquats – like little oranges but better!

Translated from Chinese as “gold orange“, kumquats are quite the beauty. It’s pretty amazing how these cute little guys pack so much punch!  Used in China as a cold remedy relieving cough and moving energy, they are in full season … Continue reading

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The sun will rise soon again in Japan – Green Day to share with the ones you love

I can only imagine all the sadness and turmoil experienced by the Japan earthquake, tsunami and now the scares of the nuclear plant catastrophe.  I’m also in awe by the calm and collectedness of the Japanese people uniting in a … Continue reading

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Trifecta celebrity chef spottings in Chi-town – Cora, Morimoto and Symon

One good thing about my job is that I get to attend the International Housewares Show. This has to be the behemoth of all home shows, kinda like the Detroit Auto Show (from my automotive days – miss, miss:( ) … Continue reading

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Here’s a challenge – Add two days of meatless dinners; Meatless Monday & Meatless Wednesdays

Didn’t matter that our household is equipped with a beautiful Smooth Fitness elliptical machine and a Concept2 rowing machine (the rower being used as a clothes drying rack), I had excuses.  Oh – we just moved.  Oh – we’re remodeling … Continue reading

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Soup dumplings from Din Tai Fung – How I love thee…

I <3 Chinese soup dumplings. And locally, the place to get it is Din Tai Fung (pronounced “din_ty_fung”) dumpling house in Arcadia, CA.  Actually – I must say that I REALLY <3 Din Tai Fung Beijing and Hong Kong where … Continue reading

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