Having the right tools can make cooking and food preparation much more enjoyable. Until I used a real chef’s knife that was sharpened, I didn’t even know what I was missing out on. And after discovering how much time a garlic press can save for large batches, I’m never going back. For my 15+ years of being a home cook,…
There are two types of ways to start seeds: indoors or outdoors (aka direct sowing). Depending on where you live and where you want to grow, you could start seeds with both methods. For those in colder climates, you may want to start seeds indoors to get a head start on the growing season if it’s still too cold to…
Who doesn’t love juicy, sweet, and tangy tomatoes?! My favorite tomatoes are fresh-picked heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market because of their bright red and golden orange coloring, and their bright and rich flavor. Homegrown tomatoes give this same experience and you don’t even need a large garden bed to grow your tomato plants at all. This guide will teach…
Cooking may seem like a daunting task if you don’t have much experience in the kitchen, but I’m here to tell you (and show you) how you can get started with some of my favorite delicious and easy Asian recipes. Whether you’re a noodlehead or live for rice, there is at least one recipe for any beginner in the kitchen. …
Tender racks of ribs that have a sweet and caramelized bark of skin and smoked for hours on the grill–this easy smoked baby back ribs recipe will help any beginner get started on the smoker, all you need to do is remember to count backward: 3-2-1! What is the 3 2 1 smoking method? One of the most popular ways…
Crispy garlic bits sprinkled over lightly fried shrimp marinated in olive oil, garlic butter sauce — this Hawaiian garlic shrimp recipe is as delicious and mouthwatering as it is easy to make at home. You don’t need more than 30 minutes (or even a plane ticket) to get easy access to these plump and juicy shrimp! What is Hawaiian garlic…
These extra crispy chicken cutlets have the ultimate crunchy layer of panko with a tender and flavorful meat in the center. If you love buying the chicken katsu plate lunch at your local Hawaiian bbq joint, then this super simple recipe is for you. What is chicken katsu? Chicken katsu, also known as panko chicken or tori katsu, is panko-breaded…
If you’ve tasted Hawaiian mac salad at your local Hawaiian bbq joint, then you know it’s one of the best and unique sides to order. This macaroni salad recipe is slightly sweet and tangy with the large macaroni pasta so commonly found at these spots. This local Hawaiian dish is an inexpensive side dish for your next meal and it…
If you love making Jasmine rice and you have an Instant Pot, then this method of cooking rice may be up your alley because it’s super quick. While you can cook jasmine rice in various ways: rice cooker, microwave, or on the stovetop directly, you can also use your Instant Pot as a rice cooker if you need to save…
Fresh slightly briny and sweet oysters on an ice-chilled tray paired with tangy and bright mignonette sauce, lemon wedges, and maybe some hot sauce–um yes please. Learn how to safely shuck your own oysters at home, but be careful you may never want to stop eating them! Background/ types of oysters Oysters are a type of bivalves (like clams, mussels,…
Freshly shucked oysters on the half shell over ice always seem super fancy whenever I eat it at a restaurant. After spending way too much money at oyster bars throughout the years, I’ve finally started sourcing and shucking fresh and briny oysters at home. Here are some tips and tricks to guide you on how to choose, prep, shuck, and…
Kamayan in Tagalog translates to “by hand,” and describes the method of eating with your hands. It’s best used during a boodle fight where you share a meal with friends and family over a banana leaf-lined table filled to the max with delicious ulam (or main dish). What’s the meaning of a boodle fight? Eating kamayan was the traditional way…