Friday, July 29, 2016

Classic California Roll – 2 Ways 經典加州卷 (兩式)




My kids love Japanese food, I guess that runs in the family!  Unlike my Little Girl, my Son is not quite fond with raw fish or sashimi, just yet.  My Little Girl is definitely more adventurous in terms of trying new food.  But one item that they both enjoy is California Roll!  Well, honestly, I think California Roll is in the “American food” category, not Japanese.  Ha!  Of course, I’m not going to be technical with my kids.  After all, I always encourage them to try different/new food, and California Roll is definitely a good starting point when you are new to Japanese food.

How to Make Classic California Roll – 2 Ways 經典加州卷 (兩式)  http://uTry.it

That’s why today I am sharing with you on how to make the Classic California Rolls in 2 different ways 經典加州卷 (兩式).  These are quite easy to prepare as you can see from the video tutorial above.  I prepare rice and Chinese dishes almost everyday.  Therefore, I prepare my sushi rice in my trusted rice cooker.  If you don’t have one, you can prepare the rice in a pot on stove top, or get a box of to-go rice. 

How to Make Classic California Roll – 2 Ways 經典加州卷 (兩式)  http://uTry.it

There are a few basic tools and ingredients in preparing sushi rolls, such as the rolling mat, nori (seaweed), sushi seasoning package, etc.  I’ll list them all at the end of this post for your reference.  After you’ve obtained these basic tools and ingredients, you can make different type of sushi rolls.  The sky is the limit and you can be creative with the fillings you like as well.

How to Make Classic California Roll – 2 Ways 經典加州卷 (兩式)  http://uTry.it

In the video tutorial, I shared two different ways of making California rolls.  The first way is the more classic way, with the nori on the outside and the rice and fillings wrapped inside (see picture above).  I also used the classic ingredients, such as avocado, Japanese cucumber, and imitation crab meat.

How to Make Classic California Roll – 2 Ways 經典加州卷 (兩式)  http://uTry.it

The second way of rolling the California Roll is with the rice on the outside, wrapping the fillings inside the nori.  Then, I roll the entire sushi roll on some toasted sesame seeds for more flavor and textures.  Last but not least, some masago eggs on top for a crunch.  They are comparable to tiny caviar with a little salty and briny pop. 

How to Make Classic California Roll – 2 Ways 經典加州卷 (兩式)  http://uTry.it

I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and video tutorial.  These are so easy to make and they’ll make wonderful summer party food as well.  Thank you for stopping by today and stay tuned for more fun and easy recipe and videos.


Tools and Ingredients Used:
Zojirushi Rice Cooker: (Click here for more information)

Nori (seaweed): (Click here for more information)
Japanese Short Grain Rice: (Click here for more information)
Japanese Powdered Sushi Rice Seasoning (Clickhere for more information)
Toasted Sesame Seeds (Clickhere for more information)
Imitation Crab Meat Sticks (Clickhere for more information)
Sushi Bamboo Rolling Mat (Clickhere for more information)




Friday, July 22, 2016

Neapolitan Ice Cream Pops 自家製三色雪糕磚



My Kids are having a great summer vacation so far.  From visiting the beach, the park, the library, and meeting up with friends, to playing board games and cooking together at home, we’re having a very balanced schedule.  I like it because the kids are engaged, but yet, still have time to rest and relax.  Best of all, we all love it when there’s no homework involved!  This is what summer is all about, isn’t it?  Having fun and enjoying each other’s company!  As you can see from my recent videos, my Baby Girl had been helping me out in the kitchen whenever I cook.  I really enjoy the time we spent together.

Neapolitan Ice Cream Pops 三色雪糕磚  http://uTry.it

Summer time also reminds me of this nostalgic dessert that I enjoyed when I was young.  It’s the classic Neapolitan ice cream sandwich!  I’m sure you know which one I’m referring to!  The rectangular one wrapped inside a piece of white paper.  It has chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream sandwiched in between two soft chocolate cookies/cake; more like cake with that soft texture, I guess.  I recently had one, but honestly, it didn’t taste as great as I remembered it to be.  I guess it’s all the fun memories that were associated with it that made me loved this ice cream sandwich so much!  Today, I’m updating this nostalgic dessert with my own homemade version!  Let me present it to you: Neapolitan Ice Cream Pops 自家製三色雪糕磚!  

Neapolitan Ice Cream Pops 三色雪糕磚  http://uTry.it

This homemade version gets all the components of the classic ice cream sandwich, but presented differently.  A much more fun and pretty way, in my opinion!  Instead of a soft sandwich, I started it with an Oreo cookie crust!  Yes, you can’t really go wrong when you start anything with Oreo….okay, dinner item would be an exception, I guess.  Then, I layered on with the chocolate, vanilla bean, and strawberry ice cream on top of one another.  You’ll see in my video on how layered the ice cream.  It is super quick and easy to do.  You can use store bought ice cream to make this dessert in a cinch.  It’s perfect to take to parties for sharing.  You’ll need half a tub (1.5 quart size) of each flavor.  But of course, you can take it to the next level by making your homemade ice creams like I did.  I’ll list my homemade ice cream recipes for all three flavors for your reference below.  The ice cream spreads easily right after churning.  If you are using the store bought ones, take the tub out of the freezer 15 minutes before layering.  Lastly, I inserted popsicle sticks on top and turn them into ice cream pops!  Very portable and fun to eat.  After cutting them into individual squares, you can see all the gorgeous layers!  

Neapolitan Ice Cream Pops 三色雪糕磚  http://uTry.it

I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and video tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun and easy summer recipes!  What are some of your summer favorite recipes?  Feel free to share them with me in the commend below. 

Neapolitan Ice Cream Pops 三色雪糕磚  http://uTry.it




Tools and Ingredients used:

8x8x2 Baking Pan (Clickhere for more information)
Wooden Popsicle Sticks (Clickhere for more information)
Washi Tape (Clickhere for more information)
Ninja Food Processor (Clickhere for more information)
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker (Clickhere for more information)
Valrhona Cocoa Powder (Clickhere for more information)
Organic Vanilla Bean (Clickhere for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Clickhere for more information)
Horizon Organic Heavy Whipping Cream (Clickhere for more information)
Oreo Cookies (Clickhere for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Clickhere for more information)
Parchment Paper (Clickhere for more information) 
4 Cups Measuring Cup (Clickhere for more information)


Recipe for Homemade Dark Chocolate Ice Cream:
http://goo.gl/z47CXd

Recipe for Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:

https://goo.gl/lcpfPc

Recipe for Homemade Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream:
http://goo.gl/2Sd5h4



Friday, July 15, 2016

Mango Yogurt Popsicles (3 ingredients) 芒果酸乳酪冰棒



As I thought the mango season was over, well, almost over; Then, finding cases of these gorgeous Atuflo Mangoes going on sale simply made my day!  Life is good!  And I’m just glad that happiness could be as simple as enjoying another case of sweet and refreshing mangoes before the season ends!  Who said simplicity isn’t a good thing?  I’m referring to these Mango Yogurt Popsicles (3 ingredients) 芒果酸乳酪冰棒.  Yes, you’ve heard me right, you only need 3 simple ingredients to make these refreshing summer treats.

How to Make Mango Yogurt Popsicles (3 ingredients) 芒果酸乳酪冰棒  http://uTry.it

These Mango Yogurt Popsicles probably have the shortest ingredient list from any dessert that I’ve ever made.  In addition to that, these are a cinch to make as well.  Because of the simple ingredient list, the mango flavors in these popsicles can truly shine!  They are not overly sweet, but very refreshing.  The whole milk yogurt gives these pops a hint of tangy flavor along with the silky and creamy texture!  And they are probably the healthiest popsicle as well.   Just one bite, they will cool you down instantly!  Do you have a favorite summer treat that you can’t resist?  

How to Make Mango Yogurt Popsicles (3 ingredients) 芒果酸乳酪冰棒  http://uTry.it

As you can see from my video above, you simply blend all the ingredients together and freeze them up.  You can use your favorite popsicle mold or take my idea and use some handy-dandy paper Dixie cups!  Either way, they will be super delicious and refreshing.  I say, they are also perfect for a summer pool party or any day afternoon pick me up!  By preparing these pops in the paper cups, it makes sharing much easier and very portable.  Be sure to bring some to your next picnic at the park or at the beach!

How to Make Mango Yogurt Popsicles (3 ingredients) 芒果酸乳酪冰棒  http://uTry.it

I hope you’re enjoying your summer so far!  Have you been on vacation with your family?  Any special plans this summer?  I want to see where you have been visiting or plan to visit.  Or are you just hanging out in your local area?  As for us, we've been visiting the local library quite often.  They have wonderful summer reading programs and entertainments that my kids love.  We are also hanging out at the beach or at the parks.  As I said, simplicity is a good thing!  Thanks for visiting my blog today.  Stay tuned for another simple and yummy recipe next week! Take care.

How to Make Mango Yogurt Popsicles (3 ingredients) 芒果酸乳酪冰棒  http://uTry.it


Tools and Ingredients Used:

5 Ounce Paper Dixie Cups (Click here for more information)
Wooden Popsicle Sticks (Click here for more information)
Organic Whole Milk Plain Yogurt (Click here for more information)
Organic Blue Agave (Click here for more information)
Washi Tape (Click here for more information)



Friday, July 8, 2016

Hello Kitty Rice with Tomato and Egg Stir Fry 吉蒂貓飯配蕃茄炒蛋



Can’t believe we’re stepping into the month of July already!  Despite the soaring hot temperature in Southern California, July also means celebrating birthdays in our family.  There are a couple of birthdays happening this month and one of them is my Baby Girl’s.  

How to Make Hello Kitty Rice with Tomato and Egg Stir Fry 吉蒂貓飯配蕃茄炒蛋  with step-by-step video tutorial http://uTry.it

The Birthday Girl gets to pick her favorite birthday cake and this one is her choice for this year.  It’s perfect for birthday celebration during the summer because it’s a gorgeous "no-bake" cake.  Like Mother like Daughter, you have very good taste, Baby!  For this special occasion, Mommy is also making Baby Girl’s favorite dish, Tomato and Egg Stir Fry (蕃茄炒蛋).  It’s a very refreshing and appetizing dish to enjoy especially in the summer months.  This dish is slightly sweet, a little bit tart, and perfectly savory at the same time.  Like most Asian recipes, this dish has a well balanced flavors.  It’s a very popular everyday homemade dish from Hong Kong.  As you can see, I didn’t just stop there, I paired it with the super adorable Hello Kitty Rice, another favorite of my Little Girl.  Although Mommy herself is not really a Hello Kitty fan, she did enjoy making this dish as she knows how much the Birthday Girl loves it.  I am secretly wishing the boys in the house are as easy to please as Baby Girl does! Shhh….   

How to Make Hello Kitty Rice with Tomato and Egg Stir Fry 吉蒂貓飯配蕃茄炒蛋  with step-by-step video tutorial http://uTry.it

If you haven’t done so, remember to check out the YouTube video tutorial with step-by-step instruction on how to prepare this dish (the link is at the top of this post).  It’s easier to make than it looks, especially the shaped rice.  Best of all, you don’t need any mold or special equipment to make it, except for a pair of kitchen scissors and a few minutes of your time, and your love of course.  If you have a Hello Kitty fan in your house like I do, you’ve got to check this out! Everything is edible in this dish, all natural and really healthy as well.  You can also make this dish with your kids together.  My Baby Girl always enjoy creating fun dishes with me in the kitchen and this is definitely one of her favorite ones to make.    

How to Make Hello Kitty Rice with Tomato and Egg Stir Fry 吉蒂貓飯配蕃茄炒蛋  with step-by-step video tutorial http://uTry.it

I hope you enjoy today’s recipe and tutorial.  Stay tuned for more fun and easy recipe next week.  Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel here.  That way, you won’t miss out on any video and you’ll be the first to know when I have a new tutorial published.

Tools and Ingredients used:
Nori (seaweed): (
Click here for more information)
Whole Kernel Corn: (Click here for more information)
Corn starch: (Click here for more information)
Serrated Knife for cutting tomato: (Click here for more information)
Vegetable oil: (Click here for more information)
Zojirushi Rice Cooker: (Click here for more information)
Japanese Short Grain Rice: (Click here for more information)
Food Decorating Tongs/Tweezers: (Click here for more information)
Hello Kitty Cupcake Plush: (Click here for more information)
Hello Kitty Flatware Set: (Click here for more information)
 

Friday, July 1, 2016

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!



Do you and your family celebrate the Fourth of July?  It’s the Independence Day in the U.S. and many of us celebrate this National holiday with gatherings and parties.  I love summer time parties because it usually involves B.B.Q.  I’ll list a few of my favorite grilling recipes, side dishes, and no bake desserts at the end of this post for your reference.  Of course, in my humble opinion, any celebration should includes a refreshing cocktail as well.  Today, I want to share this festive and refreshing Fourth of July Cocktail with you, it has all the patriotic colors of the American Flag!  

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!   http://uTry.it

Don’t forget to watch the video tutorial on how to make this festive cocktail, the link is at the top of this post.  It’s super easy to make and so much fun.  Watch the video and you’ll see what I mean.

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!   http://uTry.it

This Fourth of July Cocktail has a few different layers.  We start with a little bit of grenadine (pomegranate syrup) at the bottom for the red color.  It’s sweet and tart at the same time, which goes really well with the blue layer, the HPNOTIQ.  HPNOTIQ is an alcoholic beverage, native to New York but bottled in France.  It’s made from fruit juices, vodka and a cognac.  It’s slightly sweet, super refreshing, and has all the fruity delicious flavors.  Last but not least, I top the cocktail with some prosecco, you can also use Champagne if you like.  I serve this cocktail in a festive sugar rimmed martini glass garnished with maraschino cherries!  It’ll be the best cocktail for your summer celebration, I guaranteed it! 

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!   http://uTry.it

I added a few edible gold star glitters around the sugar rim, but that is totally optional.  I’ll list the items used at the bottom of this post for your convenience.

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!   http://uTry.it

Thank you for stopping by today.  I want to wish you all a wonderful Fourth of July celebration.  How do you and your family celebrate?  Do you host parties or BBQ cookouts?  Or do you spend it quietly, or at the poolside?   I would love to hear from you!  Cheers!

Fourth of July Cocktail–Happy Independence Day!   http://uTry.it


Please drink responsibly.  Health and General Disclaimers


Favorite Grilling Recipes:
American Classic Burger
Grilledd Ribeyee Steaks with Coffee Rub
Citrus Marinated Tri Top Roast
Spinach Pesto Spaghetti with Grilled Shrimps
Penne Pasta Salad with Rib Eyes Steak

Favorite Side Dishes:
Grilled Vegetable Salad
Honey Roasted Carrot Salad
Rainbow Salad
Broccoli Salad
Roasted Shrimp Salad with Thyme and Lemon Frico

No Bake Desserts:
Sparkling Watermelon Bubbles
Strawberry Tiramisu
Mango Panna Cotta
Nutella Cheesecake
Meyer Lemon Sorbet

Tools and Ingredients:
Edible Gold Star Sprinkles (Click here for more information)
Martini Glasses (Click here for more information)
Grenadine (Click here for more information)
Maraschino Cherry (Click here for more information)
Cocktail Picks (Click here for more information)