Honeyed 5-Spice Chicken Wings (with Creamy Cilantro Dip)

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times...

Continue

Ahi Poke

All my friends are in Hawaii without me!  Granted, this is blatant exaggeration, but still, it's remarkable that four different sets of friends are all there on vacation or honeymoon (Congratulations Heidi and Fara!!).  While they're in Hawaii enjoying palm trees, cloudless skies, and turquoise waters, I'm stuck in San Diego with all the palm trees, cloudless skies, and... hmm.  Admittedly, San Diego itself is no slouch in the...

Continue

Siu Yuk (Crispy Roast Pork)

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times...

Continue

Berry Gin Fizz

Third year committee meeting finished?  Check.  PhD thesis project complete?  Not even close...  Celebratory drink to mark the end of my third year of grad school?  Of course! This fruity gin concoction is sweet, refreshing, and perfect for summer evenings and special occasions... for example, birthdays!  (Happy birthday, Gip!  Here's my take on your "Gin + juice") Even gin-haters will gobble down this drink;...

Continue

Lemon Braided Bread

The bread machine is a glorious thing.  Toss in a few ingredients, and--presto! magic!  Before you know it, a lush, steaming loaf is ready to slice into.  Just imagine, with the press of a single button, your kitchen is filled with that perfect, yeasty, fresh-baked bread smell.  The only thing wrong with this marvelous machine is that it can't make this Lemon Braided Bread. Oops, I was so excited to record the braiding process,...

Continue

Pan-Seared Shrimp with Sesame Peanut Salad

Sadly, this Valentine's Day themed post is nearly one month overdue.  No matter, the tardiness is quite fitting, considering that I'm not so crazy about VDay hype.  While I love any excuse for a nice restaurant outing, I'm not one for demanding chocolates or presents, except in jest (Oh Buddy, look, a jewelry sale*). Because really, who wouldn't prefer being romantic and appreciative every day instead of just once a year?  And what...

Continue