I'm Back!

I know, I know, I've been slacking on my blog!  Life's been pretty busy and after a 2 week trip to Hong Kong and Tokyo and I've finally had a moment to write a little update.  I went overseas to see some old friends, one of whom I hadn't seen in 30 years!  And yes of course I ate my weight in pork soup dumplings, noodles, and fish!  I am going to try and post some of my trip's "food porn" later tonight.

In the meantime, I wanted to gush about a sweetener I found that is probably going to change the way I bake and sweeten my drinks or food.  Not to mention help me deal with the fact that I have an insatiable sweet tooth, and with diabetes in my family genes, I really have to watch my sugar intake.  Sugar can be the leading cause of more health problems and disease than even fats!  So anyway, this product is called Wholesome Sweeteners Zero, and is derived from "Erythritol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is found in our bodies, as well as in many fruits, vegetables and even certain fermented foods."  On it's own it tastes pretty much like sugar, maybe not as sweet, but you use it like you would regular sugar and can bake with a 1:1 ratio.  AND IT HAS NO AFTERTASTE unlike that other sweetener that most of us are familiar with, which I can't stand!  I found this package at one of our local PCC markets, but you can find a location that carries it by clicking THIS.

I baked some cupcakes last night with it and they turned out so well.  I can't wait to make some for people whom I know can't have sugar!  

Indeed, the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe!

Okay so I think I found the best pumpkin loaf recipe which I played with a tad bit from The Streaming Gourmet blog.  Wow talk about a moist cake!  Somehow I just remember my loaves coming out dry in the past (maybe I overcooked them), but not this recipe.  I used a bundt cake pan instead of 2 loaf pans, and it worked out great (I just left a smidgen of the batter behind so it wasn't overflowing, and baked for a couple minutes longer).  I also didn't quite have enough butter, so I made up the rest with Canola oil, which could have also added to the airiness and moistness of it.  I decided not to add nuts, as they're optional, but I might add chocolate chips next time!




Ultimate Pumpkin Bread

Author: Amy Wilson

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cloves
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup butter, really soft, half melted really
3 large eggs
1 16 oz can of pure pumpkin
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F and spray two medium loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, spices, salt, baking soda, and baking powder and set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the wire whisk attached, dump in the sugar. Take the butter and put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds, so that it is half melted. Dump it into the sugar. Add the eggs. Cream these three ingredients together on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Add the pumpkin and combine well.
4. In three batches, add the dry ingredients and mix gently until each batch is just incorporated. Scrape the sides between each batch.
5. Pour half of the batter into a one of the prepared pans. Fold the pecans into the remaining batter and then pour it into the other prepared pan. Bake side-by-side for about one hour or until an inserted knife comes out clean the top is golden.

Yields 2 loaves.
*If using a bundt pan like I did, pour evenly into the mold and spread the top with a spatula to smooth it out.

The Sushi Place You've Never Heard of.

Well, maybe you've heard of this place.  Probably one of the best sushi experiences I've ever had in Seattle, Mori Sushi in Greenwood is a place you might just drive by and never know was there, or look at it and say to yourself "who would eat there??"...melt in your mouth fish, super fresh, and a friendly owner who will make you something special if you don't want to order off the menu.  Such an outstanding restaurant, that it's disappointing that the outside is so uninviting (and the inside needs some updating and elbow grease)...but seriously, just go in... it will not disappoint.  I have been to so many hole in the walls that don't necessarily have the most comfortable decor, but the food is delicious.  That's what this place is.   I mean, I haven't had sushi this fresh in a very long time, it's like BUTTAH. Honestly, I think all they need to do is get rid of this dark strip of window that makes it look like they're hiding something, and maybe a few flower pots outside, and I think more people would come in there!  Anyway, enjoy this sushi-porn and get there after work on a Friday or Saturday and saddle up to the bar for the freshest catch! 

seaweed salad


sashimi


sushi of various sorts!


closer!


Pièce de résistance: Shiro Maguro (White Tuna), with a garnish of shredded daikon and rice wine vinegar.

Happy Pi Day!

Time to post my "Pi Pie" again, for March 14th designated as Pi Day!  Get it?  3:14 = pi.

If you plan on making a pie, you're most likely going to want to make a killer crust.  Well I have a recipe from my mother in law, that is seriously the best and literally a "no fail crust."  You can even be afraid that you'll over work the dough, BUT YOU WON'T!  And it will STILL be flaky and delicious!  I don't know how it happens, but it does.



Here is the recipe:
http://thewanderingfork.blogspot.com/2010/09/best-pie-crust-ever.html

Ezell's Famous Chicken joins food truck flock!

Hot off the press today, Ezell's Famous Chicken joins food truck flock!  The first truck is expected to be ready in April, with a limited menu focusing on - what? FRIED CHICKEN OF COURSE!

Funny thing is, everyone raves about the chicken (including Oprah who says it's her fave), and the ONE time I had it, it was cold and pretty flavorless.  I also don't eat fried food really, so I'll have to bring someone that can order it and I can sneak a bite.  You know, FOR RESEARCH.

Anyway, I think it's a great idea to spread the fried chicken love around the city and great for it's long time fans!



Picture from Roadfood.com

New Happy Hour @ The Armory!

A friend passed on this link to me about a new happy hour going on every 3rd Thursday at The Armory in Seattle Center!
http://www.queenanneview.com/2013/02/19/seattle%E2%80%99s-best-damn-happy-hour-makes-its-debut-thursday-at-the-armory/

Looks like a stellar deal, and you get so many choices! In case you haven't been to what was Seattle Center's food court, and is now the revamped Armory, you should check it out.

Vendors include:
Bean Sprouts Cafe & Cooking School
Bigfood BBQ
Ceres Roasting
Confectional, The
Eltana Wood-Fired Bagels
KABAB
MOD Pizza
Pie
Plum Market
Quincy's. Burgers, Seafood, Beer
Seattle Fudge
Skillet : Counter
Starbucks Coffee
Subway  

Photo By: Eater Seattle

Valentine Wishes!

This day is whatever you make it to be. For some, it's to celebrate love, for others it's to mourn the loss of a loved one. Perhaps it's even your birthday, or you couldn't care less. The true definition is Saint Valentine was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote "from your Valentine" as a farewell to her. For me, it's just another day to remind myself how lucky I am to have people that love and care for me in my life. If you have someone in your life that is special, no matter if you're married or not, send a little love their way...it's good for you.