Year of the Tiger: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

(Original Post Date:  Feb 15, 2010) Happy Lunar New Year!  Yesterday marked the beginning of the year of the Metal Tiger.  I’m not a big fan of fireworks, but since most Lunar New Year celebrations incorporate the color red prominently,  I decided to celebrate this occasion instead with some Year of the Tiger Red Velvet [...]

You used what BEANS?!*!! Chili, cornbread, and you’re grounded!

Azuki Bean Chili with Homemade Cornbread

Original Post Date:  Feb 12, 2010)   When I was about 12 years old, and gaining more confidence in the kitchen, my mother decided that this would be a good time for her to quit cooking.  Overnight, I became the household “dinner chef”.  I enjoyed meal planning, and often accompanied my mother to the market [...]

The Dark Green Impostor: Kabocha Pumpkin Bread

Kabocha Pumpkin Bread

(Original Post Date:  Feb 09, 2010) Everyone always asks me for my “Pumpkin Bread” recipe.  The truth is, the recipe is just average – there is nothing special about the recipe itself.  Any oil-based pumpkin bread recipe will yield approximately the same results.  So why does my “Pumpkin Bread” always receive such rave reviews? Secret #1 [...]