Adventures in Mika's Kitchen
Years ago, we had a bunch of native sages growing in our front yard. Among them, was Salvia columbariae, a.k.a. “Chia Sage”. Many people don’t realize that the “chia seeds” that have become so popular in health food stores and farmer’s markets (also as Chia pets!)… are actually seeds from a sage plant native to [...]
Crepes are the foundation of so many wonderful dishes and desserts! Sweet crepes can be filled with jam, nutella, chocolate, fruit, whipped cream, custard… there are so many variations. Just roll up or fold the crepe over whatever filling you like, sprinkle with powdered sugar, and top with whipped cream or ice cream. Voila, dessert! [...]
There is a small restaurant chain here in San Diego called “Swami’s Cafe.” We’ve been going there a lot lately, as I’ve become addicted to their “Forked Avocado & Herbs on Toast” and their “Acai Smoothie Bowl“. Their food is so unique – fresh and healthy – but really tasty and flavorful. If you ever [...]
Happy Spring! Here’s one of my new recipes… a carrot ginger-walnut roll, similar to a cinnamon roll. The dough is made with pureed carrots, and the filling flavored with ground ginger – for a interesting variation on the sweet roll. Topped with a salty-sweet rich cream cheese frosting, this is a wonderful pastry to serve [...]
In parts of Asia (mainly Taiwan and China), the Simmered “Tea” Egg is commonly sold by street vendors (also at night markets) as a savory snack food. Basically, it’s a hard boiled egg, that has been simmered or steeped in a savory broth (flavored with the spices that make up Chinese 5 spice powder, soy [...]
There are a few different types of savory Chinese or Taiwanese “pancakes” (made with dough instead of batter). One of these, is “Dan Bing,” a soft tortilla like pancake which is filled with a thin green egg omelet. The other popular type of pancake, is “Cong You Bing” (a.k.a. “green onion or scallion pancake”) – [...]
My friend Ann Marie recently discovered that she has become intolerant to gluten… AND soy, corn, and dairy! Apparently, it is very difficult to find gluten free products and recipes that are also free of soy, corn, and dairy. I guess corn is a hidden ingredient in many food products, as is soy. Even regular [...]
On our recent trip to Taiwan, we stopped at “Yung Ho Restaurant” in the Linkou District of New Taipei City for traditional Taiwanese breakfast food. This place (a popular Taiwanese chain) is open from the evening all the way through late morning – but closed during the afternoon (when they make all the food for [...]
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