New Layout!

Decided to give this blog a new look. Fortunately, Blogger makes this sort of thing pretty easy. Any feedback is appreciated. More yummy posts to come, I promise!

Cinnamon-Honey Waffles

I came across this recipe in a recipe leaflet from Lucky's, and since the photo looked so nice and my boyfriend had yet to try out his new waffle iron, I decided to give it a spin. The only waffles I'd ever made before were the Eggos from the frozen aisle, which I had long sworn off. Fortunately, making real waffles from scratch is nearly just as easy! These came out fluffy and sweet - perfect for weekend brunch. I like my waffles a bit crispier though, so next time I'll let them cook for just a tad longer.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• Optional: maple syrup, warm fruit topping, mint sprigs

Instructions

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. In medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
3. In separate medium bowl, whisk together egg, yogurt, milk and honey.
4. Stir wet mixture into flour mixture just until combined. Stir in melted butter and mix.
5. Cook waffles in waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.
6. Serve with maple syrup or warm fruit topping. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and/or mint sprigs, if desired (I didn't have mint sprigs so I randomly used parsley for garnish). Makes approximately four waffles.
   

Happy Lunar New Year!

Lunar New Year for my family is pretty simple. As long as there's chicken, mushrooms, and some kind of soup, we're happy. And the best part is eating at home. Happy Rabbit Year!

Sushi Tabemasho!

Photos from a recent sushi party that my friends Eugene and Joanie hosted. Super kudos to Eugene for being an awesome sushi chef without a recipe page in sight, and for managing to prepare everything with about 10 people gawking at him and snapping photos.


Maki ingredients

From the Tokyo Fish Market

My favorite - toro nigiri!

Baked rolls

And some tender teriyaki beef on the side! Oishii!

Banana Smoothie!

What better way to start your morning than a refreshing home-blended smoothie? It's delicious, filling, good for you, and super easy to make. You can pretty much use any fruits or vegetables, in endless combinations. I personally stick to the fruit-based smoothies since I haven't quite acquired the taste for the veggie ones (e.g., my dad's bell pepper smoothie - no thanks). Anyway, we tested out the boyfriend's new blender / food processor this morning with this simple banana smoothie recipe.

Ingredients:
1 banana
3 cups soy milk
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar to taste

Toss everything into the blender and mix until smooth!

Who needs Jamba Juice?

If you want a sweeter drink, you can try using sweetened strawberries, or a scoop of vanilla yogurt in place of the vanilla extract. If you have any smoothie ideas, please send them over!