Mai Tai, Oh My! Taste Your Way into Tiki Culture
Some of my favorite summer memories growing up are going to luaus and enjoying those delicious tropical drinks, wearing colorful […]
Three Berry Easy Recipes
Oh, how I missed the sunshine hitting my face as I lie on the beach, the warm weather, summer festivals, […]
Summertime and the Grillin is Easy – Korean Style
If you are someone like me who loves playing around with international flavors, I strongly recommend giving Korean BBQ a […]
Banchan – Give Your Korean BBQ a Kick with a Tasty Side Dish.
Last week I shared a recipe for Kalbi (Korean BBQ Beef Short Ribs) and Ssamjang sauce. (To read those two […]
Summer Grilling – Vegetarian-Style!
When you think of grilling, you automatically think of meat. Summertime grilling often involves chicken, ribs, hot dogs, and the […]
Summer Cocktails Inspired by Stanley Tucci
For some during quarantine life, alcohol consumption became a daily activity. With the stress of not knowing when the pandemic […]
KitchenAid Precise Heat Mixing Bowl
KitchenAid KSM1CBL Precise Heat Mixing Bowl For Bowl-Lift Stand Mixers
KitchenAid Pasta Roller & Cutter Attachment
KitchenAid KSMPDX Stand Mixer Attachments Pasta Roller and Cutter Set, One Size, Stainless Steel
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Handle Skillet
Le Creuset LS2024-3067 Enameled Cast Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 11-3/4-Inch, Cerise
Hi Melissa, I have been seeing this girl for a month who loves spicy food, and I would like to make her a special homemade meal for her birthday. What is the best dish to cook for her? – Chris
Hi Chris, I would like to know what “kind” of spiciness your girl likes because there are several different kinds of spiciness in Chinese food. For example, Sichuan, arguably China’s most famous province for spicy food, is noted for its “numbing spice” (麻辣)—a spiciness that both numbs and ignites fires on the tongue at once. The people of Hunan, on the other hand, are known for their love for the aroma of fresh chilis, cooked in a “dry hot” style. This is called a fragrant spice (香辣). I think the best “numbing spicy dish” to cook for her is the Kong Bao Chicken (宮保雞丁). If she embraces a healthy lifestyle, Spicy Thai Papaya Salad is great. If a worst-case scenario occurs, the dish is too spicy, and she faints—break out your CPR mouth-to-mouth skills to rescue your beauty. If the dish is just right, a kiss and a hug will be the perfect side dish for any cooking date. Best of luck, Chris! 
Hi Melissa, I love sushi, but I always screw up the rice. Do you know any quick and easy way to make sushi rice? - Annette
Hi Annette,
Hi Annette, first, rice matters. What kind of rice do you have in your pantry? If you have jasmine, sticky, Calasparra, arborio, or basmati rice, NONE of them will work. They just won't. A friend of mine cooked basmati rice and wanted me to make sushi out of it. I tell you that rice is like a couple who is going to get a divorce. They just want to separate from each other no matter how hard I tried to squeeze them together. First, you need to get the right sushi rice. For some help, read my sushi shopping guide blog post. And then you need to wash the rice at least seven times until the water is not cloudy. Unfortunately, there is NO shortcut. It’s not like risotto or paella when you want the starch in the dish. Last but not least, a good rice cooker, such as a Zojirushi rice cooker, will make it all easy for you! Happy cooking, Annette!
