Green Bean Mooncake (Taiwanese Style) by Julie

I am posting this recipe on behalf of my friend Julie Chen. Thank you Julie for sharing! I look forward to seeing you soon in NYC :)

Happy birthday, Julia Child!

Let's celebrate birthday of the woman who has revolutionized American cooking and inspired so many people in the kitchen.

I suggest we roast a chicken today, according to her recipe:

"Julia Child presents the chicken sisters..."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7dLXEc9tZM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

"This is Julia Child, bon appetite" :-) 

Cannelini Beans with Kale

I made this dish several times and loved it each time. It is delicious and nutritious. It also looks very pretty on a plate and can be served as a main or a side dish.Try it!

 Ingredients

• 1 cup dried cannellini beans
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cups (packed) coarsely chopped  kale (lacinato)
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts  

Preparation: 

Soak the beans overnight. Place beans in pot with enough cold water to cover by 3 inches and cook until soft. Drain beans. Sauté onions in 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and add drained beans. Cook the beans on each side until they get golden color (about 5-10 minutes on each side on medium heath). Do not stir. Add kale and remaining 3 table spoon of olive oil. Toss to combine. Cook 2-3 minutes until the kale starts to wilt but stays crispy. Add lemon juice and zest and stir to combine. Turn off the heat and add toasted pine nuts. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve warm.

Enjoy!

Plum Dumplings (Knedle sa sljivama)

This is a great summer recipe to use all your plums in. Activates umami taste receptors too ;) I will be making it again this summer for sure - it is very much loved in our family.

Udon in dashi broth with mushrooms

This is me embarking on Japanese cooking once again and  trying to get that umami dashi (that I like so much) with a help from mushrooms that contain a lot gluatamates :)
Here is my dashi recipe - I think it was decent ;)