California Avocados - Vons

Over the past few years, I've noticed the price increase in avocados. I don't think about it as often until the day I need to make guacamole. I can still remember the days you can find avocados 3 for $1. Of course you would become less picky to the quality of the avocados. Nowadays, I'm extremely picky with the exterior of the avocados as well as size. Because hey, size does matter.

View fullsize

View fullsize

I'm swagged out!

I'm excited to share a great event I attended for Vons as they will be featuring a new local grower every week through September. The event was in collaboration with California Avocado Commission as they are one of the features in stores at Vons. These fresh California Avocados is known for their appearance (large and evenly shaped), creamy textures and delicious taste. California Avocados are cultivated in ideal growing conditions in the unique climate of coastal California. Just look for the "California" on the label to ensure that you are choosing avocados grown with utmost dedication and care by California Avocado growers. Also handpicked by the way.

View fullsize

Handpicked.

View fullsize

Handpicked and ready to be shipped :)

View fullsize

Cute little avocados not ready yet.

Farm to Table lunch avocado themed (obviously).

FEAST YOUR EYES.

View fullsize

Cucumber water, Lavender Lemonade, Unsweetened Black Iced Tea

View fullsize

Vegan Cauliflower Ceviche

View fullsize

California Avocado Southwest Salad.

View fullsize

California Avocado Potato Salad - Sub Mayo for Avocados to still get that fatty richness you crave. The good fat, you know?

View fullsize

Chipotle marinated portabella mushrooms topped with avocado pico de gallo

View fullsize

BBQ Tri Tip with Avocado chimichurri.

View fullsize

California Avocado Key Lime Pudding Shots (Thank you Tina for giving me yours!)

Everything was not just fresh, but freaking delicious. Actually, probably one of the best-catered meal I've ever had. I'm definitely inspired to make more dishes with avocados. I think avocados are normally used in sandwiches, eaten plain, or in guacamole. But, there are so many ways to eat avocados. You can fry them, make sauces and dressings like the ones I've had above. I'll be sharing some of my inspired creations soon so stay tuned for that.

Remember to look for avocados with "California" to ensure that you are choosing avocados grown close to home.

Chicken Karaage with S.Pellegrino

This post is sponsored by S.Pellegrino.

I've always enjoyed S.Pellegrino and something I keep stock at home. I've used it as a bubbly factor in cocktails or soft drinks and even used it before in my tempura batter.

In 2016, S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water launched it's own “The S.Pellegrino Taste Guide” a cultivated lists by chefs and lifestyle influencers which explores U.S. cities. With that said, the list can take you to the hottest trends in your city. I'm from Los Angeles, so talking about trendsetting is definitely something prominent here.

I'll be sharing a recipe featuring one of the hottest trends, chicken karaage.

Recipe

• 3 chicken thighs
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons of grated ginger
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin

Dread:

• 1/3 cups of flour
• 3 tablespoons corn starch

View fullsize

The chicken was deboned and cut into 1-1 1/2 inch pieces. I used a spoon to peel the ginger and then just grated with a microplane. 

View fullsize

The chicken was marinated for 30 minutes before frying. 

View fullsize

View fullsize

A quick dreading of the flour and corn starch mixture before dropping them into the fryer. Make sure to shake off excess flour.

View fullsize

Make sure the oil is not too hot so the crust won't burn before the chicken is cooked. The oil should not be rapid when the chicken is placed.

View fullsize

Voila! One of my favorite appetizers. Currently, you'll find chicken karaage in many japanese ramen shops and izakayas. 

Make sure to check out the S. Pellegrino Taste Guide.

Baby Back Ribs - Smithfields

It's been years since I've cooked with charcoal. Ever since living in a condominium, cooking with charcoal is prohibited on the patio due to regulations and fire codes. I was able to brush up on that this weekend at my brother's and boy was it easy and fun.

I went to pick up some Smithfield Baby Back ribs from Walmart. They are hand trimmed and had a good fat ratio which is important so it doesn't dry out. I've learned that Smithfield Ribs doesn't contain and added hormones or steroids which is appreciated.

I've decided to make an Asian 5 spice rub with a simple hoisin glaze. I've honestly used this recipe many times before on pork belly in the oven, so I was extremely excited to try it on the grill. It was really hot today (Sunday), but luckily, the only time that was really spent in the sun was throwing these babies on.

The recipe is simple

• 1 package of Smithfield Baby Back Ribs 
• 2 Tablespoon shaoxing wine
• 1 Tablespoon 5 spice
• 1 Tablespoon Himalayan Pink Salt
• 1 Teaspoon white pepper

Glaze:

• 1/3 cup Hoisin Sauce
• 2/3 cup of Honey

The pork is first patted dry. The shaoxing wine is then rubbed all over before combining the dried ingredients to be rubbed all over. The glaze is then mixed together in a bowl taking 2 tablespoons of it to rub all over the ribs. I let the rack rest for 2 hours room temp before throwing it on the grill.

Once the charcoal turned semi white with the flames gone, I threw down the ribs to get a crust before closing up the vents to lower the temperature. The ribs were then cooked for an hour.

You can of course cook them for much longer, low and slow, but they were fine. Since there was a good amount of fat on these racks, it kept them nice and juicy without drying out. At this point, I left the lid off and started to glaze the pork with the remaining hoisin sauce. This will set for another 5 minutes flipping occasionally before removing off the grill. You want to keep an eye on them because the sugar will cause the ribs to burn.

The ribs were topped off with sesame seeds and green onions.

Chopped up for easy finger licking enjoyment.

The ribs were definitely affordable at under $10 a rack. SO convenient since they were hand trimmed already and juicy so I don't need to worry about brining or cooking for a few hours.

I know these are only sold at Walmart, but make sure your Walmart has a meat section. 

Enjoy!

#ad #GetGrillingAmerica #RealFlavorRealFast

Made In France, Made With Love

There's nothing I love more than spending time at home with friends drinking wine, eating charcuterie and fromage. Since we are hitting the French theme, I am excited to share some French products I got to indulge in. Don't get me wrong, I love all kinds of parties (All kinds), but I love hosting wine parties with amazing seafood for people to enjoy.

Click the Brie to learn more about it.

Le Chatelain Brie comes from the pastures of the Meuse region of France where most farms have herds ranging from 20 to 30 cows spending a good amount of time throughout the year roaming outside. I've heard a lot of restrictions before about raw milk products aged over 60 days can be imported to the United States. With that said, Le Chatelain Brie is the only alternative to come close to tasting the flavor of raw milk French Brie without shoving $$$$ to travel to France.

You can find this normally in Cheese shops and higher end retailers. This cheese won Gold 2010 and Silver 2011 from France's Concours General Agricole. 

View fullsize

I macerated some strawberries to eat with the Brie. This was eaten with sunflower/flaxseed crackers. Drizzling some honey is also delightful. 

President Butter is made in the heart of Normandy, the "Grand Cru" among French dairy regions which are known for their outstanding quality of its milk that gives this milk an exceptional flavor. This butter is freshly crafted from cultured cream. Its distinct, rich and savory nutty taste is great on spreading over a nice baguette. I like to let the butter sit just a bit to soften. I sprinkle a touch of kosher salt with fresh cracked pepper.

View fullsize

The five outstanding wines.

Mas De Daumas Gassac. Click on the photo to learn more.

Mas de daumas Gassac in the only Grand crus status wine from the Languedoc region. A family owned estate which has devoted its approach since the creation of the estate to respect the environment (where the family also lives). The Daumas Gassac Grand Crus wines are made by 2nd generation winemaker Samuel Guibert who split his time between Gassac (from May to Nov) & San Francisco. Samuel’s winemaking follow the same philosophy since the 1st vintage of Daumas Gassac wines were made in 1978 : “Finesse, Balance & Elegance”. Finally the Daumas Gasasc wines aim at offering the best possible quality at the most affordable pricing (despite its Grands Crus status). 

MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC RED 2015

This wine is best when served around 16°C (60°F), preferably in large Burgundy glasses. Let the wine breathe before drinking. This wine also pairs well with any strong flavored main dish. I recommend roasted some lamb chops. The retail price goes for $39-$45 a bottle.

MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC SPARKLING ROSE 2016

Best if drunk you and served between 6 & 7°C (45°F). Stunning as an aperitif, with charcuterie, goat cheese or shrimp salad. Beautiful with a chocolate based dessert or simply with raspberry and/or strawberries. This wine is retailed at $17-$26 a bottle.

Buy this wine at Fine Wine stores and wine savvy restaurants

Click the photo to learn more about Trimbach wines.

This Trimbach selection you see is from AOC Alsace, France. The Trimbach family dates back to 1626. Their wines benefits from the unique Alsatian microclimate. 

The Riesling wine has a beautiful straw color with green edges. Has a fragrance of ginger and caraway seed and under ripe pineapple and flowers. Received 90 pts Wine Spectator 2016.

The Pinot Gris is bright, has a pale gold hue with aromas of juicy peaches and ripen pear. It is full-bodied wit ripe smokey tropical fruit flavors. Great with fish, shellfish, poultry and lighter pastas. Received 90 pts Wine Spectator 2016.

You can find Trimbach wines at Gordon's Fine Wines & Liquors. 

Click the photo to learn more about this Whispering Angel.

Located in the heart of Provence, France, Chateau d'Esclans is a prestigious estate and winery producing the industry's leading Rose wines. This was awarded #1 premium rose in the U.S and #1 French wine in the U.S. The retail for this rose goes for $21-$22. This wine is dry with no sugary finish. Extremely fresh and crisp. Find this beauty and Total Wine, Whole Foods and Fresh Market.

To learn more about any of the wines, just click on the photos for more information. I definitely enjoyed each wine as well as the Brie and Butter. Make sure to be creative and host your French inspired party. If you need more ideas and inspiration, make sure to follow these wines on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

I Tried Farm Fresh To You and Here’s What I Thought

Everyone knows me as the girl that loves her steak. What a lot of people don't know is how much I actually enjoy eating vegetables. From being raw, roasted, stewed, fried or grilled, there's just something so simplistic with the flavor that I can never get tired of. 

I have tons of protein in my freezer. Almost every single day, I would make my way up the street to a market after work. By then, I am unmotivated to cook anything because I am worn out, hungry (the smell of fried chicken every time doesn't help either), and selecting a veggie stumps me every single time. Do I want to roast brussels sprouts again? It doesn't really go with what I want to make. How about potatoes? Do I feel like roasting them? Baking them? boiling them? All these questions become a deal breaker. At the end of all this, there's a possibility that I would either 1) Walk out with frozen corn and just make rice at home or 2) Walk out with nothing and grab takeout. Because by that time, I've spent 30 minutes wondering what I could grab instead of cooking.

This is why Farm Fresh To You changed my life. They deliver various box types and sizes straight to your door so that you get the box that meets your needs. You can select the frequency of which your box is delivered. From once a week, to bi-weekly, or monthly depending on how quick to plow through it. This pushes me to go straight home after work because I know I have produce to work with. Farm Fresh To You takes the distraction away by selecting seasonal items for you or you can swap items in or out based on what you might light to receive. Best part is, it's all organic.

I had my box delivered to my work. Office deliveries are delivered between 8am - 5pm; just your standard office hours

View fullsize

Some of the items from my Veggie Only Box.

I gave the veggies a quick rinse before throwing them in a 450 degree oven to roast. I had some leftover chimichurri sauce that was harmonious with the vegetables.

View fullsize

View fullsize

I like to leave the vegetables in the roasting pan and have my guests just serve themselves. Whether it's for yourself or for others, it's definitely pleasing to the eyes. Everything was fresh and delicious.

After trying Farm Fresh To You, this is something I would continue using. The small box (see more boxes here:: Farm Fresh to You)  was only $26, but can feed between 2-4. With all the items I've received, I can utilize everything for a week. This will prevent me from buying takeout or dining out.

The folks at Farm Fresh To You are extending a special offer to all of you. Follow this LINK and type "GET15OFF" to receive $15 Off Your First Box!