Noodles and Rice

April 9th, 2006

Thai Peppers

Thai Peppers are little fire-babies guaranteed to light up your tongue and mouth with its unbelievable heat. Scoring (depending on which chile-head you consult) 75-350,000 units on the Scoville Scale, it’s an ingredient that excites and terrifies the most adventurous cook. When working with Thai peppers you need to make sure that you […]

By Stef -- 3 comments

March 29th, 2006

Sweet Brown Rice

I’ve got some sweet brown rice I need to use up. I’ve used it in sushi, and I’ve been thinking of making homemade mochi, and I’m tempted to try amazake.
I found the homemade Amazake recipe in Michio Kushi’s book

Here’s a detailed recipe, though a bit more intimidating.
Bunnyfoot has detailed her process here.
There […]

By Stef -- 1 comment

March 20th, 2006

Asian Herb and Vegetable Garden

Hey, it’s almost spring! Are you thinking like I am about an Asian veggie and herb garden? We just moved to a new home so I’m eager to get started! Today I purchased two seed packets — edamame and red perilla — from Botanical Interests. I love this company because they’ve […]

By Stef -- 3 comments

March 19th, 2006

Vietnamese Fried Bean Curd in Tomato Sauce: Tua Hu Sot Cha

4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1-lb. block extra-firm tofu, cut in half lengthwise, then in half again crosswise
For the sauce:
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup water
4 teaspoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh coriander for garnishing
Prepare sauce: Heat oil in a […]

By Stef -- 0 comments

March 8th, 2006

Pho Bo (Beef and Rice Noodle Soup)

Pho Bo is a soup from the Northern part of Vietnam. It is usually served for breakfast on the streets, sold from outdoor makeshift kitchens. My family loves the beefy, gingery flavors of this soup, and rice noodles are the perfect foil along with the crunch of fresh herbs and veggies. There […]

By Stef -- 1 comment

March 4th, 2006

P. F. Chang’s China Bistro in West Chester, OH

P. F. Chang’s is one of those places that has paid so much attention to their facade, you can’t help but expect that they would give as much attention to their food. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed, and hopefully neither will you. Their restaurants’ exteriors are at once inviting as they are imposing. […]

By Stef -- 1 comment

May 11th, 2005

Noodles and Rice: An Introduction

Hi! My name is Stephanie Amargo-Patag (you can call me Stef). I’m a cooking enthusiast and have been for many years. I love to cook dishes from different cuisines, but Asian food has always had a special place in my heart because I was born and raised in Asia; beyond this, however, […]

By Stef -- 2 comments