In the chaotic kitchen of a recipe developer, you get a food blog called FoodMayhem.
I'm Jessica, an Asian-American, born and raised in NYC, and that's Lon, my Jewish, white husband. While professionally trained as a French culinary- and pastry chef, many of FoodMayhem recipes are my attempt to preserve and share authentic Chinese and Taiwanese recipes learned from my mom. We don't eat Chinese food every day, so you'll get a little bit of anything we find delicious enough to share: from our Eastern European side; recipes and techniques learned from my restaurant days; restaurant reviews, food travel tips; and a few other juicy bits along the way. Welcome to FoodMayhem!
My friend Emily has been studying for the New York State Bar Exam and decided to spend her birthday studying in Washington Square Park. She had this great idea, inviting friends to join her in the park, to study or read a book, or just say hi. Of course, I wanted to bring her some food. It’s really the best or only way I know how to say Happy Birthday!
I had the Yum Yum Sisterhood over for Brunch. Our mission is always social eating but today we also started folding paper cranes for two important people to Julie and Lily, who were diagnosed with cancer. Our best wishes goes out to them. We had a great time as we always do and I got several compliments on the food. Here’s what we had:
Pumpkin Bread
This is a simple and perfect pumpkin bread for a holiday season brunch. The texture and color is amazing. I will definitely make this again.
Salmon Cake Benedict with Garlic Roasted Potatoes
This was my own creation. I did not write down an exact recipe for poaching the eggs, the sauce (a pseudo hollandaise), and the potatoes but I did finally write down my recipe for the salmon cakes that I’ve made several times. People always ask me for the recipe and I didn’t have one until now:
1 can (7oz) Kirkland brand Salmon (other canned salmons are awful)
1 cup chickpeas, mashed
1/4 cup minced yellow or white onion
1 green onion, chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
pinch cayenne (adjust to your spice)
2 teaspoons olive oil or non-stick spray
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Divide and shape into six patties. Set aside.
3. Prepare a skillet with oil or non-stick spray on medium high heat.
4. Place the patties on the pan, careful not to break them.
5. Cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Remove from pan and serve.
Whole Wheat Pancakes with Sauteed Apples
The pancakes came out so fluffy and flavorful enough to eat alone but even better with sauteed apples on top.
With all the excitement, I forgot to take more pictures of the food. =(
