Chinese Ground Pork and Green Beans Stir Fry

Told ya. We're back up to 80 degree temps in So. CA. The day started off cold and windy but warmed up by early afternoon. I suppose I shouldn't be complaining. I could be shoveling snow in some other state and it's not a pretty picture in my head.

Italian Wedding Soup

Lovely winter weather finally hit Southern California today -- cloudy, drizzly and just a tad chilly. However, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it all went away tomorrow and 80 degree temps came back to haunt us again. Unpredictable weather is just something that we Southern Californians have to live with regardless of what season we're in. For now though, a nice hearty bowl of soup like this Italian wedding soup is the order of the day.

Stir Fry Veggies

For all you veggie lovers out there, here's something quick and easy for you.  And if you're a lazy cook as well, this one's for you.  I had a Veggie craving the other day while I was at the supermarket.  I wasn't shopping for veggies that day, but when I passed the produce isle, I immediately had a craving for some veggies. -GG-

Paula Deen's Old-Time Beef Stew

Beef stew is somewhat new to our dinner table. I never used to cook it "BMVG" (Before Mr. VG) because we used to eat Asian food much more frequently. But since he came along and is the epitome of a meat and potatoes guy, beef stew had to make its appearance somehow. Over the years, I've tried several beef stew recipes ranging from extremely easy to not-so-easy.

Binagoongan (Pork with Shrimp Paste)

Bagoong (bah-go-ong), that's the root word of Binagoongan (bee-na-go-ongan).  Bagoong is shrimp paste, but not just regular shrimps.  These are tiny, tiny shrimps we actually call "alamang" in Tagalog, that belongs to the shrimp family.  Binagoongan then is a descriptive word meaning, something was bagoong-ed, if you will.  Or something on which you put or added bagoong to.  Ok, enough of the technicalities.  Let's get down to this delicious dish.

Shabu-Shabu (Japanese Style)

I learned how to make this from my mother in law.  Basically, no measurements, just add everything to the pot.  It's almost fool proof.  

Vegetable Thai Red Curry

It feels like it's been forever since my last post. Oh wait, it has been ages. Ok, more like two weeks but that's still a long time in the blogging world. I have had a hectic couple of weeks (mostly due to work deadlines) but I feel like I'm finally able to come up for air now so here I am!