Belly Bliss by charlotterubel10

BELLY BLISS

BELLY

By Graphic De at Cal

San Luis Ob

BLISS

esign Students l Poly

bispo 2019

CO NT EN TS

06 SMALL PLATE 08 Zucchini Bread 10 Holiday Ranch Crackers 12 Turnip Cake

14 Savory Steamed Cabbag 16 Croatian Sarma

18 MAIN DISHES

44 SWEET STUFF

20 Pho GÃ

46 Banana Muffins

22 Homestyle Mac and Cheese

48 Marble Bundt Cake

24 Pasta with Homemade Marinara Sauce

50 Mango and Sticky Rice

26 Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup 30 Chicken Pozole 32 Carne en su Jugo 34 Pollo a la Brasa 36 Molletes 38 Meatloaf 40 Tofu tacos 42 Sichuan Dry- Pot Cauliflower

52 Sweet Homemade Granola 54 Madeleines

SMALL PLATES

INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 medium ripe bananas 1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl, mash the bananas. Add egg, oil and vanilla; mix well. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full. Bake at 375° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

NOTE I chose this recipe because it makes me feel good about myself. Sometimes I say that they’re healthy to justify making them. But actually, these muffins have, like, zero nutritional value. I also chose this recipe because I often buy bananas and then forget I bought them until they get hecka ripe. Then I’m like “Oh, I should probably eat those.” So this is a good recipe for non-overly-ripe-bananawasters. This recipe is significant to me because once I ate a lot of these muffins instead of buying normal food. These banana muffins sustained me for almost a week. I would not be here today if not for this basic banana muffin recipe. - Erica Kemp

ZUC

CCHINI BREAD

HOLIDAY RAN INGREDIENTS One package 1.0-oz. Hidden Valley Ranch Milk Recipe Original Ranch Salad Dressing Mix ½ teaspoon dill weed ¾ cup salad oil 5 cups (11 ounces) plain oyster crackers Optional: ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

INSTRUCTIONS In a large bowl, mix together eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and baking powder. Slowly add flour mixture to egg mixture until well blended. Stir in zucchini and carrots. Bake in 2 greased and lightly floured loaf pans. Bake 350 degrees F for 60 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool on rack for 15 minutes. Loosen sides and remove from pan. Cool completely before slicing. Can be frozen-double wrap.

NOTE This recipe has always been a special dessert, snack, or breakfast treat in my family’s household. It is something that I’m always excited for when my grandma sends us homemade treats for the winter holidays. It has the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch! - Kyle Branch

NCH CRACKERS

INGREDIENTS 1 ¼ cups of rice flour 1-1½ cups of water 2 pieces of Chinese style sausage 1 fresh daikon radish 1 ounce dried shrimp 1 scallion 5 pieces of dried Chinese black mushroom 1 tsp salt/pepper Cooking oil Soy sauce or oyster sauce

INSTRUCTIONS Let the dried mushroom and dried shrimp sit in cold

a well-oiled pan. Place the pan into a steamer an

water for 30 minutes. Chop the scallion and dice

steam on medium-high heat for half an hour. Once

the sausage and mushroom. Grate the radish. Add

finished, let it cool completely before cutting into ½

grated radish and 1 cup water to large pan and

inch thick pieces. Then fry the pieces on a well-oiled

bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 10 minutes,

pan with medium low heat. Enjoy by dipping into

stirring occasionally so the radish does not brown.

soy sauce or oyster sauce!

Scoop the cooked radish into a large mixing bowl to cool. Next, pour the remaining liquid into a measuring

my favorite meals that my mom would make for

cup and fill the rest with water until you have 1 cup

me. She would usually make it during Chinese New

of liquid and pour it back in with the cooked radish.

Year’s and cook them for breakfast. It is also a main

Heat your pan over medium heat and add a two

dish in dim sum, that is usually accompanied by hot

tablespoons oil. Add the dried shrimp, mushrooms,

tea. I also just miss Chinese food. (disclaimer: does

and sausage and cook for about 5 minutes. Then

not include any turnip, it is just the more well-known

stir in the chopped scallion and remove from the

name when ordering). - Michelle Cao

heat to cool. Add rice flour, salt, sugar, and white pepper to the mixing bowl with the radish and cooking liquid. Mix until all the dry ingredients are well-incorporated. Add in the cooked scallion, shrimp, mushrooms and sausage into the mixture. Pour the mixture into 12

NOTE I chose this recipe because it is one of

TURNIP CAKE 蘿蔔

SAVORY STEA

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons of cooking oil (I recommend avocado oil for its high smoking point) 3 green onions or scallions, chopped (can also be substituted by 2 tablespoons of chopped onion, if necessary) 1 tablespoon of minced garlic ½ head of cabbage ½ cup of water 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

INSTRUCTIONS Cut the head of cabbage in half, then chop it into

sired tenderness. Originally, this cabbage was to

large pieces. Remove any bruised or wilted leaves.

be served over noodles (My family always says spa-

Chop green onions or scallions. Peel and mince

ghetti, though they admit that is because spaghetti

garlic.

was the only type of noodle they could easily find in the U.S. at the time), though we often serve it with

In a large, lidded pot, mix the cooking oil, green

other dishes (like black eyed peas) or on its own.

onions or scallions, and garlic. Cook on medium to high until the green onions or scallions become slightly translucent and the garlic starts to brown.

NOTE I chose this recipe because I love its story. When my mother and her family moved from

Turn the heat down to medium. Add the chopped

Uruguay to the United States, my grandfather was

cabbage and stir so that the oil, green onions or

going to college in South Carolina. Because of this,

scallions, and garlic are evenly mixed. Then add a

they lived in student housing near other immigrant

1/4 cup of water and cover the pot, letting the cab-

families. My grandmother often traded recipes with

bage steam for about a minute and a half or until

their neighbors, this recipe originally belonging to

bright green.

a Chinese immigrant family who lived next door. This recipe blended cultures once more when my

Stir again, add another 1/4 cup of water and 2 ta-

mother moved to Louisiana years later and adopt-

blespoons of soy sauce. Cover and let steam for

ed the tradition of preparing black eyed peas and

about a minute and a half. This time the cabbage

cabbage as a New Year’s Day meal. While her black

will be a little less bright green, but it should be more tender. Add more soy sauce to taste. Turn off the stove and stir until the cabbage reaches de14

eyed peas recipe was drawn from Louisiana, she has always prepared the cabbage in this style. - Isabela Presedo-Floyd

AMED CABBAGE

INGREDIENTS 1–2 large heads of sour cabbage (sauerkraut)

CRO

1 rack of smoked pork ribs 1 lb ground pork 1 lb ground beef or veal 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice 1 onion finely chopped 2–3 cloves minced garlic 1 Tbsp Vegeta 1 Tbsp paprika 1 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 cup of beer (for binding) *classic recipes use eggs (1–2) but it makes the meat harder Jar of chopped sauerkraut (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS Preliminary Directions: Core the cabbage heads and

then simmer for on low for 3 hours, add water if

add a handful of rock salt or coarse salt into core

necessary. *Optional, add a little tomato sauce

head of cabbage(s) and place into a clean/sterile bucket. Fill bucket with water until covered. Place heavy covering on top so cabbage stays fully sub-

NOTE Sarma is a traditional Croatian dish that

merged. Let pickle (sour) for 6 weeks.

begins its preparation as early as six weeks before the time it will be served, on Christmas day. This

Then, mix all ingredients together in large bowl

recipe is made across many Croatian households

(except cabbage and ribs). Separate the cabbage

and is always the main dish we serve during Christ-

leaves making sure to keep each leaf in tact. Form

mas dinner, but continues to feed us well beyond

small oblong rolls of meat mixture (about 1/2 cup)

Christmas day (as it is often made in large quantities

and wrap/roll each one into an individual cabbage

and always has leftovers). While it is long process, it

leaf, tucking sides in, creating Sarma rolls. Layer

is an important tradition that we enjoy keeping alive

bottom of a large pot with leftover cabbage leaves

for the holiday despite the terrible smell the pickled

or sauerkraut. Add a layers of Sarma rolls followed

cabbage has on its own, another reminder to always

by a layer of pork ribs. Continue layers until you run

store the pickling bucket outside and away from any

out of rolls or room in your pot. Finish off with a lit-

windows. Not joking. - Nikolina Cargonja

tle more sauerkraut or cabbage leaves. Fill pot with water to just cover, or you can use brine from your cabbage if you like it a little more sour. Bring to boil 16

OATIAN SARMA

MAIN DISHES

INGREDIENTS 3 liters of water 4lb whole chicken 1 onion, cut in half 30g ginger 2–3 star anise ¼ Saigon cinnamon 1 big tsp/80g rock sugar 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp salt (or to taste) ¼ cup cooking oil 1 shallot, very thinly sliced fresh or dry rice noodles 2 scallions and cilantro, sliced thinly garnishes ex. Thai chili, lime, bean sprouts, mint, basil

INSTRUCTIONS Toast the cinnamon and star anise in a dry pan over medium-high heat for about 2–3 minutes to get the flavor and aroma out. Use the same pan and roast the onion and ginger for about 10–15 minutes, until they get black on the outside and leak juice. Remove them from the pan. Slice the ginger and peel the onion by removing the tip and root but retaining its shape. Clean out the chicken and rinse it under cold water. Place the chicken in a large pot and pour 3 liters of water, adding the salt, sugar, and roasted onion and ginger after it. Cover the pot and bring it to a hard boil for 15 minutes. Check once in a while and remove the scum that’ll accumulate on the surface of the soup (pro tip: don’t stir the soup at this point to keep it clear). Cover and reduce the heat to low, letting simmer for 1 hour and continuing to skim as needed. Remove the chicken from the soup into a large bowl of ice water to make the texture of the meat nice. Shred or slice the chicken meat to prepare for serving.Add the toasted spices 20

into the soup along with 2–3 tsp fish sauce, or to taste. Simmer for another half an hour without the lid on. For the fried shallots, heat over a large pan over medium heat. Add the cooking oil and spread the shallots into oil evenly and cook until a light golden brown. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and place on a paper towel to remove extra oil. Serve the soup over a bowl of cooked pho noodles and chicken, adding in wha garnishes (and fried shallots) you have, to taste.

NOTE I chose this recipe because I eat it at least once a week at home, and never at school. Even though it’s one of my favorites, I never order it at a restaurant, partly because I think my parents make it best, and partly because I can’t pronounce the Vietnamese word for chicken (gà). - Caitlin Chan

Pháť&#x; GĂ

(vietnamese chicken pho)

M INGREDIENTS 1 box elbow or similar macaroni pasta 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 1/2 - 2 cups whole milk 2 Tablespoons flour 2 tablespoons butter 1 package sausage. Cut into bite-size circles Salt/ Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS Have a casserole dish ready by rubbing the

The pasta should be drained. Put it back in its

sides and bottom with butter for taste and easier

pot and set it aside with a little bit of butter

cleanup. Make pasta per package directions. It

stirred in. Once the white sauce is done add it to

takes a while for a large pot of water to boil so

the cooked pasta and stir it all together. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too

start that early. While pasta is cooking (usually

thick add a bit of milk.

7-9 minutes) make the sauce. Keep an eye on your pasta it will probably be ready before your

Preheat your oven to 350.

sauce is done. Now layer the pasta. Add about half to the bakWhite sauce:

ing/ casserole dish. Make a layer of the bite-size

Melt 2 T butter in a saucepan. Add 2 T flour to

sausage. Salt and pepper. About 1/4 cup cheese.

form a paste. This next step is IMPORTANT!

Repeat. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Add the milk SLOWLY, stirring constantly as you add the milk. It should be an ever-thickening process. A small amount of milk, stir, a small amount of milk, stir etc. This part takes patience and time or it ends up lumpy and overly thick. After the milk is fully added (remember this may not nee all 2 cups) add in about 1 cup of cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be super creamy and thick. Add more milk or cheese if necessary. 22

NOTE There is a single dish that I always have to eat during a visit to my parents. It is the classic family recipe that is our homestyle Mac and Cheese. Originally made by my grandmother, the recipe has been a centerpiece of family gatherings for generations. Simple as it is, there is a certain way it tastes that will just remind you of home. - Spencer White

MAC & CHEESE (HOMESTYLE)

INGREDIENTS 1 medium onion, chopped 6 garlic cloves, pressed 1 28oz can of San Marzano tomatoes, undrained 1 can of tomato paste 3 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of salt ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 1 tablespoon of dry basil ¼ cup of white wine 1 box of penne pasta

INSTRUCTIONS While waiting for the water to boil, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium saucepan.Add the garlic cloves and cook for 3 minutes. Add the onions and saute until they become transparent. Add the San Marzano tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir until evenly mixed. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and white wine and let it simmer on low for 15 minutes. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil. Then add a large pinch of salt, a drizzle of olive oil, the box of penne pasta. Let it boil for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta, pour the sauce over it and enjoy!

NOTE When I was growing up, my mom always

Although this dish has been made countless times

made pasta with marinara sauce for my brother and

across generations, this is the first time the recipe as

I. She learned the recipe from visiting her grand-

ever been written down. - Sam Rogers

mother in Italy and watching her in the kitchen. 24

PASTA &

HOMEMADE MARINARA SAUCE

TAIWANESE BEE INGREDIENTS Braised Beef 1 kg well-marbled beef chuck 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced 1 onion, thinly sliced 8 tbsp. soy sauce 2 tbsp. spicy bean paste 1 tbsp. (Shacha) Sand tea sauce A little white pepper powder A tsp. sesame oil 1 tbsp. rock sugar 4 tbsp. rice wine Fresh white noodles

1 large carrot 8 cloves of garlic 3 star anise 2 tsp. peppercorns 3 pieces of nutmeg, cracked 2 pieces of cardamom, cracked 10 slices of ginger 2 sticks of cinnamon 2 bay leaves Âź bottle of rice wine 2 tbsp Chenpi (sun-dried tangerine peel) Sauerkraut Topping 8 tbsp of sauerkraut

2 to 2.5 liters of beef bone soup

4 cloves of garlic, minced

Beef Bone Stock

4 green onions, chopped

2 kg of big bones of cattle 1 broiler chicken

2 red peppers, thinly sliced 1 tsp. sugar

1 large slice of onion

INSTRUCTIONS Braised Beef Cut the beef into cubes and boil it until there is no

to bring out the fragrance. Put the boiled beef and

blood. (The meat should be cut to 1/3 more than

stir fry for a few minutes. Put in the tomato and fry

the size you want after cooking because it will shrink

until it is soft. Add beef bone broth, rice wine, and

during cooking). Bake the spices in a dry pan and

the spice bag. The stewing time is as follows:

placed them in a cloth bag or tea bag. Put the oil in

-More fat, beef ribs / boneless short

ribs within 1 hour or less

-Moderately oily parts, brisket or flank -

2 hours

-No fat, but delicate meat - 2 hours

-If you use a pressure cooker, it can be

done in 1 hour in 20 minutes

the pan, first simmer the ginger, then add the onion and stir fry until golden. Continue to put a little sesame oil and put the garlic and pepper to the scent (The onion is thinly sliced and is easy to melt into the soup when stewed). Pour the sauce into the pot and continue to put spicy bean paste, sand tea sauce, rock sugar, and white pepper 26

(refers to the traditional pressure cooker, not electronic). Skim the oil floating on top of the soup. Boil the

EF NOODLE SOUP

紅臊牛肉麵

TAIWANESE BEE CONTINUED... noodles and two pieces of Taiwanese cabbage. Put in a bowl, add the beef and soup, fried sauerkraut, parsley, and chopped green onion. Beef Bone Soup

Topping

Place 2 kg of big bones of cattle, 1 broiler chicken, 1

Soak the sauerkraut in water to remove excess salt.

large slice of onion, 1 large piece of carrot, 8 cloves

Squeeze out the water and chop. Put a little oil in a

of garlic, and put them in a baking pan. Apply a little

pot and sautĂŠ the minced garlic and pepper. Add the

oil. Put it in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake for about half an hour (turn it halfway) until the surface is browned. If you find that the bones and meat are starting to burn in the middle, turn the temperature down a bit. Put the baked ingredients in a large stockpot (at least 12 liters) and add 10 liters of water. Pour hot water into the baking pan and pour the juices at the bottom of the pan into the stockpot. Put in 2 pieces of bay leaf, 3 pieces of nutmeg, 10 pieces of ginger, 1 piece of celery, 1/4 bottle of rice wine, a few pieces of black pepper. Boil and then turn to low heat, cover, and cook for at least three hours. It is best to cook for more than five hours. Skim in the middle, but do not stir. After cooking and cooling, pick up the oil on the surface and filter out the stock. *If you only need the broth for the beef noodle recipe above, use about 1/2 kilogram of beef bone, add about 3 liters of water, and cook 2.5 liters of broth. The whole recipe makes about four or five bowls of beef noodles, each bowl requiring about 500 mL of soup. 28

sauerkraut, add a little sugar, stir-fry over the medium heat. Chop the green onion and add toppings to the beef noodle soup.

NOTE

I chose this recipe because it reminds me

of when my mom would make it during the winter to keep us warm. My whole family would eat it together and I associate it with warm, happy feelings. Although I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t visit Taiwan often, at least I have this recipe to remind me of my roots. - Amber Chiang

EF NOODLE SOUP

紅臊牛肉麵

INGREDIENTS 1 gallon of water 1 whole chicken 1/2 of a cabbage 2 cloves garlic 2 branches of thyme 5 branches of cilantro 1 oz of marjoram 2 bay leaves 3 avocados 2 medium whole onions 3 lemons 2 oz oregano Salt

INSTRUCTIONS In a pot, boil the water together with the hominy for approximately 20 minutes. Add the chicken, garlic, thime, marjoram, bay leaf, salt to taste, cilantro and an onion, let it boil for 30 more minutes or until the chicken is well cooked. Cut the lemons into 4 pieces each and reserve. Cut the onions into small dices of approximately 1/2 cm and reserve. Cut the avocados into small slices and reserve. Shred the cabbage into small pieces and reserve. When the hominy is ready, serve in bowls and add lemon, onions, oregano, shredded lettuce and avocado to one’s own pleasure.

NOTE I chose this recipe because it’s not just a family recipe, it’s a traditional soup or stew in Mexico. Every family has their own way of making it, some add chile peppers or other minor ingredients, but it’s essentially the same; this is just how my family makes it in special events like Christmas or New Years. - David Del Pilar 30

HICKEN POZOLE

(HOMINY )

INGREDIENTS 1 lbs. Texas wagyu sirloin tip, thinly sliced 4 slices applewood bacon 4 cups of freshly cooked beans, 1-1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 cup of bean broth from the beans you cooked. 4–6 cups of water ½ white onion

Garnish with:

CAR

½ white onion small diced

½ cup finely chopped cilantro 2-3 limes cut in quarters crunchy bacon pieces. corn tortillas is a must! or the charred onions: 8-10 round green onions

1 garlic clove

1 tablespoon bacon fat

3–4 small-medium green tomatillos

(Place onions on a small cast iron pan, or a baking

1 chile serrano fresco

sheet lined with foil paper, roast slowly until charred.

1/2-bunch of fresh cilantro

Rotate them every so often, until they have char

Salt and pepper to taste

blisters all around.)

INSTRUCTIONS In a large enameled pot, saute the bacon until

along.Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Cover

crunchy. Remove the bacon bits, place them over

with a lid and low simmer for 20-25 minutes.

a paper napkin and remove some of the bacon fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons on the pot.Add the

Taste the meat for tenderness. If the meat is still a bit

thinly cut meat, season with salt, pepper and a few

tough, simmer for another 10 minutes and add a bit

dashes of Worcestershire sauce.As soon you see juic-

more water if necessary. Usually this will depend on

es coming out of the meat, start removing them with

the type of meat you buy. Once the meat is tender,

a ladle and set them aside in a little ramekin, to be

and the broth is on point, add the cooked beans and

used later on the dish.Keep removing the juices as

adjust if it needs more liquid. Bring the broth to a

the meat cooks, toss every now and then, until the

rapid simmer until the beans warm up. Turn off the

meat starts browning.

heat, and ready to serve! Garnish with limes and cilantro if you feel necessary.

In the blender goes the tomatillos, garlic, onion, Serrano, cilantro, and 2 cups of water. Blend well until it turns into liquid, then add another 2 cups of water to

NOTE This dish was first introduced to me at my

blend. Set aside. At this point your meat should be a

family’s ranch in Guadalajara, Mexico and has be-

little brown. Add to the pot the bean broth, the to-

come a staple at my family get togethers ever since.

matillo cilantro, onion garlic, serrano blend, and the

This is traditionally served on a cold day and/or night,

reserved meat juices that you where reserving all

and to be served in good company. I chose this dish because it reminds me of home. - Amanda Chevere

RNE EN SU JUGO (JALISCO STYLE)

POL INGREDIENTS 1 whole chicken (2-3 pounds)

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the marinade

cayenne pepper to taste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

For the Sauce:

Juice of 2 limes 5 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced ¼ cup dark beer 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon huacatay paste 1 tablespoon aji panca paste 1½ teaspoons ground cumin ¾ teaspoon ground annatto, for the red color 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon salt

2 green jalapeno peppers 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1 small clove garlic 1 green onion, chopped 2 teaspoons huacatay paste 1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ cup mayonnaise

INSTRUCTIONS Combine all the marinade ingredients in a food

chicken reads 160 degrees F, about 45 minutes. Re-

processor and blend until smooth. Loosen the skin

move the chicken from the oven. Tent the chicken

on the chicken and rub some marinade under the

with foil for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve the

skin. Place the chicken or chicken pieces in a large

chicken with sauce and thick cut french fries.

bag and pour the marinade over. Swish around to evenly coat the pieces. Marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Preheat a convection oven to 475 degrees F and roast the chicken pieces for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and roast the chicken for another 15-20 minutes. Preheat conventional oven to 425 degrees F and roast the chicken pieces on the middle rack of the oven until the internal temperature of the 34

NOTE I chose this recipe because my host family would make me this while I was studying abroad in Peru. - Alexandra Koplan

LO A LA BRASA

INGREDIENTS Bolillos (4 loaves, a sectioned baguette is also a good alternative) Cheese (Mozzarella or Monterey Jack work just fine) 1 can of refried beans For the pico de gallo: 1 large tomato or 2 small tomatoes 1/3 of an onion 2 serrano chiles 1 lime 2/3 cup cilantro Salt

INSTRUCTIONS Cut the bolillos/bread in half lengthwise. Spread the beans evenly on all the bread pieces. Sprinkle cheese on each bread piece. Toast pieces in the toaster oven for about 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted. To make the pico, dice the tomato, onion and chiles, and roughly chop cilantro. Mix in a bowl with a squeeze of lime and salt. Serve molletes with pico de gallo on the side.

NOTE This is a classic Mexican dish, typically eaten at breakfast (or even as a snack). Ever since I was little, my parents would always make this dish for our family that we would then eat together at the table. I would also always eat this with my grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins whenever I visited my family in Mexico. - Aitana Martinez Huerta 36

MOLLETES

INGREDIENTS ¾ cup milk 2/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs or 2 cups soft bread crumbs ¼ cup finely chopped onion 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon dried leaf sage, basil, or oregano, crushed 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef, lamb, or pork ¼ cup ketchup 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon dry mustard

INSTRUCTIONS In a medium bowl combine eggs and milk; stir in bread crumbs, onion, parsley, salt, sage, and pepper. Add ground meat; mix lightly. Lightly pat mixture into an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 1 to 1-1/4 hours. Spoon off fat. In a bowl combine ketchup, sugar, and mustard; spread over meat. Bake for 10 minutes more. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into eight slices. Enjoy! Alternative Ham Loaf: Prepare as above, except use soft bread crumbs. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard for the sage, basil, or oregano and omit the salt. Substitute 12 ounces lean ground beef or pork and 12 ounces ground cooked ham for the 1-1/2 pounds ground beef, lamb, or pork. Bake and let stand as above. 38

NOTE This meatloaf recipe is only served once a year, on my birthday. The savory ground beef paired with the deliciously sweet sauce fills your belly with warmth and the comfort of home. Best paired with mashed potatoes and peas, and the leftovers make great sandwiches. - Allison McClain

MEATLOAF

INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon oil Half onion, chopped or 1 tablespoon onion powder Two cloves garlic, crushed or 1 teaspoon garlic powder One small bell pepper, diced princess optional 1/2 pound firm tofu, crumbled (about 1 cup) 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast 1/4 teaspoon each: Cumin and oregano 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/4 cup tomato sauce Corn tortillas Green onions, chopped Lettuce, washed and torn Tomatoes, diced Avocado, diced Salsa

INSTRUCTIONS SautĂŠ onion, garlic and bell pepper in oil for 2 to 3 minutes, then add tofu, chili powder, yeast, cumin, oregano, and so I sauce. Cook three minutes then add tomato sauce and simmer over low heat until mixture is fairly dry. Place a small amount of the tofu mixture on a tortilla and fry and 1 tablespoon oil on both sides until crisp. garnish with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa.

NOTE My mom always made this for us as kids, great spicy mexican-type vegetarian food that literally everyone loves. It is a quick dinner, and makes great leftovers (good hot or cold) and also is good with whatever veggies you have around the house that you wanna get rid of. - Emma Hoban

TOFU TACOS

INGREDIENTS

DRY-POT

½ head cauliflower, cut into florets 1 link of Chinese sausage (Lap Cheong), cut into small cubes 5 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped 6 slices of ginger, cut into thin strips 4 green onions, chopped 6 Chinese dried red chili peppers, chopped 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil ¼ tablespoon salt Water

INSTRUCTIONS Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for about 1 minute while stirring them. Make sure they don’t burn.Turn up the heat to high, add the Lap Cheong and cook until browned. Add the cauliflower (keep the heat on high), and cook for 8-10 minutes. Add the green onions and the Chinese dried red chili peppers. Season with salt if needed. Cover the lid and bring everything to a simmer. Add a little bit of water if pan gets too dry. Uncover, give everything another stir, and serve over rice!

NOTE My favorite dish during my trip to Sichuan, China was their Sichuan Spicy Dry-Pot Cauliflower. It was super tasty and I absolutely love cauliflower, so I wanted to recreate it. It took me multiple tries to figure out the recipe since all I had to remember it was the taste. This dish is my favorite because it is super tasty, ingredients are cheap and easy to find, it is super simple to make, and it brings me back memories. - Betty Che 42

CAULIFLOWER (SICHUAN)

SWEET STUFF

INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 medium ripe bananas 1 large egg, room temperature 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

BAN

NANA MUFFINS

INGREDIENTS 1 pkg yellow cake mix 1 pkg (3 oz) instant lemon pudding ¾ cup water ¾ cup oil 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp almond extract (optional) 4 large eggs 5 oz chocolate syrup Powdered sugar for dusting on top of cake

INSTRUCTIONS Add first seven ingredients, one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed. Place ¾ of the batter in a wellgreased bundt pan. Mix remaining batter with chocolate syrup. Pour chocolate mixture on plain batter and cut through with a knife. Using a large cooking spoon, fold the batter over once around the pan to to achieve the marble effect. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes, or until cake pulls away from the sides of the pan when gently touched or a long wooden toothpick comes out clean when stuck in the cake. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes and invert the cake over a plate. Allow to cool completely before dusting the cake with powdered sugar.

NOTE From since I can remember, my grandma has always made the best desserts. This recipe is my favorite. Every year I would look forward to go to my grandma’s house during the holidays because I knew after dinner I was going to get a slice of marble cake. She put so much time, precision, and love into this recipe that when you make this cake it is bound to be delicious. - Charlotte Rubel 48

MARBL

LE BUNDT CAKE

MANGO AN INGREDIENTS 1 cup white glutinous rice or sweet rice 1 (14-oz) can coconut milk (1-¾ cups) 1/3 cup sugar ¾ teaspoon salt 2 medium to large mangos 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS Wash rice; place in a bowl. Cover with cold water; soak 4 to 6 hours. Drain well. Place in a colander or sieve with fine holes. Set colander on a rack over water in a large pot; water must not touch rice. Cover pot; bring water to a boil. Reduce heat slightly; steam rice 25 minutes. Meanwhile, open can of coconut milk carefully without shaking. Spoon off ¼ cup of thick milk that has risen to the top. Place in a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Stir remaining coconut milk to blend. Measure ½ cup; reserve remainder for another use. Stir coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Remove rice from steamer. Spoon into 1-½ quart baking dish. Stir sugar mixture into rice. Cover, return to steamer and steam 10 more min-

NOTE My mom only makes mango and sticky

utes. Remove baking dish to a rack. Let rice cool,

rice for special events, such as birthdays and Lunar New Year. The coconut milk adds both its flavour and creaminess, it can be eaten hot or cold – if eaten cold add a bit more coconut milk to the rice. It is sometimes topped with crunchy toasted mung beans. - Jessica May

covered, to room temperature. Peel mangoes; slice pulp. Divide rice among dessert plates. Top with 1 tablespoon reserved thick coconut milk. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Garnish with mango slices.

ND STICKY RICE

SWEET HOMEM INGREDIENTS 3 cups of rolled oats 1 ½ cups of smashed raw almonds 1 cup shredded coconut 2 cups dried fruit ¾ cup coconut oil ½ cup maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl (includes the oats, almonds, coconut, and fruit.) Whisk together the coconut oil and maple syrup and then heat in a microwave for 30 seconds. Add the wet mixture directly to the oats mixture, mix well. Combine all (if you haven’t already) in a large bowl. Spread it evenly on a (or several) parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Let cool. Sprinkle salt on finished product. Store in an air-tight container- will NEVER expire. Money back guarantee.**

NOTE This recipe is significant to me be-

cause it is one of the first dishes my family started making every week after we moved houses. It has a consistently sweet and delicately fruity taste and instantly makes you feel at home. Best served with plain or vanilla yogurt and a fruit of your choice! - Mariana Silverman 52

MADE GRANOLA

INGREDIENTS 1 ¼ c sifted flour ¼ lb of butter ¾ c white sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla Powdered sugar (to sift over madeleines)

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees and melt the butter Use mixer at high speed to mix eggs and sugar until creamy. Add flour and melted butter. Add vanilla Wipe the molds with butter. Pour dough into prepared molds and bake for 10 minutes in 400 degree oven. Remove from mold. When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

NOTE This is a recipe my great-grandmother passed down to my grandmother who passed it to my mom. I always remember the delicious madeleines and how hard it was to “just have one”. My great grandmother made a note on the recipe that said: “This is from a French Cookbook. It’s the easiest of all the Madeleine recipes I have. I always kept frozen butter on hand so I could fix these in a hurry. - Joshua Ronda 54

MADELEINES