DAN’S HULI HULI CHICKEN

Close up image of Dan's Huli Huli Chicken

Although a Hawaiian Huli-Huli Chicken is often marinated with brown sugar, ginger and soy, I like Dan’s twist using molasses, orange juice, and chipotles. To me, the test of a good Huli-Huli Chicken is that you can’t stop eating it. And there are never any leftovers with Dan’s version. Huli means turn, and although you…

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TAKE THE LEAP

A skydiver flying in the air with a lady

One day while visiting Queenstown, New Zealand, I could swear I saw pterodactyls flying over the skylight in my shower. Granted, without my glasses I’m fairly blind, but there was something huge hovering overhead watching me soap up. As it turned out, I was in the flight path of landing paragliders. As they swooped down…

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QUATTRO COLORE FARFALLE IN VODKA SAUCE

Close up image of a plate of food on a table

One of the downsides of my passion for fancy food markets is coming home with a bag of unusual ingredients that I end up sticking in the back of my pantry only to throw out five years later when I get the urge to purge. But I did manage to salvage a bag of four-color…

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Asian Black Bean and Asparagus Salad

Asian Black Bean and Asparagus Salad

I’m a big Costco fan. Knowing that I’m getting a bargain by buying in bulk is very satisfying, even if that means I have to convert my coat closet into an overflow food pantry. One day, behind the thirty rolls of toilet paper and eleven remaining paper towel rolls, I found an eight-pack of black…

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SHRIMP LAKSA

Top view of Shrimp Laksa on the table

One of my favorite Singaporean treats is a steaming bowl of Laksa. It’s a spicy noodle soup that is made throughout Southeast Asia with each country having it’s own spin on it. People will argue for hours over which version is the best, but my vote always goes to this classic Singaporean recipe. To make…

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ROASTED VEGETABLE SALSA

Top view of a Roasted Vegetable Salsa

If you’re looking for a truly flavorful salsa with a kick, try this simple recipe. Roasting the vegetables really adds a depth of smoky flavor. It’s great for dipping corn chips or using as a marinade or a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy! INGREDIENTS ½ pound Italian Roma tomatoes ½ pound tomatillos, husked…

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KATSUDON

Katsudon

I find Japanese cuisine to be one of the most difficult to master. The flavors are often so subtle that you really need to balance them perfectly. But that doesn’t stop me from trying. In Japan, Katsudon is not one of the more high-end dishes. It’s actually a comfort food that is almost as popular…

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KICKED UP THROWBACK COOKIE BARS

Dan's throw back bars

Some people call these “Hello Dolly Cookies.” The gang at Eagle Brand calls them “Magic Cookie Bars.” I call them just plain delicious. I’m sure many a mom had these waiting for their kids after school. They are classics with a great combination of textures and flavors thanks to the condensed milk and candy morsels.…

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EASTER DINNER RACK OF LAMB

Rack of Lamb

Are you thinking about serving lamb for Easter? How about this simple rack of lamb? Rack of lamb can be expensive but try your local Costco. I promise — I’m not getting a kick back from them. Their lamb is grass-fed from New Zealand and it won’t break the bank. It’s a little fattier than…

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CHEESY BACON POTATO CAKE

A Potato Cake on a White Color Plate

Potatoes are having a moment of celebrity thanks to Stephen Colbert’s “Is potato” joke. And why shouldn’t we celebrate them? They are easy to grow, nutritious, inexpensive and delicious when fried, baked, or mashed. I’m always looking for new ways to use them, so here’s my take on a cheesy bacon potato cake. I’ll admit,…

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