Kung Pao Chicken

Many Americans would be surprised to learn that their favorite Chinese dishes are either not Chinese at all, or greatly altered from the original. One of our favorite Chinese cookbooks, Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho, helps cut through the confusion with dozens of authentic recipes of Chinese classics such as this traditional version of Kung Pao Chicken. It may not be the Kung Pao Chicken you are used to, but it will quickly become a new favorite.From the Author: "Kung Pao Chicken is one of those takeout dishes that is usually covered by a landslide of sickeningly sweet brown sauce. It would not be recognized by anyone arriving in the United States from China. Kung Pao Chicken is in fact a dry stir-fry dish. The spicy sauce should only lightly coat the chicken pieces, giving them enough flavor to delight the palate and provide subtle contrast to the crunchy peanuts."

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Marble Tea Egg

If you want to take the mystery out of Chinese cooking, then Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho is the book for you. Full of step-by-step basic cooking methods and techniques, this book also provides an excellent overview to ingredients that you might not be familiar with. Kian Lam Kho's recipes range from simple to more complicated, but all are well worth trying. This Marble Tea Eggs recipe is an example of one that is easy to make, and results in a spectacular dish when served.From the Author: "Found in just about every corner convenience store all over China, this tea egg is a popular snack food that is also commonly served as an appetizer at formal banquets. Any Chinese red or green tea works well with this recipe, but do not use black tea, as it can make the eggs too bitter.

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General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken is very popular in the United States, but is usually pretty sweet. This authentic version from Phoenix Claws & Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho is full of flavor and will make you want seconds.From the Author: "This version of General Tso's Chicken resembles the original created by Peng Chang-Kuei in Taiwan. Strictly speaking it is not a traditional Hunan dish, but the technique and flavors are inspired by the chef's Hunan background. It is not as sweet as the standard American version, and is laced with lots of garlic."

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Voodoo Bloody Mary

Make your next pitcher of Bloody Mary's with a little Voodoo....or a lot! We gave this favorite beverage a Gulf Coast makeover complete with a pickled okra garnish for a recent Cajun & Creole flavor party. This Voodoo Bloody Mary is great right off the bat, but if you've got the time make the tomato juice mixture a day ahead, as the flavors will settle in even better.

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Creole Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are always a crowd pleaser, even more so when you make them with a twist. Enter our Creole Deviled Eggs. This version is anything but ordinary, packed with flavor from Creole Spice and a dusting of Smoked Sweet Paprika on top.

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Blackened Shrimp Bites

Shrimp & grits comes in many forms, and they are all good! This version starts with polenta squares dotted with fresh thyme and layers on sauteéd collard greens with blackened shrimp on top. This recipe does require some assembly, but it's worth the effort because the combination of texture and flavor is outstanding. Just make sure you ventilate. Blackening will make a bit of smoke!

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Tellicherry Buttermilk Biscuits

I drew inspiration for these Tellicherry buttermilk biscuits from, My Two Souths by Asha Gomez. This enchanting cookbook was a delightful collection of recipes blending culinary traditions from Southern India and the Southern United States. A match made in heaven! I couldn't wait to cook from it! Biscuits are one of my most loved foods from down-home cooking, and adding pepper shows how easy it is to make something simple even more sensational with just one spice. I barely adapted this recipe from the original. I used shortening instead of butter for sentimental reasons. My childhood mornings were often spent watching older generations crumble it into flour while I waited for that first hot biscuit out of the oven.

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Georgian Spiced Lamb Chops with Molasses Mustard Glaze

If you're tired of the same old meat & potatoes, then whip up this delightful dinner seasoned with spice blends from Georgia. We've grilled up some spiced lamb chops with Khmeli Suneli, an exotic blend of herbs and spices, and then finished them with a bold molasses-mustard glaze. Want more? We did! Add a side of mashed potatoes with Svaneti Seasoned Salt. All these bold and distinctive flavors combine wonderfully, taking comfort food to a whole new level.

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Saffron Apricots

We are always looking for cookbooks that show how you can still prepare healthy, nourishing vegetarian food, even if you have time constraints. Enter "a modern way to cook" by Anna Jones. It's a wonderful cookbook with recipes that are creative and bursting with flavor, and this Saffron Apricots recipe is truly a standout.From the Author: “The quickest, most exotic-tasting dessert I know, made mainly of things that sit happily in your pantry. I use orange blossom water here to add a heady fragrant taste, which I love. If you can't find it, it will work without. I serve these with a spoonful of coconut yogurt, and they are equally good on top of vanilla ice cream.”

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