Matcha Strawberry Black Sesame Cookies

Aaand I'm back after a long break from blogging! Residency has a way of getting into... life :/ I just finished my pediatric surgery rotation and on transplant now. So between organ harvesting and transplanting, I found myself with some extra time!

I met a lot of awesome people during my peds surg rotation, so I baked a batch of these cookies for them. I've been itching to make something with freeze dried strawberries, since I bought a pack and didn't know what to do with them. So on a whim, I thought matcha, strawberries and black sesame would go so well together. The cookies have a more cake like texture in the middle from the extra yolk and a fruity and nutty taste. They were quickly gobbled up by the residents!

Matcha Strawberry Black Sesame Cookies

Makes ~30 cookies

2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp matcha powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 cup freeze dried strawberries, coarsely chopped
3 tbsp black sesame

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift flour, matcha powder, baking soda and salt
3. In a medium bowl, melt butter and then beat in sugar (brown and white), vanilla, egg + egg yolk
4. Mix dry and wet ingredients until everything is just incorporated
5. Fold in freeze dried strawberries and black sesame. Use a heaping teaspoon and place dough on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. The cookies don't spread much
6. Bake until edges are just golden brown. Cool on rack for at least 10 minutes

Read More

Soy Eggs in Miso Ramen Nest

I'm back in LA for a bit and it is hot hot hot! My face has become several shades darker just from driving around 😱. Alsoooo, I finally got me a studio in Manhattan! Luckily it's subsidized by the hospital, or I'd be living out of a cardboard box at the rate some of these apartments go! Can't believe I'm going to be a New Yorker and living in the city!

Anyway, keeping up with the Easter theme, I made some coconut macaroon nests before on the blog, but I saw this on TastyJapan's Instagram and thought it was a brilliant Easter nest idea too. The nest part is made of baked ramen so it's crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Then I topped it with delicious ramen toppings, like soy marinated eggs and corn. You can put whatever you like on top and make it vegetarian too!

Soy Eggs in Miso Ramen Nest

makes 5-6 "nests"

Soy Marinated Eggs
3 medium eggs
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp mirin
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced

Ramen Nest
1 pack fresh ramen
2 tsp sesame oil
3 tsp miso (loosened in 1 tbsp water)
3 tsp soy sauce
1 egg white
pepper

Toppings
corn
naruto (Japanese fish cake with the pink swirl)
ham
green onions, diced

1. To make soft boiled eggs, place 3 medium eggs in a small pot and put just enough water to cover the top. Bring to a boil on high heat and from the time it starts really boiling, time 3.5 minutes. Once time is up, pour out the hot water and immediately run eggs in cold water or place in ice bath
2. To make soy eggs: place all marinade ingredients in a small sandwich ziplock bag and mix well. Place peeled eggs in marinade, let air out before sealing and refrigerate overnight. Turn the bag once or twice to coat eggs evenly
3. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease 5-6 muffin cups. Cook ramen according to package. Season with sesame oil, miso, soy sauce and pepper. Stir egg whites to coat ramen noodles.
4. Distribute ramen into cupcake pan or 5-6 muffin cups and make a well in the center for the ingredients to be placed afterwards. Bake for 15-20 mins. Let rest for a minute.
5. Cut marinaded eggs in half and place in center of ramen nest. Place other ramen ingredients and serve warm!

Read More

Makgeolli Sool Bbang - 술빵

Yay!! Finally a real free weekend!! Also, Happy Valentine's Day! Mine started out amazingly with 2 exams. *roll eyes* I am so sleep deprived, but currently baking at home :) Haven't touched my oven or my kitchenaid in too long!

The bf and I are going to cook together, because I just don't want to sit in a packed restaurant filled with lovey dovey couples. You know??! The only thing I baked where these EKG cookies. Anyway, the real Vday holiday is tomorrow, when the Valentine's chocolates are on SALE!! Yes!!

Here is a recipe for a traditional steamed cake made with Korean Rice wine, Makgeolli or 막걸리. I grew up on this stuff when I lived in Korea! The cake is very soft and rises amazingly, with a slight boozy taste. Oh, I feel so nostalgic...

Makgeolli Sool Bbang - 술빵

makes a 9 inch cake

1 cup makgeolli, korean sweet rice wine (preferably newly opened)
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking power
1-2 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional)

1. In a large bowl, whisk the makgeolli, eggs, vanilla and brown sugar until slightly frothy
2. Sift flour and baking power directly into the bowl and fold in until totally blended together. (no over mixing though!)
3. Place a cheesecloth onto your steamer basket and pour in the batter. Scatter sesame seeds over the top is using.
4. Cover and steam on medium heat for 35-40mins, or until a knife stuck in the middle comes out clean
5. Serve immediately - best when warm and fresh

Read More