Leftovers #69 ~ Korean Keema Fried Rice

 

It's a rarity we have leftover Korean Keema when having it for dinner. I could have possibly made more this time as I know how enjoyable this meal is. Rather than just eat the leftovers as is, which would have been perfectly fine, I decided to make a Korean Keema egg fried rice. I didn't use any additional sauce just a bit of oil. I heated a tablespoon of oil in a frypan over medium high heat, added the leftover keema meat and gently fried until heated through. I made a well in the centre of the frypan, pushing the meat to the sides of the frypan then adding two large eggs and lightly scrambling them before incorporating them into the meat mixture. I then added the leftover rice, breaking it up and stirring to mix everything together. The spicy sauce from the seasoned meat seemed to coat everything nicely so no additional sauce was needed and when serving add some freshly grated carrots and radishes or tangy pickled vegetables. Although keema is exceptionally tasty as is, this was an enjoyable leftover variation that was greatly appreciated and may be repeated. 

Leftovers #68 - Chicken Teriyaki

 

Leftover roasted chicken can lend itself to so many reincarnated meals and teriyaki chicken is one of them. Since the meat is already cooked it gets added after the veggies, broccoli and snow peas have been lightly stir-fried, then add whatever teriyaki sauce or any stir-fry sauce you wish to use, whether it be a homemade one or a ready-made one. Allow to simmer until heated through then serve over rice. Either way this is another tasty meal that uses up leftovers.  

Food Photo of the Day ~ Dill Pickle Poutine

 

Poutine is another favourite of ours that has more to do with the prep than cooking. I know I am not the first person to put chopped dill pickles on poutine in fact there is a poutinerie that has done so however at times when offered and visited, they have been sold out. So I decided to try a more modest approach, my version at home. I didn't fry the dill pickles, perhaps next time. They were quartered and roughly chopped and were an instant hit. Adding a fresh tangy sharp flavour to the savoury sautéed bacon and mushrooms, salty stretchy curds, pool of traditional seasoned gravy and slices of green onion, which I forgot and put on after the photo was taken. Very scrumptious for a unique blend of flavours with an added zing.     

Food Photo of the Day ~ Peppers

This year we got an assorted pepper pot and it was one of the best things to have. They aren't a standard full size pepper however they do have lots of flavour for being so mini. Keeping care of it was easy however diligent and we were able to produce more fruit and have sliced peppers with almost everything this summer. With an array of colours varying from orange, yellow, green and red. They were absolutely wonderful on nachos.   

These were some of the red peppers from the pot and although petite, they had a bit of a spicy kick, which was a surprise but very welcomed. Excellent with eggs and in stir-fries, the vibrant mighty minis are a favourite. The pot is still producing fruit so our pepper eating days are continuing late into the summer.    

Food Photo of the Day ~ Nachos

 

You can never have too many nachos during the warmer months as they make for a casual and relaxed dinner, if you mind the elbows. Loaded with seasoned beef and bean crumble, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, slices of black olives, fresh peppers from our garden, loads of cheese and doused with red taco sauce; these were served with sour cream, guacamole, and a tangy spicy salsa. Minimal effort, just some leisurely chopping, dicing and shredding, with a maximum piquant flavour making this one of our most inviting dinners to share.   

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Drop cookies are divine. Their imperfectly perfect form is a baker's blessing and these delectable double chocolate cookies are substantially scrumptious to dunk. I added macadamia nuts to enhance crunch and give a creamy nutty richness however adding any nut you wish, is optional, but not required.     

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies 

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makes approximately 3 1/2 dozen

2 1/4 cups (550 ml) unbleached all purpose flour

1/3 cup (75 ml) Hersey's Cocoa powder

1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda

1/2 teaspoon (2 ml) salt

1 package (225 g) Hershey's  50% Cocao Chipits Chocolate Chips

3/4 cup (100 g) pieces or halves macadamia nuts, roughly chopped into smaller pieces, optional

1 cup (250 ml) butter, softened

3/4 cup (175 ml) white sugar

3/4 (175 ml) dark brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line a baking tray with baking parchment paper.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, chocolate chips and macadamia nuts, stir together. 

In a large bowl and using a handheld mixer, beat together the butter, white sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract on medium speed until creamy. Add the eggs and beat well. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat well. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the line cookie sheet. 

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Transfer to wire racks to cool.