Get Over Your Fear!

What do you do when fear is taking over your life?. I am talking about things that happen every day in your life. The computer is one of my fears, and I am looking at the screen and writing this first post. I have to say thanks to my brother, Thang, who is a computer programming graduate at IIT
University in Chicago, IL. Um!! Why didn't I think about him before?. Because I was afraid that I don't have enough knowledge to follow his instructions.

A few months ago my computer was infected with a virus. In the past , I always called Greg, the local computer guru, who came to fix my computer The fee was getting higher and higher as inflation is going on now in the United States. After reading "How to get over your fear for good" at Ehow.com many times, I told myself that it is time for me to overcome all the fear of learning about computers. Since the day I picked up the phone and called Thang, that is the day I liberated myself.

As you read this post, you can see that I still have a lot to learn. For a long time I am following many bloggers and also some of the websites that teach peoples how to be a self-learner. For that I want to say thanks to whoever before me helped people like me not to be afraid of new things in life . I do believe that life is wonderful every time you can overcome your fear no matter big or small.

So for now, as the Germans say, "Auf Wiedersehen" that is, " until we see each other again"

Easy Herb Rolls Recipe

This morning after spending a few hours of weeding the unwanted intruders in my herb garden, I am so happy that all my herb plantings last year are all coming back. Unfortunately, the garlic chives did not do well like the others. I used to dream about baking my own breads by using some of the herbs in the garden, and now this is the reality. Today, I want to use herbs from my garden to make herb rolls.
For years, I had been looking for an easy recipe for a person like me. I didn't have baking skills and always felt discouraged if the recipe called for yeast until the day I asked my friend, Lynne, about how to bake bread at home. Lynne told me about using a bread machine to help the kneading part of the process. She took me to a Goodwill store to buy an inexpensive bread machine to begin my journey of baking bread at home. For this, I thank Lynne for helping me to discover the whole new world of baking your own bread. You can go to this website http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Bread-Machine-Baking-Tips-for-Experimenting/Detail.aspx to learn more about bread machine tips. As bread prices are going up these days, why not save money by making breads at home with very little effort. Investing in a bread machine will definitely save half of the time. Make a trip to Goodwill and bring home an inexpensive bread machine. I can guaranty that you will be very happy . I believe that if I can do this, so can you!.

After searching many recipes online and also watching cooking programs on TV, I came up with this recipe that I think is very easy for people just starting to bake bread at home, and I want to share this with you.



Herb rolls recipe ( this recipe can serve 6 to 10 rolls)
The Ingredients:
1/2 cup water
1 egg room temperature
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2Tbsp olive oil ( you can use butter or margarine)
2 and 1/2 cup of bread flour ( I bought bread flour at Costco )
2 tsp yeast ( I bought at Costco)
1 Tbsp each of fresh sage and oregano ( you can substitute with dried herbs or any kind of herbs that you like)

Directions:
Place the ingredients in the pan of the bread machine as listed above-- except the herbs. I always add herbs at 10 minutes before the dough cycle is done. Select the dough cycle and press start.
At the point when the dough cycle has finished, either you can let the dough rise in the bread machine, or you can put the dough into a mixing bowl covered with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Deflate the dough by using your fist. lightly butter or grease 6 or 10 muffin cups. Fill each muffin cup half way up because it needs room for a second rise. Cover the muffin cups with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let the dough rise for a second time in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

After the second rise, preheat the oven at 350°f and bake these wonderful rolls for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the variety of oven that you use.

Cinnamon Rolls

The aroma, warmth, and sweet stickiness of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven is the first thing that I want to wake up to in the morning. What I love about these luscious rolls is that the bread machine does more than half of the work. Homemade cinnamon rolls are the best.

Ingredients:
The Dough
1/2 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp salt
3 tbs sugar
2 tbs soft butter
2 1/2 cups bread flour
2 tsp active dry yeast
The Glaze
3 tbs melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup brown sugar
The Filling
1 tbs melted butter or margarine
1 tbs sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbs brown sugar

Directions:
Place dough ingredients in bread pan of bread machine. Select dough setting and press start.
When the dough has risen long enough, the machine will make a sound. Stop the machine and remove dough from the bread pan and place onto a floured countertop.

Pour the melted butter for the glaze into a 9" x 13" x 2" rectangular baking pan and sprinkle with brown sugar.
With a rolling pin, roll dough into a 9" x 18" rectangle.
Combine the filling ingredients and spread onto the dough.

Starting with the long edge, roll up dough. Pinch seam and ends to seal. With a knife, lightly mark roll into 1 1/2 inch section.

Then use a sharp knife to cut dough into 12 pieces. Place each piece cut side up in the prepared baking pan.

Cover and let dough rise in a warm place for 40 minutes or until doubled in size.

Bake in preheated oven set to 350° for 25 or 30 minutes..

Vegetarian "Fish" Cakes

Every year on November 11, my family honors the memory of my late father. On that day I have to prepare a few dishes. The mouthwatering fish cake has been well received by my family members and guests. The nori sheets in this recipe make everyone wonder if this is a real fish cake. Try this recipe and you will love it.
 
Ingredients (makes 12 patties):
1 block of firm tofu, mashed
2 Idaho potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 cup Nori sheets, finely chopped
2 dry bean curd sheets, soaked, drained and chopped (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup red onions, chopped
1/2 cup red bell peppers, chopped
1 tbs chopped garlic
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbs hoisin sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbs soy sauce
1 tsp mushroom seasoning
1 tsp sugar
1 egg, beaten
2 tbs cornstarch
1 cup panko + 1/2 cup sesame seeds

Enough oil for frying
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed tomatoes, tofu and nori sheets.

In a sauté' pan, add oil, onions and garlic.

Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.

 Add red bell peppers and dried bean curd sheets.

 Stir to combine and season with salt, pepper, sugar, hoisin sauce, soy sauce and mushroom seasoning. Cook this mixture for 5 minutes.
Turn heat off and let it cool. Add this mixture into the mashed potatoes and tofu. Add eggs, cornstarch and stir to combine. Adjust the seasoning again.

Shape the fish cakes into 3 in. diameter round patties about 1 inch thick. Coat the fish cakes well with panko and sesame seeds. Refrigerate until ready to fry.

In a large sauce pan, add oil. Slide fish cakes into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan because you need room to flip fish cakes.

Cook each side of the fish cakes (about 3 min.) or until cakes turn golden brown.

Serve with marinara sauce or Vietnamese soy dipping sauce.

Chocolate Cupcakes

I like to make these cupcakes right after Halloween because so many chocolate candies are left over and can be a nice surprise in each cupcake.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tbs cocoa powder
1 oz chocolate, melted
1/4 cup hot water
1/2 cup sugar

Lemon butter cream frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbs lemon juice
Zest of one lemon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pinch of salt and cocoa powder. Mix well and set aside.
Melt chocolate chips in hot water.
Line the 12 medium-size muffin tin pockets with paper cups. Add the chocolate candies in the bottom of each cup

In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour. eat well. Fold in the melted chocolate and mix well.

Spoon the batter into the paper cups to about three quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool in the rack before frosting.

Meanwhile, make the lemon butter cream frosting by placing the butter in a mixing bowl and beating until fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, beating well.

Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is a deep-fried dumpling served in Chinese, Thai, and some American restaurants as an appetizers. The stuffing includes cream cheese, garlic and crab meat or imitation crab meat. These fillings are wrapped in wonton wrappers in a flower shape or other shapes depending on the skills of the cooks. They are then deep-fried in hot vegetable oil. The wonton wrappers can be bought in Asian groceries or can be made fresh by using a ravioli dough recipe from the West. I will present both of the recipes here.
Ingredients:
1 can 6-oz crab meat, drained well
8 oz fat-free cream cheese, softened
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt and pepper
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tbs sundried tomatoes, finely chopped

30 wonton wrappers
Water for sealing the wonton wrappers or 1 egg, beaten

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients except the wonton wrappers and mix well.

There are several ways to fold wonton. For the prettiest and traditional way, follow these instructions:
1) Place a wonton skin on your hand. Mound 1 teaspoon filling the center of the wrapper.

2) Roll one side of the wrapper over the filling and tuck the edge under.

3) Roll a tube, leaving 1/2 inch of unrolled wrapper. Insert a finger into each end.

4) Pull ends around until they slightly overlap the tube. Pinch ends together and seal ends with water.

 
Another easier way to fold the wonton is to place the wonton skin on the work surface.

Mound the filling in the middle of the wonton skin.

Fold the wonton skin in half into a triangle.

Moisten the two side corners with water or beaten egg. Bring side corners together, overlapping them slightly. Pinch together firmly to seal.

Continue until all the wonton wrappers are done.

In a large wok, heat oil between 360° to 370°.

 Carefully slice the Crab Rangoon into the hot oil; do not over-crowd the wok. Deep-fry the wonton until they are golden brown (about 3 minutes). Turn each side once.

Serve with sweet and sour sauce or mustard sauce.

The wonton wrappers:

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup of water for egg less or 2 eggs and 3 tbs water, as needed

Directions:
Place all the ingredients into a food processor. Press the dough button function. Use the pulse button to make a few start-stops until the dough forms a ball.

Remove dough from the machine. Knead dough a few times. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel to relax dough before rolling the dough out.
Cut dough in half.

Dust with more flour to prevent dough from sticking. With the KitchenAid pasta machine attachment, feed dough through the machine a few times until dough becomes a long strip as thin as you want.

Cut the thin strip pasta into small squares, if using to make Crab Rangoon recipe.

Stuffed Salmon with Mushrooms

A fresh salmon fillet stuffed with mushrooms and the sun-dried tomatoes makes a hearty dish.  
Ingredients:
2 -6 oz salmon fillets, rinsed and patted dry
2 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup chopped pine nuts or walnuts
5 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup red onions, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese

Directions:
Lightly sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper and place onto a baking dish. Spray some cooking oil on top of salmon.

In a sauté' pan, add oil, garlic, and onions. Cook the garlic and onions until soft and fragrant (about 3 minutes).

Add mushrooms, son-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally until the mixture wilts (about 5 minutes).

 Add nuts and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Remove and let cool. Add cheese and mix them until combined.
Pack about 1/2 cup of the mushrooms mixture on top of each salmon fillet. Shape the mushrooms

mixture onto the shape of salmon fillet. Bake salmon in a preheated oven set to 375° for 10 minutes.