Banh Pate So | Pork Pate Pastry

I was introduced to this pastry by my older brother years ago. During my TVB drama days, Anh Cuong would make weekly trips to the Vietnamese video store to rent the lastest drama series for me, mom, and Phuong. He'd also stop by the Vietnamese store and brought home this pastry for me ever so often when they had them.
It was introduced to me again by his now fiance, Chi Tammy, during their most recent visit here. Incorporating bits and pieces of different recipes I found on the web with some of Chi Tammy's techniques, I baked up some of my own fluffy and flaky yumminess!

18 small pastries:



Thaw a package of puff pastry (2 sheets)






As the sheets thaw, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix together 1 lb. of ground pork, 2-3 tablespoons of pate, 1 medium onion - diced, 1 small carrot - shredded and cut into small pieces, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 green onion - cut into small pieces. Season with fish sauce, salt, and black pepper.


Also prepare the egg yolk wash - beat together egg yolk and toasted sesame seeds.


For small servings: Cut each sheet into 9 squares, fill half of the square with pork mixture, leaving the edge free to be sealed.


Fold over the other half and press edges down with a fork to seal. Brush the yolk over the top of the pastries. Place them on a non-stick baking sheet and pop them in a preheated 325 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.


Serve while they are fresh out the oven.


2nd batch without egg-wash.



I forgot the step of slitting the top of the pies to allow steam to escape. With no place else to go, the steam escaped through the bad seal job, causing the openings hehe Not bad for the first attempt!

Westview Orchards and Cider Mill - Fall 2011

It's a strange feeling, almost mid-October and we're getting 80+ degree weather here in the mitten. Apple picking season is here and you know what that means!...delicious hot & fresh cider donuts paired with cold crisp apple cider!

It just didn't feel right to walk around the orchard in summer clothes with the sun beating down on us. I was hoping that the boot and sweater season would be here with a little chill in the air. I shouldn't complain, I'm sure we'll be in for quite a brutal winter season. The longer we can fend off the winter weather - the better!

Hailey's first cider mill experience:



Standing in line to purchase donuts and cider










Cinnamon sugar donuts


Plain is best!


Apple Fruit Flip - Pretty good!


Cider Barn


On top of a giant haystack




Picture of the corn maze - just in-case we get lost ;)



Unfortunately the weather had us pretty worn-out. We did not finish the maze nor did we get a chance to go apple picking or try the Grill on the Hill's food. If you go, plan to spend a good 5 hours out there to experience everything!

It's a great place to take the kiddos, check out the site: http://www.westvieworchards.com/

Weekend Get-a-way: Chicago September 2011

This past weekend, a few family and friends of mine met up in Chicago to hang out for a couple of  days. The weekend pretty much consisted of eating, walking, eating, site-seeing, eating, singing, shopping, and more eating. Chicago is delicious!

I didn't capture much of the trip, but below are bits and pieces of what I did:


 First stop, Hai Yen Restaurant. My bowl of yummy bun thit nuong. Then Yosi's for drinks and Sing Sing Karaoke for some singing...we love to karaoke.
   Saturday Brunch a t Sun Wah BBQ. Peking duck cut table side =) So good!
   
 Shedd Aquarium:  
Scarry eyes!


 With my cousin Tru, reunited after years! 
   Silly fishies :o
   Seal up close.  Cute!
   Jellies!  Pretty huh?
 
Hue and I =)
Big beautiful city...definitely not for this small town gal.
 Ran into Marilyn Monroe shopping on the Magnificent Mile.
 

 First time trying the famous Pinkberry. Not crazy about it, I like SweetEarth better  =)
The remainder of the weekend consisted of dinner at Chi Cafe - Deep fried intestines - Yum! Sakura for more Karaoke.  Pho Viet for lunch on Sunday and snacks and coffee at Nhu Lan Bakery. 
Weekend spent to family, good friends, delicious food, and karaoke = Great Weekend!

Gang Gai Chicken

Once in a while I like to branch off into other ethnic cuisines. Something simple of course, that doesn't require too much time or kung fu. Last week, I attempted to make one of my favorite Thai dishes, Gang Gai. I ran with this recipe I found on the web for some direction: Chowhound.


 Prep Veggies: Fresh bamboo tips from the asian market (or canned), thinly slice red and green bell peppers, cut mini bella mushrooms, and basil leaves
   One chicken breast, thinly sliced, seasoned with salt and pepper
   Small mini can of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of palm sugar, 2 tablespoons of red curry
   Heat up some oil in a skillet, saute the red curry in the oil.

 Add the chicken, saute until almost cooked
   Add the mini can of coconut milk and half cup of water
   Add a spoon of sambal, a tablespoon of fish sauce, and hot pepper flakes to meet your spice level
   Dissolve the palm sugar with some of the sauce, add to pan
   Add veggies
   Give the veggies a quick minute to cook.  Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary
   Remove from heat and stir in the aromatic basil leaves
   Serve with rice and enjoy! 
 A quick, simple and flavorful dish, I recommend!