Friday, March 13, 2026

Roasted Cauliflower

Tried this with the garlic powder and next time would like to try it without (for my allium sensitivity, not that it didn't taste delicious).

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 3 T butter, melted (original was only 2 T but I had a big head of cauliflower)
  • [1/2 t garlic powder]
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/4 t paprika
  • 1/4 t pepper
  1. Preheat oven to 200C.
  2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. Break off cauliflower into pieces, slicing the larger ones in half if necessary to make them fairly even and bite-sized.
  4. Place on sheet and drizzle with oil and butter. Toss to combine.
  5. Combine the seasoning and then sprinkle on. Toss again.
  6. Spread evenly and bake at 200C convection (or 425F regular) for 15-20 min until desired tenderness/crispiness.

Monday, March 9, 2026

Hainan Style Chicken - One Pot

One pot recipe that both BDs enjoyed. I could only find skinless, boneless thighs so used that. And I forgot to reserve 1/3 of the aromatics, so it all went into the rice (of which there was extra) and it turned out great. 

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, skin on/bone in/optional (~700 g)
  • 1 t salt
  • 1 pinch white pepper
  • 2-3 rice cups of rice (recipe called for 2, but I used 3 to have leftovers)
  • 2 T neutral cooking oil
  • 2 stalks scallions, finely chopped
  • 1 T minced ginger
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 t salt
Sauce
  • 2 T light soy sauce
  • 1 T fresh lime juice (or less)
  • 1 t sesame oil
  • cucumber slices, blanched greens (spinach, bok choy)
  1. In a bowl, sprinkle the chicken thighs with the 1 t salt and white pepper. Rub it in. Leave to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat oil over medium heat. Add the scallions, ginger and garlic. Fry until fragrant - do not burn.
  3. Scoop 2/3 of the mixture into the rice cooker. Add the rice and extra 1/4 t salt. Add the water. Place thighs on top.
  4. Set to cook. When done, leave covered for an additional 10 minutes to let the chicken continue to cook.
  5. Take chicken out and slice into strips (cutting off the bone if there).
  6. Serve the rice, with chicken on top and cucumber slices.
  7. Mix the sauce ingredients with the aromatics mixture that was saved earlier. Use as a dipping sauce or to pour over the chicken and cucumbers.


Pasta with Brussel Sprouts, Tomatoes and Spinach

Used leftover plain spaghetti from XBD's carbonara dinner to make this for lunch the next day. Delicious! BDs don't eat brussel sprouts or tomatoes, so a perfect lunch for one.
3/16/26 Made this again without spinach. Still delicious!

  • pasta of choice
  • butter
  • Brussel sprouts
  • 1 tomato
  • spinach
  • mozzarella
  • salt and pepper
  1. Cut Brussel sprouts in half and sauté on medium in generous amount of butter for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Slice tomato.
  3. Sauté spinach.
  4. Serve over cooked pasta, sprinkle with additional salt and pepper. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella.