I’ve read many tributes to Charles Phan, he’s certainly touched and inspired so many people. Kim Foster wrote about how his recipes nourish and comfort her family, and that got me thinking about how a cookbook author you’ve likely never met can also be an intimate part of your family in a way. I’d picked up the Slanted Door cookbook a couple of times, but it always seemed a little too “fancy” for me. I will have to give it another go.
Thank you for the Lunar New Year recipe ideas. I work on Wednesdays (going to wear a red work shirt and a big snake necklace), but I’m planning to make something special on either Tuesday or Thursday. Also, Trader Joe’s has the tofu sheets back in stock (at least in SoCal).
I recommend his other book Vietnamese Home Cooking. It is more home-cook-friendly, and contains plenty of Chinese-Vietnamese dishes that I'm less familiar with, but always wanted to try.
Inspiring newsletter! Planning a few recipes to celebrate Lunar New Year. My son is allergic to soy. Do you think doubanjiang (broad beans) would make a decent sub for fermented black beans?
No reason why you cannot stir-fry those green beans with doubanjiang! Go for it but maybe back off a bit because DBJ can be stronger than black bean sauce.
Reporting back to share success! Kiddo (food-allergy-3rd-grader) & Spouse (picky eater) requested broccoli instead of green beans. Kiddo was not a fan; he’s into Plain Steamed With Only Salt Please. I loved it. Spouse really liked the DBJ sauce improv & was happy to hear that HMcK’s recipe makes a sauce batch large enough for 2 more veg cooking sessions. As per your suggestion to use a light hand for the DBJ, in went 2 Tbsps Pixian DBJ instead of 0.25 cup. Skipped the red chili flakes as the DBJ had some already & we hadn’t tried it before; used Oceans Halo No-Soy sauce for allergy suitability. (Next batch will contain real soy sauce, since kiddo’s not eating it.) Thank you for bringing us deliciousness! And happy new year to you & yours.
I’m particular to pickled Chinese onion at Tết. There is always a pair of chopsticks putting pickles in my bowl when I’m not looking. It really makes the family laugh!
Heheheh -- củ kiệu are more southern Viet style. I understand folks like to enjoy the pickled leeks/onions with dried shrimp and bánh tét -- plus maybe a little sugar too?
I made your flourless almond cookies and brought them to my bà ngoại yesterday - they earned a place on the altar with the other offerings and were a hit with my family! I blanched and peeled whole almonds for the top. This will be a new Tết tradition for me - such a simple and gratifying recipe! Thanks for sharing!
I’ve read many tributes to Charles Phan, he’s certainly touched and inspired so many people. Kim Foster wrote about how his recipes nourish and comfort her family, and that got me thinking about how a cookbook author you’ve likely never met can also be an intimate part of your family in a way. I’d picked up the Slanted Door cookbook a couple of times, but it always seemed a little too “fancy” for me. I will have to give it another go.
Thank you for the Lunar New Year recipe ideas. I work on Wednesdays (going to wear a red work shirt and a big snake necklace), but I’m planning to make something special on either Tuesday or Thursday. Also, Trader Joe’s has the tofu sheets back in stock (at least in SoCal).
Charles' cookbooks contain restaurant-y recipes. It's what was done then even if a book was framed as home cooking. It's home cooking to him.
Oh, you'll be appropriately attired for the Year of the Snake. I love that. And will look for tofu sheets at TJ too!
I recommend his other book Vietnamese Home Cooking. It is more home-cook-friendly, and contains plenty of Chinese-Vietnamese dishes that I'm less familiar with, but always wanted to try.
I appreciate the suggestion, thank you.
I was born in the year of the snake I’ll share the photo I took in Chicago’s Chinatown.
It'll be the ELLEN YEAR!
RIP Chef Phan; love his cookbooks. 💔
Inspiring newsletter! Planning a few recipes to celebrate Lunar New Year. My son is allergic to soy. Do you think doubanjiang (broad beans) would make a decent sub for fermented black beans?
No reason why you cannot stir-fry those green beans with doubanjiang! Go for it but maybe back off a bit because DBJ can be stronger than black bean sauce.
Reporting back to share success! Kiddo (food-allergy-3rd-grader) & Spouse (picky eater) requested broccoli instead of green beans. Kiddo was not a fan; he’s into Plain Steamed With Only Salt Please. I loved it. Spouse really liked the DBJ sauce improv & was happy to hear that HMcK’s recipe makes a sauce batch large enough for 2 more veg cooking sessions. As per your suggestion to use a light hand for the DBJ, in went 2 Tbsps Pixian DBJ instead of 0.25 cup. Skipped the red chili flakes as the DBJ had some already & we hadn’t tried it before; used Oceans Halo No-Soy sauce for allergy suitability. (Next batch will contain real soy sauce, since kiddo’s not eating it.) Thank you for bringing us deliciousness! And happy new year to you & yours.
Ahh a great post about Tet! Thank you Andrea. I'm making thit kho tau this year. Wish me luck!
Chuc Nung! Chuc Mung Nam Moi! Thit kho tau will be great for the holiday. 1-2-3-do!
I’m particular to pickled Chinese onion at Tết. There is always a pair of chopsticks putting pickles in my bowl when I’m not looking. It really makes the family laugh!
Heheheh -- củ kiệu are more southern Viet style. I understand folks like to enjoy the pickled leeks/onions with dried shrimp and bánh tét -- plus maybe a little sugar too?
It’s the south, there is always a ‘little’ bit of sugar! CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI
I made your flourless almond cookies and brought them to my bà ngoại yesterday - they earned a place on the altar with the other offerings and were a hit with my family! I blanched and peeled whole almonds for the top. This will be a new Tết tradition for me - such a simple and gratifying recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Erin! This is so wonderful to know. On the altar. Wow. That is a major honor for the little cookie.
Great tip on blanching and peeling whole almonds for the top garnish. That makes the cookie extra special. Chuc Tet to you and your family!