by jessica yoon
This month is my grandparents’ 60th anniversary. To celebrate we’ve planned a number of festivities, the first of which was a family dinner party. They put me in charge of the menu, which was a big responsibility, especially because the other hosting candidates were professional caterers and fancy hotel restaurants, but I gave it my all and played the granddaughter card, which definitely scored me some extra points!
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I’m in San Diego! It was such a spontaneous, impromptu trip that I still can’t believe I’m here. It’s been over two years since I was last in the States, I’m having so much fun visiting even the most mundane of places (ie. supermarkets). Obediently waiting for me when I got here was 1.5 years worth of Food & Wine magazines my grandparents diligently saved for me! It’s been so much fun going through them and tagging recipes and ideas I like.
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I had the most fun making these three appetizers because I found them interesting and new. Each dish was an interpretation of something more familiar. I thought they would provide an element of surprise and intrigue to the diners. I can’t take credit for creating these dishes, but I think I did a good job executing them, because they were a hit!
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Here in New York it already feels like the beginning of fall. The mornings are crisp and the evenings are cool. There were a couple days of rain, but overall I’ve really been enjoying the weather. However, despite the cooler temperatures, it is officially still summer. So to celebrate the last few weeks of bright sunny days, I thought I’d share with you a nice refreshing dipping sauce.
The recipe comes from a cookbook called Roast Chicken and Other Stories by Simon Hopkinson with Lindsey Bareham. Hopkinson is a well known British chef and food writer. In 2005 this book was given the title of “most useful cookbook of all time.” I bought Roast Chicken about a year ago and read it during commutes on the subway. The cookbook is resourceful but also exceptionally entertaining. Throughout the pages, Hopkinson shares little anecdotes and thoughts that allow a greater appreciation for food. The chapters are divided according to ingredient and the beginning of each section is adorned by witty illustrations by Flo Bayley. I have yet to read his follow up book Second Helpings of Roast Chicken but am sure it is just as delightful as the first.
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I’ve kind of been obsessed with cantaloupe lately. I eat it during breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday and still don’t get tired of it! I think it’s the most perfect out of all the melons. It’s sweet, but not as piercingly sweet as honeydew. It’s refreshing and juicy in a more substantial way than watermelon. And it’s just has a very calming quality to it. It’s pleasant and soothing like dawn during summertime.
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