Cambodia: Fresh lotus seeds - A tasty snack from the market

One day, Linda brought a bag of fresh lotus seeds from the market. She showed me how to peel off the thin, rubbery skin to reveal the firm, white core inside. In the middle sits a small green sprout, which tastes bitter, so you remove it, but it’s actually used to make lotus tea. The rest of the seed has a mild, mealy flavor, a bit like a mix between a nut, a pea, and a chestnut.

In much of Southeast Asia, fresh lotus seeds are a seasonal snack that shows up at markets when the seed pods are ripe. You’ll find them in Cambodia and Vietnam, but also in Thailand and China. In Cambodia, people often buy the entire seed pod to take home, then sit and pop the seeds out of the little holes, one by one.

Lotus seeds come from Nelumbo nucifera, the sacred lotus, which grows in shallow, still water. You can eat the seeds fresh straight from the plant, boil them lightly, or dry them for later use. Dried lotus seeds are often used to make lotus paste, which is a smooth, sweet filling for pastries such as mooncakes and steamed buns. The seeds are boiled until soft, blended into a purée, and slowly cooked with sugar and oil until they turn glossy and thick. The flavor is mild and slightly nutty, and when done right, the texture becomes luxuriously creamy.

Whenever I’m in Cambodia I always make sure to visit Linda and her family at Meas Family Homestay. It’s such a wonderful, peaceful place.

Read my blog post about Meas Family Homestay

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Hay Hay Roasted in Chinatown, New York City

On one of our food adventures in Chinatown, we passed by Hay Hay Roasted. It looked so good that even though we were already full, we decided to go in. In the window, there were all kinds of grilled meats hanging. Pork, chicken, and whole ducks, and outside stood a giant golden plastic duck, a clear hint that roast duck is what Hay Hay is famous for.

They serve both traditional roast duck and what’s called pipa or “guitar” duck. Pipa duck is a special way of preparing and presenting roast duck that’s common at Chinese barbecue restaurants like Hay Hay Roasted. The name comes from the pipa, a traditional Chinese string instrument shaped like a pear, similar to a mandolin or guitar. To make pipa duck, the bird is split down the back so it can lie flat, almost like a butterfly, and shaped to resemble the silhouette of a pipa. This allows the entire surface of the skin to crisp up evenly under the heat, giving it that perfect golden crackle.

We ordered the regular roast duck and some roast pork, which came neatly packed in a plastic box with rice and a few different sauces on the side. Behind the counter, a guy was chopping the meat with a massive cleaver, a traditional Chinese chef’s knife. It was fascinating to watch how precise and fast he worked, turning those glossy, crispy pieces of meat into perfect slices and cubes.

Hay Hay is a classic Chinese barbecue spot, mainly focused on takeout. When we arrived, there was already a small line at the counter, and while we waited to order, the line kept growing. By the time we left, it stretched all the way to the golden duck outside.

At home, we couldn’t resist trying a few bites before putting the rest in the fridge for the next day’s lunch. The meat was juicy and flavorful, with that perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that makes Chinese barbecue so irresistibly good.

Hay Hay Roasted, 81 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Hay Hay Roasted
Hotels in New York City

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Breakfast at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael

Last month we went to a wedding in San Rafael, which is a charming little town about 30 minutes north of San Francisco. We stayed at the AC Hotel, which is right in the middle of town within easy walking distance of most places. After a good night’s sleep, we set out on Saturday morning to find breakfast. The plan was to try TuTu Lounge, which had excellent reviews online, but just around the corner from the hotel was a Mexican restaurant called Taqueria Bahia, tempting us with Mexican breakfast dishes. We ended up eating there instead.

We ordered chilaquiles with pork and frijoles refritos. Chilaquiles is a classic Mexican breakfast dish made with crispy tortilla chips tossed in either red or green salsa, often topped with eggs, cheese, and sometimes meat. It’s one of those hearty, tasty dishes that keep you full and happy for hours. Frijoles refritos literally means fried beans, but that doesn’t quite capture how good they are. Traditionally, pinto (or sometimes black) beans are cooked, mashed, and then slowly fried in fat until thick and creamy. They’re often made with pork lard (manteca), though many places today use oil or butter instead. The result is a rich, flavorful bean purée that’s perfect alongside tacos or, as in our case, chilaquiles.

We also shared two tacos: one with lengua (beef tongue) and one with grilled chicken. Lengua tacos are usually my favorite, but at Taqueria Bahia, I liked the chicken taco better. By the counter there was a small bar with different kinds of salsa and toppings, so we helped ourselves to a red one and a green one, both excellent. A solid spot for a Mexican-style breakfast and some great tacos.

Taqueria Bahia, 1013 B St #2905, San Rafael, CA 94901

Taqueria Bahia

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LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!

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Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have come a long way from the overcooked version many of us remember from our childhood and the modern way of roasting them has completely changed their reputation. High heat transforms the Brussels sprouts into something sweet and caramelized, with crispy edges and a soft center, and once you try them like this, it is hard to go back.

I make this simple roasted version all the time. It is quick, and almost impossible to mess up. A little olive oil helps them brown beautifully, and a squeeze of lemon at the end wakes everything up. Drizzle with parmesan cheese and it is suddenly the one dish everyone talks about.

Notes

You can make this recipe in either the oven or the air fryer. The oven gives you deeper caramelization, while the air fryer makes them extra crisp in less time. Both methods work well, so choose whatever fits your schedule.

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Holiday Recipes from Scandinavia and the US

Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Servings

4

servings
Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 9 oz Brussels sprouts (250 g)

  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (15 to 22 ml)

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • A few grinds of black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice, added after cooking

Directions

  • Air fryer directions
  • Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and crisp.
  • Add lemon juice and grated Parmesan before serving.
  • Oven directions
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Trim the ends and remove any loose outer leaves. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half.
  • Place the sprouts in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Spread them on a baking sheet, cut side down.
  • Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cut sides are deeply browned and the outer leaves are crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and add a small squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and serve right away.
Ninja Air Fryer 4-in-1 Pro
$79.99

I’ve had really good experiences with the Ninja air fryers. They're easy to use, the quality feels solid, and the results are consistently great. I’ve had really good experiences with the Ninja air fryers. They’re easy to use, the quality feels solid, and the results are consistently great. I like that you don’t have to fuss around with settings to get good food out of it. Vegetables turn out crisp without drying out, and chicken comes out juicy with a nice golden crust. It’s one of those kitchen gadgets that actually lives up to the hype and ends up being used all the time.

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11/26/2025 05:00 am GMT
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Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy is an important part of a complete Thanksgiving meal. When you make it from scratch with a simple giblet stock and the drippings from your roasted turkey, you get a deep, savory flavor that lifts everything else on the table. It is the kind of gravy that pulls the whole meal together. My experience is that there is never enough gravy, so make sure you make a big portion so there’s enough gravy for the leftovers the following day.

Notes

You can take the drippings from the roasting pan about 30 minutes before the turkey is ready. Add them to the gravy and let it simmer for a few minutes. This gives the gravy its final flavor, and you only need to heat it up before serving.

Add more or less stock depending on how thick you like your gravy. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water. If it is too thin, let it simmer a little longer.

If you want a traditional textured gravy, stir in the finely chopped cooked giblets and neck meat. If you prefer a smooth gravy, strain it before serving.

Make a generous portion. Leftover gravy is great the next day with turkey sandwiches or mashed potatoes.

All my Thanksgiving Recipes

Holiday Recipes from Scandinavia and the US

Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Servings

4

servings and enough for leftovers the following day
Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • Giblet stock
  • Turkey neck and giblets

  • 1 small onion, quartered

  • 1 carrot, peeled and cut in chunks

  • 1 celery stalk, cut in chunks

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 6 black peppercorns

  • 4 cups water (~1 liter)

  • Salt to taste

  • Gravy
  • 3 tablespoons butter (~ 40 g)

  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour

  • About 3 cups giblet stock (750 ml), or as much as you have

  • 1 cup turkey drippings and juices from the roasting pan

  • Salt and black pepper

  • Optional: finely chopped cooked giblets and neck meat

Directions

  • Make the giblet stock
  • Rinse the neck and giblets.
  • Place them in a pot with onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf, peppercorns, and water.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 1 hour.
  • Skim off any foam and season lightly with salt.
  • Strain the stock and set aside.
  • If you want a traditional textured gravy, finely chop the cooked giblets and the meat pulled from the neck.
  • Make the gravy base
  • Set a medium pot over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and let it melt.
  • Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste.
  • Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the roux turns pale golden and smells slightly nutty.
  • Slowly whisk in the giblet stock. Start with a small amount to loosen the roux, then add the rest.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer and let the gravy cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Turn off the heat and let the gravy wait until the turkey is done.
  • Finish the gravy with turkey drippings. Use a spoon or small measuring cup to scoop up the hot drippings and juices from the roasting pan. Pour them directly into the gravy pot. Stir well and keep the gravy at a gentle simmer. Serve hot.

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The lobster at Big Wong in Chinatown NYC

Steve and I were back in Chinatown on yet another food adventure, and the plan was simple. We were going to find a place for Peking duck. Big Wong supposedly does a perfectly respectable version, so that’s where we ended up. But it didn’t take long to realize that the duck was not the star of the show that night. Almost every table around us was ordering lobsters with ginger and scallions. Plate after plate came out of the kitchen, steaming hot and impossibly tempting, and within minutes we had talked ourselves into ordering the lobsters too.

We also tried the cheung fun (called rice crepes on the menu). They’re soft steamed rice noodle rolls, silky and slightly springy when done right, served with different fillings and a light soy sauce. Ours came with shrimp and roast pork, and they were fine, but not memorable. I probably wouldn’t order them again.

The lobster, though. They were every bit as good as they looked. The meat was fresh and juicy, and the sauce was wonderful with this gentle, aromatic mix of ginger and scallions. I immediately regretted not ordering rice on the side because I wanted every last drop of that sauce. A very good dish at a very good price ($45, October 2025) for New York, especially for lobster.

If you go to Big Wong, you should absolutely order the lobster if available. It’s called “2 Lobsters with Ginger and Scallions” on the menu, and it’s one of the best lobster dishes I’ve had in a long time. With rice on the side, it is more than enough as a main course for two people. As for the Peking duck, we’ll have to come back for that another day.

Big Wong, 67 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Hotels in New York City

There’s nothing like starting your day in New York City, with endless adventures waiting just outside your door. To get the best rates and the widest selection of hotels, I recommend booking well in advance of your stay.

Find the perfect place to call home while you're here:

Affiliate link: I might earn a commission if you make a booking, at no additional cost to you.
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