ChaoCuisine

BBQ Spareribs, Roasted Red Peppers and Strawberry New York Style Cheesecake. A busy week of cooking.

My friend Carolyn visited from Massachusetts last week. Luckily she has a very green thumb, and helped me redo my patio garden. The roots have more room to grow, and I put in some moisture retaining soil, so I won't worry about my plants when I'm away (or forget to water them). Thanks Carolyn!

75 person buffet for a fun crowd. Inga's husband, Richard organized the whole thing and did an amazing job! Did the event single handed, so didn't have time to take photos, but had a great time!

Great Sichuan Recipes, hosted by Joe and organized by James. Lots of fun had by all.

Interning at Romy and Amy's former restaurant (Cendrillon) in Soho, NYC inspired me to go to cooking school If you're in New York, check out their new restaurant in Brooklyn.

Treats for Alex & Nellie's Holiday Party

Up until 2am making christmas cookies and prepping for a holiday party. This really is the busiest time of the year, for a caterer!

Pecan Crescent Cookies that ChaoCuisine Baked for re:modern's Warehouse Sale, 12/11 and 12/12.

Thanks for all the Fan support! Lucky #88 fans and counting...

I asked Wei-hwa Chao (my mom) to show me how she makes ZhongZhi, the traditional bamboo leaf wrapped savory or sweet treat served for the Dragon Boat Festival each year. Unfortunately, my weekend was packed getting ready for this retirement party I am catering after Thanksgiving. Thanks for mom for being a trooper, prepping all the components, wrapping and cooking 38 ZhongZhi! I made a paltry 2, that she "fixed" for me. Aren't moms grand?

An experiment that I documented in the summer of 2009. The Classic American Cookie, simple yet surprisingly complex. Testing the effects of overnight "resting" and "freezing" on the dough. As well as browning the butter vs creaming it. Building on the chocolate, pecan and apricot combination that is a standby for me, but playing with texture: chewiness and crispiness. Cooks Illustrated and NYTimes Recipes referenced.