Trick or Treat, Heat or Sweet: Halloween Stuffed Pumpkin Duo | 萬聖「南」式生死戀

附中文食譜

Fall is finally here! My favorite season of the year brings cooler evenings, an end to ravaging typhoons, yellowing leaves, spiced apple cider, and loads and loads of pumpkins. Around the world this autumn staple pops up in menus from pastas, baked goods, your morning coffee and, soon, to all things Halloween. I realize all these years I haven't done much for Halloween, but that is all going to change!

My first ever hand-carved mini Jack-O'-Lanterns! Feed them a candle and watch as they come alive!

Several weeks ago KitchenAid Hong Kong got in touch with me regarding an exciting opportunity to collaborate in an upcoming campaign #CapturingTaste. They are to partner up with SONY and host a series of food photography and styling workshops, featuring creations by a talented team of local chefs handpicked by KitchenAid. Before I knew it, I've reached for an imaginary paper bag in case of hyperventilation upon receiving this extraordinary invitation. The event is slated to debut on October 30; and my assigned theme is Halloween - perfectly in time for the spooky celebration!

Flanked by a star-studded lineup of half a dozen accomplished chefs, entrepreneurs and cooking school founders, I couldn't help but feel intimidated. We were each assigned a theme and tasked to design and prepare one dish at the KitchenAid live kitchen to be the centerpiece of a professional photo shoot. Imagination is one's own limit, granted that healthful eating and sustainability is taken into account and that artificial food coloring is avoided at all cost. Sounds right up my alley!

In the weeks following, as fireworks began to set off in my brain, I delineated several routes I could take to bring Halloween to life. Do I want to go gory, gross, and scary? Nah. Spooky but cute? Maybe. Color themed with a touch of fall and fusion? Yes! Having seen crates upon crates of colorful, adorable (some adorably deformed and resembling a witch's wart-covered nose) pumpkins and squash in markets in Europe and the U.S., already I was certain that these would play a pivotal role in the presentation of my dish. All I needed was to inject creativity and a splash of orange and black.

While orange colors are rather easy to come by in the plant kingdom, black may not be as prevalent. Drawing inspirations from international cuisines and ingredients, I scoured my mind for all things naturally black in nature. Squid ink, charcoal powder, olives... and bam! Thai black glutinous rice came up in a conversation with a friend. My eyes lit up, sending sparkles throughout my brain. That is it. I am going to create a Halloween mini stuffed pumpkin duo drawing influences from Thai and other cuisines.

Black sticky rice and pumpkin are both traditional dessert ingredients ubiquitous across Thailand. I decided to steam rather than simmer the glutinous rice for a firmer and less runny consistency, and drizzle in a salty sweet coconut sauce exactly like what you'll find on sticky rice with mango desserts everywhere in Thailand. A knot of pandan leaf and just a tad of Thai palm sugar is added to the rice before steaming to infuse a hint of sweetness and that unmistakable, comforting fragrant note. Feel free to substitute the more delicate Thai palm sugar with gula melaka - the smokier, toffee-edged version of palm sugar, or brown sugar if neither is available.

Watch my mini "tutorial" on carving your own mini Jack-O'-Lanterns!
https://www.facebook.com/alvinspenthousekitchen/videos/165064507771986/

To counter the sweet treat, I made hummus - yes, I know, a little out of the blue it seems - but this is not your ordinary hummus, but a velvety smooth orange-hued pumpkin hummus with a Thai twist and unanticipated heat. A Thai red curry pumpkin hummus that you just can't stop dipping into. You can use canned pure pumpkin here, but why not make from scratch when it's so easy? Just chop, steam, and peel and in it goes into the processor. Makes a wonderful Halloween party snack, and both recipes are entirely gluten-free and vegan-friendly too! Now this is what I call a Halloween trick or treat!

Directions...

Mini pumpkins and squashes

1. Cut about a quarter to a third of the pumpkins to make a lid. Scoop out all the seeds and pulp and save for other use.

Black Sticky Rice Pudding with Pumpkin
3/4 cup Thai black glutinous rice
1/4 cup white glutinous rice
1 pandan leaf
2 teaspoons Thai palm sugar, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
Boiling water

Diced Pumpkin:
120 g butternut squash

Coconut Sauce:
1/2 cup coconut cream
1/2 tablespoon white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Black Sticky Rice Pudding:
1. Combine the rice, wash and soak in water for at least 3 hours up to overnight. Drain and rinse, and place into a heatproof dish. Tie the pandan leaf into a knot and nestle into the glutinous rice. Scatter chopped palm sugar on top of the rice.

2. Add some boiling water to the dish, leaving a top layer or rice exposed. Steam for 25 minutes or until the rice is cooked but still retains a chewy and slightly crunchy texture.

3. Discard pandan leaf and stir in salt and three-quarters of the coconut sauce. Set aside and allow the rice to absorb the coconut sauce. If making ahead of time, do not mix in the coconut sauce until ready to eat. Scoop into prepared mini pumpkins, drizzle some more coconut sauce, and scatter diced pumpkin over the rice.

Diced Pumpkin:
Dice pumpkin into small cubes. Steam for 4 minutes, remove and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside.

Coconut Sauce:
Warm coconut cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved.

Thai Red Curry Pumpkin Hummus
1 can (425 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
420 g butternut squash
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 1/2 tablespoon Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup coconut milk

Garnish (optional):
Paprika | Bird's eye chili, chopped | Cilantro, chopped

1. Rinse, scrape out all the seeds and pulp, and cut butternut squash into large chunks. Steam for 8-10 minutes until softened and easily pierced with a fork. Remove skin once cooled enough to handle.

2. Place chickpeas, cooked pumpkin, garlic, grated ginger, tahini, curry paste, and coconut milk in a food processor, blend, and check taste and consistency. Add more coconut milk if necessary to loosen. To increase heat, blend in half a bird's eye chili. Puree until smooth. Scoop into prepared mini pumpkins, and top with garnish.

【 萬聖「南」式生死戀 】

『椰汁黑糯米配南瓜粒』

材料：

泰國黑糯米           3/4 杯

泰國白糯米           1/4 杯

斑蘭葉                    1 片

泰國棕櫚糖            2 茶匙

幼鹽                         1/4 茶匙

滾水                         適量

南瓜粒：    

南瓜                         120 克

椰汁：

椰漿                         115 毫升

砂糖                         1/2 湯匙

幼鹽                         1/4 茶匙

做法：

1. 黑糯米和白糯米洗淨，用清水浸三小時或過夜。 

2. 南瓜切小粒， 隔水蒸四分鐘後撈起浸冰水。撈起備用。

3. 斑蘭葉打個小結，連同隔了水的糯米放在蒸盆內。棕櫚糖撒在面。注入滾水（隔水蒸 25-30 分鐘。

4. 椰漿用慢火煮開，加入鹽和糖，拌勻備用。

5. 糯米蒸好後把斑蘭葉拔出。拌入幼鹽和部分椰汁，靜置數分鐘，讓糯米吸收掉椰汁。

6. 食用前再淋上剩餘椰汁和撒上南瓜粒，即成！

『泰式咖哩南瓜鷹嘴豆泥醬』

罐裝鷹嘴豆              425 克

南瓜                           420 克

蒜頭                            3 瓣

薑蓉                            1 茶匙

純芝麻醬                   2 湯匙

泰國紅咖哩               1 1/2 湯匙

椰汁                            60 毫升

裝飾用：紅椒粉 | 指天椒（切粒）| 芫荽（切粒）

1. 南瓜去籽洗淨後切段，隔水蒸 8-10 分鐘至軟身。待涼後去皮。

2. 將所有材料放入攪拌器，高速攪打一分鐘後試味。如喜歡較辛辣的可加入半條指天椒。將混合物攪打至呈細緻泥狀。撒上裝飾，即成！

Bossam: Korean Boiled Pork Belly Wraps | 韓式水煮五花腩生菜包

Most of us would have tried Bossam (보쌈) at a restaurant before, a popular traditional Korean dish consisting of sliced pork belly that is cooked in a seasoned broth and eaten wrapped in leaves along with a variety of condiments. "Ssam" means wrap, and "Bo-ssam" means "wrapped" or "packaged." One theory has it that the word "bossam" evolved from the combination of two letters, 복 bok and 쌈 ssam, where bok means good fortune and together it would mean to wrap good luck in leaves. Now who doesn't like the sound of that?

The centerpiece of Bossam is of course pork belly, a succulent cut of pork that is layered with tender meat, fat, and rind that gives a toothsome chew. The pork is usually simmered for an hour or more in a seasoned broth. Here I am using a Fissler Vitavit® Comfort pressure cooker (2.5L) that not only significantly cuts down on cooking time, but also produces meat that is tantalizingly juicy and infused with remarkable flavor. Although this recipe is specially designed for the pressure cooker, it can also be made without one only with adjustments in cooking duration.

The ingredients used in the seasoned broth are pantry staples in any Korean kitchen: doenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste), onions, garlic, ginger, etc. One rather unusual addition is instant coffee - a secret ingredient used among many Korean households in making bossam that is hardly a secret anymore. The coffee helps eliminate the sometimes undesirable porky odor; at the same time, it magically enhances the flavor of the pork without actually tasting a trace of coffee. My recipe here involves a good amount of ingredients - all of which combines to give an intense flavor enough for the pork belly to stand on its own even without any condiments. The aroma of all the spices and ingredients is absolutely sensational - and smells distinctly Korean - so don't forget to take a moment to take a whiff before putting on the lid!

Now, straight out of the cooking broth the pork belly will look somewhat drab - flavorful to say the least, but looking rather plain and nothing out of the ordinary. Boiled meat is what it is; that is what you'll usually be served in a restaurant. But if you are like me, you're gonna want to take the bossam to the next level by taking just one simple extra step. Give the pork belly a quick sear on the pan, and you will get this magnificent golden brown that not only kicks the flavor up a notch but also makes the pork belly that much sexier.

Bossam is typically accompanied with a whole host of condiments and sides. For the wrap itself, it is common to use different lettuces, aromatic perilla leaves (a.k.a. wild sesame leaves), as well as pickled or brined cabbage. Napa cabbage is soaked in salt water for anywhere between thirty minutes up to several hours to soften the leaves while preserving a sweet, tender crunch. Some typical sides and toppings include spicy oyster radish kimchi, fresh kimchi, saewoojeot-jang (salted shrimp sauce), ssamjang (Korean spicy dip for wraps and meats), sliced chilies, and raw or toasted garlic slivers. Incorporate as much as you wish, or keep it simple!

For my recipe for homemade kimchi, please click:

Traditional Korean Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Bae-Chu Kimchi)
For my recipe for kimchi fried rice, please click:

Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)

That said, the ssamjang is indispensable when making any ssam. It is what gives that punch and "pow" to any grilled meats or lettuce wraps. It can be easily be store-bought, yet just as easily homemade with your own seasonings ('coz who needs another thing to take up precious space in my refrigerator?). The recipe is included below! So, are you ready to get cooking? In no time I promise you will find yourself yet another favorite go-to for potluck parties!

What you'll need...
700 g (1.5 lb) fresh pork belly, rinsed and drained
1 medium onion, quartered
1 inch ginger, sliced thinly

7 plump garlic cloves
2 white parts of leeks
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons doenjang
2 tablespoon rice wine or sake
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon instant coffee
4 cups (1 L) water

Cabbage wraps:
1 small napa cabbage
1/4 cup coarse salt
3 cups warm water

Ssamjang:
1 1/2 tablespoons doenjang
1 tablespoon gochujang
3 garlic cloves, minced
Toasted sesame oil
Spring onion, chopped
Sesame seeds, toasted

Directions
1. Prepare the cabbage: dissolve coarse salt in warm water, quarter the cabbage lengthwise and submerge in the salt water. Let soak, flipping every now and then, ensuring that the leaves are completely submerged, 30 minutes up to 2 hours. Rinse and drain well.

2. Combine all broth ingredients in pressure cooker and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add pork belly and return to a boil, observing the maximum capacity level and removing excess liquids if necessary. Then, on medium-high heat, fasten the pressure cooker lid and set the cooking display with traffic light function on level II. Reduce heat to low and set timer for 10 minutes once the green ring becomes visible.

3. When time is up, set the cooker aside to cool until fully depressurized. Unfasten the lid and remove pork belly from the broth. For enhanced flavor and color, continue with this step; otherwise, skip to the next step. Let pork belly rest and drain for several minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and quickly sear the pork belly on both sides until golden brown.

4. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Prepare ssamjang by mixing all the ingredients and season to taste. Slice pork belly to desired thickness and arrange on a platter and serve warm with ssamjang, cabbage, various lettuces, perilla leaves, sliced garlic and chilies. Enjoy!!

Note: If using a regular large pot, bring broth ingredients to a boil and add pork belly. Return to a boil then cover pot with a lid and simmer on medium heat for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on size of pork belly.

【 韓式水煮五花腩生菜包 】

材料：
新鮮五花腩                       700 克
洋蔥                                   1 隻，開四
薑                                       1 寸，切片
蒜                                       7 瓣
大蔥（白色部分）             2 根
月桂葉                                2 片
韓國大醬                            1 1/2 湯匙
清酒                                   2 湯匙
紅糖                                   1 湯匙
黑椒原粒                            1 茶匙
即溶咖啡                            1 茶匙
水                                         1 公升

旺菜包
旺菜                                    1 小棵
粗鹽                                    50 克
溫水                                    710 毫升

韓國沾肉醬
韓國大醬                            1 1/2 湯匙
韓國辣醬                            1 湯匙
蒜蓉                                    3 瓣
麻油                                    適量
蔥花                                    適量
芝麻                                    適量

做法：
1. 把粗鹽加入溫水拌勻。旺菜開四，放入鹽水醃最少半小時至兩小時，期間偶然把旺菜翻動。醃好後瀝乾水份備用。醃好的旺菜會軟中帶爽、輕微鹹中帶甜。

2.  把所有燉煮材料放入高速煲，用大火煮滾後放入五花腩。待水滾後蓋上高速鍋蓋，調校至 2 速，用中火煲至見綠環後轉慢火，計時 10 分鐘後熄火。

3. 待指示燈降至原位後小心排放剩餘蒸氣然後開蓋。想更加色香味俱全的話，可以繼續此步驟；否則可跳往下一步。把五花腩拿出來靜置數分鐘。燒熱易潔鍋，用猛火將五花腩兩邊快速煎香至金黃色。

4.  把五花腩靜置 10 分鐘。把沾醬材料拌勻再依個人喜好作調味。將五花腩切片上碟，配以韓國沾肉醬、旺菜、生菜、紫蘇葉、蒜片和辣椒即成！

備註： 不用壓力煲，可依傳統做法 — 只要把所有燉煮材料和五花腩用大火煮滾後收中慢火，蓋上煲子，視乎五花腩大小煮 45 - 60 分鐘。

[Follow me on Instagram @alvinckl and @alvin.penthousekitchen and check out my Facebook Fan Page!]

Nam Jim: Thai Dipping Sauce | 泰式秘制酸辣蘸汁

附中文食譜

Cilantro - also known as coriander - is perhaps the one herb in the entire herb kingdom that has the power to incite reactions of extremity. It has always been met with either love or despise and nothing in between. Folks in Camp Cilantrophobia would resolutely request to "skip the green stuff" (走青) when ordering a bowl of fish ball noodles - their repugnance towards those frilly, pungent green specks bordering on fear of some lethal allergic response. On the contrary, those in Camp Gimme More would shamelessly empty whole tubs of chopped cilantro onto their tacos at the taco joint. Ahem, just saying.

It is really recently that I realize there may be another Camp staking out discretely in the middle between the polar opposites. Let's call it the Camp I-don't-mind-cilantro-if-it's-mixed-with-other-stuff. Every time I have friends over for a Mexican or Moroccan feast, I would apprehensively ask if anyone's adverse to cilantro, keeping fingers tightly crossed for a negative lest someone's walking out hungry. Fortunately, I discovered this somewhat more 'liberal' Camp whose tolerance for cilantro broadens when its flavor blends and sparkles with others.

For the record, I, too, was once upon a time a radical member of Camp Cilantrophobia, but am now a proud convert that does empty whole tubs of fresh chopped cilantro onto my tacos at the taco joint. What Camp are you in?

Whichever Camp you belong to, the following recipe is guaranteed to unite us all. This Thai Nam Jim is a tangy, spicy, versatile dipping sauce that packs a punch in flavor and can liven up anything from seafood to grilled meats and even salads. Melding the fundamental tastes of sweet, sour, salty with a kick of garlic and heat, this dressing is a sure-fire solution to use up any leftover cilantro, from the leaves and stalks all the way down to the roots, with nothing going to waste. In Thailand, this Nam Jim typically pairs with fresh raw shrimps, or Kung Che Nam Pla (กุ้งแช่น้ำปลา), and is equally delicious with steamed fish, calamari, barbecued chicken, and stewed pork. So the next time you ever have too much cilantro hanging around, whip this dip up and rest assured you will be wishing you got more. Welcome to Camp Gimme More!

What you'll need...
3 cloves garlic

2 bird's eye chili

5 stalks cilantro, roots included

1/2 tablespoon palm sugar*

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce

*Note: If Thai palm sugar is not available, substitute with Gula melaka, the Malaysian palm sugar, which imparts a smoky sweetness to the Nam Jim. Alternatively, use coconut sugar or brown sugar.

Directions...
1. Using a small knife, scrape and clean the cilantro roots to rid of any chewy, stringy bits.

Waste not: make use of the entire stalk, from leaves to roots!

2. De-seed the chilies as desired. Finely chop the garlic, chili, and cilantro roots and stems and crush into a rough paste using a mortar and pestle or a blender. Add palm sugar and pound until dissolved. Add lime juice and fish sauce and adjust to taste. When ready to use, add chopped cilantro leaves.

《泰式秘制酸辣蘸汁》

香港人最愛的「公車腩霸」，可謂泰國必吃之名菜之一。吸引的並非只是生蝦刺身，而是伴隨的泰式酸辣蘸汁，將其鮮甜提升到另一境界。無論你對芫荽是愛或恨，都難以抵擋這秘制酸辣汁的「味力」！不過除了生蝦，你有否想過原來打邊爐常吃的脆鯇片也能跟它成為絕配？

 

材料：

蒜瓣                  3 瓣

指天椒             2 隻
芫荽                  5 棵（連根）
椰糖                  15 克*
新鮮青檸汁     2 湯匙
魚露                  2 湯匙

做法：
1. 芫荽根部用小刀刮除乾淨，露出內裡雪白幼嫩的部分。 
2. 指天椒可依個人喜好去籽。蒜頭、指天椒及芫荽根與莖剁碎，用研缽和研棒或攪拌機磨成蓉，令酸辣汁更為入味。
3. 加入椰糖，繼續磨至完全溶化。
4. 加入青檸汁和魚露拌勻，再作適當調味。最後，加入剁碎了的芫荽葉即成。

*備註： 椰糖味道香濃，亦可以紅糖或砂糖代替。

[Follow me on Instagram @alvinckl and @alvin.penthousekitchen and check out my Facebook Fan Page!]

Arancini al Pesto | 意式羅勒醬芝士炸飯糰

When German cookware brand Fissler offered me the one-in-a-million chance to star in a two-minute video showcasing their products and my own recipe, I had some sort of idea what challenge I am getting myself into. Design one Italian vegetarian recipe that makes use of two or more of the following products: a pressure cooker, a hand blender, and a frying pan. Sounds simple, eh?

I was thrilled for the vegetarian theme, a challenge I find timely as I increasingly lean towards a plant-based diet. But what is one to do with a pressure cooker, a hand blender, and a frying pan with a meatless recipe? Surely, plain old risottos have been tried and done, pasta has no place in this challenge, and I was certain an everyday Italian tomato sauce wasn't going to make the cut. With no oven available at the site of filming, I have also ruled out the aubergine.

Baffled and tickled, I imagined myself on the set of Guy's Grocery Games, faced with the challenge of creating a winning dish using all the provided equipment with an open pantry. My mind searched for delicacies I have tasted across Italy over the years. It was then when a light bulb flickered in my head. Ah, the arancini, or "little oranges" - the spherical Sicilian cousin of the Roman suppli, a popular street food consisting of a deep fried ball of rice and typically a filling of meat and tomato sauce, peas, and melted mozzarella.

Who doesn't like the sound of delicious, crunchy, balls of flavorsome rice coated in breadcrumbs and a hidden surprise of melted mozzarella that pulls with each bite? With the arancini little known in Hong Kong, I knew the audience would be in for a trip. I henceforth set off my journey of hunting for ingredients overseas, testing and adapting, and frying away at home in the weeks leading to the video shoot.

Breaking away from tradition, the filling for arancini is only confined by imagination. That's when I thought I am going to make Arancini al Pesto (what's not to love with fresh homemade pesto?) - cook risotto in the pressure cooker (check), make breadcrumbs and pesto with the hand blender (check), and finally fry the balls in the pan (check!!)! The ensuing journey isn't without any hiccups though as I slowly get myself acquainted with the pressure cooker. The result, however, is a foolproof recipe specially developed for the Fissler pressure cooker, a truly magical kitchen companion that cuts cooking time drastically and delivers amazing results.

This recipe, of course, can be adapted to most kitchens without a pressure cooker. Increase the amount of stock and add to the rice a little at a time and continuously stir, until all the stock has been used up and the rice is cooked, yet still al dente.

Notes:
•  If possible, make the risotto ahead of time and let it cool completely or even refrigerated overnight as the rice tends to stick better. For this reason, leftover risotto is often used for making arancini.
• Pesto can be made with various kinds of nuts or seeds, with pine nuts being the most recognized ingredient in pesto alla Genovese. Opt for sunflower seeds for a more economical alternative without sacrificing any flavor or texture!
•  If serving arancini immediately, lower slightly the heat of the frying oil and increase the frying time for the rice balls to ensure that the mozzarella melts inside. Otherwise, remove the balls once golden brown and warm or reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

What you'll need...
For the Risotto:
1 cup (200 g) Arborio rice           
1 small brown onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine
1 1/2 (350 ml) cup vegetable or chicken stock, warmed
1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
A heaping tablespoon frozen peas
1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
Black pepper, to taste

For the Pesto:
1 bunch basil (2 cups packed)
2-3 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Arancini (makes 8):
1 recipe for risotto, as above
1 1/2 tablespoons pesto, recipe as above
1/2 x 125g ball of mozzarella cheese (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
All-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
Breadcrumbs, homemade* or store-bought
Vegetable oil, for frying

*Note: For homemade breadcrumbs, tear stale bread into chunks and blitz into medium-fine breadcrumbs, then spread on a sheet pan and toast in oven at 180C/350F until golden brown.

Cooking the Risotto

1. Melt butter on medium heat on the base of the pressure cooker. Add onion and saute until softened, about one minute, then stir in garlic and saute briefly. Add rice and cook, stirring, until rice is evenly coated in butter and toasted but not browned, about 3 minutes. Rice grains should start to appear translucent around the edges.

2. Add wine and cook, stirring, until the raw alcohol smell has cooked off and wine has almost fully evaporated. Pour in stock, then, on medium-high heat, fasten the pressure cooker lid and set the cooking display with traffic light function on level II. Reduce heat to low and set timer for 8 minutes once the green ring becomes visible.

3. When time is up, set the cooker aside to cool. Release the remaining steam and lift the lid carefully away for yourself. Stir in grated Parmesan and frozen peas, and season with black pepper. Set risotto aside to cool completely or refrigerate overnight.

Making the Pesto

1. Blend basil, sunflower seeds, garlic, olive oil, and half of the lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Taste and add more add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper as desired.

Making the Arancini

1. Stir 1 1/2 tablespoon of pesto into the cooled risotto and mix well, adding more if necessary.

2. Place and flatten a scoop of rice in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then enclose with another scoop of rice and roll and shape into a ball. In the following order, roll the shaped arancini in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.

3. Heat oil in a deep pan or saucepan over high heat. To test the oil is ready, drop a few breadcrumbs - if they sizzle and float, it is ready. Carefully lower the arancini in batches and fry until golden and crispy. Transfer to kitchen paper to drain and serve. Buon appetito!

《意式羅勒醬芝士炸飯糰》 

平時 Risotto 就見得多、食得多喇，

食剩又唔知點算好？

今日就試下將 Risotto 化身為脆卜卜、

既可口又充滿驚喜既【意式羅勒醬芝士炸飯糰】啦！

今次為這個傳統西西里島道地街頭小食

注入新元素 —— 簡易自家製羅勒醬；

飯糰裡面更藏有莫薩里拉芝士，

大大啖咬開時芝士更會拉出來添！

意大利飯
意大利米             200 克
洋蔥                      1 小個（切粒）
蒜頭                      2瓣（切粒）
白酒                      120 毫升
蔬菜高湯             350 毫升
巴馬臣芝士碎    30 克
青豆                      15 克
牛油                      15 克
黑胡椒                  適量

1. 熱鍋下牛油，放入洋蔥，用中火炒約 1 分半鐘至軟身，加入蒜蓉炒香，再放入米並炒勻至米粒稍顯透明。
2. 加入白酒，炒勻至白酒完全被吸收。加入高湯，待微滾後蓋上高速鍋蓋，調校至 2 速，用中火煲至見綠環轉慢火，計時 8 分鐘後熄火。
3. 待指示燈降至原位，開蓋。放入芝士碎和青豆，拌勻並作適當調味。放涼或隔夜備用。

羅勒醬
新鮮羅勒葉          約 50 克
蒜頭                       2 辦
葵花籽                  約 2 湯匙（可用松子仁、腰果、杏仁等）
初榨橄欖油          2 - 3 湯匙
新鮮檸檬汁          約 2 茶匙
鹽，黑胡椒          適量

1. 所有材料放入隨機附送的粉碎器中，用一字頭高速攪拌約 30 秒即成。

意式羅勒醬芝士炸飯糰
意大利飯              以上食譜
羅勒醬                  適量
莫薩里拉芝士    半個（切 1/2" x 1/2" 粒）
麵粉                      適量
雞蛋                      1 隻
麵包糠                  適量
米糠油                  油炸用

1. 將適量羅勒醬拌入已經放涼或隔夜的意大利飯內。
2. 用手拿出一小份意大利飯，包入芝士，搓成球狀。
3. 依次序將飯糰沾上麵粉、蛋液、和麵包糠。
4. 用熱油炸至金黃色即成！

[Follow me on Instagram @alvinckl and @alvin.penthousekitchen and check out my Facebook Fan Page!]

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing | 自家製凱撒沙律醬 (No Mayonnaise!)

附中文食譜

Can Caesar dressing be made from scratch? The answer is yes absolutely, and you'll never go back to store bought ones ever.

My earliest memory of Caesar salad was from lunches at the country club where my family used to go. A mix of crisp romaine leaves, bacon, and crunchy croutons tossed in the tangy, creamy dressing would be served in deep wooden bowls, finished with a  generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. I always asked for more. Then there was the Caesar salad from bistros like Simply Life Cafe, where slivers of romaine hearts were served whole, stacked elegantly, and accompanied by anchovy fillets and runny soft-boiled eggs.

No matter the presentation and variation, the single most important element that makes a Caesar salad what it is is the dressing. When eating out, I cannot help but always contemplate whether the Caesar dressing in question was made in-house or came in huge commercial tubs, laden with all kinds of unwanted stuff. You would know what I mean when you pick up a bottle and read the label at your neighborhood supermarket.

Create a classic Caesar Salad with crisp Romaine hearts, pancetta, croutons and shaved Parmesan!

So, to take the guesswork out I began making and tweaking my own homemade Caesar dressing a couple of years ago. Using Greek yogurt, the dressing is naturally tangy, thick and creamy, so you can confidently ditch the guilt in mayonnaise. With minced garlic, anchovy, real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, this homemade dressing is the real deal and will rock your classic Caesar salad, Caesar chicken wraps, or as a dip for Buffalo wings and celery sticks with a fraction of the calories.

Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to raw eggs and mayo, giving the creaminess and tang!

What you'll need...
1/3 cup Greek yogurt (low fat or nonfat as desired)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 large garlic clove, finely minced
2 anchovy fillets, mashed, or 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions...

In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients together. Toss salad with dressing and keep any remainder refrigerated for up to one week. 

Suggested salad ingredients:
Romaine lettuce or baby kale
Bacon, pancetta, or proscuitto
Croutons or roasted chickpeas
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

《自家製凱撒沙律醬 》

Upgrade your classic Caesar with baby Kale, Prosciutto and garlic bread croutons!

眾多沙律的種類中，凱撒沙律幾乎是眾所最熟悉的
但究竟市面上常見的凱撒沙律醬裏藏了些什麼成分？
到底可唔可以自己整呢？答案係 － 絕對可以！
自家製的沙律醬真材實料、滋味無比，
完全無添加，比市面上的低脂健康，仲好簡單添！

材料：
希臘乳酪  100 克（脫脂或低脂）初搾特級純橄欖油  1 湯匙
新鮮檸檬汁  1/2  湯匙
喼汁  1/2 茶匙
法式芥末醬  1 茶匙
蒜末  1 茶匙
油浸鯷魚  2 條（或鯷魚醬 1/2 茶匙）
新鮮磨碎的帕馬臣芝士  25 克
黑胡椒  適量

做法：
把鯷魚剁碎，將所有材料放進大碗裏，用發蛋器拌勻即成！

備註：建議冷藏沙律醬並於七天內用完

[Follow me on Instagram @alvinckl and @alvin.penthousekitchen and check out my Facebook Fan Page!]
 

March Birthdays, Boardgames, and a Meat-Free Vegetarian Party!

March is a month with much to celebrate: the return of Spring, the arrival of asparagus, Japanese strawberries, as well as cherry blossoms. It is the month of birthdays when many close friends and myself grow yet another year younger and wiser; it is also when "Alvin's Penthouse Kitchen: the Blog" officially turns three. Yipee!

"How about we throw a barbecue down at the clubhouse?" I blankly suggest as my friends and I brainstorm for activities for the Saturday set aside to celebrate our belated birthdays.

"...Barbecue is cool," Eugene stammers, reluctance escaping his tone, "though I'm only concerned that Kenko and I are both vegetarian, and we might not have much to eat. You know."

Always photogenic, anytime, anywhere

March babies: born on the same day, just years apart!

I can't seem to come up with a good caption for this

Indeed, a typical barbecue can be so meat-centric that it is no more a party to herbivores as a boat trip is to someone who stays away from the sun and sea.

And that is when it all suddenly strikes me. "I will throw an all-vegetarian party at home!" The timing could not have been more perfect. It was as if a fire ignited in me. I was determined to pull together my first ever entirely meat-free feast, fueled by my ever-growing interest and fascination in the world of vegetarian and vegan cooking.

Eugene was thrilled. Rarely ever has he been to home gatherings other than those where vegetarians were no more than an afterthought - an inconvenience even, sometimes - where a cold salad and other usual suspects may be the only option.

Curried Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Lentil Stew: a delicious and inexpensive way to get some fiber-rich lentils into your diet!

I finally cracked the code of latticework with this Wild Mushroom & Gruyère Pie!

Two vegetarians, three March babies, six new and old friends and six happy, full stomachs

Black bean dip is great as finger food at a party!

The thought of a veggie-centric party (complete with boardgames and Pictionary) got us fired up. Kenko insisted on bringing his lunchbox for leftovers, that is if we had any.

I tasked myself to put together a diverse, balanced menu that:
- is simple enough to pull off in a few hours, unless you work turbo speed;
- is fun and fulfilling, potluck style;
- makes use of my existing pantry ingredients;
- is equally appealing to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians

In my moments of brain fart I called up my cousin Kathleen in Toronto, an avid vegan cook herself, for some inspiration. In no time, the menu was set. 

Apple and Cabbage Mint Slaw

Black Bean Dip with Blue Chips
Sweet Corn Cake
Curried Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Lentil Stew with Coconut Milk

Wild Mushroom, Rosemary, Gruyere Lattice Pie

The theme of the day was 100% meat-free, but all the more it was about celebrating friendship, and honoring a well-balanced, healthy, and tasty diet. To that we toast!
Stay tuned for recipes to come!

[Write to me under comments! Follow me on Instagram @alvinckl and check out my Facebook Fan Page!]