A Spoonful of Sofrito: How to make Chinese Hot Oil!

A Spoonful of Sofrito: A Pinch of advice that will add a lot of flavor to your life.

How to make Chinese Hot Oil!

Sofrito Lovers,

I like my Chinese food spicy; if it's not doused with Chinese mustard or Siracha, then I ain't eating it!  If I'm not farting fire after a Chinese meal, then something wrong.

As much as I love the above mentioned piquant condiments, nothing compares to the gloriousness of Chinese Hot Oil!  This neon red concoction is an amazing accompaniment to any meal because adds earthy depths of flavor and spice. 

For a long time now, the amateur cook in me has been wanting to learn how to make this magic potion and now I can!  The video posted below from Strictly Dumpling, hosted by one of my favorite YouTube foodie personalities Mike Chen, has an easy and fun recipe for making hot oil.  

This is wonderful!  I can finally create an unlimited supply of this red lava flavored panacea and now you can too!  Watch it, cook it, and FART FIRE! ¡Buen Provecho!

A Spoonful of Sofrito: The Puerto Rican Cheers!

A Spoonful of Sofrito: A Pinch of advice that will add a lot of flavor to your life.

The Puerto Rican Cheers: Camaradas El Barrio!

Sofrito Lovers,

Summer camp is kicking my ass!  These children are driving me to drink-THANK GOD! The stress and fatigue have me craving the delicious, refreshing, and rejuvenating properties of booze-glorious booze!  Sometime this weekend, I'll be releasing all this stored up tension and stress at Camaradas El Barrio!  

With interesting craft beers and amazing Sangria, I plan on cleansing my soul with some wonderful libations.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to drink myself into a 12 step...again!  I'll be responsibly enjoying some adult beverages as I enjoy the ambiance, music, and menu.

Why am I going on about Camaradas El Barrio?  Because, it's the Puerto Rican Cheers, that's why!  Do I have to say more?  I'll let their website say it for me:

"CAMARADAS El Barrio is a worker's public house where camaraderie is built. Our bar offers a great selection of craft beers, wine, sangria and seasonal cocktails. Our culinary philosophy is to keep it simple and fresh. Our Puerto Rican pub-style menu is sure to please. Camaradas is also recognized for its world renowned DJs, live bands and gallery space where we feature local artists.

CAMARADAS el barrio has become a destination location for those seeking quality entertainment in Upper Manhattan. Join us for a pint of craft beer, cocktails, sangria, food, intelligent conversation and great entertainment. Be sure to checkout our entertainment schedule for our upcoming events."

So, if you've got the time, thirst, and sense of adventure, maybe I'll see you there! Buy me a drink, okay!  I need it!  Come and enjoy the booze! ¡Buen Provecho!

 

Camaradas El Barrio
2241 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10029
+1-212-348-2703
Sunday – Wednesday: 3pm – 1am
Thursday – Saturday: 3pm – 2am

A Spoonful of Sofrito: How to Properly Eat Hotpot!

A Spoonful of Sofrito: A Pinch of advice that will add a lot of flavor to your life.

How to Properly Eat Hotpot!

 

Sofrito Lovers,

Do you know what Hot pot is?  No?  Okay, so hotpot is this amazing Chinese/Asian way of dining in which you go to a restaurant and cook your own meal in a boiling pot of stock on your table.

Some of you are thinking, "Why the hell am I going out to pay for and cook my own soup, when I can do that at home?"  Well Sofrito Lovers, hotpot is an amazing dining experience in which you pay to have access to delicious ingredients, fresh proteins, crispy veggies, and incredible dipping sauces.  

It's true, you have to cook them yourselves, but that's all part of the fun.  You get to prepare your own meal, which you should share with friends, and experiment with flavors and textures.

Sure, it's a big departure from the usual being served your own meal, but it's fun, and intimate.  Hotpot gets you out of your comfort zone and into some serious culinary exploration.  The gourmet chef in you can't help, but come out when you start mixing proteins, veggies, and sauces together. You'll be blown away at the fantastic flavor profiles you'll create when you start getting into it!

Now, before you go hotpot hopping, watch the video posted below from Offthegreatwall and learn how to do hotpot right!  Watch it and go taste for yourself!  ¡Buen Provecho!

A Spoonful of Sofrito: Jamaican Pork and Beans

A Spoonful of Sofrito: A Pinch of advice that will add a lot of flavor to your life.

Sunday night dinner: Jamaican Pork and Beans!

Sofrito Lovers,

Sunday night's dinner was Jamaican Pork and Beans from one of my favorite YouTube channels, CooklikeaJamaican!  

It was pretty good!  At first, I wasn't sure that I liked it, but after I let the stew sit for a while I found it delicious and enjoyed it more.  My partner David liked its simplicity and uncomplicated flavors.

Next time, I'm going to replace the Lima beans with either white kidney beans or small white beans.   Don't get me wrong Lima beans are good, but I think white beans pair better with pork.

Check out the video below from CooklikeaJamaican and try out the recipe for yourself!  Watch it, cook it, and taste it for yourself!