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Matcha Yuzu Kosho. Wait, What?
Yuzu kosho is often described as a fermented Japanese condiment — but that’s only part of the story. This post explores how kosho really works, why ingredient choice and ratios matter, and how a Texas-made kosho can mature into something balanced, expressive, and deeply useful in the kitchen.
lyukum
6 days ago10 min read


Pipián Verde, a Traditional Sauce for Modern Eating
A reflective look at pipián verde, pumpkin seeds, and why traditional sauces still make sense when we want to eat better without trying harder — with a simple everyday pipián, its nutrition, and an unexpected pairing with grapefruit.
lyukum
Jan 97 min read


Parisienne Brioche — Back in Shape
A quiet note on Parisienne brioche — its history, its many shaping methods, and why returning to the same form, years later, can reveal something new. Not about perfection, but about attention, proportion, and learning that unfolds in spirals.
lyukum
Jan 14 min read


Green Peas, Seriously
Green peas are familiar, convenient, and often underestimated. After a skeptical dive into the science behind their health claims, I found myself cooking with them more intentionally. This post follows that path — from a simple composed salad made with canned peas, to a Portuguese peas-and-eggs dish, to a festive green pea sponge inspired by viral holiday salads — and looks at why peas deserve a second glance.
lyukum
Dec 19, 20257 min read


How to Caramelize Onions for French Onion Soup (The Right Way)
The world’s problems sometimes feel as impossible to solve as the mystery of French Onion Soup. The ingredients couldn’t be simpler — onions, water, and a little fat — yet turning them into something truly delicious takes an hour of patience and understanding. This post (with video) explores the origins of the technique and shows, step by step, how to achieve that perfect chocolate-brown color without sugar, flour, or shortcuts.
lyukum
Nov 20, 20259 min read


Som Tam (Thai Green Papaya Salad): A Medicinal Look at a Beloved Dish
What if your favorite salad was also a guide to natural remedies? Som Tam, Thai green papaya salad, balances flavor and healing: garlic supports immunity, papaya aids digestion, shrimp strengthens bones, lime refreshes with vitamin C, chili awakens blood circulation, and nuts sustain heart and mind.
lyukum
Aug 25, 20255 min read


Why Hatch Chile Is So Irresistibly Special (and Why I Can’t Stop Talking About It)
Hatch chile is more than a pepper — it’s New Mexico’s terroir on your plate. This short-season treasure offers smoky sweetness, gentle heat, and a rich history dating back to the 1500s. Discover why it pairs beautifully with seafood, how its unique growing conditions shape its flavor, and what science says about its health benefits. Once you taste it, you’ll see why I can’t stop talking about it.
lyukum
Aug 16, 20254 min read


"Pavlova" Classical Conditioning
We’ve been misled. What’s labeled Pavlova on many menus is often just a shell of the real thing — literally. Somewhere along the way, we lost the essence of this light, crisp, delicate dessert. This post is a visual and poetic reimagining — a return to what makes Pavlova unforgettable.
lyukum
Jul 15, 20254 min read


The 2,500‑Year Journey Inside an Eggplant Roll
Unroll 2,500 years of flavor—from Georgian walnut rolls to Soviet‑Korean carrot wraps—in this globetrotting guide to eggplant involtini.
lyukum
Jun 30, 20253 min read


The 13-Hole Dumpling: A Modern Take on Xi’an’s Imperial Lotus Dumpling
Discover the story behind the 13-hole lotus dumpling from Xi’an, and learn how to shape it at home with a beginner-friendly method. My version features whole scallops and miso butter—simple, elegant, unforgettable.
lyukum
May 6, 20253 min read


Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor: A Love Letter to Charred Vegetables
Discover the flavor and science behind charring vegetables—from TexMex chili peppers to global fire-roasted traditions. Learn how this simple method transforms flavor, preserves nutrients, and brings cultural stories to life.
lyukum
Apr 20, 20254 min read


When Cooking Feels Like a Workout—And Why That’s a Good Thing
Many people want to eat well, cook at home, take care of themselves and their loved ones. But somehow, the kitchen becomes a place of dread. But what if the kitchen could become something else entirely?What if cooking—like a workout—wasn’t just something you survive, but something you look forward to?
lyukum
Apr 16, 20254 min read


Karaage Showdown: Discovering the Magic of Shio-Koji in Japanese Fried Chicken
Taste a lighter, richer take on Japan’s fried chicken—Shio-Koji Karaage unlocks flavor like never before.
lyukum
Mar 19, 20255 min read


GABA Setting for Rice Cookers: The Secret to Better-Tasting, Healthier Whole Grains (Yes, Even Wheat and Rye!)
If you love hearty, nutritious grains but haven’t explored the “GABA” setting on your rice cooker, you’re in for a treat.
lyukum
Jan 16, 20254 min read


Rugbrød & Smørrebrød: Elevate Your Open-Faced Sandwiches with Quail Eggs and More
If you love exploring new flavors or experimenting in your kitchen, Rugbrød (Danish rye bread) might be your next favorite discovery.
lyukum
Jan 13, 20254 min read


Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki: A Delicious Introduction to Japanese Cuisine
A bit of history about Okonomiyaki, what makes the Osaka style special, and my favorite recipe so you can enjoy it at home.
lyukum
Jan 9, 20253 min read


How to Cook Cauliflower in a Frying Pan (No Blanching Required!)
In this recipe, we’ll walk through how to steam and caramelize cauliflower in the same frying pan—no blanching necessary.
lyukum
Dec 30, 20243 min read
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