Mentaiko Udon Recipe

Ingredients:

Mentaiko Sauce:

  • 2 sacs salted pollock roe or cod roe
  • 1/2 cup heavy (whipping) cream
  • 2 tsp soy sauce (i used liquid aminos)
  • ½ onion (minced)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • ⅛ tsp kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 servings udon noodles (frozen or parboiled udon noodles)
  • shredded nori seaweed (kizami nori)
  • shrimp or other seafood (optional)

Instructions:

Gather all the ingredients. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the udon noodles. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, prepare the other ingredients and cook the sauce.

Make a lengthwise slit through each mentaiko sac membrane and scrape out the roe. Discard the sac membrane.

In a large bowl, combine the mentaiko, heavy cream, and soy sauce and mix them all together.

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced onion and shrimp (or any seafood).

Season the onion with the salt and pepper and sauté until caramelized and golden brown.

Cook udon noodles according to the package instructions.

Quickly drain the cooked noodles and transfer them to the mentaiko sauce. Toss well until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.

Garnish with seaweed

Sushi Bake Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

Sushi rice:
3 cups of Calrose sushi rice / short grain rice
1/3 cup seasoned rice vinegar/sushi seasoning
1.5 tsp salt
3 tbsp sugar

Filling:
1 pack Imitation crab meat sticks (shred with fork and chop)
– I personally use the Shirakiku Kani Kamaboko Premium Gold brand but you can use any
3/4 c kewpie mayo
1 tsp wasabi
3 oz cream cheese
2-3 green onions
Sriracha (optional)

Toppings/Others:
Nori sheets
Furikake seasoning
Masago/tobiko
Green onions
Sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Wash & cook sushi rice
Add seasoning, salt & sugar after it’s done cooking. Mix
Butter baking dish to avoid sticking
Spread rice flat into the serving dish
Sprinkle furikake seasoning over rice
Spread crab meat mixture over the top
Sprinkle more furikake and masago over the mixture
Drizzle sriracha and kewpie mayo
Broil for 10 minutes or bake at 380 for 10 min
Garnish with green onions/sesame seeds (optional)
Serve with nori sheets

COOK TIME:

450 for 10 min, broil for 5
Or
Broil for 10

The Sheraton Dallas Hotel

Image provided by Sheraton Dallas Hotel

Sometimes, flying out of state for vacation just isn’t an option for us. Whether it’s because of work, family, events, or just a busy life, we can’t always take a lot of time off like we used to. This summer, we had the pleasure of partnering with The Sheraton Dallas Hotel for a staycation, and it was the perfect weekend getaway for us! Even though we were still pretty busy that weekend with upcoming celebrations, we were close enough to attend the events, but still be able to make it back to the hotel to relax and unwind. Sometimes it’s nice being able to stay in downtown to explore, without having to fight through 40-50 minutes of traffic coming to/from Grapevine, TX.

The Sheraton Dallas Hotel just recently completed renovations, and they were so kind to invite us for a staycation in their presidential suite! With life being so busy lately, it was great being able to relax and enjoy the massive suite. I haven’t slept that good in ages!

Image provided by Sheraton Dallas Hotel

The hotel is located right in downtown, so it’s the perfect location to stay at if you’re visiting from out of town, or just need a place to stay after a night out in the area. The Sheraton Dallas Hotel is the largest hotel in North Texas with 1,840 guest rooms and is located right by the DART Pearl/Arts District station. It’s not too far from Deep Ellum, Klyde Warren Park, Arts District, Dallas Farmer’s Market, and so much more! The hotel’s convenient location in the heart of downtown Dallas offers families endless options for entertainment. They’re also pet-friendly!

When we arrived, check-in was a quick and easy process, and we got our key cards in no time. We didn’t get a chance to check out the room right away because we arrived a bit late and had an event to attend. Chef Zeb Hartline, the hotel’s Executive Chef, was hosting a BBQ series demonstration called, Mastering the Art of Smoking Meats, at the Herb N’ Jungle, on the fourth floor of the hotel. Chef Zeb provided a class/demonstration on tips and tricks for preparing ribs and salmon for a barbecue. After the demonstration, there was a reception with live music and the food demonstrated was served along with two other appetizers, a specialty cocktail, beer and wine. Tickets can be found on eventbrite for only $35! With everything you’re learning, eating, and drinking, it’s definitely worth the price. We even went back for seconds! You definitely won’t leave hungry.

Image provided by Sheraton Dallas Hotel

After the BBQ event by Chef Zeb, we were finally able to grab our bags and head up to the room. As we walked in, we were stunned by how massive the suite was. The furniture and decor had a modern chic feel to it. Upon entering, we stepped foot into the first living room. Yes, I said first! Followed by the dining/conference room, which had it’s own full bathroom, and then we entered the next living room! This is where we spent most of our time throughout the stay. After the second living room, was our spacious bedroom where I had such a great nights’ rest. This is also the side of the suite with the master bathroom, with both a standing shower and separate bathtub.

Image provided by Sheraton Dallas Hotel

The next morning, we were able to explore more of the hotel features. On the fourth floor, there’s an outdoor rooftop pool and one of the largest hotel fitness centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, such as Peloton bikes, versatile strength training and cardio machines, and free weights. We didn’t get to take advantage of the pool because there were so many people, but it just gave us more time to explore the rest of the hotel.

The hotel’s signature restaurant and bar Open Palette features fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by the hotel’s Dallas roots. From here, we ordered in-room dining, and also had brunch the day we were leaving. Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go also provides an assortment of options for those on-the-go offering fresh bites including sandwiches, wraps, salads and other items made from scratch for guests to enjoy on their way to sightseeing in downtown Dallas. We grabbed breakfast and plenty of snacks for our first morning there.

Image provided by Sheraton Dallas Hotel

Open Palette offers a breakfast buffet and $1 mimosas with the purchase of the breakfast buffet.  For happy hour, it includes certain cocktails and beer and wine for $4 at 4pm. There are also new specialty cocktails on the menu, and there’s live music at Open Palette on Saturday’s from 6-10pm. If you ever get the chance to stay and dine at Open Palette, I recommend the 20oz ribeye steak and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich with truffle aioli.

Overall, we had a wonderful stay and was so glad we got to experience it. Thank you Sheraton Dallas for the hospitality and for having us!

Strawberry Passion Fruit Milk Tea Recipe

This recipe is sponsored by Torani, and all thoughts and opinions here are my own.

Spring is here and it’s time for milk tea! Considering the days have begun to warm, I’m opting for yummy milk tea recipes on ice. Whether you’re addicted to Bubble Tea, currently sipping on a Thai Tea or still haven’t put your Dalgona tea down, April is the month to indulge in this delightfully refreshing treat because April 30th just happens to be National Bubble Tea Day!

This Strawberry Passion Fruit Milk Tea is slightly tart with a tropical tang, offset by a creamy sweet tea.  Boba optional, but highly recommended.  This recipe shines because of Torani Puremade Syrups – made with no artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives and are GMO Free.

Strawberry Passion Fruit Milk Tea

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
2 oz (4 Tbsp) Torani Puremade Passion Fruit Syrup
16 oz. iced green tea
4-8 Tbsp your choice of milk
Strawberry puree
Tapioca pearls, if desired (cooked according to the package instructions)
Ice

Instructions:
Steep green tea in hot water for about 10 min. Refrigerate until cool
Combine ingredients in two 16 oz. glasses filled with ice. Stir gently. Add tapioca pearls if desired.

Torani Puremade Syrups deliver amazing flavor with the ingredients you love. No artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no artificial preservatives. GMO Free. They mix well and are crafted to bring out the best in your drinks so you can make something your own.  I especially enjoy that one flavor can create endless recipes. You can find Torani Puremade Syrups online at torani.com

Macaroni & Pork Rib Soup Recipe (Súp Nui Sườn Heo)

This is the perfect soup for a cold or rainy day. It’s super simple and can be customized any way you like it!

Ingredients:

  • 1-2 lbs of pork spare ribs
  • 1 bag of dry elbow macaroni (cooked per package directions)
  • 1 bag of baby carrots
  • potatoes (quartered)
  • 2 boxes of 32oz chicken broth
  • 3 cups of water
  • 2 tbsp chicken bouillon seasoning

Garnish:

  • salt and pepper
  • fried garlic/shallots
  • lime
  • cilantro
  • green onions
  • fish sauce (to taste)
  • sate chili oil / chili garlic / sambal

Instructions:

  • Add pork spare ribs to a pot of salted water and boil until the impurities are drawn out
  • Remove the ribs and rinse with cold water, then return to a clean pot
  • Add chicken broth and 3 cups of water
  • Bring it to boil and reduce down to a simmer for about 20 minutes
  • Add carrots and potatoes
  • Let simmer for another 20 minutes or until everything is tender
  • Add 2 tbsp of chicken bouillon seasoning, or more to taste
  • Assemble bowl with macaroni noodles and pour the soup over the noodles
  • Add garnishes and enjoy!