Ambitious Delicious(ness) » classic

classic

Classic marinara sauce

Posted by Esther on March 04, 2010
marinara sauce, pasta / 8 Comments

Have you ever tried making the same recipe multiple times unsuccessfully? It’s one of the most frustrating things I’ve experienced. My otherwise capable self does not like this feeling of not knowing how to do something to seemingly easy.

One time, I spent an hour boiling tomatoes and then slaving over the sauce. I ended up with a sauce that was so full of liquid that you could have poured it into a cup to drink. I tried adding flour to make it thicker (until it congealed in the fridge and grossed me out). Then the next time, I added cornstarch, which turned out even worse!!

I made a couple of changes to see if I can fare better this time. And luckily, I did. Instead of using a stainless steel pot, I used to a thick anodized saucepan, thanks to a generous gift from a friend (thanks R!). I also tried using canned tomatoes this time, mainly because I didn’t want to waste good tomatoes again like last time.

Speaking of tomatoes, there is a shortage of tomatoes due to bad weather in Florida. Fresh tomato prices are on the rise so a lot of restaurants are starting to feel the pinch. Chicken wing prices have also gone up but for some reason, it doesn’t make me as sad.

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Most wonderful chocolate-chip cookies

Posted by Esther on October 30, 2008
chocolate chip cookies / 3 Comments

I came across this recipe here. The chocolatier, Jacques Torres, really knows what’s up. I have had my fair share of chocolate chip cookies but this one really takes the cake. Or cookie.

Did I already say that they are absolutely the bestest chocolate chip cookies EVER? Just double checking. I’m just giving props where they’re due, that’s all.

One thing I noticed about this recipe is that his measurements are SUPER precise. A cup of flour minus 2 table spoons. All that exact measuring yields amazing cookies. Well that and another secret.

The secret to these cookies is… wait for it….

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