Culinary Adventures with Camilla

Kimchi pancakes, or  kimchijeon , are crispy, chewy, and full of the spicy goodness of homemade kimchi. I usually fry up small cakes and thought they would be perfect for a #TripleSBites appetizer. They were! Even better - I was able to use products from three of our event sponsors. Just for fun...here are the (purported) aphrodisiac qualities of this appetizer... Chili peppers : The capsaicin in chili peppers heats up the body, increases blood flow, and causes the brain to release endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals. Many cultures throughout history have claimed peppers as an aphrodisiac.  Ginger : Like chili peppers, ginger increases circulation and body temperature. Legend has it that famous French courtesan Madame du Barry provided ginger to all of her lovers to increase their desire and improve their pleasure. Note: the kimchi - here's my  Syrena's Seduction Kimchi  -  takes three or four days, so definitely begin this recipe at least...

While R and his friend were busy working on their science fair project, the Enthusiastic Kitchen Elf and I logged a couple of hours watching cooking shows and reading cookbooks together.  "Let's make duck," he declared yesterday afternoon. "You do the duck and I'll make the kale salad for dinner. Does that sound good?" That sounds great. I love having a partner in my kitchen shenanigans.  After making Lapsang Souchong Blondies last week - and having Jake comment that he thought the intense, smoky flavor would go better with a savory - I thought I'd make a lapsang souchong sauce for my duck. It was well-received by my three. What do you think? Do you cook with tea often? Ingredients Braised Duck 4 duck legs 2 large onions, peeled and cubed 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed and thickly sliced 2 C diced celery root 1-1/2 C stock, preferably homemade 1/2 C brewed  lapsang souchong tea 1 shisho blossom Lapsang Soucho...