J Chan's Corner : February 2013

I want to thank all my friends for truly pushing me beyond my limits. What started off as a hobby expanded into something more than just "that. I learn something new each and everyday. Those who I call my friends have graciously donated their time and help to start my blog, Facebook, photos, and advertising my name and skills. You all believed in me and encouraged me to go after something I never thought I was ever good at from the get go. With that being said, thanks for putting up with me!!! ;)

I especially want to thank Luis, you bring out the best in me & I couldn't thank you more for all your love and support. You know me too well and as you know, I like to take my baby steps. Your faith in me over the years has really pushed me to do something I never thought I would be able to do. Everyday I want to become a better person because of you. I have never met anyone so generous and caring in my life. You truly bring out the best in me and I mean that with all my heart. <3

My passion for food has been a hobby of mine for years. Growing up with a mother who wouldn't let me cook in her kitchen because she thought I would burn it down; who would have pictured cooking would become such a hobby!! I have a passion for food and exploring anything from Street food to fine dining. Dare to try exotics foods like Andrew Zimmern? I'm that girl!

People always ask me if I spend a lot of money on my produce at the Farmers market. The answer is "NO". I shop at the local Farmer's Market down on W and 8th St. in Sacramento every Sunday. During the summer I will occasionally visit other local farmers market in Sacramento, Carmel, Moss landing, Sonoma, etc. I hand pick all my produce for the week and keep everything on a tight budget. My body is my temple and although I love to indulge myself with some wine and fine dining on the weekends, I keep my food healthy during the week. My hopes for this blog is simple, to inspire others to cook, live a healthier lifestyle, and to support local farmers!I love small businesses, and I also love finding ways to help the community through fundraisers. Every good deed that you do brings good Karma. If there's a will, there's a way and I can show you how!!!

Welcome to MY CORNER!! XoXo- J. Chan

Produce from our local Farmer's Market in Sacramento

Korean yam noodles

Organic watermelon radish salad

Valentine's treat for Luis

Jalapeno chicken sausage with Colusa spaghetti sauce over cucumber paste

Boiling some blue crabs!

Asian peanut salad

Organic zesty salad mix with blood orange, sweet pepper, roasted walnuts, sunflower seeds, sliced red onions, romanesco, and spicy lentil/pea sprouts

DIY sprouts at home (Wheat berries, lentil, sunflower)

Strawberry habanero chicken

Juicing some veggies & fruit.

Baked chicken wings with sweet Asian sauce

Strawberry habanero jam

Baked salmon with garlic fingerling potatoes and grilled baby bok choy

Close up photo

Orders ready to deliver!!

Dinner at "The Kitchen" in Sacramento

Epic experience!

Strawberry/peach habanero salmon grilled on cedar planks

Local heirloom tomatoes and basil

You can tell the difference between store bought and local produce!

Coconut walnut chicken & poi!

Lamb meatballs

Sauteed Swiss chard

Mixed sashimi (tuna/salmon) over rice

Homemade salsa

Crawfish from our local Farmer's Market

Garlic rosemary potatoes, half boiled egg, mixed herbs salsa verde over sourdough bread, strawberry walnut kale salad

Homemade spaghetti sauce

Strawberry habenero chicken

Grilled eggplant with chopped avocado. Topped with italian salsa verde..drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Meatless :)

Homemade potsickers

Farro & wheat berries sauteed with dill, garlic, and olive oil

Pomelo

Caprese salad

Sashimi

Oto's in Sacramento

Homemade shrimp wontons

Everything on the platter was bough locally. Homemade creme brulee <3

Tilapia salad

Diversity of fruits

Shrimp wontons ready to be boiled

Sunday dinner

Hawaiian garlic shrimp

Marshmallow pops for Joe's birthday

Sliced baguettes with goat cheese, fig jam, salami, hazelnut, and arugula

Spicy deviled eggs for Easter!

Sunday Farmer's Market

Vegan lentil meatloaf

My version of poke

Hybrid vegetable :)

Homemade local tomato basil soup

Remember the Mexican chips you see at Denios?? "Chicharrones de harina"
I just did my own version with baked kale chips! Amazing & addicting!

Sunday dinner at Bistro De J. Chan

Roasted rabbit with orange sweet and sour sauce!!

Grilled tofu drizzled with Hoisin sauce and Siracha. Topped with chopped green onions, slices leeks, shrimp roe and japanese fish flakes

Baked lemon chicken with green beans and onions

Soy chorizo, mild pepper, feta cheese (you can do goat cheese as well!), and cilantro on a skillet.

Carbless dish: Ground turkey sauteed with cabbage, bell peppers red peppers, chestnuts, jalapenos, garlic

Shrimp filling

Sunday produce

Lemon fingers

Homemade roasted corn chowder; made from local corn

Romanesco

Crawfish dinner

Sunday lunch

My obsession with carrots & keeping my vegetables colorful

Seared lamb heart steak over Arugula ....drizzled with balsamic vinegar and sliced peaches from the farmers market. Herb-cheese Polenta blended with eggplant.

Sunday lunch

Salmon kabobs ready to grill on a cedar plank

Two giant farmers market eggs (sunny side up), chopped kale with garlic lemon dressing, topped with red onions, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, avocado, soy bacon bits, and hot sauce :)

Baked okra fries

Wonton noodle soup

Kale mix

Soy chorizo tostada

Thanksgiving dinner

Vegan tacos with cashew cilantro dressing and pico de gallo

Roasted red pepper hummus

Baked kale chips drizzled with dark chocolate, shredded coconut, and sea salt

Mediterranean Chicken

Fresh strawberry lemonade with Stevia

Simple & Clean breakfast

Corn chowder in the making

Alligator kabobs marinaded in rum sauce

Seafood salad

Soba noodles with cashew lime dressing. Toppings: Romanesco, shredded red cabbage, green onions, tofu croutons

Salmon kobabs

Grilled shrimp over organic greens, jicama, green onions, and roasted carrots

Thai salad

24th Birthday cake made by Lissandra Vasquez

Wonton noodle soup

Chow mein

Crawfish boil

Yellow peach jam

Artichoke blooming

Absolutely beautiful & local!

Detox drink

Jam's I made over the summer

Sunday dinner

Baked turkey basil meatballs

Romanesco with curry powder and chopped garlic

Breakfast: egg whites, heirloom tomatoes, swiss chard, and yellow peppers

Sole fish over greens drizzled with lemon dill garlic sauce

Salmon over Easter

Easter lunch

Salmon wrapped with smoked bacon & shredded coconut

Roasted beat salad over organic greens and feta cheese

Paleo chicken

Chinese white radish soup

Green cauliflower

Paleo chicken

Rob's natural produce at the local Farmer's Market on Sunday

Haven't made these tacos in 5 years. Still a hit! :) Try making your taco meat and adding a cup of water or two with some spices and jalapenos. Cook low for a about 3 hours...guarantee people will go for seconds!!

Up close Romanesco

Vegan tofu in the making

Delivering food to Luis during his lunch

Walnut/cashew crusted catfish with cilantro dressing

Sweet & sour chili shrimp with asparagus and brown rice.

Garlic chicken with yam cakes & Asian peanut sauce

Meyer Lemon Creme Brulee

My version of poke

Paleo chicken

Salmon ready to be grilled!

Watermelon radishes

Infused water

DIY sprouts

Wild rice jalapeno (Free range) turkey burgers over organic purple baby bok choy, cucumbers, red onions, and cucumbers. Topped with spicy lentil sprouts,habanero hot sauce and sesame aioli.

Capay at the Farmer's market

Grilled salmon sandwiches for Lunch :) with kale salad

* Egg white omelet with organic tomatoes, peppers, red onions, and cheddar cheese * Sauteed spring mix with garlic * Organic Blood orange/ grapefruit juice