Khao Bune (Rice vermicelle noodle in minced talapia coconut soup)

Khao Bune is one of the most popular noodle soups in the Lao culture. This dish is prepared mostly for special occassions such as during the Lao New Year, birthday party or special family gatherings. My mom would make this everytime we had a family party. Whenever I have a bowl of Khao Bune, it brings me back to my childhood years. Now, I'm able to make this for my family to enjoy. They enjoy this dish as much as I do.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Today I made 24 red velvet cupcakes for the first time. I had attempted this before, however, it did not turn out as I had hoped. First, I used neon red food coloring as requested by my daughter. The final product was more brown than red. The recipe I used was more dense and cake like rather than light and moist. I had hoped to take it into work to share with my co-workers for our International Theme potluck. It never made it. So that was Wednesday and I vowed to redeem myself by attempting to make it again, but this time using a different recipe. I found a red velvet cupcake recipe on Martha Stewart's website. I followed the recipe as closely as I could. The final product.....perfectly moist and light batch of red velvet cupcakes. I could not have been more happier and proud of myself. The real test was having my husband and daughter taste them. Given their expressions and request for more, I am satisfied that my cupcakes were more than satisfactory. I plan to take them to share with my coworkers tomorrow, Friday. I'm looking forward to their feedback.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a Cambodian inspired recipe that was adapted into the Vietnamese culture. I decided to make this because it reminded me of our recent family trip to Saigon this past December. We ordered this menu item for breakfast. As soon as I tasted the wonderful flavors of the soup, I instantly fell in love with it.

Eggplant Dipping Sauce

Thai eggplant dipping sauce is one of my all time favorite sauces to eat with piping hot sticky rice. Most Lao families will have this sauce in their refrigerator ready to be enjoyed with their daily meals. It goes with just about everything. My daughter loves to put this on top of regular white rice. In celebration of a St. Patrick's Day, my coworkers decided to have a breakfast gathering. I took this sauce to share along with newly steamed sticky rice in a bamboo container. Everyone who tried it absolutely loved it. The flavors are very unique. If you enjoy salsa or chili sauces, you will most likely enjoy eggplant dipping sauce as well. It's really easy to make. If I can do, you can too!

Recipe for eggplant dipping sauce

5 Thai eggplant
5 soreno peppers
5 garlic gloves
1/2 onion
2 tablespoon fish sauce
sprig of cilantro

Place eggplant, peppers, garlic gloves, and onions in glass container and roast in oven for approximately 15 minutes. Be sure to flip them so they do not burn.

Take roasted vegetables and remove any burnt outer layers. Place them in a mortar or food processor. Add fish sauce and continue to blend ingredients together. Add cilantro to the sauce and it's ready to serve!