Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Slime Factor

Field Potato Gelato

DSC_5942Homey looking field potato (里芋) belongs to the taro clan. This starchy corm definitely has the same family trait of viscous texture. Although it is used in a variety of Japanese dishes, I don’t think dessert is this vegetable’s forte. 

Peeling a field potato used to be a nuisance. The slimy, sticky residue causes irritation on skin until I found the way to minimize the risk (Googling is a great tool) - just drop the whole thing in boiling water and cook till soft then rinse under cold running water - the skin should come off easily.DSC_5918

DSCN0476DSC_5921DSC_5922DSC_5923

Now that problem is solved yet still some obstacles to overcome. Field potato is like tofu, no distinct flavor…ah…maybe that’s an advantage! It could blend in any flavor. How about the texture? No problemo! for the Japanese who found a way to use this gooey characteristic to make Gelato Magic!  Brilliant! Yeah? My husband didn’t think so but I had to try.

Strawberry Gelato

  • Boiled peeled field potato 200g
  • Strawberries 100g
  • Sugar 6 Tablespoons
  • Lemon juice 1 teaspoon
  • Heavy cream 4 Tablespoons (optional)DSC_5926
  1. Put everything in a food processer and make smoothie (about 1 minute on high).
  2. Pour in a metal pan and freeze for 1- 1/2 hours – I used a pie-pan. If it’s too solid, leave at room temperature for 2 or 3 minutes. DSC_5932

Anti-poi husband gave this healthy gelato half thumb up. I understand that he likes traditional gelato without the magic. My son likes it though, I’m not sure he feels the same way if I told him, this involve vegetable. DSC_5944DSC_5949

Julia Child

August 15th was her could-have-been 100th birthday. I read a great article about her life and cooking in the Oregonian FOODDAY. DSCN0483

 

Lunch date

My husband’s company has Fridays off in August. Isn’t it nice? He works in downtown Portland. Last Friday, we drove to - guess where? - Portland and had lunch at our favorite restaurant Higgins. Then we stopped at Ruby Jewel Scoops for ice cream. IMG_0169IMG_0165Love the chairs!

IMG_0164Also love the lamps.IMG_0161DSCN0481DSCN0482I bought their post card for 50 cent. It came with 32 cent stamp on it so it was actually18 cent. A pink mail box is available right there inside of store.IMG_0162

 

First Congregational ChurchIMG_0151When I looked up I saw this tiny church building on the top of the roof. Neat!IMG_0150 

Utah peaches It was a wonderful surprise to receive peaches from a friend who brought them back from a Utah trip. They are juicy and sweet. I should  have given some to neighbors before most of them get too ripe.

DSC_5915DSC_5910First thing we had was them on waffles. DSC_5916

 

My husband and I attended a lovely wedding last Saturday. Here was the stunning bride! and the lucky groom. IMG_0171

 

 

12 comments:

  1. This is making me smile. I tell you what .. that root veggie .. hairy and not so pretty to look at is my husband's absolute favorite and I absolutely dislike it :) Now that you made a pretty looking dessert with it .. i might just happen to like this veggie after all;)

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    1. Thank you Kankana. Ha ha ha! Your husband sounds really nice guy.

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  2. WHAT?! Gelato made from those slimy potatoes? I just can't believe it. I usually hate those potatoes but I've actually started loving the amount they put on my fried tofu when I go to the izakaya. For some reason it seems like just the right texture, then. Kudos to you for being so creative.

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    1. Thank you Mariko. I know it's bit weird but I like it. I can't wait to make it for you, I insist.

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  3. i think this is kind of cool and sorry its been a while love your blog and to visit Marikos too :-)

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    1. Thanks! I was so surprised to saw your daughter getting so big and beautiful. I like to have sushi rolls tonight.

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  4. Very, very innovative! Looks awesome. "Half thumbs up" . . . so funny!

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    1. Jalna, I kind of like it. If you want to have low-fat and healthy gelato then this is it! Thank you for your comment.

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  5. That is such a creative way of using the potato...although I'd be a bit hesitant to try it! But it does look totally delicious...mmm...what to do...:P

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  6. 里芋でこんなデザートが作れるなんて驚き!そして美味しそうだし。花嫁さん、とても綺麗~。結婚式大好き。でも今年の夏は一つもお呼ばれがなかったなあ。

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    1. なみちゃん、けっこう美味しかったよ。試してみてね。低カロリーだし。でも最初の一口が勇気いるかな。(急になみちゃんの写真がどっかいっちゃったよ)。 

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