Slime Factor

Field Potato Gelato

Homey 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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

 

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. Love the chairs!

Also love the lamps.I 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.

 

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

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.

First thing we had was them on waffles.

 

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